Shantiniketan is a key tourist place in West Bengal where people from all over the world come to see and experience Tagore’s way of life.
The ideal time to visit Shantiniketan is from July to March as the weather during this time of the year is mostly pleasant. Winters are especially the busiest here as along with the pleasant weather, the festivities of the Poush Mela infuse an altogether different level of energy in the atmosphere. If you are planning to visit the place during the peak season, whether you want to stay in a homestay in Shantiniketan or a top rated hotel, you have to make advance bookings.
If you have already read the amazing reviews for Panthashala and want to experience its world-class hospitality during your stay in Shantiniketan, you have to plan ahead. Since, Panthshala is one of the best hotels in Bolpur Shantiniketan, it enjoys full occupancy during the peak season. As such, if you want to stay in the hotel anytime from July to March you must make advance bookings.
Just like, making an advance booking in Panthashala is definitely one of the key things to keep in mind while planning a trip to Shantiniketan, here is an overview on the things to keep in mind before visiting the key tourist places here.
- Learn about Rabindranath Tagore:
If you are visiting Shantiniketan in order to see and experience Tagore’s vision and his way of life, you must try to read up about his literary journey and key areas of work. Without having knowledge of Tagore’s fondness for nature, his poetic expressions or his vision of creating an inclusive society, you may not really understand the importance of places like the Chhatimtala or the Amra Kunja or even see why the leather bags made in Shantiniketan are special and different from the other leather products.
- Follow Eco-tourism Practices:
Shantiniketan is as well-known for its natural beauty and serene environment. There are plenty of shady trees and exotic flora and fauna here which must not be disturbed while visiting the famous places. You should not only refrain from littering the place, but should also try not to pluck flowers or defile the beautiful sculptures present all over the campus.
- Know the timings:
There are different places within the Visva Bharati campus that are worth exploring. However, in order to gain entry you must reach the place before the closing time and know about the specific requirements of the place. Vital information regarding some of the key places is as follows:
- Rabindra Bhavana: The place is open from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and then from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The museum remains closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays and there is an entry fee for the museum.
- Cheena Bhavana: This iconic building also remains closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. While there is no entrance fee for the museum, you have to take special permission for photography inside the campus.
- Kala Bhavana: This iconic building is one of the primary attractions within the university and is open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. There is an entry fee for the museum and it remains closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
- Upasana Griha: This beautiful prayer hall is another key tourist attraction but like most other places is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Here too, special permission is required for photography.
- Know about various festivals:
Shantiniketan can get really crowded during the Poush Mela and the Bosonto Utsav and it becomes all the more important to plan the trip carefully if you plan to visit during the festivals. Festivals have great significance here and there are many aspects of festivals that you may want to explore.
- Do not hesitate to bargain in the Sonajhuri Haat:
A visit to Shantiniketan remains incomplete without visiting the Sonajhuri Haat. However, in order to have the best shopping experience here, you must not hesitate to bargain.
Shantiniketan is a place where people mostly go to enjoy the rustic beauty of nature and rest in the calm and quiet environs of Tagore’s poetic haven. It is as such not really an ideal holiday destination for adventure seekers or those looking for a vibrant city life but just the perfect holiday destination for people looking to enjoy some time away from their hectic city life.