Vacation Spots from Kolkata: Top 5 Accommodations in Shantiniketan for the Long Weekend during Independence Day Celebrations
Nestled in the heart of West Bengal lies Shantiniketan, a town of immense historical and cultural significance. This unique destination, founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Visva-Bharati University.
Shantiniketan, meaning "abode of peace," was initially established as a spiritual retreat by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore in 1863. It later evolved under Rabindranath Tagore into an internationally recognised centre for arts, culture, and alternative education. Tagore's vision for Shantiniketan emphasised learning in harmony with nature, creativity, and internationalism, rejecting rigid formal education practices.
The town became a hub for Indian art, music, literature, and philosophy, influencing creative expressions across India and beyond. Rabindranath Tagore's vision integrated rural reconstruction ideals and social reforms, promoting values such as equality, anti-casteism, and self-reliance.
For those seeking a unique stay in Shantiniketan, there are several options available. The Garden Bungalow, set amidst a three-acre garden with lotus ponds, offers a blend of traditional Bengali style and quiet colonial touches. Although contact information for booking a stay is not provided, we recommend reaching out to them for a memorable experience.
The Mud Houses, located within Shantiniketan, feature two mud villas with ponds and offer home-cooked Bengali meals. To book a stay, contact +91 93335 14989 or email [email protected].
Mitali, a homestay in Santiniketan, offers spacious rooms, a quiet garden, and an on-site restaurant. For those interested in exploring local crafts, Moram Earth in Debanandapur offers a pottery studio and opportunities for trying local crafts such as batik and kantha embroidery.
The landscape in Shantiniketan transforms into lush greenery during the monsoon months, offering some respite from the heat. With daytime temperatures around 32°C and nights cooling slightly to about 26°C, August is a great time to visit, although the town experiences regular rainfall during the monsoon months.
To reach Shantiniketan, the drive from Kolkata takes approximately 165 km and 4 hours via specific roads. Several trains connect Kolkata (from Howrah and Sealdah stations) to Shantiniketan (Bolpur station), with the Santiniketan Express (12337/12338) and Kaviguru Express being popular options.
Shantiniketan's importance lies in its pioneering role in reshaping education, championing cultural synthesis, and nurturing social reform, leaving a lasting global legacy in pedagogical thought and the arts.
References:
- Visva-Bharati University, Shantiniketan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved 2023, May 15, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visva-Bharati_University
- Shantiniketan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved 2023, May 15, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shantiniketan
- Sriniketan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved 2023, May 15, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sriniketan
- Rabindranath Tagore - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved 2023, May 15, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabindranath_Tagore
When visiting Shantiniketan, one can immerse themselves in the rich cultural and educational heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site by staying at places like the Garden Bungalow, The Mud Houses, or Mitali, each offering unique experiences that reflect the town's emphasis on harmony with nature, creativity, and internationalism. On the other hand, for those passionate about art and crafts, Moram Earth in Debanandapur provides an opportunity to learn and experiment with local art forms such as batik and kantha embroidery, making it an appealing destination for travelers seeking a mix of home-and-garden and lifestyle experiences.
