Shantiniketan Day Excursion from Kolkata by Train

Kolkata , India

Shantiniketan Day Excursion from Kolkata by Train

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14h

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About this experience

A UNESCO World heritage site. Shantiniketan means the abode of peace – long before it became the name of a place, was the name of the guest house Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, father of poet Rabindranath Tagore had built. It is believed that Rabindranath’s father had chanced upon an uninhabited land with red soil and paddy fields while on a boat ride and took the decision to purchase the land.
Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of setting up a school along the lines of the previously existing system of gurukul - a residential school where students lived with their teacher/guru – was the foundation stone of Visva-Bharati. To actualise this vision, the ashram set up by his father was converted into an open air school. When Rabindranath Tagore received the Nobel Prize and went on to utilise the funds received further expand the school and rename it from Visva-Vidyalay to Visva-Bharati – meaning communion of the world with India. It was recognised as a central university in 1951.

Available options

Shantiniketan Day Tour by Rail

Train<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Snacks

Lunch

Breakfast

Air-conditioned vehicle

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

7:00 AM: You would start your journey from your hotel/other location in Kolkata. You will be driven to Railway Station. Travel in comfortable AC train from Kolkata to Shantiniketan (170 KM / 3 hours).

Places to Visit:
Visva Bharati University, Tagore Ashram, Amar kutir, Kala Bhavana, Chhatimtala, Prakirti Bhavan, Vidyabhavana, Sangeet Bhavana, Cheena Bhavana, sonajhuri haat, Patha Bhavana, Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary.

5:00 PM- Start your train journey to Kolkata from Shantiniketan in an AC train.

What's not included

Any expenses of personal nature.

Available languages

Guide guide

HI EN BN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

• A current valid passport copy is required on the day of travel

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