Santi Niketan Full Day Experience from Kolkata

Kolkata , India

Santi Niketan Full Day Experience from Kolkata

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13h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Embark on a full-day journey to the serene and culturally rich town of Santiniketan from Kolkata. Your day begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Kolkata, setting out on a scenic drive to Santiniketan, a place that epitomizes peace and creativity. Upon arrival, your first stop will be Tagore's Ashram, the heart of Santiniketan. Next, venture into the Uttarayan Complex, where you'll find a collection of houses where Tagore lived at various stages of his life.

A visit to Chhatimtala is next on the itinerary. This sacred spot is where Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, Rabindranath's father, meditated and laid the foundation of what would later evolve into the Vishwa Bharati University. The journey continues to the sprawling Vishwa Bharati Campus, which Rabindranath Tagore founded with the vision of facilitating a confluence of cultures worldwide. As the day winds down, you'll return to Kolkata, carrying the peace and artistic inspiration that Santi Niketan embodies.

Available options

Santi Niketan Full Day Experience from Kolkata

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

English-speaking driver cum guide

All tolls & taxes

Hotel pickup and drop off

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

6:00 AM: Depart from your hotel in Kolkata. The journey to Santi Niketan is about 3 to 3.5 hours, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty of West Bengal's countryside.
9:30 AM: Arrive in Santi Niketan. Begin your tour with a visit to Tagore's Ashram, where Rabindranath Tagore lived and penned many of his literary works. Explore the ashram's serene environment, which reflects Tagore's vision of a place of learning that is in harmony with nature.

11:00 AM: Proceed to the Uttarayan Complex, which houses several buildings related to Tagore's life, including the Udayan, Konark, Shyamali, and Punascha. Each building has its unique architectural charm and historical significance.
12:30 PM: Enjoy a traditional Bengali lunch at a local restaurant (not included in the tour price).

2:00 PM: Visit Chhatimtala, a place of historical and spiritual importance where Maharshi Debendranath, Tagore's father, meditated and where the foundation of Vishwa Bharati was laid.
3:00 PM: Explore the Vishwa Bharati Campus, which embodies Tagore's vision for education deeply rooted in one's culture yet open to the flow of knowledge from all corners of the world. Visit different departments and halls of importance within the campus.

What's not included

Meals & Beverages

Personal expenses

Entry Admission

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Kolkata

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and intellectual legacy. It is a city that beautifully blends tradition with modernity, offering a unique experience to its visitors.

Top Attractions

Victoria Memorial

A stunning white marble monument dedicated to Queen Victoria, the Victoria Memorial is a symbol of Kolkata's colonial past. It houses a museum with a rich collection of artifacts.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours INR 20-100

Howrah Bridge

One of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world, the Howrah Bridge offers stunning views of the Hooghly River and the city skyline.

Architecture/Historical 1-2 hours Free

Indian Museum

The largest and oldest museum in India, the Indian Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient sculptures, fossils, and rare coins.

Museum 2-3 hours INR 20-50

Belur Math

A serene and spiritual destination, Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission. It is known for its beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere.

Religious/Architecture 2-3 hours Free

Eden Gardens

One of the largest and oldest cricket stadiums in India, Eden Gardens is a must-visit for cricket enthusiasts. It is also a beautiful park with lush greenery and a peaceful ambiance.

Nature 1-2 hours INR 10-100 (depending on the event)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rasgulla

A popular Bengali sweet made from chenna (fresh cheese curds) and soaked in sugar syrup. It is soft, spongy, and has a distinct flavor.

Dessert Vegetarian

Rolla

A sweet roll made from chenna, similar to rasgulla but rolled into a cylindrical shape and coated with coconut shavings. It is a popular sweet during festivals.

Dessert Vegetarian

Sandesh

A sweet made from chenna and flavored with various ingredients like pistachios, coconut, or rose water. It is a popular sweet in Bengal and comes in various shapes and sizes.

Dessert Vegetarian

Machher Jhol

A traditional Bengali fish curry made with fresh fish, potatoes, and a variety of spices. It is usually served with rice and is a staple in Bengali cuisine.

Main Course Contains fish

Popular Activities

Boat safaris in the Sundarbans Trekking in the Eastern Himalayas Parasailing at the Ganges River Spa treatments at luxury hotels Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through the gardens of Belur Math Visiting the museums and art galleries Attending classical music and dance performances

Best Time to Visit

October to February

This is the best time to visit Kolkata as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The city hosts several festivals during this period, including the famous Durga Puja.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Bengali
Widely spoken: English, Hindi
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas and among the educated population

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Kolkata is generally safe for travelers, but it is advisable to exercise caution, especially in crowded areas and at night. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and scams, can occur, so it is important to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable transportation services
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport • 17 km from city center

By train

Howrah Junction, Sealdah Station

By bus

Esplanade Bus Terminus, Karunamoyee Bus Terminus

Getting around

Public transport

The Kolkata Metro is the oldest underground metro system in India. It is efficient and covers most parts of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Ola

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Park Street New Market Ballygunge Chowringhee

Day trips

Sundarbans National Park

100 km from Kolkata • Full day to overnight

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans National Park is the largest mangrove forest in the world and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Bengal tiger.

Dakshineswar Temple

20 km from Kolkata • Half day

A famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, the Dakshineswar Temple is known for its beautiful architecture and spiritual significance.

Shantiniketan

160 km from Kolkata • Full day

A small town known for its rich cultural heritage and as the former home of the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its unique architecture, art, and music.

Festivals

Durga Puja • September/October (dates vary each year) Kolkata International Film Festival • November/December (dates vary each year) Christmas • December 25

Pro tips

Visit the Victoria Memorial early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful gardens
Try the local street food, such as puchka (pani puri) and jhalmuri (spicy puffed rice), for an authentic culinary experience
Explore the city's vibrant nightlife in areas like Park Street and New Market, but be cautious of your surroundings and belongings
Use the metro for efficient and affordable transportation, especially during peak hours
Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak seasons and festivals, such as Durga Puja