Shantiniketan is a well-known tourist and heritage spot in Bolpur, near Kolkata. On a one-day Kolkata to Shantiniketan tour, you can capture wonderful memories of this historically important place.
Shantiniketan was originally an ashram for spiritual and meditative purposes, set up by Maharishi Devendranath Tagore. Later it was popularized by his son Rabindranath Tagore. Known for Vishva-Bharati University, the literary and artistic heritage of Shantiniketan is of international repute.
It is a great learning experience to wander the vast university campus to observe the various departments and unique landmarks. You can also participate in local and famous fairs and festivals that take place here.
You can hire a private cab from Kolkata for a memorable road trip to Shantiniketan. The distance of 165 km can be covered in less than 4 hours. You can soak in the beauty of rural Bengal as you pass through lush green paddy fields. Get ready to enjoy a peaceful day on your one day Kolkata to Shantiniketan tour and bask in the excitement of exploring a new place.
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- Itinerary
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Highlights of Kolkata to Shantiniketan Tour by Cab
- Full-day Shantiniketan tour from Kolkata
- Duration: 12 to 16 hours
- Tour by Private Cab (not shared with others)
- Pickup & Drop: Kolkata Hotel / Home
- Places Covered: Visva Bharati University, Tagore Ashram, Amar Kutir, Kala Bhavana, Chhatimtala, Prakirti Bhavan, Sangeet Bhavana, Cheena Bhavana, Sonajhuri Haat, Patha Bhavana, and Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary.
Package Price for 1 Day Kolkata to Shantiniketan Sightseeing by Cab
Amaze / Etios / Dzire
4 Seater / Sedan
₹ 6,999/-
Maruti Ertiga
6 – 7 Seater / SUV
₹ 7,799/-
Toyota Innova
6 – 7 Seater / SUV
₹ 7,999/-
Toyota Innova Crysta
6 – 7 Seater / SUV
₹ 8,599/-
Tempo/ Force Traveller
12 Seater / LCV
₹ 11,999/-
Mini Bus
22 – 28 Seater / LCV
Price on Request
Book your 1 Day Kolkata to Shantiniketan Tour Package!
Following are the car rental companies that are organizing this private tour, select your preferred vendor from the list, check availability and book your tour!
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Good to know
What’s included
- Pick and drop from Hotel / Home in Kolkata
- Cab for Shantiniketan sightseeing from Kolkata as per the above Itinerary
- Vehicle Parking Charges
- Toll-gate Charges if any
- Driver Allowance
What’s not included
- Entry Ticket Fee at tourist places at Shantiniketan
- Breakfast, Lunch or any meal
- Lodging / Accommodation at Shantiniketan
- Vehicle beyond the mentioned time duration
- Vehicle beyond the designated tour route
What to Expect on your Shantiniketan Trip from Kolkata
We will begin the one day Kolkata to Shantiniketan tour by private car with a pick-up from your doorstep in Kolkata. From there, we will head straight to Shantiniketan and visit Vishva-Bharati University. Founded by Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1921, this university is now a World Heritage Site in India as declared by UNESCO.
We will also take a walk through Tagore’s Ashram and explore Amar Kutir, Kala Bhavana, Chhatimtala, Prakriti Bhavan, Sangeet Bhavana, Cheena Bhavan, and other important settings associated with his work.
We will then continue our journey to Sonajhuri Haat, where you can indulge in some shopping for local handicrafts. After that, we shall make our way to Patha Bhavan, a school for Tagore’s innovative education system. Lastly, we visit the Ballavpur Wildlife for some wildlife spotting before returning to Kolkata.
The one day Kolkata to Shantiniketan tour would give you an insight into Tagore’s vision and his teachings while providing you with a glimpse of Bengali culture and traditions. We will wrap up the day with a drop at your accommodation in Kolkata.
Itinerary of One Day Kolkata to Shantiniketan Trip
Pickup from your Hotel in Kolkata at 7:00 AM
| S.No | Sightseeing Place | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visva Bharati University | 50 minutes |
| 2 | Tagore Ashram | 40 minutes |
| 3 | Amar Kutir | 30 minutes |
| 4 | Kala Bhavana | 20 minutes |
| 5 | Chhatimtala | 30 minutes |
| 6 | Prakirti Bhavan | 20 minutes |
| 7 | Sangeet Bhavana | 20 minutes |
| 8 | Cheena Bhavana | 20 minutes |
| 9 | Sonajhuri Haat | 40 minutes |
| 10 | Patha Bhavana | 20 minutes |
| 11 | Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary | 40 minutes |
Drop back at your Hotel in Kolkata by 9:30 PM
PLEASE NOTE: Guests can visit all the tourism places near Shantiniketan listed above or remove any of the places that they don’t want to visit. In order to include any other sightseeing place, guests can check with their cab provider while booking this Kolkata to Shantiniketan city tour by private car.
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Places to visit in and around Shantiniketan in one day by private car from Kolkata
Emerging from the bustling cityscape of Kolkata, your journey will lead you to the tranquil embrace of Shantiniketan, a world-renowned seat of art, culture, and education. Just a day’s journey away, Shantiniketan resonates with the harmonious rhythm of nature and the profound philosophies of Rabindranath Tagore.
In this section, we bring you a specially curated list of gems in Shantiniketan that you simply cannot miss, all designed to fit within your one-day tour itinerary from Kolkata.
1. Vishva-Bharati University
Literally meaning ‘Communion of the world with India,’ Vishva-Bharati University is Tagore’s vision of setting up a school along the lines of the Gurukul of the yesteryear. Today, it is a central university and an institution of national importance.
You can stroll in the serene and pollution-free campus, and enjoy the old-world charm. You can capture pictures of the open-air classrooms with benches under the shade of the old trees. A big bell hanging on the arched red frame in the corner is a captivating scene. Art lovers can appreciate the frescoes on the walls of the various departments.
Embark on a city tour to the intellectual heart of West Bengal, Visva Bharati University, with our one-day Kolkata to Shantiniketan sightseeing tour.
- Must See / Things to Do: Explore the age-old learning style of the Gurukul education system.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: No entry fees
2. Tagore’s Ashram
Located in the Uttarayan Complex, Tagore’s Ashram is one of the most prized spots in Shantiniketan. It includes a museum, where you can view the well-archived life of Tagore. You can perceive his literary works, awards and accolades, and the daily items he used.
You can also view Rabindranath Tagore’s pictures, his statue, and his car on display on the right side of the building. In the Ashram, you can come across Tagore’s houses and a mango grove, Amra Kunja, where classes and functions are conducted. The Gurukul style of teaching is followed on campus, which is an embodiment of peace and serenity.
Join our Shantiniketan local sightseeing tour from Kolkata by car for an enlightening visit to Tagore Ashram, where the echoes of India’s literary genius can still be heard.
- Must See / Things to Do: Discover the heritage of Tagore.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week except wednesday from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM
- Entry Fee: No entry fees, for museum INR 40 per person
3. Amar Kutir
Amar Kutir is a cooperative society set up by Rabindranath Tagore to develop rural handicrafts. It has a unique crafts shop, exhibiting and selling all kinds of handicrafts made using leather and bamboo. It is located on the banks of the Kopai River in close vicinity of the University.
The complex also has a hand-block printing training center. You can also find a variety of other handcrafted products, including traditional Dokra jewelry, Kantha embroidery sarees, bamboo crafts, and Batik crafts. Get hold of amazing products like the Durga idol made from iron scrap. All products are sold at reasonable prices.
Explore Amar Kutir on a full day trip, a hub of rural craftsmanship and breathtaking Bengali artwork, from Kolkata to Shantiniketan
- Must See / Things to Do: Shop for handicrafts and local artifacts.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: No entry fees
4. Kala Bhavana
Founded in 1919, Kala Bhavana is a fine arts institute set up by Rabindranath Tagore to promote the culture of art, painting, and literature. You can admire the open-air museum portraying the panorama of Indian art. Inside, you can view more than 19,000 display pieces of sculptures, graphics, and paintings.
You can even behold the works of famous painters. The academic courses in Kala Bhavana expose students to a wide variety of art forms and techniques. Some of the notable alumni of this institute include Jayasri Burman and Satyajit Ray.
Enroll in a day trip from Kolkata to Shantiniketan by private taxi to witness the pulsating energy of Kala Bhavana, a vibrant sanctuary of art and creativity.
- Must See / Things to Do: Spend time viewing the most exquisite pieces of art by notable artists.
- Timings: Open on all Monday to Friday of the week from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: No entry fees
5. Chhatimtala
Chhatimtala is one of the prettiest places in Shantiniketan. It was originally built by Maharishi Devendranath Tagore in 1863. He prayed and meditated under a Chhatim tree at this spot. You can also view Upasanagriha, a prayer house made with Belgian glass and marble floors.
It is a tranquil retreat that still bears the legacy of the original Chhatim tree. Graduates are honored with a branch of the Chhatim tree seen in Chhatimtala. You can take photos of this beautiful garden surrounded by lush greenery.
Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambience of Chhatimtala during a one-day sightseeing tour to Shantiniketan, where serenity meets spirituality.
- Must See / Things to Do: Rejuvenate amidst the serene natural set up.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: No entry fees
6. Prakriti Bhavan
Nature Art Museum, also known as the Prakriti Bhavan highlights how nature can be a human being’s greatest friend. It was the brainchild of Rabindranath Tagore, who believed man and nature could co-exist peacefully.
The displays in the museum are related to nature’s magnificence and bounty, and the many art forms it has inspired. It aims at nurturing, safeguarding, and conserving nature. You can behold the impressive sculptures created from driftwood, dry wood, and metal transcreations.
In the sprawling open-air garden, you can admire the natural rock sculptures. You can soak in the beauty of a pond with water lilies. You can even relax and take a break in the on-site café.
Take a sightseeing tour from Kolkata to experience the rich biodiversity at Prakriti Bhavan, an exceptional Nature Art Museum in the heart of Shantiniketan.
- Must See / Things to Do: Learn how we can live in harmony with nature.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: INR 30 per person and children upto 6 years entry is free
7. Sangeet Bhavana
Sangeet Bhavana is The Institute of Dance, Drama, and Music, which was established by Rabindranath Tagore. It was founded as a part of Kala Bhavana in 1919 and then became an independent institute in 1933.
Music is an integral part of the curriculum and highlights a major portion of Shantiniketan’s way of life and culture. All forms of Indian music and dance are taught here. You can see the students taking dancing and singing lessons at all times of the day. Some of the noted alumni include Nilima Sen, Suchitra Mitra, and Kanika Bandyopadhyay.
Let the rhythms of Sangeet Bhavana enchant you during a full-day sightseeing tour from Kolkata to Shantiniketan.
- Must See / Things to Do: Uncover the magic of music.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: No entry fees
8. Cheena Bhavan
Cheena Bhavan is a center of Sino-Indian cultural studies. It is also known as the Institute of Chinese Language and Culture. The center focuses on regular student exchange programs between the two nations.
Tagore’s connection with China began in 1924, and since then, studying Chinese traditions, culture, and language has started. You can walk by the big yellow building and admire the architecture. You will be mesmerized by the beautiful intricate patterns on the exterior.
You can even admire the frescoes on the wall created by the renowned artist Nandalal Bose and his students.
Experience the epitome of East meets West at Cheena Bhavana, with our same-day trip from Kolkata to Shantiniketan by private cab.
- Must See / Things to Do: Delve deep into the Chinese connections with Indian soil.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week except Wednesday and Thursday.
- Entry Fee: No entry fees
9. Sonajhuri Haat
Sonajhuri Haat is a popular weekend market nestled inside the Sonajhuri forest. It is an open-air market where the local artisans display their wares. This market is a haven for shopaholics and art lovers.
You can buy bags, apparel, ornaments, and home decor from the wide variety of stalls put up here every Saturday. Women will love to shop for handmade saris, including Batik saris, Kantha-stitch saris, and Khesh saris. You can enjoy watching the tribal dances and traditional music performed by rural artists and also click pictures with them.
Discover a hub of local art and culture at Sonajhuri Haat on our day-long sightseeing tour to Shantiniketan from Kolkata.
- Must See / Things to Do: Experience the local culture and lifestyle.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: No entry fees
10. Patha Bhavan
Originally called the ‘Ashrama Vidyalaya,’ Patha Bhavan was founded in 1901. It is a partly residential co-educational school for elementary and secondary education. The major highlights of the school include open-air classrooms, a personal connection between teachers and students, and training in self-government.
Emphasis is also given to co-curricular activities like music, dance, and drama. The school emphasizes the all-round development of the students. You can witness the play-way method of education, pioneered by Rabindranath Tagore. You can observe how students enjoy studying under the trees in the midst of nature.
Step into the rich past with Patha Bhavana, a unique open-air school, during our sightseeing trip from Kolkata to Shantiniketan by private car.
- Must See / Things to Do: Spend time with kids learning in an age-old educational setting.
- Timings: Open on all Monday to Friday from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Entry Fee: No entry fees
11. Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Deer Park, is spread over an area of 200 hectares. Established in 1977, it is one of the most successful deer conservation areas in the state. Bird lovers can watch a variety of birds flocking the pond near the sanctuary, including the Egret, Pintail, Hornbill, and Woodpecker.
You can climb the watch tower and be mesmerized by the panoramic views of the surrounding forests. In the sanctuary, you can spot Cheethals (spotted deer), Blackbucks, Jackals, and Foxes.
Let the wild call of the Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary enchant you during our comprehensive one-day Kolkata to Shantiniketan sightseeing tour.
- Must See / Things to Do: Indulge in a wildlife safari to explore the wide variety of flora and fauna.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week except Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: INR 50 per person
Things to Do on your Kolkata to Shantiniketan Tour by Car
Shantiniketan is known for its culture and artistic heritage. It is a popular tourist destination in India with several interesting activities for visitors of varying interests.
What to Shop during your One Day Kolkata to Shantiniketan Sightseeing Trip by Car?
You can enjoy shopping in Shantiniketan during the fairs and haats. It is home to a variety of handicrafts that serve as the perfect souvenirs. You can buy hand-painted leather goods that use applique, batik, and embossed craftwork on your sightseeing tour from Kolkata.
Head to Amar Kuthir for a splendid collection of leather bags and kantha-stitched sarees, dresses, and dress material. You must check out the Saturday market, Khoai Boner Annya Haat, where local craftsmen display their handmade products like pottery, terracotta, stoneware, and jewelry.
What to Eat during your Full Day Shantiniketan Sightseeing Tour from Kolkata by Taxi?
Within and outside the Visva-Bharati campus, you can find plenty of eateries serving delicious and authentic Bengali cuisine. You can order a typical Bengali veg/non-veg thali which includes vegetables, Hilsa, fries, and mutton. Children’s demands can be met by a food boutique offering good quality pizzas and burgers. In the Visva-Bharati cafeteria, you can get Bengali as well as Chinese meals.
Terms & Conditions
Travelers are requested to follow the given itinerary for 1 day Kolkata to Shantiniketan city tour package. Ideally this full day tour package cannot be customized, however if guests prefer to visit different set of places during this Shantiniketan same day trip from Kolkata, they can check the possibility of the same with the above listed car rental companies and request for a custom quote.
We recommend our guests to stick to the time spent at each tourist attraction in Shantiniketan as per the Itinerary schedule. In case of any delays or additional time spent at a particular place, driver or car rental company will not be responsible to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary.
Please also note that if a particular sightseeing place is closed on the scheduled day of the tour, it may not be covered from the list of sightseeing places. Please check the possibility of visiting an alternate place with listed cab vendor before you book the tour.
FAQs
Ideally, no. However guests can check if it’s possible to customize the tour with the above listed Kolkata cab vendors before booking the trip. Additional charges might apply.
A one day Kolkata to Shantiniketan tour by private car is sure to create memorable moments. You can explore the town according to your preferences and time as it is an all-year-round tourist destination. You can certainly rejuvenate your exhausted soul on this one-day tour from Kolkata and learn about the region’s culture.