Bolpur, also referred to as Shantiniketan, is one of the most popular weekend trip destinations in West Bengal. In Bengali, Shantiniketan means house of peace, and the majority of Bolpur is so calm that you will enjoy every bit of nature. Be it cultural programs, haat, Arts, or majestic Visva Bharati University, Shantiniketan always feels homely.

In this detailed Shantiniketan tour guide, we will discuss key aspects like accommodation in Shantiniketan, places to visit, how to reach Bolpur, etc.

How to Reach Shantiniketan

Bolpur is easily accessible by train and road from Kolkata. A faster and hassle-free option will be to board a train from either Howrah or Sealdah. However, you can also enjoy a long drive or take a bus to reach Bolpur (200 Kilometers) within four hours. En route, you may taste the famous Shaktigarh’s Langcha.

Hotels in Shantiniketan

Likewise, any other popular tourist destination, Bolpur, has a wide variety of accommodation options available in every price range based on location, coziness, and amenities. A typical roadside lodge can charge you Rs. 300 for a single bedroom, while a moderate hotel/lodge with better amenities and location can charge Rs. 800. It all depends on what you need. Generally, a clean standard double bedroom will cost anywhere between Rs. 800 (Non/AC) to Rs. 1500 (AC). You can choose between Resorts, Luxurious hotels, Budget hotels, Holiday Homes, and Homestays.

• Budget hotels at Bolpur – Nirala Lodge, Ashirbad Lodge, VIP Guest House, etc.
• Luxurious accommodation in Bolpur – Hotel Royal Bengal, Shantiniketan Tourist Lodge
• Homestays in Shantiniketan – Monpakhi, Chaiti, Krishna Chura, etc.

Notes: Bolpur celebrates “Poush Mela” (Last 10 days of December) and “Basanta Utsav” (Holi) every year on a very large scale. Thousands of people gather at that time, so all the services like accommodation, transportation, and food generally become very, very expensive.

Food Options in Bolpur

Bolpur is certainly not famous for food. But if you love authentic Bengali cuisine, there are a few places (a little overpriced) you can visit, like Ghore Baire, Panchabanjan, Sonajhuri, etc. Also, you will get the other cuisines like Mughal, Chinese very easily in restaurants like 9X9, Green Chilies, etc. Even typical budget Bengali meals are also available in roadside stalls or food hotels. I will be sharing my experience about the 9X9 and Ghore Baire restaurant shortly in a different post.

Mutton Meal, Ghore Baire Restaurant, Shantiniketan

Ghore Baire Restaurant, Shantiniketan

Ghore Baire Restaurant Interior, Shantiniketan

9X9 Restaurant Interior, Shantiniketan

Local Sightseeing in Shantiniketan Tour

Bolpur is mainly known for its natural beauty, Shri Rabindranath Tagore, and Rangamati (Reddish Soil). During this Shantiniketan tour, you will enjoy the cool breeze, lots of greeneries more than the local sightseeing points.

Visva Bharati University

Unlike any other university, this institution has only focused on Arts, Literature, and Culture since its early days. On 22nd December 1901, this University was started with only 5 students in one of the grounds underneath trees. Gradually, it became one of the most prestigious universities in India and got recognized internationally too. Still, students take their classes in the open sky, under trees. Most of the visiting spots open at around 1 PM every day except Wednesday and Thursday.

Rabindra Bhawan Museum

Shri Rabindranath Tagore used to live in one of the buildings, namely Rabindra Bhawan. Currently converted into a well-equipped gallery cum museum, even his used car is on display. Shri Rabindranath Tagore’s writings, including the noble Nobel-winning “Gitanjali” & its multilingual editions, arts, used materials, family details, and achievements are showcased here.

Rabindra Bhawan Museum, Viswa Bharati University, Shantiniketan

First Edition of Gitanjali, Rabindra Bhawan Museum, Shantiniketan

Noble winning book Gitanjali in multiple Languages, Rabindra Bhawan Museum, Shantiniketan

Furniture used by Shri Rabindranath Tagore, Rabindra Bhawan Museum, Shantiniketan

Car used by Shri Rabindranath Tagore, Viswa Bharati University Museum, Shantiniketan

Shyamali Bhawan, Viswa Bharati University, Shantiniketan

Rabindra Bhawan Museum Timings and Entry Fee

There is an entry ticket of Rs. 50 for general, Rs. 300 for foreigners, and Rs. 10 for Students to enter the museum. This museum remains open from 10 AM to 6 PM (Wednesdays and Thursdays are closed). Facilities like a cloakroom, car parking, toilet, and drinking water are available. Also, remember to keep this ticket until you enter Shantiniketan Griha.

Note: You are permitted to click pictures inside the museum, but not selfies or any person. Using flash is strictly prohibited. In addition, please maintain silence inside.

A few more interesting places to see, like Shantiniketan Griha, Chatimtala, Aurobinda Griha, Upasana Griha, and many more small but significant places. You should get yourself a guide for Rs. 100 – 200 to know the hidden facts and history about this place.

Pro Tips – Please clearly discuss all the places the guide will take you, and also bargain beforehand.

Shantiniketan Griha, Viswa Bharati University, Shantiniketan

Art at Shantiniketan Griha, Viswa Bharati University, Shantiniketan

Furniture Used by Tagore Family, Viswa Bharati University, Shantiniketan

Upasana Griha, Viswa Bharati University, Shantiniketan

Kopai River ViewPoint

Although this place is getting narrower day by day, it still holds at least a satisfying beauty during sunset and cloudy days. 

Shanibarer Haat or Khoai Haat

This haat is one of the most attractive points of the Shantiniketan tour for fashion & handicraft lovers at Bolpur, Shantiniketan. You can get traditional Khes & Kantha Stitch sarees and Kurtis. Also, the marvelous handwork items like jewelry, poem frames, bags, etc., are available at the cheapest rates. You can do a little bargain too. If possible, try to purchase stuff from this haat or Biswa Bangla Haat at Prantik to help the sellers rather than stores in the Bolpur market area. This weekly (only Saturday) haat starts at around 3 PM till sunset.

Kankalitala Mandir

It is one of the 51 Shakti Peeth. As per mythology, the bone of goddess Sati dropped here. This temple is considered a Hindu religious place. Every Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday, many people gather for Puja.

Kankalitala Mandir, Shantiniketan

Ma Kankali Cafeteria, Kankalitala Mandir, Shantiniketan

Shiv Mandir near Kankalitala Mandir, Shantiniketan

Stalls near Kankalitala Mandir, Shantiniketan

You can also visit Deer Park (Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary), Srijani Shilpagram, Prantik Biswa Bangla Haat, Bakreswar and Mama Bhagne Pahar.

Transportation in Bolpur

Bolpur has almost every kind of transportation, like e-rickshaw (Toto), auto, rented car, and bus. I prefer e-rickshaws because of lower fares and eco-friendly operations. Nature alongside the road is worth watching from a relatively slow-moving vehicle. Although if you are in a rush and looking for a faster alternative, a rented car will be the perfect fit.

Suggested itineraries for Shantiniketan Tour

• 1st Day: Reach Bolpur by 9 to 10 AM. Rest for an hour, then leave for Mama Bhagne Pahar and Bakreswar.
• 2nd Day: Local Sightseeing includes Srijani Shilpagram, Kankalitala, Kopai viewpoint, Prantik, Vishwa Bharati University, Deer Park, and Shanibarer Haat.
• 3rd Day: Return.

Alternatively, if you have less time, you can return on Day 2. Otherwise, extend your Shantiniketan tour to one more day. So, you can visit Massanjore, Tarapith, and Nalhatiswari Temple.

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Don’t forget to check out our detailed guides on other Sikkim and nearby places.

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