Weekend Shantiniketan Tour for 2 Days- Day 2

Our day 2 journey started with the visit of Viswa- Bharati campus. As it was Saturday the Uttarayan Complex was closed, so we would suggest that if your main purpose to visit Shantiniketan is Viswa-Bharati then come before or on Friday as the meuseum is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

HOW TO REACH SHANTINIKETAN

The full details are listed on our first blog. Checkout the details from here, Shantiniketan tour- Day 1.

 WHERE TO STAY

The full details are listed on our first blog. Checkout the details from here, Shantiniketan tour- Day 1.

WHERE TO VISIT

Visva-Bharati Campus

The first stop on our second day was Visva-Bharati. As we have visited this place on Saturday thats why the Uttarayan complex was closed where they kept the prestigious Nobel Prize(replica) received by Rabindranath Tagore.

As soon as you step your foot inside the campus you will be welcomed with this gigantic architectural beauty was established by Debendranath Tagore. Initially the name of the building was Shantiniketan but later on the whole area was named Shantiniketan. This was one of the first and oldest building built in Shantiniketan.

The great poet Rabindranath Tagore was born during the era of pre-independence in India. He stood for the development of a free mind, free knowledge and free nation.

There are four fundamental principles in Tagore’s educational philosophy; naturalism, humanism, internationalism and idealism. Shantiniketan and Visva Bharathi are both based on these very principles.

He believed that students can learn better if they could study in free environment with natural surrounding while interacting with nature rather than in a closed room with few windows which would rather clog their minds further. Thus he used to teach outside under trees rather than classrooms. Even today you can witness this kind of open classroom in the campus.

Kala Bhawan is the fine-arts faculty in Visva Bharati. Its a creative abode for imagination, surrounded with beautifully sculpted peices all around and breath-taking paintings on the walls are a must watch. This place will definitely feed your imaginative soul.

Bhasa Bhawan

Sonajhuri Haat 

The last stop to conclude our tour in Shantiniketan was the Sonajhuri Haat.The area is marked by a patch of dry forest of Sonajhuri trees on an eroded landscape of red laterite soil. This unique look of the forest was immortalised by Rabindranath Tagore in many of his compositions. We specifically came on Friday so that we wouldn't miss the colorful and culturally enriched Sonajhuri haat, where local craftsmen come with their beautiful and eye-catching handmade products.

  

The bright colours of the crafts and the mesmerising blue sky will lit up your dull mood everytime. 

You will find different an array of clothing,decorative items as well as handmade jewelleries at a very affordable price. the amalgation of ethnic and modern can be seen through the produtcs. You could also buy souvenirs for your loved ones.

While shopping you could hear Baul songs in the midst of Haat and Tribals dancing in groups with beautifully dressed in ethnic attire, you could also join them while they are dancing. The lush greenery of that area will take your breath away.

While ending the trip on a beautiful sweet note among the Sonajhuri trees and a warm sunset, we would give you some tips if you are a first time visitor here.

Some Tips for The Tour

• If you don't have a car, then you can roam around by reserving a toto(e-rikshaw) for the day.
• Come on Friday to experience the mesmerizing view of Sonajhuri haat
• To know every nooks and corners of Visva Bharati you can hire a local giude.
• Pick up souvenirs, ethnic jewelleries and clothing from Khoai or Sonajhuri haat.
• Stay at Prantik or near Sonajhuri.

Here are some pictures to fuel up your wanderlust