Journey Escapes from Kolkata: Top 5 Accommodations in Shantiniketan for the Long Weekend during Independence Day Celebrations
Nestled in the heart of West Bengal, Shantiniketan—meaning "abode of peace"—is a township that has captivated visitors for centuries. Founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1863, this once sleepy village has grown into a vibrant cultural and educational hub, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shantiniketan began its life as a spiritual retreat, with Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, Rabindranath's father, leasing land from the local zamindar. The area, previously known as Bhubandanga and notorious for its dacoits, was transformed into a haven of harmony and spiritual pursuit under Debendranath's influence.
The site initially functioned as a prayer hall named "Santiniketan Griha," featuring a glass-paneled design inspired by London's Crystal Palace and surrounded by the serene landscape, including notable trees that still stand today. Rabindranath Tagore later expanded Shantiniketan into a unique educational institution, emphasizing a holistic approach to learning rooted in Indian culture, arts, and nature. This vision developed into Visva-Bharati University, which gained international renown for its pioneering alternative and progressive pedagogies.
Today, Shantiniketan is home to various attractions that cater to travellers seeking a unique experience. The Mud Houses, located in Shiur, Laldaha, near Kopai Station, Bolpur, offer a chance to stay in traditional mud villas, each with a pond, home-cooked Bengali meals, and opportunities to explore local crafts.
For those preferring a more luxurious stay, the Garden Bungalow, located at Daily Bread Road, Ratanpally, Santiniketan, offers spacious, antique-furnished suites, peaceful verandahs and terraces, and personalised hospitality. Its architecture blends traditional Bengali style with quiet colonial touches.
Smell of the Earth, a farmstead near Shantiniketan, offers a tranquil escape for up to four adults, with a pond and sustainable living practices. Moram Earth, a village accommodation in Debanandapur, provides various types of rooms and experiences in local cuisine, dance, music, pottery, and crafts.
Mitali, a homestay in Santiniketan, offers spacious rooms, a garden, a coffee shop, and an on-site restaurant.
In August, Shantiniketan typically sees daytime temperatures around 32°C, with nights cooling slightly to about 26°C. The monsoon months bring regular rainfall, transforming the landscape into lush greenery and offering some respite from the heat.
To book a stay at the Mud Houses, contact +91 93335 14989 or email [email protected]. For more boutique heritage stays in the area, consider Mitali and Moram Earth.
Shantiniketan's significance lies in its transformation from a spiritual sanctuary founded in the 19th century to an internationally recognized center for culture, education, and arts, deeply intertwined with Rabindranath Tagore's legacy and the cultural awakening of India. Its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores its historical, cultural, and educational importance and its close association with the Nobel laureate.
Delve into a harmonious blend of home-and-garden and travel experiences as you visit Shantiniketan, where you can choose between staying at traditional mud villas, the Garden Bungalow offering colonial touches, or organic farmsteads like Smell of the Earth or Moram Earth. Alternatively, immerse yourself in local culture by staying at Mitali, a homestay that offers a garden, coffee shop, and on-site restaurant. Your exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, deeply rooted in Rabindranath Tagore's legacy, promises both a peaceful sanctuary and a vibrant cultural destination.
