River Kopai is defined by its rhythmic and tranquil stream of water, verdant swathes of land, and general tranquillity. Visitors may confuse this for another unremarkable river, but the significance of Kopai in Bengali literature distinguishes it from all the others. Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore penned exquisite poems while sitting on the banks of this river.
Many philosophers, writers, and creative minds were said to be influenced by the quiet and attractive environs. An ardent guide will undoubtedly provide you with a full overview of the river’s poetry, as well as a few lines with Bengali to English conversions. Residents and students of Shantiniketan create delicate sculptures and figurines from the red soil surrounding the river. Swarna Chawal (Golden Rice) fields are lush and verdant throughout the harvesting season. The Kopai River, also renowned as the Sal River, passes through Shantiniketan, Bolpur, Kankalitala, and Labhpur, among other rural villages. Although this river bed is nearly dry during the summertime, it overflows and surges during the rainy season, making it hard for residents to travel.
When to visit Kopai
Even while this river bed is nearly dry during the summertime, it floods and swells during the monsoon, making it difficult for residents to move. The great time to visit Kopai is early morning or late in the afternoon, as darkness falls quickly after 4 p.m.
Writerly connection
Purple soils, which generate canyons on the river bank with erosion and are known as the Khoai, are seen frequently in the region’s riverbanks. It has influenced local creative luminaries.
As the premise of Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay’s book Hansuli Banker Upakatha (Tale of the sickle-shaped curvature) was influenced by the local name for a sickle-shaped, channel-like curve in the river, the work was adapted into the movie by Tapan Sinha.
When visiting Kopai, where should you stay?
Water flowing in a rhythmic wave, green stretches of land and an overwhelming sense of tranquility are what define River Kopai. Aside from the monsoons, there’s not much to see along the river during the dry season. With Panthashala, you can enjoy super-deluxe rooms in Shantiniketan with a range of luxurious amenities to help you unwind after a day of sightseeing at Kopai. This place is surrounded by serene woodlands that are hard to forget. This homestay offers a superb combination of grandeur, panoramic pleasures, and modern facilities.
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