An International University founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore where the cultures of the East & the West could meet and mingle. Named Vishva-Bharati, the University represents Indian traditions while incorporating the best of other cultures.

Shantiniketan, the abode of peace, was initially an Ashram or hermitage founded in 1863 by Maharishi Devendranath Tagore. In 1901 his son, Rabindranath converted it into an experimental open-air school with just five students. It proved a success. He widened the scope of studies which gradually formed the nucleus of a University.

Another interesting feature about Santiniketan is that splendid sculptures, frescoes, murals and paintings of Rabindranath, Nandlal Bose, Ramkinkar, Bindobehari Mukhopadhyaya and others adorn the campus.

General Info. :

Temperature (deg C) : Summer- Max.39.4, Min.34.3; Winter- Max.15.7, Min.12.1.
Rainfall : 125 cms ( June to September ). Heavy in July/August.
Season : Throughout the year.

The University remains closed in May-June and for one month during the Puja Holidays i.e. September-October.

How to reach :

Air : The nearest airport is Kolkata 213 kms.

Rail :The nearest railhead is Bolpur, 2 km away. Trains connecting Bolpur with Howrah/Sealdah (Kolkata) are 3015/3016 Howrah-Bolpur Shantiniketan Exp,  3133/3134 Sealdah-Mughalsarai Exp, 3071/3072 Howrah-Jamalpur Exp, 2557/ 2558 Kanchenjunga Exp., 335/336 Vishwabharati Fast Pgr., Shantiniketan Exp., Danapur Fast Pgr. and Tarapith Passenger.

Road :Good motorable roads connect Shantiniketan with Kolkata 213 kms (Bolpur 2-Panagarh 44-Burdwan 48-Kolkata 119), Durgapur 56 kms, Sarnath 197 kms

Local Transport : Tourist cars and buses available from the Manager, Tourist Lodge. Charges according to distance and time.




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