Shanti Niketan...!!

Next day our destination was Shanti Niketan. Its NH and so not a tiresome journey. It just takes 2 1/2 to 3 hrs. But the problem arised as we reached the place around one or two in the afternoon with hunger. Hotels found on the way were either closed or not decent. Struggled to find a place to stay until some local guide suggested Tourist centre (and followed us too for getting work). Rushed for lunch along with the guide to the canteen of Vishwabharati university. Terrific food, unhygienic surroundings provided a lotta resistance but couldn't help in desert-like place (wondered if its the same for students).

Later guide took us on rikshas all around the university. Open air classrooms under trees, courses which include pottery, handicrafts, painting & literature, convocation every year attended by Prime Minister of India, art every where, TV room of students which has sculptures on walls. Place of prominent people like Rabindranath Tagore, Abhanindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose.

"open air classrooms"

"can you imagine? its the T.V. room."

"works of Ramkinker Baij"

Surely pleasure for romantic people (I am one but not in that tropical climate). Museum here includes the belongings , life history of Rabindranath Tagore & famous paper cuttings of that time.

Returned to tourist centre after a detailed view of campus. AC doesn't work properly, food to be ordered beforehand for them to prepare specially for you (which is not good). Not a nice stay. As

I got up, it was total dawn but the clock still showed 4.30 am. Witnessed the early sunrise in the East of India. Day's first hault at Basundhara, handicrafts show room. Decorative items, wall hangings, bags, sarees, small idols, kurtas filled the shop chambers.

" Jhalak of Basundhara"

Next rushed to Sri Niketan which is the place for practicals for the students. On the way to sri niketan we pass through Santal Village. Ramkinker Baij's inspiration. Mud houses and artistic walls, more like a planned and designed village.

"Art on walls of mud houses.. inset is jhalak of a house."



"pottery room of sriniketan"

Overall throughout travel in Kolkata had a jhalak(peep) of Vidya sagar sethu, bridge supported by ropes (similar to Malaysian one shown in movies), exterior of Eden Gardens, heritage building of LIC, fair in out skirts, trams. One more unique thing in Kolkata is you find all kinds of road transport.

"vidyasagar sethu"

"LIC building"

Bengalis mostly rely on sweets I guess. Variety of mithai found everywhere. Didn't forget Rasgollas parcel to home. Missed the museum visit at Victoria Memorial (I felt glad for it after the experiences of Belur & R.tagore's museum).

Kolkata, being a major city could be reached by air or rail without much effort from any other city in India. I advise a stay in Park Street area. Two complete days give you chance for full sight-seeing. Shanti Niketan easy by road or train. Train service till Bolpur, 2 kms from Shantiniketan. I cant suggest a nite stay in Shantiniketan, unless you can afford rooms in Mark & Meadows, West Bengal tourism initiative, just 10-15 mins from campus. But you need to stay for visiting Shantiniketan & Sriniketan leisurely and entirely.

Not that I got any personal grudge on West Bengal Tourism, for including all bad experiences. But really shocked to see the situation of Howrah side & less developed than other big cities in India.

Hmm. What else? Aayla. Royal Bengal Tiger ka ghar jana bhul gayi. He will really feel bad. Shuthi!!!