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Places to Visit in Shantiniketan

Culturally rich, Shantiniketan is where the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore resided and set up the esteemed Visva-Bharati University. His legacy is respectfully preserved here.

Things To See & Do

Chhatimtala

The birthplace of shantiniketan.

Suggested Time

Rabindra Bhavana

Dedicated tagore museum.

1 to 2 hours

Khoai Sonajhuri Forest

Clean green forest.

Historic Independence Cooperative

Singha Sadan

Heritage bell tower.

Cheena Bhavana

Chinese cultural centre.

Kala Bhavana (Nandan Museum)

Fine arts museum, best time to visit shantiniketan, perfect winter destination, peak season, moderate season.

• What To Expect : Pleasant weather throughout the day.
• Things You'll Love : Sightseeing and the festive feel.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Basanta Utsav March

Barsha Mangal July-August

Maghotsab January

Rabindra Jayanti April

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Best places to visit in shantiniketan.

Nestled in the Birbhum District of West Bengal, Shantiniketan is a stunning town. This historical town was created by one of the biggest poets of India, Rabindranath Tagore. Known for its cultural legacy and educational institutions, Shantiniketan allows you to enter a different world altogether. Follow this article to learn more about such scenicplaces to visit in Shantiniketan .

Top Places to Visit in Shantiniketan

Listed among the top of allShantiniketan tourist places, Chhatimtala is a popular spiritual site in the Indian state of West Bengal. The location is culturally and historically significant since it is said to be the location where Rabindranath Tagore composed some of his most renowned poetry and songs.

One of the best tourist heritage place in Shantiniketan , this insightful museum is dedicated to the rich life and intricate works of Rabindranath Tagore. In addition to paintings, you can also take a look at books, manuscripts and paintings associated with him.

Khoai Sonajhuri Forest is a lovely woodland on the outskirts of Santiniketan. The forest is famed for its towering Sal trees and is a popular location for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. There are various walking paths in the forest, and one can enjoy camping as well.

Created in the year 1923, Amar Kutir is a cooperative group that is known for its handcrafted items. In addition to woodwork handcrafts, you can also take a look at ceramics and textiles featured here.

Shantiniketan's Singha Sadan is a historic home that is among the toptourist places in Shantiniketan. This home belongs to a popular Bengali author, Pramatha Chaudhuri. This house-turned-museum now features an extensive collection of artefacts associated with this author.

Best Time to Visit Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan's summer season begins in March and lasts till June. It can be comparatively hot in summer as the temperatures can range from 25°C to 40°C during this season. However, this is also the time when Shantiniketan celebrates the famous Poush Mela festival.

The monsoon season in Shantiniketan begins in July and can last till the month of September. During this season, you can experience temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. Due to rainfall, the humidity might turn high but the overall scenery gets rejuvenated as well.

October through February are the months that are considered to be winter in Shantiniketan. During this season, temperatures can range anywhere from 8 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius, making the early mornings and late evenings rather chilly at times. This is thebest time to visit Shantiniketandue to the low temperatures and pleasant weather.

Places to visit in Shantiniketan with family & friends

Tagore's aashram.

Tagore's Aashram is the Tagore family's ancestral residence, located in the centre of Shantiniketan. The Aashram has been turned into a museum. The museum houses a collection of artefacts linked to Tagore's life and work, including manuscripts, pictures, paintings, and personal possessions.

Upasna Ghar

Upasna Ghar is a place of worship that can be found on the campus of Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan. People who are looking to find peace inside themselves attend the prayer hall, which is an appealing red-brick edifice. It is commonly agreed upon that the prayer hall, as well as the grounds on which it is situated, is among the most beautiful places to explore in Shantiniketan.

The breathtakingly beautiful wooded area known as Deer Park can be found on the grounds of Visva-Bharati University. It is one of many must-visitplaces to see in Shantiniketan. The park's 34 acres provide a habitat for a wide variety of animal species, such as birds, squirrels, and deer, among others.

Best Places in Shantiniketan for Couples

Kala bhavan.

The arts and crafts centre known as Kala Bhavan can be found right in the middle of the Shantiniketan campus of Visva-Bharati University. Painting, sculpture, and graphic design are only few of the visual art forms that can be studied at the undergraduate and graduate levels, respectively, at this educational institution.

China Bhavan

The China Bhavan is a museum and library devoted to the study of Chinese language, literature, and culture. It is also known by its previous name, the China Museum. Since it was first established in 1937, the centre has been collecting relics and artefacts linked to the culture of China.

Sangeet Bhavan

Sangeet Bhavan is a music and dance institute that can be found in Shantiniketan. It is situated on the campus of Visva-Bharati University. The Sangeet Bhavan institute is responsible for the training of some of India's most well-known musicians and dancers, and it hosts an important annual music festival that is well-known throughout the world of Indian classical music.

Good Places to Visit at Night in Shantiniketan

Nola food boutique.

Nola Food Boutique is a location where everything tastes amazing. It hosts live performances of folk music. It's a nice place to spend some time and a perfect spot to find some peace and quiet to recharge your batteries. On the menu, you'll find delicacies like pizza, spaghetti and a variety of tandoori dishes to choose from.

The Barbeque Santiniketan

The Barbeque Santiniketan is ideal for Barbeque cuisine. It's a typical food corner business on Lodge More's street corner. The kebabs are delicious and come in a variety of flavours for customers to choose from. Because it was baked in an oven that was fired by coal, it has a smoky flavour.

Sonar Taree Restaurant

Sonar Taree Restaurant is one of Santiniketan's most prominent restaurants and hotels. It is a themed restaurant where visitors may learn about the history, culture, and nature of Santiniketan. The walls of the restaurant and hotel are covered with beautiful clay art and culture.

Best places to visit near Shantiniketan

Kolkata is widely regarded as the cultural heart of India and is an absolute must-see destination for anyone who has an interest in history, art, or architecture. The city's popularity is due in no small part to the contributions made by its Colonial-era architecture, museums, galleries, and street food.

The city of Durgapur sits on the Damodar River in the Paschim Bardhaman district of West Bengal. The urban and rural ambience of India are both present here. Durgapur Barrage, Bhavani Pathak's Tila, and Junction Mall are just a few of the area's many well-liked tourist destinations.

Bolpur, about 2 km from Shantiniketan, is a lively city known for its Sonajhuri forest, Khoai Mela, and Basanta Utsav festivals. The city is well-known for its handicrafts, particularly those involving pottery, textiles, and jewellery, amongst other things.

Anyone with even a passing interest in the humanities, culture, or education should make the trip to Shantiniketan. It is a calm and tranquil town that provides a look into India's rich history and intellectual legacy. Shantiniketan provides something for everyone, whether you are interested in literature, music, or art, or simply want to unwind and relax in a beautiful natural location.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Shantiniketan

For which type of travelling is shantiniketan a perfect destination.

Shantiniketan is a perfect destination for Heritage themed holidays.

What is the best time to visit Shantiniketan?

Ideally the best time to visit any place is considered when the weather conditions are delightful. For Shantiniketan, you can choose to go in October, November, December, January and February which is the peak season and July, August and September which is the moderate season. Both will serve you well to unwind from your tedious routine.

Which are the best heritage places to explore in Shantiniketan?

The best heritage places in Shantiniketan are Rabindra Bhavana, Amar Kutir and Singha Sadan. You will have an amazing time exploring these heritage places in Shantiniketan and will definitely come back home with a bag full of lovely memories.

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Revisiting Shantiniketan – a complete 2 days itinerary

Weekend Getaways from Kolkata , West Bengal

Last Updated on: Sep 11, 2022  

What is so special about Shantiniketan? Is it the love for the Bard that lures people into the land of rangamati (red soil) and Palash ful (flame of the forest flower)? Or is it the serenity and simple beauty of the place that attracts travellers like us to go back there time and again? I had wanted to visit Bolpur – Shantiniketan since the time I started understanding Sahaj Path and could recite “ Pujarini ” and “ Karna-Kunti Sangbad ” at one go. For the uninitiated, Pujarini and Karna-Kunti Sangbad are two very famous Bengali poem pieces written by Rabindra Nath Tagore . But I could only visit Shantiniketan for the first time during one Basanta Utsav (Holi) two years back.

Visiting Shantiniketan during the Basanta Utsav is no doubt a great experience. But that was a rushed visit. Our heart longed for another trip to Shantiniketan. And this time we decided to explore the place during the monsoon. We heard Shantiniketan is absolutely mesmerizing when it rains. Well, rains do have that nature to make a place look gorgeous. Only when you have to go for work while it is raining, it does become a bit of a headache!

If you arrive at Shantiniketan on a Saturday, then the only thing you should do that day is to go and explore the Khoai Shanibarer Haat (the local Saturday market) at Sonajhuri. As it is the forest of Saal ( Shorea robusta ) looks and feels incredibly romantic, the colourful market is set amidst the forest making it even more attractive. Occasionally, we could hear the soulful Baul songs or see the tribals dancing to the beating of drums. There is nothing to not like here.

And then there were the numerous makeshift shops. The locals from the surrounding villages as well as Ahmadpur, Sainthia and other places bring their merchandise to sell. Sarees, Kurtas, dresses, skirts, jewelleries and other trinkets – there were so many things on display; and so were local handicrafts and handlooms. Roaming around the local market and admiring everything on display took most of our time. We returned to our hotels after dusk.

Day 2 and this day we decided to explore Shantiniketan a bit better. Our first stop for the day was the Kopai River . And it was then when the rains came pouring. Well, as I said before, rains have the power to make a place looks breathtaking. And the place too became extraordinary! Next, our Toto driver took us to the Baha’s village. A Bengali daily soap was being shot at this location and now it has become a tourist spot. We were not quite interested in visiting it, but our Toto driver anyhow took us there. Imagine the reach of television!

Next, we went to see the Buddha Vihar . This is something which I did not expect at all. A giant white Buddha statue stood in a small surrounded area. The place is not much old. And then we visited Amar Kutir , a co-operative society for the rural development of the surrounding areas.

Amar Kutir is a fascinating place. We saw how they make those famous Shantiniketan handbags. So much labour and precision go into making such designer leather crafts. We visited the Batik factory to see the process of colouring and printing batik. It was great to see how a white cloth was finally transformed into a colourful dress material. There is a shop and showroom at Amar Kutir complex where you can buy souvenirs.

Our next stop was Srijani Shilpa Gram Complex . It is a huge complex beautifully decorated with replicas of houses of the eastern and northeastern states of India. This complex is developed and maintained by EZCC (Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre) and various cultural programmes and concerts are held here. You can spend some time here at the Srijani Complex. There is no dearth of greenery here.

This concluded our trip of Bolpur – Shantiniketan. We had visited the Vishwa Bharati University before and so did not go there again. We still had time and so we went to Surul, a small village. The main attraction of Surul is the SarkarBari also known as the Surul Rajbari. The history of Surul Sarkar family can be traced back to 300 years. The Sarkar Rajbari was built by Srinivas Sarkar in 1750. The Sarkar Bari is known for their 250 years old Durga Puja celebrations. Beside the Sarkar mansion, there is a temple complex. The temple has some fine terracotta works, though they are all dilapidated now.

It was afternoon and also the time for our return journey. We were back at Bolpur Railway station ready to return to our homes and get back to our daily routine. It was a short trip to the heart of Bengal, but it did give our hearts immense pleasure.

Some tips for a perfect weekend at Shantiniketan

If you are coming from Kolkata (which is most probable) either reach on Friday night or Saturday morning. We are giving a tentative itinerary that might help you.

Day 1: If you are visiting Shantiniketan for the first time, visit Viswa Bharati University in the morning. Have a tryst with Tagore and his abode. Visit the Uttarayan Complex, Rabindra Bhavan Museum, Upasana Griha, Chhatimtala. You can also walk around the various departments of Viswa Bharati University.

Assuming it is Saturday, in the afternoon visit the Khoai Saturday local market. Otherwise, you can just visit the Sonajhuri forest.

Day 2: Start with a visit to the Kopai River followed by Kankalitala Temple, one of the 51 Shakti-Peeths of Hindus. If you visit the Kankalitala temple, then do stop at Adityapur village. Then visit Amar Kuthi and finally Srijani Shilpa Gram Complex. If you are interested in the heritage of Bengal, then do give a visit to Surul as well. You will finish the entire tour by afternoon, so you can return by any evening train from Bolpur-Shantiniketan.

How to reach Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan is nearly 200 km from Kolkata. The nearest railway head is Bolpur-Shantiniketan. You will get many trains from Howrah to Bolpur. You can also come by road from Kolkata.

Where to stay at Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan has many hotels, resorts and homestays. You can stay near the main town. But we would recommend you to stay near Prantik or Sonajhuri. The place is close to nature and is blissful.

Shantiniketan is a popular weekend destination from Kolkata. It is better to book your accommodation from before. Please be aware that during the season time like Basanta Utsav and Poush Mela, Shantiniketan gets very crowded and it finding a proper accommodation becomes difficult. Hotels get booked from quite early and prices are also quite high during these time.

Some other tips

If you have not brought your own car, then you can roam around all the places in and around Shantiniketan in a Toto (e-rickshaw).

Hire a guide for seeing around Viswa Bharati.

Try to stay near Sonajhuri or Prantik.

Eat at Ram-Shyam Hotel at Sonajhuri. It has delectable Bengali cuisines on offer.

Pick up some souvenirs from Khoai Haat.

Here are some other pictures to fuel your wanderlust!

Did you like the post? Please share your thoughts by commenting below.

Agni Amrita

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21 comments.

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I would definitely use this as a guide !!

Thank you so much for the details and all information. I am planning a solo 2 day trip to Shantiniketan so will be using it as a guide.

So well written. Will use it as a guide. Planning a visit soon. By the way is Vishwabharati open on Sundays and holidays

Thank you so much! Vishwabharati remains open on all days!

Hey Agni and Amrita,

Thank you for such an informative post! This is Amrita from Bangalore. We are planning for a trip to Bengal this December and Shantiniketan is naturally on our list. We are probably going to visit Murshidabad from Calcutta and chances are there we might proceed to Bolpur from Murshidabad or Mayapur (depending on the place we go first). Can you suggest transportation as well as the timings from Murshidabad and Mayapur? Thanking you in advance.

Thanks. We are lending up on a Wednesday. So, will miss the haat. But, will look out for the hotel

Sure! Have a great trip!

Thanks for the post. It’s look like an awesome weekend plan.

Very well written tale of travel. Very crisp and informative. I am going to take it as a guide for sure.

Thank you so much Somali!

Thank you for the post. Can you please mention the name of the hotel in which you people have stayed?

Thank you for your comment. We stayed at Prokriti Bon Bungalow near Sonajhuri.

Thanks for nice description on Bolpur visit. It will help a lot during our trip around Poush Mela in Dec. Pl guide me on the following. 1. On 24 we plan to have glimpse of Mela and the go to Khoai Mela (as you described). Next day places in Santiniketan and again the cultural mela there. Pl advise what transport we should hire, for full day or point to point. Also any guide for Santiniketan you can suggest. 2. In Kolkata can you suggest some comfortable 1-2 places for food, may be shopping in the free time we have.

Thank you Sharma ji. 1. In Shantiniketan, it is best to roam around in an e-rickshaw (Toto). They will take you around all the places and will also serve as your guide. 2. Kolkata is a heaven for foodies. For Bengali food there is Kasturi restaurant, Bhojohori Manna etc. Please mail us at [email protected] if you want other advice on your visit. As for shopping, you can check out New Market and Gariahat Market.

Beautiful Journey of a village in a different way Amrita. Loved the descriptions 🙂 I been few times there, still I liked each and every words, feeling nostalgic…..

Thank you, Pamela, for the kind words.:-)

I recently visited Bolpur first time in my life and I thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful place.

I went through your blog before visiting there.

I found the food of Ram Shyam Restaurant as suggested by you was remarkably delicious.

Thank you so much. We are glad that you enjoyed Shantiniketan and found our blog helpful.

Looks like a perfect weekend getaway. Nicely written with all the information that is needed. Would love to visit this place when we will be there.

Thank you Yogesh! Please visit Shantiniketan when you are in Bengal. We will be happy to show you around! 🙂

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BEST Things to Do in Shantiniketan

Places to visit in shantiniketan.

• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Nippon Bhavana

2. Amkhoi Fossil Wood Park

Things to Do in Shantiniketan, India - Shantiniketan Attractions

Things to do in shantiniketan.

• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Nippon Bhavana

2. Amkhoi Fossil Wood Park

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Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan ('abode of peace') is one of the outstanding creations of Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941), the great writer, artist, songwriter, educationalist, 1913 Nobel literature laureate and central figure of the Bengali Renaissance. It was here in 1901 that Tagore founded a school, and in 1921 a university, the Visva-Bharati, that became a nerve centre of Bengali culture with a focus on the arts, humanities and contact with nature and a revolutionary philosophy of breaking barriers between cultures, religions, castes, the sexes, teachers and students, city and country, east and west. University and school continue largely to follow Tagore's principles today, with around 10,000 Indian and international students, a healthily coeducational atmosphere, and classes still held in the open air under the campus trees.

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Uttarayan Complex

Ranged around tree-lined avenues, gravelled courtyards and exotic gardens, the Uttarayan Complex, in the heart of the Visva-Bharati campus, includes five…

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6 Best Places To Visit in Shantiniketan, Bolpur Tourist Places

Best places to visit in bolpur shantiniketan.

Are you planning to visit Shantiniketan? Well, that’s a great idea. You must go there it is among the top cultural places in West Bengal . Shantiniketan is located in the subdivision of Birbhum district of West Bengal state in India. And, it has many tourist attractions for its visitors. Here is a list of the top places to visit in Shantiniketan .

Top Places To Visit in Shantiniketan Bolpur – 

1. the tagore house – santiniketan tourist spot.

The Tagore House is among the most famous tourist places in Bolpur subdivision. This is the hideout for the great man himself. His father built it and features a large, sprawling premise with manicured fields around the main house. It was built in an old Bengali style. Some rooms have artwork, while others are empty. Others contain daily-use articles. If you are interested in learning more about the life of Tagore, the Tagore House is a great place to visit. 

To tour Shantiniketan in your own vehicle, it is recommended that you hire a driver. You can also talk to the locals to learn fascinating stories about the area.

2. Amar Kutir – Shantiniketan tourist places

Amar Kutir, the marketing head and the historical encyclopedia of Shantiniketan, is Amar Kutir. You will find many products there, some hand-stitched or cloth-made, lac-made, colorful, and mostly used for home decor or clothing. It also houses a history museum that displays authentic artifacts. It was involved in the Indian National Independence uprising organizations. But the most important missing link is that Tagore never had anything to do with them, contrary to popular belief.

Amar Kutir was once a refu ge for activists involved in the independence movement. Now it is a cooperative society that promotes arts and crafts. It is situated on the banks of the Kopai River about 15 km from Santiniketan, Birbhum district. Let’s talk about more Bolpur Shantiniketan tourist places .

Mohandas Karamchand was released from prison for his political activities in 1922. He visited Santiniketan on Rabindranath’s invitation. Sushen Mukherjee was a young man who met him there. Mukherjee was a long-standing associate of the revolutionary movement for Indian Independence. His meeting with Gandhi resulted in the establishment of Amar Kutir, which was established in 1927.

Amar Kutir was established in 1978 to revive and develop rural handicrafts. This cooperative reflects the ideals Tagore advocated for self-help and sustainable rural growth. In 1978, the Amar Kutir Society for Rural Development officially registered. Sounds amazing, right?

Amar Kutir makes leather goods, Kantha-stitched saris, and bamboo crafts at a very affordable price. The leather-craft unit is mainly staffed by women. There is one batik, one needlecraft unit, and several shola- and lac crafts units. Amar Kutir was the site of a 1992 Central government-funded craft development center. The Central government established a training center for hand-block printing at Amar Kutir Complex in 1993. Here, Kantha-stitch sarees are made to meet the needs of both national and international customers.

3. Kala Bhavan – Shantiniketan sightseeing

This art wing is part of the internationally renowned Viswabharati educational institute, founded by Tagore. The front visuals, which are electrically designed, will draw you in immediately. They feature patterns that look like visual Aztecs, mixed with the scenery style. These patterns, in black and white, will captivate you like none other. 

Kala Bhavan is a well-known center for arts education and has many patrons from all walks of the globe. It is located near the Viswa Bharathi Campus and should be included on your tour itineraries. These are the reasons that Kala Bhavan is among the best places to visit in Shantiniketan .

4. The Rabindra Bharati Museum

This is the perfect way to end your Tagore hunting vacation. The Rabindra Bharati Museum is home to art collections from the man himself. It includes songs, poetry, and written documents. There are also manuscripts. This house is situated on large grounds and decorated in Bengali Zamindari style. These make The Rabindra Bharati Museum one of the best Shantiniketan places to visit .

The Rabindra Bharati Museum boasts one of the best Tagore effect collection homes. You should visit this place to learn more about historical art and building heritage. Want to know about more places to visit in Shantiniketan ? Continue reading!

5. Chhatimtala – Places to see in Shantiniketan

This is just one of many tourist attractions around the majestic Viswabharathi. Debendranath Tagore Sr. built Chhatimtala to promote meditation’s universal utility. The practice is still used today. People from all walks of society visit this place to pray and to feel the essence of the Tagore who lived and breathed on the grounds. It is simple and beautiful, with its eponymous trees around it.

This was where Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, Tagore’s father, meditated. He was a scholar and advocated meditation and contemplation as keys to success and world advancement. Maharshi DebendranathTagore started Upasana on the 7th of Poush’. This is still being done every year, with a 3-day most attractive fair ( Poush-Mela ) following.

Each student feels deeply connected to this area. Graduates are given a Saptaparni tree branch in Chhatimtala. You can include Chhatimtala among the Bolpur Shantiniketan tourist spots .

6. Visva Bharati – Shantiniketan places to visit

Rabindranath Tagore (Nobel laureate) made it famous. His vision led to the creation of Visva-Bharati University, which is now a University town. It has now been attracting thousands of tourists each year. Rabindranath established a school in Santiniketan called Brahmachari Ashram in 1901. It was inspired by the ancient Gurukul system, later known as the Patha Bhavan. His central premise was that learning would be more fun and productive in a natural setting. Its distinctive features include open-air classes and personal contact between the teacher and the student, as well as training in self-government. 

Tagore imagined a center for learning that would combine the best of the east with the west. The Nobel Prize (1913) was awarded to him, which increased not only India’s pride but also the reputation of Santiniketan. The school was made into a university. It was renamed Visva-Bharati. And, Visva Bharati is among the best places to visit in Shantiniketan . There are also many places to visit in Bolpur near station so make sure to visit them to enjoy your tour to the fullest.

Read More – 

• 10 Best Places To Visit in Durgapur
• 5 Best Places To Visit In Mandarmani
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Shantiniketan

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: Mid August to March Read More

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Santiniketan

"rabindranath tagore's eternal abode", shantiniketan tourism.

Known to few, mainly as Rabindranath Tagore's home and now a university, Santiniketan is a small town located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal . The town comprises mainly of Visva Bharati University.

The University was set up by Rabindranath Tagore's father and later popularized by him to radically change the concept of education in India. Today, this beautifully laid out university and small sleepy town has acquired the status of a unique tourist haven, where lines of knowledge and aesthetic brilliance merge.

Places To Visit In Shantiniketan

Tagore's ashrama

Rabindra Bhaban Museum

Chattimtala

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Santiniketan: all you need to know to go

By Anubhuti Krishna

Santiniketan is known world over for its contribution to education, arts, and literature, but Rabindranath Tagore's town in Bholpur, West Bengal is much more than that. While the Visva-Bharati University that is located in the town brings in the young crowds, Santiniketan's origins date back to 1883. It was then that Rabrindranath's father, Debendranath Tagore built a home/gurukul for spiritual and meditative purposes. He found the area exceptionally peaceful and called his home Santiniketan, the abode of peace. Rabindranath Tagore later lived in the same house, before going on to establish the university and build many more homes in the vicinity. Like his father, he had also found peace here, and used it to create Nobel Prize winning literature and art. The entire area of home, town and university is commonly referred to as Santiniketan.

Much has changed since then, but the soul of Tagore and his work still lives on. With instagrammable spots, quiet bookstores, quaint cafés, colourful bazaars, sparkling rivulets and golden forests, there is a lot to do and see in the seemingly small town. Here's how you can make the most of your trip to Santiniketan.

How to get to Santiniketan

Santiniketan is well connected by rail and road from Kolkata. The train journey is short and scenic, and is best enjoyed via a non-ac coach to enjoy the local food, music, and sometimes, shopping too. It is best to reserve your seats a few weeks in advance. Best trains: Ganadevta Express (13017), Kavi Guru Express (13016).

The road from Kolkata to Santiniketan is well laid and it takes about three hours to get here should you decide to drive. Within the town, e-rickshaws called Totos, take you everywhere. They can be found easily and are quite reasonable. Most drivers offer to show you around and stay with you for the whole day for a price of Rs500-600. You can also hire a bike and peddle around the town and onward to Sonajhuri Khoai Forest and Kopai River. The town is best explored on foot, to soak in all the local delights.

Ghanta Ghar at Santiniketan. Photo: Dinodia Photo/Getty Images

What to see and do in Santiniketan

Begin your day at Uttarayan Complex where Udyan, Konark, Shyamali, Punasche, and Udichi, five houses built during different phases of Rabindranath Tagore's life stand proud. The sixth, Bichitra, built by his son in 1961, was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru. It serves as a library and museum with Tagore's manuscript, title deeds, letters, pictures and paintings. His awards are displayed here too. At a close distance, Tagore's car, a black Humber can also be seen. Fascinated tourists peeping through the windows, discussing Tagore's life with great passion are also a sight to behold.

Vishva Bharati university campus, the most important place in town, opens for visitors after 1pm. There are no guides but some students do offer to show you around for a small fee. The university offers a range of courses across fields, but is most famous for Sangeet Bhavan, the music department, and Kala Bhavan, the arts department. Famous alumni include former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Nobel laureate and economist Amartya Sen, filmmaker Satyajit Ray and Maharani Gayatri Devi.

Chhatimtala, the birthplace of the Santiniketan gurukul, Upasanagriha, a prayer house made with Belgium glass and a marble floor, Santiniketan, the original home built by Debendranath Tagore in 1863 and Amrakunja, the open air class rooms, are some interesting places to see on the campus. The arts department, Kala Bhavan, is a must visit. Wandering through its dusty path, you can witness works of some of India's most renowned artists and watch students engrossed in creating their own masterpieces.

Portrait of a Santiniketan sculptor. Photo: Design Pics Inc/Getty Images

What to buy in Santiniketan

Home to an amazing variety of handicrafts, Santiniketan is a shoppers paradise. Leather bags, jewellery, pottery, terracotta, stoneware, books—the list of things you find here is extensive, the prices unbelievable. Produced in and around town by local craftsmen and artisans, the products are not only popular with the tourists, but are also sought after in urban areas such as nearby Kolkata.

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Jasreen Mayal Khanna

Subarnarekha, a bookstore as beautiful as its name is highly recommended for soulful browsing of used and new books. Aalcha, a boutique store set in a beautiful house is home to an array of handmade products: apparel, bags, home décor, stationery, and other knick-knacks. Lipi's Pottery Studio, close to the Kopai river, is hard to locate but worth getting lost for. Run by Lipi Biswas in her mud and thatch home, it is home to exquisite modern stoneware made entirely by the locals. Khoai Boner Annya Haat, the Saturday market by the river in Sonajhuri Forest, is a must visit too. Every Saturday, craftsmen from adjoining villages collect and display their wares. It is a great place to shop directly from artisans at throwaway prices and is high on local culture.

The Baul singer with a musical instrument called 'éktara' Baul singers perform during the Basant festival in Santiniketan. Photo: Veena Nair/Getty Images

Where to eat in Santiniketan

Banalakshmi, located a few kilometres off the main town, is popular for its authentic Bengali menu. Kasahara, located inside the Sangeet Bhavan in Vishva Bharati campus, is a great choice for lunch. Set up in 2015 by Debojit Roy, the café is a tribute to Kim Taro Kasahara, a Japanese artist known for his relentless contribution to Santiniketan. The café serves up everything from Bengali meals to Chinese cuisine. Trust us, you wont be disappointed. Tanzil Café, on the main Bolpur road, is a delight to hang out in the evenings and has a beautiful boutique attached to it.

When to visit Santiniketan

Santiniketan is popular all year round, but the best time to go is between September to March. This is also when the town hosts fairs and festivals and its narrow streets are filled with travellers, tourists and students. Craftsmen, musicians, singers and artists assemble from all over Bengal to showcase their skills and trains full of Tagore's devotees make way into the town.

Poush Mela—known for its celebration of music and crafts—is celebrated between the months of December and January, and the Basant Festival in March, during Holi.

Where to stay in Santiniketan

Santiniketan has something for everyone—quaint home-stays, government run tourist houses, small budget hotels, and quiet guesthouses. Most are reasonably priced and are available for booking online.

Sangeet bhavan. Photo: Dinodia Photo/Getty Images

Rater Tara Diner Robi has clean rooms, in-house dining, and a genteel manager. The large iron swing set amidst flowers and the birds on the terrace come free of cost. Ask for a room on the first floor and you can have your morning tea in the balcony overlooking the rising sun and blooming flowers. (doubles from Rs2,000,  website ). Nayana's Homestay is perhaps the most beautiful homestay in Santiniketan. Replete with artefacts and bric-a-brac from all over the country, it should be your go to place if you love great conversations, good food, and a well stocked bar (doubles from Rs4,000,  website ). Santisudha Guesthouse in Sonajhuri Palli has sprawling lawns and large balconies, parking and in-house dining (doubles from Rs2,000, website ). Santiniketan Tourist Lodge run by WBTDC is newly-built with independent cottages and is located right opposite the Vishva Bharati. It comes with parking, meals, and spacious sunlit rooms (doubles from Rs2,000,  website ).

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Shantiniketan, The Abode of Peace; Complete Tour Guide

A quaint town near Bolpur, around 212 km from Kolkata, is popularly known as Shantiniketan. The assets of this place are Nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore, Visva Bharati University. Bhubandanga was the earlier name of this place, which comes from the name of popular dacoit named Bhuban. The literal meaning of Shantiniketan is the abode of peace.

In this article, we will talk about various aspects of the place that make it so charming and evergreen for the tourists. We must start with…

Visva Bharati University

Debendranath Tagore, the father of the Nobel laureate. He laid the foundation stone of the ashram or school. After that took the shape of Visva Bharati University.

The name Visva Bharati was not always the same. This educational institution was once started as an ashram. The model of it was more like the ancient Gurukul system.

Then the ashram was known as the Brahmacharya Ashram. After receiving the Nobel prize, the ashram was converted into a university. this place is renamed as Visva Bharati.

The site is a notable heritage ground for literature enthusiasts and artists. Because one can find splendid sculptures, murals, and paintings of Rabindra Nath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar, Binodbihari Mukherjee in the entire campus. Kala Bhavana offers courses in Painting, Mural, sculptures, graphic art, etc.

The festive glory of Shantiniketan is noticeable. The festivals celebrated here like Poush Mela in December. Joydev Mela held in January. Above all,  Basanta Utsav is mostly famous.

Visva Bharati was formed to impart students with the conventional style of teaching with creative techniques. This place is a cultural hot spot for all art-loving people. So, music, language, art, and various dance forms are taught.

In this regard, special mention should go to Cheena Bhavana, Hindi Bhavana, Kala Bhavana, Sangit Bhavana, Bhasa Bhavana, Nippon Bhavana, Bangladesh Bhavana- the different fields of an institution. The school-level structures are known as Patha Bhavana and Siksha Satra.

Sangeet Bhavana offers courses in Rabindra sangeet, Hindustani classical, Vocal, Tabla, and various Dance forms. Bhasa Bhavana offers courses in Persian, Tibetan, Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Odia, Santhali, etc.

15 Key Tourist Attractions in Shantiniketan

This place has been a major tourist attraction for years now mainly due to the myriad options that it has to offer to the tourists. From festivals to historical places, from culture to shopping this place has developed everything that a tourist might look for in his or her trip. Let us start with the key festivals

Festivals in Shantiniketan that Pulls Tourists

# 1 rabindra jayanti.

Rabindra Jayanti that is on 25 th Baisakh is also a part of a huge celebration on this campus. Since Tagore was a nature lover person. Varshamangal is another festival observed during the rainy season in the months of August and September.

You can visit several places from Shantiniketan like Nalhati, Nanoor, Surul, Tarapith, Labhpur, Bakreshwar, and Durgapur, etc. Relish the flavor of special kind of Morabba found here.

# 2 Basant Utsav:

The celebration of spring or the Basant Utsav is one of the biggest cultural events here.

Held in the month of March. Teachers and students both participate very enthusiastically at this festival. Colors. dance, music and other cultural acts are the main parts of the festival.

# 3 Poush Mela:

Poush Mela is another massive celebration in Shantiniketan happening in winters.

For instance, folk dance, music, food, and culture are an integral part of this festival. Also one can buy local paintings, earthenware and handicraft items from the gathering of local artists in the fair.

Tagore’s ashram can be visited here as well. This place has reserved the literary works, awards, daily items once used by him.

This museum takes INR 40 as an entry fee.

# 5 Amar Kutir

If you are a fan of handicraft items, then Amar Kutir showcases a number of handmade items, clothes, etc.

This place is situated in the vicinity of the university campus.

# 6 Rabindra Bhavan Museum

Rabindra Bhavan Museum is another museum. Here conserving the Nobel laureate’s letters, documents, certificates, and photographs.

# 7 Chattimtala

Chattimtala is another fascinating spot on the university campus.

This place holds spiritual significance. Became popular since Maharshi Debendranath Tagore started meditating here. The great scholar of the Tagore family found salvation at this spot.

# 8 Upasana Griha

One of the integral parts of this Visva Bharati University is the prayer hall or Upasana Griha. The medium of worship of God is here Music.

The hall is an architectural visualization, made from Belgian glass. Alternatively known as Kanch mandir.

# 9 Deer Park

Deer Park is the forest area near the campus, about 3 km far away and it is famously called Ballavpur forest.

The forest sees the occupancy of naturally bred deer.

# 10 Kankalitala

Kankalitala is a rural landscape located about 7 km from Shantiniketan.

It is also known as the temple town. Here you can relish the village paths, houses, and greenery and also communicate with the locals.

# 11 China Bhavan

Shantiniketan is culturally rich. So you can see separate wings for different subject fields.

One such is China Bhavan. It specializes in studying Chinese culture, traditions and also language.

# 12 Sangeet Bhavan

Another popular academic block is the Sangeet Bhavan.

It nestles great artists under one roof. Students are engaged the whole day either in singing or dancing.

# 13 Labhpur

Labhpur is another serene location near to Bolpur city.

the river Kanuri river flows through making it a desirable spot for spending quality time.

# 14 Srijani Shilpagram

Srijani Shilpagram is the perfect spot for artists, photographers, and artisans.

This area covered with various art galleries, exhibitions, and cultural programs. It also consists of huts that resemble that of the tribal. Which are representing various tribes of India.

# 15 Shanibarer Haat

You can have the pleasure of visiting the famous Saturday Market. As well as it is known as Shanibarer Haat. Which continues for three hours from 3 p.m to 6 p.m.

A lot of handicraft items get displayed here. You will love to purchase your preferred things. The best part of here is the arrangement of Baul programs, which pacify the soul.

How to Reach Shantiniketan

You can reach here in all probable transport options including Air, Rail and by Road.

Nearest Airport is Durgapur Airport, but not many flights are available. In such a case, it is convenient to go through Kolkata airport or Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

The distance from Kolkata to this place is approx 169 km. Due to the availability of plenty of cabs; the journey is hectic free. Otherwise, local trains are also present from Sealdah and Howrah stations.

Bolpur is the nearest railhead of Shantiniketan. It takes two to three hours to reach Bolpur.

Some popular trains are Gana Devta Express, Shantiniketan Express, Sahid Rampurhat Express, Saraighat Express, Visva Bharati fast passenger, Jamalpur expresses, Darbhanga passenger train and Malda Intercity-Express from Howrah station.

Kanchenjunga Express from Sealdah station.

The town is well connected by buses as well. Kolkata-Asansol bus or Kolkata-Suri bus are the best options.

If you are on Asansol bound bus, then Panagarh should be your stoppage. If it is a Suri bound bus then Ilambazar should be the stoppage. After that, from both the places you have to avail of buses for Shantiniketan.

Distanced at 212 km, this place is well connected to Kolkata via roads and a 4-lane freeway makes the job easier. From Kolkata, one has to take the Durgapur expressway of NH 19 to reach Dankuni via Saktigarh, Bradhaman, and Panagarh.

After the highway crosses the Ajay river, take the road to the right of Ilambazar and move towards Bolpur. At the Surul point or the Shantiniketan and Sriniketan junction, take the road to left. Apart from this one can also avail NH 2B route.

Best Places to Stay in Shantiniketan

#1 bolpur eco hut :.

A rural place is an impact on all modern facilities, fresh farms, and cottages. The special feature of this place is Baul music. There are only 2 cottages, making it not chaotic like the other commercial stays.

The costing includes INR 1950+ 5 % GST per day per head including all the meals.

the age limit of little ones between 1-5 years is complimentary, 6-9 years will be charged half price and 10 years onward will be charged fully.

Check-in – 12:00 p.m

Check out – 11:00 a.m.

#2 Shantiniketan Luxury Resort :

The property is situated near Prantik railway station. It is the best option if you want your holiday to be spent in luxury.

Comfort in the decorated garden or swimming pool and relish the authentic Bengali cuisines. There are above 50 deluxe rooms and suites, having the capacity to fit almost 100 adults.

The property is away from the hustle and bustle of the city, is a perfect spot for stargazing.

The surrounding forests and nearby water bodies are the perfect spots for bird watching. Therefore, nature enthusiasts will enjoy to see it. One can spot purple swamp, basket robins and kingfishers, etc.

There is an arrangement for Baul song and folk dances as well.

The costing includes INR 2450+ 5% GST per person per day including breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Kids between 1-5 years are complimentary, 6-9 years will be charged half price and 10 years onward will be charged fully.

Check-in: 11:00 am

Check out: 10:00 am

#3 Banavilla Farmhouse :

This lovely Eco resort in Bolpur is 180 km from Kolkata. Visitor comes here to seek solitude, peace and share tranquil moments with family and friends.

The accommodation is beautiful, big, spacious and consists of clean rooms.

The sophisticated interiors and use of natural cane furniture signify Bengal’s handcrafts beautifully. There are 11 rooms and it can be consist of 25 adults.

Check-in: 12:00 pm

Check out: 11:00 am

To reach here follow the following steps-

27 direct trains from Kolkata to Bolpur are available and it takes 1 hour 48 min.

No direct bus is there; one can take a Royal cruiser from Kolkata to Panagarh and then take a taxi to Bolpur.

By car, it takes 4 hours to reach the property. Fantastic roads, smooth drive, and beautiful greenery will welcome you.

The pocket pinch for the rooms is INR 4000 per day per room plus GST.

Child under 6 years stays free of cost. Above 6 years INR 800 per night for an extra bed.

#4 Shantiniketan Maati Baari:

Living in a rustic environment with a touch of modern amenities. This place can soothe your soul.

The cost is INR 3500 plus 5 % GST per room including breakfast for a couple.

Little visitors between 1-5 years are complimentary, 6-9 years will be charged half price and 10 years onwards will be charged fully.

#5 Shwet Mahal :

In the middle of the red soil stands a grandeur white palace.  you will find the perfect feeling of royalty here.

This property is located in boner pukur. Four suites are available in this property, which is named as the poet’s recluse, the painter’s retreat, the king’s chambers, and the Bahaar hall.

Check in: 1:00 p.m

Check out: 12:00p.m

Deluxe room – INR 7000 + 5% GST

Semi deluxe room – INR 6500 + 5% GST

Super deluxe room- INR 9000 + 5% GST

Driver accommodation is INR 500 per head.

#6 Debanandapur village resort :

Rural simplicity, fresh organic awesome foods, fresh air with all urban comforts are ready to welcome you to this property nestled amidst nature.

The pocket pinch for the stay is INR 3500 + 5 % GST including breakfast for a couple.

Extra-person charges INR 500 per head.

The age limit of kids between 1-5 years will be complementary, 6-9 years will be charged half price and 10 years onward will be charged fully.

Best Time to Visit Shantiniketan

The ethnicity of this place can be best in its attribute during mid-august-march. It is better to avoid this place in peak summers, because of the scorching sun.

This place is the ideal spot for different festivals starting from Poush Mela in winters. Dol Utsav in the spring.

These two time periods are apt to visit there. People are willing to see the crowd in a festive mood. They can enjoy the local fair, where artisans display the handicraft items.

Surely you won’t be tired of shopping after heavy bargaining. Most importantly visitors of these periods are advised to pre-book the hotels 1-2 months earlier to avoid unnecessary rush. Winters is no doubt one of the best time to visit this place for a trip.

It is also suggested to avoid the rainy season and summer. Because of the muddy slippery roads and the roughness of hot sun. If you want to feel nature from indoors. Then there is no reason to stop yourself to be the witness of the magical transformation of the greenery.

Concluding Thoughts

As you can see the place has lots to offer to the tourists that are looking to explore new places as well as to tourists who want to spend a few days in quiet and unwind. The unique bond between nature and culture is what woos tourists for decades now.

If you are reading this blog and are yet to visit the places, we believe you must have this as your next tour plan. Only when you go, you will know how well the name ‘Shantiniketan’ resonates with the meaning of the name. That is the abode of peace.

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Shantiniketan Tourism And Travel Guide

Bolpur in Birbhum district of West Bengal is where Rabindranath Tagore gave birth to his dream project, Shantiniketan. If one has to understand Tagore, his passion, and know more about the poet and what he attempted to create for posterity, visit Shantiniketan. A seat of education in the lap of nature, strong influences of local rural life, a place that brings together local artists and musicians and encourages local handicrafts, Shantiniketan is a wonder. Visited by large number of tourists from all over the country and the world, Shantiniketan is a popular destination in the state and close to hearts of all. Here is a snippet of travel guide to understand the tourism here.

How to Reach

Shantiniketan does not have an airport and has to depend upon Dum Dum Airport in Kolkata for ferrying people. The airport is one of the major international airports in the country that is well connected with other cities of the country and other neighboring countries as well. Private and public jet carriers operate regular flights to and from Kolkata. From the airport, Shantiniketan is about 200 km away and can be covered by a taxi or bus.

The best and easiest way to reach Shantiniketan is by train. The Bolpur railway station is located a mere 2-3km from Shantiniketan and is very well connected with Howrah and Sealdah stations in Kolkata. There are a large number of trains that have regular train services between Howrah, Sealdah and Bolpur. Padatik Express, Rampurhat Sealdah Intercity Express, Kanchanjunga Express, Satabdi Express are some of the popular trains that run between the town and Kolkata. From the station tourists can take a cab or rickshaw to reach Shantiniketan.

By Road:  

Travel by road is another easy option for reaching Shantiniketan from Kolkata. There are regular bus services between Shantiniketan and cities like Kolkata, Durgapur, Guwahati etc. Many prefer to drive to Shaniniketan which a 200 km long journey. By car it takes only about 3-3.5 hours and the drive through Bengal’s countryside is charming and truly a beautiful experience.

Getting Around:

Traveling in and around Shantiniketan and Bolpur is easy. There are several modes of local transport available like rickshaws, autorickshaws, cycles, and bikes for exploring the little area. Apart from this, you can also get tourist cars to be arranged by the guest house where you are put up.

• How To Reach Shantiniketan

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Summer (April to June):

If there is one season when Shantiniketan should be completely avoided - it is undoubtedly summer. Birbhum experiences extremely harsh and scorching summer heat. With mercury rising continuously there is also a sharp increase in humidity and discomfort. Temperatures cross 42°C-43°C mark effortlessly. Exploring and sightseeing during this period is not recommended at all as people can get sun and heat strokes. If you do happen to be in Shantiniketan in the month of May you can witness the grand celebrations of Tagore’s birthday that are beautiful and captivating.

Monsoon (July to September):

The first showers of monsoon bring much needed respite for the people reeling from the extreme heat of the summer months. There may be occasional heavy showers but in general Shantiniketan receives moderate rainfall. One can witness the beauty of Bengal countryside during the monsoons. 

Winter (November to February):

The best season to explore and enjoy Shantiniketan is during the winter. The skies remain clear, no rains, no uncomfortable heat or humidity to weigh tourists down. The weather remains cool and pleasant as mercury dips steadily. The light chill in the air feels good and refreshing. Winter is the season when Shantiniketan celebrates Poush Mela with much singing and dancing followed by Basant Utsav in February or March. Both these festivals are extremely popular here and an opportunity to get a favor of Bengali culture and spirit.

• Shantiniketan Weather And Best Time To Visit Shantiniketan

Things to Do

Tour of Tagore’s Ashram and Other Buildings:

Among the first things to do when in Shantiniketan is visit Tagore’s abode. Here you will come across the buildings where Tagore stayed and worked. There is the Uttarayan complex which houses five buildings and is very well maintained. There is the Upasana Griha which was built by Tagore’s father and today serves as the prayer hall for people. It is a stunning hall made of Belgian glass. There is Rabindra Bhavan Museum which holds the belongings, paintings, original works and manuscripts of Tagore displayed for the tourists. T

Celebrating Poush Mela:

Poush Mela celebrates the day when Maharshi Devendranath Tagore and few others embraced the tenets of Brahmo Samaj and adopted the Brahmo way of life. Since then Shantiniketan celebrates this day with much gusto and fervor. There is lots of merrymaking, dancing and singing. There are Baul singers who fill the air with their magical music and other local musicians and artists who visit and present their art and crafts. There are shops selling different wares, there are food stall where one can get a taste of authentic Bengali delicacies and much more. It is a celebration of life in Shantiniketan.

Celebrating Basant Utsav:

Basant Utsav or spring festival celebrates Holi in Shantiniketan. The students of the university take part in the singing and dancing. They dress up in brightly colored yellow clothes and dance their way into the hearts of all who witness this stunning performance. The celebration start from early morning, which is also live telecasted on television for people in other parts of the state to watch and cherish. 

Go Bird Spotting in Deer Park:

The Deer Park is located 3 m from the university and is a beautiful place to chill. The lush green is extremely inviting and an early morning visit can be refreshing. Here you get to spot herds of deer who stroll around the park. For bird lovers this is an ideal spot to go bird spotting and for photography. One can identify large number of birds, some rare ones as well who have now made the place their natural habitat. Catch these beauties in action. It is an added attraction for visitors in Shantiniketan.

Visiting Shonajhuri Haat:

A visit to Shonajhuri Haat during your stay in Shantiniketan is a must. It is where you get a taste of the beauty of Shantiniketan and a flavor of Bengali life. Every week there is a haat or bazaar held where rural artisans come to sell their wares; ranging from kantha sarees, paintings, jewels etc. There are dance performances by Santhal women and soulful singing by the Baul singers. People gorge on delicious local dishes while enjoying the colorful ambience.

• Things To Do In Shantiniketan
• Tourist Places To Visit In Shantiniketan

Eating in Shantiniketan

Like all other places of Bengal, food features strongly on the agenda of people when they are touring. Shantiniketan is no exception and people are treated to some lip-smacking Bengali cuisine here. There are a number of great eateries and restaurants where you gorge on delicious food. Bonolakshmi, Nola Shantiniketan, Aarhani, Ram Shyam Resort etc. are some of the popular places to drop in. Mutton, Hilsa, varieties of dal and veg dishes feature on the menu and are a gastronomic delight.

Shopping in Shantiniketan

When in Shantiniketan you can shop to your heart’s content at Shonajhuri Haat and Amar Kutir. There are no malls or lavish supermarkets. These are local bazaars and cooperative units where you get goods made and crafted by local artisans, women, and children. At Shonajhuri haat you can get lovely pieces of jewelry, wooden wares, sarees and home décor items, all handcrafted. You can take these back as souvenirs of the trip. At Amar Kutir you can get leather goods like bags that are very popular here, bamboo items and kantha sarees at quite affordable prices.

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Outstanding Universal Value

Brief synthesis

Established in rural West Bengal in 1901 by the renowned poet and philosopher, Rabindranath Tagore, Santiniketan was a residential school and centre for art based on ancient Indian traditions and on a vision of the unity of humanity transcending religious and cultural boundaries. Santiniketan is an embodiment of Rabindranath Tagore’s vision and philosophy of where ‘the world would form a single nest’ using a combination of education, appreciation of nature, music and the arts. It represents the distillation of Rabindranath Tagore’s greatest works and the continuing legacy of his model of education that reinterpreted ancient Vedic traditions with open air classrooms arranged under the canopies of trees.

Santiniketan exhibits the crystallisation of the ideas of Rabindranath Tagore and the pioneers of the Bengal School of Art. Set within the historical and geocultural context of early 20th-century colonial India, the ideas embodied in Santiniketan influenced educational and cultural institutions in south Asia. Santiniketan is therefore an outstanding example of an enclave of intellectuals, educators, artists, craftspeople and workers who collaborated and experimented with an Asian modernity based on an internationalism that drew upon ancient, medieval and folk traditions of India as well as Japanese, Chinese, Persian, Balinese, Burmese and Art Deco forms.

The built elements of Santiniketan demonstrate experimentation in construction techniques, materials and designs, a counterpoint to prevailing colonial templates. Santiniketan displays eclectic influences and a revived attention to the local in a search for a modernity based on internationalism. Santiniketan represents the physical manifestation of a utopian ideal of a community that became a crucible for intellectual and artistic ideas that were to have a decisive impact on 20th century art, literature, poetry, music and architecture in the south Asian region.

Criterion (iv): Santiniketan was an experimental settlement in education and communal life in a rural setting. The community was in many ways meant to represent a uniquely Indian example of a ‘total work of art’ (Gesamtkunstwerk) where life, learning, work and art along with the local and the global intertwined seamlessly. The built and open spaces constitute an exceptional global testimony to ideas of environmental art and educational reform where progressive education and visual art are intertwined with architecture and landscape: with the Ashram, Uttarayan, and Kala-Bhavana areas forming the prime sites of these practices in the most significant periods of development. Santiniketan represents in an outstanding way, the emergence of post-colonial centres of cultural, philosophical and spiritual exploration in the early 20th century in south Asia.

Criterion (vi): Santiniketan is directly and tangibly associated with the ideas, works and vision of Rabindranath Tagore and his associates, pioneers of the Bengal School of Art and early Indian Modernism. Against the backdrop of the Partition of Bengal, Santiniketan became the crucible for an artistic and intellectual renaissance in the early 20th century. As a cultural and intellectual incubator, it had an indelible imprint on the leaders of the Indian Freedom Movement, including Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru and Indira Gandhi. The significant influence of the ideals and philosophies represented in Santiniketan are demonstrated at other early 20th-century locations of cultural learning in south Asia. Santiniketan represents the distillation of the ideas and continuing legacy of a unique model of education recalling ancient Indian ideas as well as internationalism through a living institution, embodied in the buildings, landscape, artworks and continuing festivals and traditions. And while many of Tagore’s art and literary works bear a unique association with Santiniketan, his experimentation through education with an internationalist humanist ideology finds its manifest reflection in Santiniketan.

Part of a continuing contemporary university campus, Santiniketan is an ensemble of historic buildings, landscapes and gardens, pavilions, artworks and continuing educational and cultural traditions that together express its Outstanding Universal Value. The property is of adequate size and all the attributes needed to convey its significance are included. The property includes the areas developed at Santiniketan during the life of Rabindranath Tagore and his family and associates, a period of experimentation and flourishing of ideas. Changes to uses, building alterations and installation of some new artworks and plantings have occurred, yet these areas and the elements within them are generally intact. The state of conservation of the property has been improved over the past decade through institutional partnerships. Santiniketan is in use as part of the Visva-Bharati campus. Spirit and feeling of the place reside in both the tangible (buildings, artworks, pavilions, gardens and landscapes) and intangible attributes (educational philosophies, building practices and cultural celebrations). The integrity is potentially vulnerable to development pressures , particularly on the periphery of the buffer zone.

Authenticity

Santiniketan meets the requirements of authenticity through its ability to convey Tagore’s philosophy and global learnings. There is a high degree of continuity in the spatial layouts of the Ashram, Uttarayan, and Kala-Bhavana areas. Despite changes in uses and new artworks in some areas, the buildings and other attributes retain their eclectic forms based on experimentation with techniques and materials ranging from brick, mud, coal tar, living tree, sandstone, glass, cast iron, thatch, timber, bamboo, laterite, precast concrete, and reinforced concrete. Some of these attributes could be vulnerable through decline in traditional skills. The pavilions, gardens and platforms that were central to the education philosophies are in place and in continued use; and the murals and frescos, wooden windows and furniture retain their authenticity, depicting oriental influences and local indigenous plant species. Aesthetic development of the senses went hand in hand with intellectual development at Santiniketan. The festive celebrations that have come to form a special culture of the institution, and within the local communities use traditional Indian forms and rituals, including decoration of the site, use of flowers, alpana, chanting of Vedic hymns and blowing of conch-shells.

Protection and management requirements

The property and buffer zone are within the Visva-Bharati campus. The legal protection is provided by the Visva-Bharati Act of 1951, a national law established to continue the ideals of Rabindranath Tagore that establishes Visva-Bharati as an institution of national importance. Because there are no other heritage designations in place at the national or state level, further strengthening of the legal framework and management system is recommended.

Further documentation of the attributes of Outstanding Universal Value has been identified in the management plan as a priority. While the historic buildings have been relatively well documented, the same standard has yet to be achieved for the other attributes. A fully integrated inventory is needed as a basis for the future effective management of Santiniketan, including the recording and safeguarding of traditional practices and celebrations. The main factors affecting the property are development pressures (particularly in the buffer zone and wider setting), construction of new roads, visitor management pressures, and deterioration of physical materials. The value of the maintenance regimes for the landscape and buildings cannot be over-stated; and the engagement with national and state specialist agencies for heritage conservation, such as the Archaeological Survey of India, is an important component of the management system. The development of individual conservation plans for the attributes of the property is recommended.

There will be no new developments approved within the property boundary, and all conservation projects will be overseen by the Visva-Bharati Heritage Committee. Due to the delineation of the buffer zone based on the area within the Visva-Bharati campus, it is relatively narrow and vulnerable to development pressures in several places. The importance of the wider setting of Santiniketan has been recognised and a range of state land management laws and protective mechanisms apply to the wider setting.

A campus masterplan is being developed to ensure that the needs of the ongoing uses of Visva-Bharati as a contemporary educational institution are aligned with the long-term obligations arising from World Heritage inscription.

Within the management system, the effective operation of the Visva-Bharati Heritage Committee is essential to the long-term conservation of the property. This should be further strengthened through the development of guidelines for the Heritage Committee’s responsibilities, and by ensuring that Heritage Impact Assessments are prepared for the Heritage Committee in a written format in accordance with the requirements of the Operational Guidelines.

Shantiniketan Tourism

• Shantiniketan
• VisvaBharati University
• Tagore's Ashrama
• Kala Bhavana (Institute of Fine Arts)
• Uttarayan Complex
• Rabindra Bhaban Museum (Bichitra)
• Chhatimtala
• Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sonajhuri Forest
• Srijani Shilpagram
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• Shantiniketan Tourism History
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• FAQS about Shantiniketan
• Shantiniketan Tourist Map

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• Sonajhuri Haat
• Kolkata to Santiniketan
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Discover Bolpur, Santiniketan

Have you ever heard of a village that is not only  rich in culture  but also has an important connection to one of India’s most famous poets and writers? If not, let me introduce you to  Bolpur Santiniketan  in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. This small city is known for its  unique art , literature, and music blend. It is home to  Visva-Bharati University , founded by  Rabindranath Tagore  – a Nobel laureate poet and writer who significantly impacted Indian literature. If you want to explore more cities in West Bengal, Bolpur Santiniketan should definitely be on your list!

Apart from being the birthplace of Tagore and home to Visva Bharati University, Bolpur Santiniketan is a charming village in the Birbhum district of West Bengal . The town has a thriving community of artisans who produce beautiful handwoven fabrics, pottery, and other handicrafts that are popular among tourists from cities all over the world. With its serene surroundings and rich  cultural heritage , Bolpur Santiniketan is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the authentic culture of rural India.

So let’s dive in!

Bolpur Weather

Bolpur, Santiniketan, experiences a moderately warm climate, with summer temperatures peaking around 35-42 °C and winter temperatures dipping to 6-15 °C. The area falls under the “Aw” (tropical savanna climate) category as per the Köppen Climate Classification, making it a year-round destination for tourists.

Bolpur History

Legend has it that Bolpur, formerly known as Bolipur, derived its name from the sacrificial offerings made by Raja Surath to goddess Bhavani. The place where the offerings were made became known as Bolipur and eventually evolved into Bolpur over time.

Around 150 years ago, Bolpur was a small village in the Supur Porgana region. It was characterized by Kalikapur, a renowned place that represented the typical village of the past. The area had no rail lines or developed roads, and paddy fields stretched across the landscape. The distinct red soil, known as “Lalmati,” was abundant. Bolpur was surrounded by various villages like Sian, Dihipara, Khoskadampur, Paruldanga, Goalpara, Ballavpur, Bandhgara, Surul, Supur, and Raipur.

The establishment of the first railway line by the East India Company in 1859, along with the founding of Visva Bharati Viswavidyalaya by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921, played a significant role in the expansion, development, and popularity of Bolpur.

Over the years, Bolpur has transformed into a major tourist destination in India, owing to its rich history and cultural heritage. The city offers a harmonious blend of traditional and modern lifestyles, attracting people from all walks of life. Its breathtaking natural beauty, world-renowned educational institutions, and religious significance make it an irresistible destination for those eager to explore India’s diverse culture and history.

Bolpur’s charm is truly unique, unmatched by any other city in India. Its cultural heritage, ancient traditions, and natural splendor set it apart. With its pleasant climate, lush greenery, and tranquil surroundings, Bolpur provides the perfect sanctuary to unwind from the pressures of everyday life. Whether you wish to delve into the city’s fascinating history, visit its renowned educational institutions, or simply revel in its natural allure, Bolpur is the ideal destination for you.

Distance from Durgapur to Bolpur

The distance between Durgapur and Bolpur is approximately 27 miles or 50 kilometers by road. There are various modes of transportation available to travel from Durgapur to Bolpur.

• By Road: One can choose to travel by car, taxi, or bus. The driving distance between Durgapur and Bolpur is approximately 31.5 miles.
• By Train: Although there is no direct train available from Durgapur to Bolpur, there are services available with a transfer at Barddhaman. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. There are multiple trains available on this route.
• By Flight: The nearest airport to Bolpur is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, which is approximately 122 km away. From there, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Bolpur.

To plan your travel from Durgapur to Bolpur, you can use various online resources such as Yatra.com, Rome2rio.com, Clearcarrental.com, and Goibibo.com. These websites provide information on distance, travel duration, route maps, and travel options such as flights, trains, buses, and taxis.

Top Tourist Spots in Bolpur Santiniketan:

Tagore’s ashram :.

Bolpur Santiniketan, located in the Birbhum district, is famous for being the abode of Rabindranath Tagore , and his residence is now a museum known as Tagore’s Ashram. The Ashram is in the heart of Santiniketan village, close to the Visva Bharati University campus. It showcases various items related to the life and works of Tagore. It provides an insight into his life, including his literary works, paintings, sculptures, and personal belongings. The nearest railway station to Bolpur Santiniketan is also easily accessible.

The Ashram near Visva Bharati is easily accessible by road and railway station. Visitors can reach the Ashram by train and then take a short ride of upto 10 minutes to get there. The serene surroundings of the Ashram offer a peaceful ambience for visitors to explore. Additionally, the Ashram houses a library that contains numerous books written by Tagore and other eminent authors.

Kala Bhavana :

Kala Bhavana is an art school within Visva-Bharati University , founded by Tagore in the Birbhum district. The school offers courses in various art forms, such as painting, sculpture, graphic design, ceramics, textile design, and many more. The campus, spread over 114 acres of land, is located in one of the cities and can accommodate upto several buildings dedicated to different art forms.

Visitors can witness students from Visva Bharati working on their artwork at Kala Bhavana or visit one of the galleries showcasing their creations. Located in Birbhum district, Kala Bhavana is a must-visit for art enthusiasts visiting nearby cities. Kala Bhavana also hosts exhibitions from time to time where visitors can purchase unique art pieces.

Amar Kutir:

Amar Kutir is a cooperative society that sells local handicrafts made by artisans from nearby villages in the Birbhum district upto the cities. Visitors can find a wide range of products, such as textiles, pottery items, wooden crafts, and jewellery made with terracotta beads or bamboo sticks in the city.

The cooperative society was established in 1923 in Birbhum district, providing sustainable livelihoods for rural communities upto the cities. Tourists can visit Amar Kutir in the city to buy souvenirs or learn about traditional techniques for making these handicrafts.

Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary:

Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary is located around 6 km from Bolpur Santiniketan station in Birbhum city. It is home to various species of flora and fauna. The sanctuary covers an area of 220 acres. Its dense forest cover provides a natural habitat for animals such as deer, jackals, wild boars, monkeys, and many more. Visitors can easily reach the sanctuary by taking a train upto Bolpur Santiniketan station.

Visitors can take a nature walk through the sanctuary or opt for a jeep safari to explore the wildlife. The sanctuary also has several watchtowers from where visitors can spot different animals. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary station is located in Birbhum district, and visitors can explore upto the boundaries of the sanctuary.

Best Places to Visit in Santiniketan:

Uttarayan complex :.

The Uttarayan Complex is located in Bolpur, Birbhum, and is a popular tourist attraction. It is easily accessible as it is located up to the station. The complex includes two main buildings, Udayana and Konarka, designed by Rabindranath Tagore himself. Udayana was previously the flat where Tagore lived, while Konarka served as a guest house for visitors.

Sangeet Bhavana :

Sangeet Bhavana, located near the station, is the music department of Visva-Bharati University, founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921. This department offers courses in Indian classical music, Rabindra Sangeet, and Western classical music. The building itself is an architectural marvel with excellent acoustics for musical performances. Visitors can attend concerts and events held at Sangeet Bhavana throughout the year, and it’s easily accessible as it’s just a flat walk from the station. Additionally, it’s convenient for those travelling domestically as it’s up upto a short drive from the airport for domestic flights.

Chatimtala:

Chatimtala, located within the Santiniketan campus, is a  peaceful spot  where Tagore used to meditate and write his poems. This place was believed to have inspired him to write some of his most famous works, such as Gitanjali and Ghare-Baire. Situated just a few kilometres from the station, this area is surrounded by trees and greenery, making it an ideal place for relaxation and meditation. Visitors can easily find flats for rent nearby, with prices ranging upto Rs. 5000 per month.

Kopai River :

Kopai River flows serenely through Santiniketan, up upto 2 km from the station. The river adds to the natural beauty of the flat landscape, making it a perfect place for a leisurely walk or boating. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from several bridges over the river.

Santiniketan, located within 200 km of Kolkata, has much more to offer than just these four places mentioned above; however, these are the most popular tourist attractions that should not be missed. Visitors can also explore other places, such as Kala Bhavana and Tagore’s Ashram, to better understand Tagore’s philosophy and vision. For those travelling from other parts of India, domestic flights are available upto Kolkata, followed by a flat drive of 3 hours to reach Santiniketan .

Kala Bhavana is an art college founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1919, located upto a flat 5 km distance from the domestic flights. It offers courses in various forms of visual arts, such as painting, sculpture, and graphic design. The campus has several galleries where visitors can view the works of students and faculty.

Nandan Mela  is a fair held every year during the winter season in Santiniketan, located 200 km from Kolkata. It is a cultural extravaganza that showcases the rich heritage of Bengal through music, dance, food, and handicrafts. Visitors can enjoy the fair without worrying about their budget, as the entry fee is upto Rs 100. Domestic flights are available to reach Kolkata for those coming from faraway places.

Tagore’s Ashram, located within upto 5 km from the airport, is another place worth visiting for those interested in learning more about Tagore’s life and work. The Ashram was once his residence and can be easily accessed by domestic flights. It now houses some of his belongings, such as paintings, manuscripts, and photographs.

Hotels in Bolpur and Shantiniketan with Starting Prices:

Hotel royal bengal (starting from inr 1500).

Suppose you are looking for a  budget-friendly hotel in Bolpur . In that case, Hotel Royal Bengal is an excellent option to consider. The hotel offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price, starting from INR 1500. The rooms have all the necessary amenities, such as air conditioning, television, and an attached bathroom. Besides this, the hotel has a restaurant serving delicious local and international cuisine. Additionally, the hotel is located upto 10 km away from the nearest airport, making it a convenient choice for those arriving on domestic flights.

Camellia Hotel & Resort (starting from INR 2500)

Camellia Hotel & Resort is one of the best hotels in Bolpur and Shantiniketan that offers  luxurious accommodations at an affordable price . The hotel has  well-furnished rooms with modern amenities  such as air conditioning, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi. The starting price of the room is INR 2500 per night. The hotel also features a spa centre where guests can relax and rejuvenate after a hectic day.

Mark & Meadows (starting from INR 3500)

Mark & Meadows is another popular hotel in Bolpur that offers  elegant accommodation at reasonable prices . The hotel has spacious rooms with all modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TV, private bathroom with shower facilities, and free Wi-Fi. The starting price of the room is INR 3500 per night. The hotel also provides facilities like a swimming pool, fitness centre, and restaurant serving local delicacies.

Baul Mon Resort (starting from INR 4000)

Baul Mon Resort is one of the most luxurious resorts in Bolpur that provides world-class facilities to its guests. The resort has beautiful cottages surrounded by lush greenery, offering a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation away from city life’s hustle. Each cottage has all modern amenities, such as air conditioning, flat-screen TV, a private bathroom with shower facilities, and free Wi-Fi. The starting price of the room is upto Rs 4000 per night. The resort also features a swimming pool, spa centre, and restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

Getting Around Bolpur Santiniketan: Transportation Options:

Cycle rickshaws  for short distances.

One of the most popular and convenient transportation in Bolpur Santiniketan is cycle rickshaws. These three-wheeled vehicles can carry up to two passengers at a time. They are ideal for short distances, such as going from one tourist spot to another or exploring the local markets.

Cycle rickshaws are not only affordable but also eco-friendly, as they do not emit any harmful gases. They provide a unique way to explore the town while enjoying the fresh air and scenic beauty. You can easily find them near the railway station or on major roads for upto Rs. [insert price range here].

Taxis or Rental Cars for Longer Distances

If you plan to travel long distances within Bolpur Santiniketan, hiring a taxi or renting a car is your best option. This mode of transportation provides more comfort and flexibility than cycle rickshaws and can cost upto Rs. XXXX depending on the distance and duration of your trip.

Taxis and rental cars can be booked online or through local travel agencies. The charges may vary depending on the distance travelled, type of vehicle rented, and duration of use. Some popular rental car services include Zoomcar, Ola Rentals, and Avis India.

Local Buses  Connecting Major Tourist Spots

Another affordable option for getting around Bolpur Santiniketan is by using local buses. These buses connect major tourist spots within the town, making it easy for travellers to explore different places without spending too much on transportation.

The bus routes cover areas such as Visva-Bharati University, Kankalitala Temple, Amar Kutir Society for Rural Development, Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary, and more. You can easily find these buses at designated bus stops throughout the town.

Train Services Available from Kolkata

For those travelling from Kolkata to Bolpur Santiniketan, taking a train is the most convenient option as it can cost upto Rs. XXXX. The town has its railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India.

Some popular trains between  Kolkata and Bolpur Santiniketan  include  the Shantiniketan Express , Howrah-Bolpur Kaviguru Express, and Howrah-Visva Bharati Fast Passenger. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on your chosen train.

Bolpur Santiniketan is well-connected by road to major cities in West Bengal. National Highway 14 passes through the town, making it easy for travellers to reach their destination by car or bus.

Must-Try Local Cuisine in Bolpur Santiniketan:

Pithe puli: traditional bengali sweet dish.

Pithe Puli is a traditional sweet dish  that must try when visiting Bolpur Santiniketan. It is made with rice flour and jaggery, which gives it a unique taste and texture. The dish is typically prepared during winter and served during festivals such as Makar Sankranti. Moreover, this delicious dessert is available at local food stalls for upto Rs 50.

To prepare Pithe Puli, rice flour is mixed with water to form a dough-like consistency. Small portions of the dough are then flattened into discs and filled with grated coconut, jaggery, cardamom powder, and sometimes even khoya (dried milk solids). The discs are then folded to form half-moon shapes and sealed by pressing the edges together. These delicious treats can be made for upto Rs 100 per batch.

The filled discs can be made for upto Rs. Fifty per piece and then boiled in water until they float to the surface, indicating that they are cooked. They are then removed from the water and served hot or at room temperature. Some people like to drizzle them with ghee (clarified butter) before serving.

Luchi Alur Dom: Popular Breakfast Dish

Luchi Alur Dom is another popular dish you must try when visiting Bolpur Santiniketan. It is a breakfast dish that consists of puffed bread (luchi) served with spicy potato curry (alur dom). You can enjoy this delicious meal for upto Rs 100.

To prepare Luchi, wheat flour dough is rolled out into small circles and deep-fried until they puff up. The puffed bread is then drained on paper towels to remove excess oil, costing upto Rs. [price].

For the potato curry, potatoes are boiled and then sautéed in a mixture of spices such as cumin seeds, bay leaves, ginger paste, garlic paste, onion paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder along with tomato puree. The spicy potato curry is then served hot with the puffed bread for upto rs. 100.

Chhanar Paturi: Cottage Cheese Wrapped in Banana Leaves

Chhanar Paturi is a unique dish you must try when visiting Bolpur Santiniketan. It is a vegetarian dish with cottage cheese (chhana) wrapped in banana leaves and mustard paste. The best part is that it costs upto Rs. 200 only, making it an affordable and delicious option for everyone.

To prepare Chhanar Paturi, fresh cottage cheese is mixed with spices such as salt, turmeric, chilli powder, and cumin powder. The mixture is then divided into small portions and wrapped in banana leaves to form small packets that cost upto Rs. [price].

The packets are then steamed or roasted until cooked through, costing upto Rs. Meanwhile, mustard seeds are soaked in water for some time and then ground into a fine paste along with green chillies to make the mustard paste.

Once the packets are cooked, they are removed from the heat and opened up. The rs mustard paste is spread over the cottage cheese, and the packets are closed before being served hot.

Shopping in Bolpur Santiniketan: Souvenirs and Handicrafts

Batik printed textiles.

Bolpur Santiniketan, a small village in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, is known for its unique  handicrafts and textiles . One of the most popular handicrafts you can find here is the batik printed textiles. Creating these textiles involves drawing designs on fabric using wax and then dyeing them to produce vibrant patterns. You can find various batik-printed products such as sarees, scarves, stoles, and even home decor items like cushion covers and table runners.

Dokra Metal Crafts

Another famous handicraft that you can find in Bolpur Santiniketan is the  dokra metal craft . This art form involves casting brass or bronze sculptures using the lost-wax technique. The artisans use clay models to create intricate designs that are then cast into metal using traditional methods. You can find okra sculptures depicting animals, birds, human figures, and even deities. These make for beautiful souvenirs or home decor items.

Kantha Embroidery  Products

Kantha embroidery is a traditional form of embroidery that originated in West Bengal. It involves stitching together old saris or dhotis layers to create new fabrics with vibrant patterns. Kantha embroidery products like sarees, dupattas, shawls, and bags are popular among Bolpur Santiniketan tourists. You can also find kantha embroidered quilts and bedspreads, making unique gifts.

Shantiniketan Leather Goods

Shantiniketan leather goods are another popular souvenir item that you can buy in Bolpur Santiniketan. These leather products are made from high-quality leather by skilled artisans trained at Shantiniketan’s Visva Bharati University. You can find a variety of leather goods like bags, wallets, belts, and shoes that are stylish and durable.

Plan Your Next Trip to Bolpur Santiniketan:

If you’re looking for a  unique travel experience , Bolpur Santiniketan should be at the top of your list. This charming town in West Bengal offers a blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and artistic expression that will captivate any traveller.

During your visit, check out the top tourist spots in Bolpur Santiniketan, such as Tagore’s Ashram and Khoai Mela. And don’t forget to explore the best places to visit in Santiniketan , like Sangeet Bhavan and Upasana Griha, where you can enjoy cultural performances for just a few rs.

There are plenty of hotels in Bolpur and Shantiniketan with starting prices as low as Rs. 1000 that will fit any budget. Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose from luxury resorts or cosy homestays.

Getting around Bolpur Santiniketan is easy, with various transportation options, including taxis, buses, and rickshaws. And while you’re there, try out some of the local cuisines, such as tithe, roshogolla, and other delicious dishes that cost only a few rs.

For those who love shopping, Bolpur Santiniketan has an abundance of souvenirs and handicrafts that make perfect gifts for friends and family back home.

Overall, visiting Bolpur Santiniketan is an enriching experience that should not be missed. So start planning your trip today, and bring enough rs for souvenirs and local delicacies!

Q: What is the best time to visit Bolpur Santiniketan?

The best time to visit Bolpur Santiniketan is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant. The expenses are within your budget, as living costs are relatively low compared to other tourist destinations.

Q: How far is Bolpur from Kolkata?

A: Bolpur is approximately 160 km from Kolkata, which takes 3-4 hours by car or train.

Q: What are some of the popular festivals celebrated in Bolpur Santiniketan?

Some popular festivals celebrated in Bolpur Santiniketan include Poush Mela, Basanta Utsav, and Rabindra Jayanti. Visitors can enjoy these festivals with their loved ones while spending only a few rs on food and souvenirs.

Q: Is it safe to travel to Bolpur Santiniketan?

Yes, Bolpur Santiniketan is a relatively safe place to visit. However, taking necessary precautions like avoiding isolated areas at night is always advisable to ensure your safety and security, especially if you are carrying valuable items worth thousands of rs.

Q: Can I find vegetarian food options in Bolpur Santiniketan?

Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian food options available in Bolpur Santiniketan within the budget of Rs., including local delicacies like chana pulao and shukto.

The Comprehensive Guide to Moscow Nightlife

• Posted on April 14, 2018 July 26, 2018
• by Kings of Russia
• 8 minute read

Moscow’s nightlife scene is thriving, and arguably one of the best the world has to offer – top-notch Russian women, coupled with a never-ending list of venues, Moscow has a little bit of something for everyone’s taste. Moscow nightlife is not for the faint of heart – and if you’re coming, you better be ready to go Friday and Saturday night into the early morning.

This comprehensive guide to Moscow nightlife will run you through the nuts and bolts of all you need to know about Moscow’s nightclubs and give you a solid blueprint to operate with during your time in Moscow.

What you need to know before hitting Moscow nightclubs

Prices in moscow nightlife.

Before you head out and start gaming all the sexy Moscow girls , we have to talk money first. Bring plenty because in Moscow you can never bring a big enough bankroll. Remember, you’re the man so making a fuzz of not paying a drink here or there will not go down well.

Luckily most Moscow clubs don’t do cover fees. Some electro clubs will charge 15-20$, depending on their lineup. There’s the odd club with a minimum spend of 20-30$, which you’ll drop on drinks easily. By and large, you can scope out the venues for free, which is a big plus.

Bottle service is a great deal in Moscow. At top-tier clubs, it starts at 1,000$. That’ll go a long way with premium vodka at 250$, especially if you have three or four guys chipping in. Not to mention that it’s a massive status boost for getting girls, especially at high-end clubs.

Without bottle service, you should estimate a budget of 100-150$ per night. That is if you drink a lot and hit the top clubs with the hottest girls. Scale down for less alcohol and more basic places.

Dress code & Face control

Door policy in Moscow is called “face control” and it’s always the guy behind the two gorillas that gives the green light if you’re in or out.

In Moscow nightlife there’s only one rule when it comes to dress codes:

You can never be underdressed.

People dress A LOT sharper than, say, in the US and that goes for both sexes. For high-end clubs, you definitely want to roll with a sharp blazer and a pocket square, not to mention dress shoes in tip-top condition. Those are the minimum requirements to level the playing field vis a vis with other sharply dressed guys that have a lot more money than you do. Unless you plan to hit explicit electro or underground clubs, which have their own dress code, you are always on the money with that style.

Getting in a Moscow club isn’t as hard as it seems: dress sharp, speak English at the door and look like you’re in the mood to spend all that money that you supposedly have (even if you don’t). That will open almost any door in Moscow’s nightlife for you.

Types of Moscow Nightclubs

In Moscow there are four types of clubs with the accompanying female clientele:

High-end clubs:

These are often crossovers between restaurants and clubs with lots of tables and very little space to dance. Heavy accent on bottle service most of the time but you can work the room from the bar as well. The hottest and most expensive girls in Moscow go there. Bring deep pockets and lots of self-confidence and you have a shot at swooping them.

Regular Mid-level clubs:

They probably resemble more what you’re used to in a nightclub: big dancefloors, stages and more space to roam around. Bottle service will make you stand out more but you can also do well without. You can find all types of girls but most will be in the 6-8 range. Your targets should always be the girls drinking and ideally in pairs. It’s impossible not to swoop if your game is at least half-decent.

Basic clubs/dive bars:

Usually spots with very cheap booze and lax face control. If you’re dressed too sharp and speak no Russian, you might attract the wrong type of attention so be vigilant. If you know the local scene you can swoop 6s and 7s almost at will. Usually students and girls from the suburbs.

Electro/underground clubs:

Home of the hipsters and creatives. Parties there don’t mean meeting girls and getting drunk but doing pills and spacing out to the music. Lots of attractive hipster girls if that is your niche. That is its own scene with a different dress code as well.

What time to go out in Moscow

Moscow nightlife starts late. Don’t show up at bars and preparty spots before 11pm because you’ll feel fairly alone. Peak time is between 1am and 3am. That is also the time of Moscow nightlife’s biggest nuisance: concerts by artists you won’t know and who only distract your girls from drinking and being gamed. From 4am to 6am the regular clubs are emptying out but plenty of people, women included, still hit up one of the many afterparty clubs. Those last till well past 10am.

As far as days go: Fridays and Saturdays are peak days. Thursday is an OK day, all other days are fairly weak and you have to know the right venues.

The Ultimate Moscow Nightclub List

Short disclaimer: I didn’t add basic and electro clubs since you’re coming for the girls, not for the music. This list will give you more options than you’ll be able to handle on a weekend.

Preparty – start here at 11PM

Classic restaurant club with lots of tables and a smallish bar and dancefloor. Come here between 11pm and 12am when the concert is over and they start with the actual party. Even early in the night tons of sexy women here, who lean slightly older (25 and up).

The second floor of the Ugolek restaurant is an extra bar with dim lights and house music tunes. Very small and cozy with a slight hipster vibe but generally draws plenty of attractive women too. A bit slower vibe than Valenok.

Very cool, spread-out venue that has a modern library theme. Not always full with people but when it is, it’s brimming with top-tier women. Slow vibe here and better for grabbing contacts and moving on.

High-end: err on the side of being too early rather than too late because of face control.

Secret Room

Probably the top venue at the moment in Moscow . Very small but wildly popular club, which is crammed with tables but always packed. They do parties on Thursdays and Sundays as well. This club has a hip-hop/high-end theme, meaning most girls are gold diggers, IG models, and tattooed hip hop chicks. Very unfavorable logistics because there is almost no room no move inside the club but the party vibe makes it worth it. Strict face control.

Close to Secret Room and with a much more favorable and spacious three-part layout. This place attracts very hot women but also lots of ball busters and fakes that will leave you blue-balled. Come early because after 4am it starts getting empty fast. Electronic music.

A slightly kitsch restaurant club that plays Russian pop and is full of gold diggers, semi-pros, and men from the Caucasus republics. Thursday is the strongest night but that dynamic might be changing since Secret Room opened its doors. You can swoop here but it will be a struggle.

Mid-level: your sweet spot in terms of ease and attractiveness of girls for an average budget.

Started going downwards in 2018 due to lax face control and this might get even worse with the World Cup. In terms of layout one of the best Moscow nightclubs because it’s very big and bottle service gives you a good edge here. Still attracts lots of cute girls with loose morals but plenty of provincial girls (and guys) as well. Swooping is fairly easy here.

I haven’t been at this place in over a year, ever since it started becoming ground zero for drunken teenagers. Similar clientele to Icon but less chic, younger and drunker. Decent mainstream music that attracts plenty of tourists. Girls are easy here as well.

Sort of a Coyote Ugly (the real one in Moscow sucks) with party music and lots of drunken people licking each others’ faces. Very entertaining with the right amount of alcohol and very easy to pull in there. Don’t think about staying sober in here, you’ll hate it.

Artel Bessonitsa/Shakti Terrace

Electronic music club that is sort of a high-end place with an underground clientele and located between the teenager clubs Icon and Gipsy. Very good music but a bit all over the place with their vibe and their branding. You can swoop almost any type of girl here from high-heeled beauty to coked-up hipsters, provided they’re not too sober.

Afterparty: if by 5AM  you haven’t pulled, it’s time to move here.

Best afterparty spot in terms of trying to get girls. Pretty much no one is sober in there and savage gorilla game goes a long way. Lots of very hot and slutty-looking girls but it can be hard to tell apart who is looking for dick and who is just on drugs but not interested. If by 9-10am you haven’t pulled, it is probably better to surrender.

The hipster alternative for afterparties, where even more drugs are in play. Plenty of attractive girls there but you have to know how to work this type of club. A nicer atmosphere and better music but if you’re desperate to pull, you’ll probably go to Miks.

Weekday jokers: if you’re on the hunt for some sexy Russian girls during the week, here are two tips to make your life easier.

Chesterfield

Ladies night on Wednesdays means this place gets pretty packed with smashed teenagers and 6s and 7s. Don’t pull out the three-piece suit in here because it’s a “simpler” crowd. Definitely your best shot on Wednesdays.

If you haven’t pulled at Chesterfield, you can throw a Hail Mary and hit up Garage’s Black Music Wednesdays. Fills up really late but there are some cute Black Music groupies in here. Very small club. Thursday through Saturday they do afterparties and you have an excellent shot and swooping girls that are probably high.

Shishas Sferum

This is pretty much your only shot on Mondays and Tuesdays because they offer free or almost free drinks for women. A fairly low-class club where you should watch your drinks. As always the case in Moscow, there will be cute girls here on any day of the week but it’s nowhere near as good as on the weekend.

In a nutshell, that is all you need to know about where to meet Moscow girls in nightlife. There are tons of options, and it all depends on what best fits your style, based on the type of girls that you’re looking for.

Related Topics

• moscow girls
• moscow nightlife

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Shooter Files by f.d. walker

Street Photography Tips, Interaction, Travel, Guides

Apr 24 2017

City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Moscow, Russia

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

At over 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and second largest in Europe by population ( Istanbul is #1). An urban, cosmopolitan metropolis with more than enough glitz and glam to cater to the elite, but without losing its fair share of Soviet era roughness around the edges. It can be fast paced, brash, busy, and trendy like other big cities, but it has its blend of West meets Russia atmosphere and beauty that provides plenty of unique interest. The Red Square is as famous as it gets, but there’s so much more to this city, including the most beautiful subway system you’ve ever seen. It would take years to capture all of Moscow, but that means you have an endless amount of areas to discover.

So here’s a Street Photography guide so you can be ready to capture all that Moscow has to offer before you even arrive!

• Patriarch’s Pond
• Old Arbat Street
• Maroseyka Street
• Tverskoy Boulevard

Top 5 Street Spots:

1. red square.

The Red Square is the most famous square in not just Russia, but all of Eastern Europe. The name actually doesn’t come from the color of the bricks or communism, but from the name in Russian, Krásnaya, once meaning “beautiful” before its meaning changed to “red.” This large plaza is what you see on the cover of guide books and magazines for Moscow, with St. Basil’s Cathedral being the center piece next to Lenin’s Mausoleum surrounded by the Kremlin Wall. Of course, the Red Square attracts hordes of tourist due to the main attractions, but all that activity around an interesting atmosphere does provide street photo opportunities. It’s also the central square connecting to the city’s major streets, providing a good starting point to explore outward.

You’ll also find the popular pedestrian only Nikolskaya Street connecting the Red Square to Lubyanka Square. This line of expensive shops includes plenty of activity, while also leading you to another popular square. Filled with history rivaling any city, the Red Square and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of Russia.

2. Patriarch’s Ponds

Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Moscow. Despite the name being plural, there’s only one large pond, but it’s worth a visit with your camera. It’s a popular spot for locals and expats to come relax or take a stroll around the pond. You get an interesting mix of young and old too, from young love to “babushkas” feeding pigeons. It’s a very peaceful park atmosphere in one of the nicer areas within the city center, while bringing enough activity for street photography. 

The pond is shallow and in the winter becomes a popular spot for ice-skating too. The area is also well-known for the location in the famous Russian novel, The Master and Margarita. 

3. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow, and dating back to the 15th century, also one of its oldest. Originally, it was an area of trade, but soon became the most prestigious residential area in Moscow. During the 18th century, Arbat started attracting the city’s scholars and artists, including Alexander Pushkin. Cafes lined the streets and impressive homes filled the neighborhood. Since then, New Arbat street was created as a highway in the area, while Old Arbat was paved for a 1km pedestrian only walkway.

Due to the historic buildings, famous artists that lived here, and the bohemian atmosphere, Old Arbat has become a big attraction for tourists today. Now, there’s a mix of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, street merchants and other attractions for visitors, and some locals, to come enjoy. It can get really busy here and there’s usually something interesting going on so it’s a good street to come walk with your camera for guaranteed life.

4. Gorky Park

One of the most famous places in Moscow is Gorky Park. The official name is Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture & Leisure, which gives you an idea of what goes on here. When built, it was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Divided into two parts, it stretches along Moscow River. One end contains fair rides, foods stands, tennis courts, a sports club, a lake for boat rides, and more. This end brings more active life due to its number of attractions, while the other end is more relaxed, where you’ll find gardens, trees, older buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Gorky Park attracts mostly locals so it’s a good spot to capture the non-tourist side of Moscow life. Muscovites come here to escape the city and unwind in a picturesque setting. The park remains alive outside of the warmer months too, especially when the lake turns into the city’s largest outdoor skating rink. I’d recommend taking the metro out here to spend at least half a day exploring the massive park’s life with your camera.

5. Maroseyka Street

Maroseyka Street is a popular area not too far from the Red Square. The long, winding street turns into Pokrovka and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and places to stay. It’s actually where I like to stay when I’m in Moscow due to its location and solid street photography opportunities itself. You have Kitay-gorod station near and if you keep walking southwest, you’ll get to the Red Square. But if you walk northwest, as it changes to Pokrovka, you can find a long street of activity for photography with its own interesting atmosphere.

6. Tverskoy Boulevard

Tverskoy Boulevard is the oldest and longest boulevard in Moscow, beginning at the end of Nikitsky Boulevard, and finishing at Pushkin Square, a spot to come for activity itself. The boulevard is made up of two avenues, with pedestrian walkways in-between. You’ll find grass, shrubbery, trees, benches and more walking it’s almost kilometer length. Many people come here to enjoy some relaxation, walk their dog, or just to use it to walk wherever they’re going. Its center location also provides a nice place to walk with your camera near plenty of other spots you’ll want to check out anyway.

Sample Street Walk:

For a full day of Street Photography, covering some of the best spots, you can follow this sample street walk for Moscow:

• Start your morning walking around the Red Square (1), while exploring the surrounding area, including Nikolskaya Street
• Then walk northwest to Patriarch’s Ponds (2) and slowly walk the pond and surrounding area with your camera
• Next, walk east to the Pushkin Monument and stroll down Tverskoy Boulevard (6)
• Once Tverskoy Boulevard (6) ends, it will turn into Nikitsky Boulevard. Follow this down until you get to the start of Old Arbat Street (3), across from Arbatskaya station
• After you’re done walking down Old Arbat Street (3) for more street photography, spend some time checking out Moscow’s beautiful metro stations
• To finish off the day with more street photography, get off the metro near Red Square (1) again, Maroseyka Street (5) or wherever you’re staying for the night.

3 Things I’ll Remember about Shooting in Moscow:

1. museum metro.

The Moscow metro system was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union and today includes 203 stations across 340km of routes. The elaborate system has some of the deepest stations in the world too, with escalators that seem to go on forever. None of this is what makes it so special, though. Many of its stations feel like stepping inside a museum, making it without a doubt the most interesting and beautiful metro system I’ve been in.

When built, Stalin wanted to make the metro stations “palaces for the people” with marble, chandeliers, and grand architecture. The best part is the variety of architecture and styles used, making many of the stations a completely different experience visually. You could easily spend a whole day traveling the stations and there are even tours available for people who wish to do just that. My advice, though, would be just to buy a ticket and hop on and off at different stations, while exploring different lines. The museum-like surrounding mixed with the crowds of characters can make for a great photography experience.

Since there are so many stations, here are some of my favorites to check out:

• Novoslobodskaya
• Mayakovskaya
• Elektrozavodskaya
• Komsomolskaya
• Ploschad Revolyutsii
• Dostoyevskaya
• Prospekt Mira

2. Moscow is Big

It’s no secret that Moscow is a big city, but it can feel even bigger with how spread out much of it is. This is especially true if you compare it to cities outside of Asia. If I compared it to cities in Europe, I’d probably say only Istanbul would warrant more time to really discover the depths of this city. Most only explore around the Red Square and surrounding area, but that is such a small part of the city. Although, that central area does give you plenty to see on its own.

Fortunately, I had a good friend living in the city to show me around, but it opened up my eyes even more to how much there is to discover in Moscow. It’s a big city with a variety of atmosphere that can take you from “east” to “west” and trendy to rugged depending on where you go. I’d imagine you’d have to live here a while to really know the city.

3. Cosmopolitan Mix of East meets West

Modern skyscrapers mixed with amazing architecture, a world-class metro system with museum-like beauty, trendy fashion and chic clubs, Moscow is a rich mix of Russian culture and history in a more western cosmopolitan package. There is a push to keep the Russian culture, while also pushing forward with a modern metropolis the whole world will envy. This comes with an impressive skyline, that continues to grow, and endless modernities, but with soviet nostalgia and atmosphere mixed in for good measure.

Mixed in with this grand western cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a strong national pride in Russia. This includes their famous leader, Vladimir Putin. Maybe no other place will you see a country’s leader more often. All over, from the pricey tourist shops to the underground walkway stalls, you’ll find goods with Putin’s likeness covering them. From t-shirts to magnets to Matryoshka dolls. There’s a strong national pride that can be seen around the city, which also extends to their leader. Moscow is many things. It’s East meets West, modernizations meets Soviet era, and a whole lot more.

What To Do For a Street Photography Break?:

Eat at a stolovaya.

Stolovayas are Russian cafeterias that became popular in the Soviet days. You grab a tray and walk down the line of freshly prepared local dishes, and select whatever you want from the chefs. They’re usually inexpensive and a much better value than restaurants, while giving you the opportunity to try from a wide selection of everyday Russian food. They’re also very tasty. I always include some borsch on my tray and go from there. The places themselves are all over Moscow and usually come with Soviet-era aesthetics to complete the experience.

Street Safety Score: 7

*As always, no place is completely safe! So when I talk about safety, I’m speaking in general comparison to other places. Always take precaution, be smart, observe your surroundings and trust your instincts anywhere you go!

Being the 2nd largest city in Europe with over 12 million people, you’re going to have your dangerous areas, but for the most part, it feels safe walking around. Russia is statistically higher in crime compared to most of Europe, but this generally doesn’t apply to tourists and visitors. Around the Red Square and surrounding city center, you should feel completely safe walking around. Pick pocketing can happen, but no more than other touristic places. I always explore Moscow freely without coming across too much to worry about. It’s a spread out city, though, so of course it matters where you are. Just use basic street smarts, know where you are and Moscow shouldn’t give you a problem. 

People’s Reaction Score: 7

Moscow is fast paced, big city life, which usually means people aren’t too concerned with you, or your camera. I don’t find people notice or pay much attention to me when I’m out taking photos in Moscow. For the most part, people just go about their day. You shouldn’t get too many looks or concern. But it can depend on the area you are in. The more you stick out, the more you might get noticed with suspicions. I’ve never had any problems in Moscow, or Russia, but just be careful who you’re taking a photo of if you get out of the city center. Other than that, it’s about average for reactions. 

Street Tips:

Learn the alphabet .

Much of Moscow, including the metro system, doesn’t use english. The Russian alphabet uses letters from the Cyrillic script, which if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know the sounds, can be hard to decipher the words. This is most important for street names and metro stops when trying to get around. It can save confusion and make it easier getting around if you learn the basic alphabet. At the very least then, you can sound out the words to see which are similar in the english conversion, which can help matching them to maps. When out shooting street photography, getting around is as important as anything. So save yourself some time and frustration by learning the Russian Alphabet.

Use the metro

While Saint-Petersburg feels very walkable for a city its size, Moscow can feel very spread out, even for its bigger size. Outside of the Red Square area, you can have plenty of walking before getting anywhere very interesting, so you’ll need to take the metro a lot if you really want to explore the city. Maps are deceiving here too, it will always be further than it looks.

Another reason it’s less walkable than Saint-Petersburg is its completely different set-up. Moscow’s streets are mostly contstructed in rings with narrow, winding streets in-between. This is common with medieval city cities that used to be confined by walls, but you usually don’t have it in a city this massive. Saint-Petersburg has a more grid-like pattern that also uses the canals to help you know your way around. When it comes to navigating on foot in Moscow, it can be more difficult, so bring a map and take the metro when needed. It’s why Moscow’s metro carries more passengers per day than the London and Paris subways combined.

Explore other areas if you have time

Moscow is really big. While most people stay around the Red Square within the Boulevard Ring, there’s so much more to the city. I covered some other spots outside of this circle, but if you really want to see the city, you’ll need time. If you do have time, some other areas I’d check out first are Zamoskvarechye, along some of the south and western Moscow.

Inspiration:

For some more inspiration, you can look through the Street Photography of Moscow photographer Artem Zhitenev  and check out 33 of my photos taken in Moscow .

Conclusion:

Moscow’s name brings a certain mystique, but once you’re there it might bring a different atmosphere than you expect. It’s big and sprawling, but beautiful in many ways. It can feel like a European capital on a grand scale, but you can definitely find its Russian side in there.

The urban sprawl of Moscow can be intimidating, but give it enough time and you’ll be rewarded with plenty to discover. All with the world’s best metro system to take you around.

I hope this guide can help you start to experience some of what Moscow contains. So grab your camera and capture all that Moscow has to offer for Street Photography!

If you still have any questions about shooting in Moscow, feel free to comment below or email me!

(I want to make these guides as valuable as possible for all of you so add any ideas on improvements, including addition requests, in the comment section!)

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

Moscow’s Top 13 – The Main Attractions of the Russian capital

13 Moscow Attractions

One of the most fascinating metropolis, breathtaking city, and a vibrant European capital, Moscow is a powerful mix of history and edginess, full of world famous sites and attractions that are worth exploring. However, it would take weeks to really explore all facets of the Russian capital – unfortunately hardly any traveler has that much time, which is why you should concentrate on the absolute Moscow top attractions and highlights. Here is the list of top 13 Moscow attractions you can choose on your next Russian travel journey.

What Times Square means to New York, Pariser Platz with the Brandenburg Gate to Berlin, or Trafalgar Square to London – Red Square means to Moscow. The heart of Russia’s capital it is the central meeting point and the most famous photo opportunity. No place stands for Russia and Moscow more than “krasnaja ploshchad”, as Red Square is called in Russian.

It is arguably one of the Moscow main attractions and most visited. With the gigantic military parade on Victory Day in World War II, which takes place every year on May 9, the pictures of the square go around the world year after year. But for the rest of the year you will mainly meet local and foreign tourists here, who take peaceful pictures and soak up the unique spirit. The square looks spectacular illuminated at night, but you should visit the square at least once in daylight as well.

If you stand in the middle of the huge cobblestone square, in the clockwise direction you can see the Kremlin and the Kremlin Wall with a total of 20 individually designed towers, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Historical Museum built with red bricks, the little Kazan Cathedral, the impressive luxury department store GUM, the imposing St. Basil’s Cathedral and, the bridge over the Moskva River. This unique ensemble offers more sightseeing highlights at one stroke than any other tourist attractions in Moscow or the world.

So it’s no wonder that Red Square is UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers the most popular photo opportunities worldwide. When visiting Moscow, there is no reason not to visit to Red Square and a selfie is practically also a must – getting there is easy even for Russia newcomers. Although Red Square does not have its own metro station, it is still child’s play to find the way there – especially since the Square is the absolute geographical center of the city.

There are four metro stations in the vicinity, from which it is only a short walk to Red Square, Okhotny Ryad and Teatralnaya directly at the northwest entrance of the Square at the Historical Museum; further to the west is the Lenin Library station, from which one arrives at the same entrance through the Alexander Garden. As well as the station Revolution-square behind the GUM department store, which leads past to the northeast side of the Square.

The Kremlin

This is the biggest active fortress in Europe offering a week’s worth of attractions. For more than 70 years, the Kremlin was the power center of the Soviet Union, which the US President Ronald Reagan called the Empire of Evil exactly 35 years ago, one of the symbols of the East-West conflict in the Cold War. People in the West feared the «dark» plans that were built behind the thick walls of the Kremlin.

The Kremlin is built in a triangular shape on the natural elevation above the Moscow River, known today as the Kremlin Hill. Today’s metropolis Moscow has expanded in a circle around it and the road around the Kremlin is considered the first of several ring roads in Moscow counting.

Now Kremlin has lost its terrifying image, although it is still the seat of the Russian President and thus one of the most important places in World political events. It is an inviting, historical sight for tourists, and one of the famous Moscow tourist attractions which can be visited for just a few dollars.

The large parts of the 28 hectare site can be visited by tourists – with the exception of the Kremlin towers, the presidential Grand Kremlin Palace and the Senate Palace. The first port of call on the site is the so-called Cathedral Square, which is the geographical center of the Kremlin and at the same time the highest point on the Kremlin Hill and contains the three oldest structures in the complex. The three 15 th -century cathedrals of the Kremlin (the Dormition, Archangel Michael and the Annunciation Cathedrals), which together with the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and the Cathedral of the Deposition of Mary, make the most famous ensemble of the Kremlin. Also to be visited here are primarily the Armoury and the Patriarch’s palace.

To get to the Kremlin, you have to pass a security gate at one of the two publicly accessible entrances – these are located at the Kutafja and Borovitsky towers. Tickets cost from 700 rubles upwards, the admission to the Armoury, the Ivan the Great bell tower and the Patriarch’s Palace being paid for separately.

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Lenin’s Mausoleum

This is the ultimate love it or hate it tourist attractions in Moscow It may be mistaken for a gloomy performance, but Lenin remains an absolute attraction almost a hundred years after Vladimir Lenin death. The founding father of the Soviet Union is not only a fascinating historical figure of world renown for supporters of communism. Despite ongoing discussions about a final burial of the leader of the communist October Revolution in 1918, hundreds of thousands come year after year to the dark marble building on Red Square, right next to the Kremlin wall, to see the embalmed body of the legendary Russian revolutionary.

First opened to the public in 1924, the Mausoleum attracts 2.5 million visitors every year, so, visitors have to wait a long time to get into the illustrious building. Also, photos from inside the Mausoleum are prohibited. But a visit is still a must for Moscow visitors, especially since the visit is free. Please note that the Mausoleum is only open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The queue starts behind the Historical Museum and before you get into the actual mausoleum, you have to pass an airport-like security gate – cameras and cell phones are not allowed into the Mausoleum, but can be safely placed in a cloakroom for a small fee. On the way out of the Mausoleum, after the visit, you pass the graves of the other Soviet heads of state. Including the grave of Josef Stalin, who was briefly kept next to Lenin in the Mausoleum after his death. But in the course of de-Stalinization, the cruel dictator was moved to the less prominent place behind the Mausoleum.

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The Alexander Garden (Alexandrovsky Sad)

If you visit Moscow in summer, the hustle and bustle in the metropolis of millions can get over your head. The city, best known for its icy winters, can turn into an absolute burning furnace in summer. It sometimes takes over an hour to get to the edge of the metropolis. The perfect retreat, located in the center of Moscow, is therefore the Alexander Garden and one of the Moscow top attractions.

Located directly on the western wall of the Kremlin, the Alexander Garden is just a small, but all the more well-kept park that extends to the nearby Manege Square (Manezhnaya Ploschad). The garden undergoes a lot of changes, with old trees cut down in 2012 and over 200 planted, the authorities also claim that there will be a rosary of 3000 roses. As soon as the first rays of sun warm up the Muscovites, tormented by the long winter, they set off into the countryside. If you are right in the center, you can choose the small park right by the Kremlin.

With a café in hand, which you can get yourself on Manege Square, you can linger here between the carefully tended flower beds. With the Grave of the Unknown Soldier and the regular changing of the guard, there is even a real tourist attraction on top. Entry is free.

The Moscow Metro

In no other metropolis in the world would the subway be declared a sight. Yes, that is truly right as riding this one of the top Moscow tourist attractions is an experience in itself or just a walk through the station is amazing in itself. Whether in New York, Berlin, London or Paris – the big city inhabitants of the world metropolises have a love-hate relationship with their metro. It’s different in Moscow – the residents of the Russian metropolis love their metro and there is a reason for that: in the early days of metro construction, dictator Stalin had built the stations into “palaces for the workers”.

All the splendor of the tsars, which the ordinary Russian never saw, is now open to everyone, regardless of their origin. Indeed, a number of stations on the Moscow Metro, each built shortly before or after the war, are unmatched architectural masterpieces. Mayakovskaya station is often compared to a ballroom for its chandeliers and ornaments. The Teatralnaya stop, located directly below the world-famous Bolshoi Theater, shines with decorations reminiscent of the country’s theater and ballet tradition. Colorful glass windows, almost like in a sacred building, adorn the Novoslobodskaya station.

But the uncalled queen among Moscow’s metro beauties is Komsomolskaya station, named after the youth organization of the Soviet Union. With its huge chandeliers and detailed ceiling decorations, it is the crown jewel among the 331 metro stations. It is not uncommon for tourists to stand in the middle of the platform and take photos under the glances of passengers who just want to walk past the annoying tourists to and from work as quickly as possible.

A ride on the metro currently costs 57 rubles, which is less than one dollar. You should plan a few hours for a tour of the most beautiful stations, but the good news is, once behind the turnstile, a single ticket is enough to stay in the metro system as long as you want.

The Bolshoi Theater

To see Tchaikovsky Swan Lake or the Nutcracker by the same legendary Russian composer on the famous Bolshoi stage – that is the dream of every ballet fan. Home to the largest and one of the oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, nowhere else is the fine art of musical dance lived as much as in Russia – and has been since the times of the tsars.

The Bolshoi itself has been shining back to its former glory since it was built in 1776 since its extensive renovation that cost almost a billion dollars a few years ago. The large historical hall of the building impresses with its opulent golden decorations and creates a very special atmosphere – this was also used by the communist leaders of the Soviet Union, who held their congresses in the building directly at the Kremlin. The Theater is so famous that it currently adorns the 100 ruble banknote and is among the Moscow main attractions.

If you’d like to go to what is probably the most famous ballet theater in the world today, it’s easier than ever. The program can be found months in advance on the official website bolshoi.ru  and can be ordered at very reasonable prices. The cheapest seats in the hall can be booked for as little as 100 rubles, i.e. less than $ 2. However, you should reserve tickets early, as the performances are usually booked weeks in advance. Even for good seats, you pay very moderate prices compared to Western Europe.

There are a few things to watch out for, however, proper, appropriate clothing is welcome, but apart from the obligation to wear trousers, it is not an exclusion criterion for men. If you arrive late, you have to wait outside until the next break so as not to disturb the other guests during the performance. The best way to get to the Bolshoi is by taking the Moscow Metro via the Teatralnaya station, which was built especially for the theater and which stairs are right in front of the main entrance.

More about the Bolshoi Theater

The GUM department store

The Russian abbreviation GUM means main all-purpose shopping center and sounds quite formal for such a shopping temple. Located in front of the Kremlin on Red Square, GUM has existed as a department store since 1920 and was previously a market. It is the most iconic and largest department store in Russia and among the Moscow tourist attractions .   The facade of the building, built in 1890, fits perfectly into the overall picture of Red Square and is illuminated photogenically at night.

In contrast to the scarcity economy of the Soviet era, the GUM today really has everything to offer that one can imagine. It has become the flagship of the shopping and fashion metropolis Moscow. But today you will mainly find smaller luxury shops here. From western high-couture boutiques such as Prada or Gucci to fur for the icy Russian winter, a well-to-do Muscovite or a tourist will find everything their heart desires here.

People can walk through the wide and beautifully decorated arcades of the GUM, free of charge. Cafes invite you to linger. A delicatessen shop on the ground floor sells Russian specialties at affordable prices. Chocolate, honey and caviar, as well as the all-round vodka in Russia, can be bought here as souvenirs for friends and family at home. In addition, the Soviet-style cafeteria on the upper floor is very cheap for lunch.

The GUM offers a special highlight every winter when the department store administration built an ice rink in front of the building directly on Red Square. For only 200 to 300 rubles per hour, depending on the time of day, you can lace up your skates and glide over the ice with the unique panorama of Red Square.

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The Historical Museum

The Historical Museum is a museum of Russian history wedged between Red Square, Lenin Mausoleum, small Kazan Cathedral, and Manege Square. The red brick building of the Museum is a real eye-catcher and Moscow top attractions located on the opposite side of St. Basil’s Cathedral. It is dedicated to Russian history and is built in the Old Russian style, the building did not open until 1883.

The Museum houses everything from an exhibition on the archeology of Russia, through the technological achievements, to the art of the gigantic empire in 16 sections and has a total of 5 million exhibits. So if you are interested in the history of Russia, you cannot avoid visiting this Museum and should plan enough time for it.

A visit costs 150 to 500 rubles, depending on which exhibition you want to visit. The Museum is open in winter, autumn and spring from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., closed on Tuesdays. In the summer months, the extended Saturday times apply daily.

It is probably the most famous park in the Russian capital and the top Moscow tourist attractions – a novel and its film adaptation and a Russian rock band have its name and numerous songs by Russian and international bands and TV series, such as House of Cards, mention it or act here. Gorky Park is a premier green space offering entertainment for every taste. Located southwest of the center of Moscow on the Moskva River, it is designed more for family attractions and rest and the classic park on the other side – has become one of the meeting places for Muscovites of all kinds in recent years.

Whether for a yoga class, a family picnic or beach volleyball match, skateboarding, and cycling – people meet here often. Because even in the Gorky there is an ice surface in winter, the largest in Moscow, which attracts many Moscow residents as well as tourists.

A large-scale renovation in 2011 breathed new life into the park – the roller kiosks were removed and more emphasis was placed on the maintenance of the green spaces. The park remained free of charge and developed into one of the most popular places in the capital. Whether with the rental bike through the green lungs, the pedal boat across the numerous ponds or simply watching the goings-on on the park bench – a visit to Gorki is also absolutely worthwhile for tourists.

Day trip to the Golden Ring

As much as the metropolis Moscow is fascinating, the side effects of a cosmopolitan city like Moscow – the noise, the traffic and the crowds – can overwhelm any tourist. What could be better than a day trip to escape the organized chaos of the cosmopolitan city?

The places on the Golden Ring near Moscow are an ideal destination for this and among the Moscow main attractions – located north-east of the metropolis, these old Russian cities, some of which have existed for much longer than Moscow itself, offer a welcome change from the hectic hustle and bustle of the capital.

Developed in the late 1960s uniting several mediaeval Russian cities located to the north-east of Moscow it is the most popular route around provincial cities of central Russia. More than a thousand year old city of Yaroslavl on the Volga is the largest, but at 260 km from Moscow also the most distant city of the Golden Ring. For only 650 rubles, however, you can take the three-hour train ride there.

Yaroslavl has been part of the world cultural heritage since 2005 and is best known for its two monasteries – the Monastery of our Savior and Transfiguration and the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Tolga are located directly on the Europe’s longest river Volga and its inflow Kotorosl. Both testify to the long history of the Russian Orthodox Church. The cityscape of Yaroslavl is also really worth seeing with its classicist buildings – walking through the streets of the city with 500,000 inhabitants is a welcome contrast to Moscow. Things are even more slow in the small towns of Suzdal and Vladimir, both of which can still be reached with the Moscow suburban train network (known as Elektrichka) for a good 500 rubles. In both cities time seems to have stood a little – large sacred buildings dominate the cityscape.

Especially the Assumption Cathedral, located in the center of Vladimir, and the Golden Medieval Gate are the main attractions for tourists. The church, built in the early 12th century, is best known for its almost 700 year old wall paintings and frescoes and is a World Heritage Site. The Suzdal Kremlin is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and was first mentioned in writing in 1024.

Suzdal with its only 10,000 inhabitants has still retained the character of a small Russian town and in the town, which will celebrate its millennium in 2024, you can still find numerous wooden buildings typical of rural Russia – whether churches or houses, the colorful buildings are ideal as Photo motif and give an impression of the simple Russian provinces life away from the metropolises.

The exhibition of the achievements of the national economies is not in every travel guide as a classic Moscow main attractions and a must see of the Russian capital. But no other place in the modern mega-metropolis exudes the spirit of the Soviet Union as much as the enormous VDNKh (All Russian Exhibition Centre) in the north of Moscow. It was built as an agricultural exhibition before World War II, but was then renamed world exhibition for the 15 individual Soviet states and their achievements.

From the Armenian, Estonian and Kyrgyz culture, to the Soviet achievements in space travel and nuclear power, to statues about the heroes of the Soviet history, the VNDKh (Vystavka Dostizheniy Narodnogo Khozyastva) was an absolute attraction until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. After that, the old charm fell into disrepair and the large central pavilion, which was built in the splendidly pompous Stalinist style, was filled with small traders selling souvenirs and matryoshkas.

Since its renovation in 2014, the exhibition in the park-like area is absolutely worth a trip again and with the metro station of the same name you can get from the center to the VDNKh quickly and without problems. There are still strange souvenirs, plus huge Soviet monuments worth seeing, as well as numerous rides for children. The Kosmos exhibition still exists and is now part of the Cosmonaut Museum, which is located at the front end of the park when coming from the metro station.

Here you can experience the various achievements of Soviet and Russian space travel vividly. From the very first Sputnik satellite, the spacesuit of Yuri Gargarin, the very first human in space, to the Buran space shuttle, you can learn an incredible amount about the conquest of the cosmos here. However, you should plan several hours just for a visit to the Cosmonaut Museum.

More about the cosmonaut museum

The Pushkin Museum and the Tretyakov Gallery

To complete the cultural program in Moscow, you should definitely make a tour to the Pushkin Museum and the Tretyakov Gallery when visiting the Russian capital. It is the largest museum of European art and among the Moscow top attractions. The former Museum of Fine Arts was named after Alexander Pushkin’s death in 1837 – it is still one of the most important art collections in the world today.

It boasts one of the richest collections of foreign art in Russia, showcasing global artistic developments from early times to the present day in expositions numbering 700,000 works of art.  Not far south of the Kremlin, exactly opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Museum is housed in a classic building specially built for this purpose in 1898. From early Byzantine art to the famous Madonna by Lukas Cranach, the Italian masters, Peter Paul Rubens and masterpieces of Expressionism, for example by Paul Cézanne, you can admire a huge selection of important art here.

The regular entry ticket costs 800 rubles and the Ьuseum is open on weekends from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., during the week until 8 p.m. – only Monday is closed.

The second important art collection in the capital is the State Tretyakov Gallery. It is the national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the greatest museums in the world. Started by the textile entrepreneur and philanthropist Pavel Tretyakov as a collection of local contemporary art in 1851, the gallery has now developed into one of the cultural highlights of Russia. In contrast to the Pushkin Museum, you will primarily find Russian art from the 19th century and older icons.

Entry cost is 400 rubles and the Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Monday is also the day off.

Take a stroll across Red Square, meet Lenin and see the world-famous Kremlin?

Then first of all you need a visa! !

Alexander Popov

Welcome to Russia! My name is Alexander, I was born in Moscow and I'm a passionate tour guide. I want to share my passion for Russia and my hometown with you. On my website you will find useful information to make your individual trip to Russia as interesting as possible.

The Museum of Cosmonautics and the Planetarium in Moscow

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