Santiniketan

---

Santiniketan, 212 Km. away from Kolkata, is famous due to the Visva Bharti Unviersity, a centre of international studies and culture . The Visva Bharti University , a school in the traditional gurukul system was founded by Nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore in 1901. Shantiniketan is a University town and a center of learning. The Uttarayan complex where the poet lived consists of several buildings such as Udayana. Konark, Shyamali, Punascha and Udichi which reflect the architectural genius. In addition there are Kala Bhavan (College of Fine Arts and Crafts). Sangit Bhavan (College of Music and Dance), Vidya Bhavan (College of Humanities), Siksha-Bhavan (College of Science) and Vinaya Bhavan (Teacher's Training College), Cheena Bhavan and Hindi Bhavan.

Getting There:
Air : The nearest airport is Calcutta 213 km.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Bolpur, 2 km away. Trains connecting Bolpur with Howrah/Sealdah (Calcutta) are 3015/3016 Howrah-Bolpur Shantiniketan Exp, 3133/3134 Sealdah-Mughalsarai Exp, 3071/3072 Howrah-Jamalpur Exp, 2557/ 2558 Kanchenjunga Exp., 335/336 Vishwabharati Fast Pgr., Shantiniketan Exp., Danapur Fast Pgr. and Tarapith Passenger.
Road: Good motorable roads connect Shantiniketan with Calcutta 213 kms (Bolpur 2-Panagarh 44-Burdwan 48-Calcutta 119), Durgapur 56 kms, Sarnath 197 kms.
Local Transport : Tourist cars and buses available from the Manager, Tourist Lodge. Charges according to distance and time.

The campus offers a cultural experience and the tour of it, is worthwhile.
China Bhavan:
The China Bhavan is the Chinese Faculty.
The Chhatimtala:
Here Maharshi Devendranath, the father of Rabindranath Tagore, used to meditate. Prayers are held usually at Convocation time. Successful graduates of the Vishwa Bharati University are presented a branch of five leaves each from the Saptaparni trees which are abundantly found in the area.
Kala Bhavan:
The College of Fine Arts & Crafts has a museum exhibiting sculptures, frescoes & murals and a library of art books.
Patha Bhavan:
Now a secondary school, is of particular interest,being an example of the traditional `Brahmacharya Ashram'.
Prayer Hall:
Founded by the poet's father in 1863, the hall is made of glass. Prayers are held on Wednesday.
Bichitra:
Also called Rabindra Bhavan, a Research Centre and Museum where the poet's personal belongings, paintings & various editions of his works are exhibited.
Sangeet Bhavan:
College of Dance and Music. The University is replete with works on Art, Music and Humanities.

VISITING HOURS
Shantiniketan :
Winter:- 1400 to 1630 hours.
Summer:- 1430 to 1730 hours.
During vacations:- 0730 to 1100 hours.