Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore formed Shantiniketan as an International University. He intended it to be a place where the cultures of the East and the West could meet and mingle. Named Vishva-Bharati, the University maintains Indian traditions while incorporating the best of other cultures.

Shantiniketan, the abode of peace, was initially an Ashram founded in 1863 by Maharishi Devendranath Tagore. In 1901 his son, Rabindranath converted it into an experimental open-air school with just five students. It proved a success. He widened the scope of studies and gradually formed the nucleus of a University. The splendid sculptures, frescoes, murals and paintings of Rabindranath, Nandlal Bose, Ramkinkar, Bindobehari Mukhopadhyaya and others adorn the campus.

While visiting remember that summer gets very hot with the maximum temperature reaching 39 degrees celsius. There is heavy rainfall during the monsoons in July and August.

The University remains closed in May and June and for one month during the Puja Holidays which fall in September-October.

The Shantiniketan campus of Vishwa Bharati has grown up to be a centre for learning with an emphasis on art, music and humanities. The Uttarayan complex where the poet lived consists of several buildings, which reflect the architectural genius of the poet's illustrious son, the late Rathindranath Tagore. In addition there are Kala Bhavan (College of Fine Arts and Crafts), Sangeet Bhavan (College of Music and Dance), Vidya Bhavan (College of Humanities), Shiksha-Bhavan (College of Science) and others. The galleries at Kala Bhavan and Bichitra (Rabindra Bhavan) are worth visiting. There is a Deer Park 3 kms from Shantiniketan. Originally, the area was a fast eroding `Khowai'. It is now a large wooded area with herds of deer and makes a natural bird sanctuary.

At Shriniketan, there is the Centre for Rural Service and Studies and a College of Agriculture.

Festivals accompanied by songs, dance and dramas are held here throughout the year. Conducted tours are available which take you to places around Shantiniketan. Reservations are made through the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation.We understand that permission is required from the Public Relations Officer, Vishwa Bharati for taking photographs.

Winter

1400 to 1630 hours.

Summer

1430 to 1730 hours.

During vacations

0730 to 1100 hours.

Winter

1030 to 1230 hours.

Summer

0800 to 1000 hours.

By Air

The nearest airport is Calcutta 213 kms away.

By Rail

The nearest railhead is Bolpur, 2 km away. Trains connect Bolpur with Howrah/Sealdah in Calcutta.

By Road

Motorable roads connect Shantiniketan with Calcutta, Burdwan 48 kms, Durgapur 56 kms, and Sarnath 197 kms.

Siliguri is an important transportation hub in North Bengal. The main railway station is New Jalpaiguri which has connections to all parts of the country. The airport at Bagdogra has connections to Calcutta, Delhi and Guwahati. The main national highways of this region pass through Siliguri. Bus services to all the neighboring places and states is available from Siliguri. Bus services to Bhutan are also there.

The surrounding areas of the city are beautiful. The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is 18 kms from the city (Permits are required). The Coronation Bridge (Sevoke Bridge) is an important bridge of the north east. There are a number of good hotels in the city.

Nature Interpretation Centre

Mahananda Wild Life Sancturay Nature is presented as an exhibition. Entry permit for Mahananda weir, Sukna are issued.

Mahananda Weir wild life Sanctuary, Sukna

18 kms form Siliguri, a place, deep inside forest & nature a good picnic spot.

Madhuban Park

A park, developed by Indian Army, is an excellent picnic spot.

Umrao Singh Boat Club, Sukna

Umrao Singh Boat Club, Sukna, a Boat Club, developed by Indian Army. Different size & shapes of boats are available for tourists.

Passing through Tea Gardens

The whole of sightseeing trip pass through tea gardens. If you are interested, you can tea processing also.

Visit to Salugara Monastery

His eminence Kalu Rinpoche constructed a one hundred foot stupa, which contains five types of relics and is an object of veneration which will bring liberation to any one who sees it.

Hong Kong Market

For purchase of foreign goods. For people, who cannot go to Dhulabari, Nepal, this is a market of great charm - a large variety of imported goods are available at reasonable prices. The prices are cheaper by 30% in comparison to Calcutta and 40% in comparison to Delhi and Bombay.

Consumer Goods Market

Seth Srilal Market and Hill Cart Road have some big consumer goods shops, which stock large varieties of mercantile. The people of North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh regularly visit Siliguri for Purchasing. Prices are competitive and bargaining is negligible.

By Air

Bagdogra airport is 12 km west of Siliguri and is connected to Delhi, Guwahati and Calcutta by regular flights.

By Rail

It is 8 km from the twin town of New Jalpaiguri which is the railhead for all trains.

By Road

Well connected to near cities by road .

small but bustling town in the Himalaya foothills of West Bengal- Kalimpong is at an altitude of 1250 meters. This bazaar town was originally a part of Bhutan but later it was taken over by the British and finally it became a part of West Bengal. Kalimpong is famous for its monasteries, Churches and a private library for the study of Tibetan and Himalayan languages, culture etc.. This place also has the Sericulture centre and the orchid nurseries and of course the place provides some beautiful sights of the Himalayan range. Though not all travellers visit this place which demands some attention. The journey from Darjeeling along the Teesta River is very interesting.

The Thongsa Gompa or Bhutanese Monastery was established in 1892. The Tharpa Gompa was established in 1922 and belongs to the Yellow hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa is five kms from the city and was established in 1970. This Gompa has impressive wall paintings in the prayer hall and a rare three dimensional mandala upstairs. Good view of the mountains can be taken from the Durpin Dara Hill.

Kalimpong has some of the best Gladiolis and orchid producing nurseries. The flowers grown at these nurseries are exported to other countries as well as to the Northern cities in India. The Standard and the Universal Nurseries also specialise in Cacti. The Sericulture Research Institute breads silkworms and silk is produced here. Through the stands of bamboo you come to the Dr. Graham's Home this school is spread over 193 hectares and houses 1300 students. The school was established in 1900. The Nature Interpretation center is working to conserve soil and forests of the area. It has some fine illustrations and demonstrations on the effect of human activity on the environment.

Kalimpong also offers some good items to be purchased. The Kalimpong is famous for the tapestry bags and purses, copperware, scrolls and paintings from Dr Grahams house. Shops selling Tibetan Jewellery and art effects can be found in the streets to the east of Dambar Chowk.

The dense forests of golden oak trees offset by the rich undergrowth of moss and lichen provide an ideal setting for balmy walks on the thick cushions of russet-brown leaves. One comes to Kalimpong to slow down and be pampered by nature's bounties.

The vast rolling meadows covered with a riot of wild flowers, the sparkling brooks and rivulets meandering lazily by the terraced fields are a feast for one's eyes. Kalimpong is a blaze of colour throughout the year owing to the richness of its stunning flora. The orchids of this region in particular are famous for their infinite variety as well as their delicate tints.

Monasteries of Kalimpong date back to 1836 and tell a rich story not only of history but also of local art and culture. You can visit among others, the Pedong, the Thongsa, the Thurpa Choeling monasteries. There as you mingle with boy monks and gyalong blowing lamas, you will want to forget the rest of the world, for you have made a tryst with eternity.

By Air

Bagdogra Airport is 80 km (3 hours) from Kalimpong.

By Rail

The closest Railhead is at New Jalpaiguri which is around 77 km away from Kalimpong.

By Road

Kalimpong is connected with all weather metalled road with Siliguri, Gangtok, Darjeeling etc.