Ananda Resorts (A unit of A.Sircar & Associates)

THINGS TO DO INSHANTINEKETAN

Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary & Deer Park

Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary & Deer Park is an excellent spot for all the wildlife lovers who are thinking about visiting places in Bolpur where they can witness the wild side of the city.This serene, tree-filled wildlife sanctuary is home to many deer, along with migratory birds.

Amar Kutir: The Local Art and Craft Center

Following Indian Independence, Amar Kutir’s main objective has been the reorganization and rejuvenation of cottage and rural industries in handicrafts that followed the self-help philosophy outlined by Rabindranath Tagore. Mukhopadhyay recruited the first batch of trainees in artistic leather crafts of Silps Sadan and launched commercial production for the market at Shyambazar Works in Kolkata. Even today, these leather products lead the industry in design and reputation. The present Amar Kutir Society for Rural Development was registered in 1978 by Pannalal Dasgupta, the noted freedom fighter and social activist to establish a self-supported non-government organization based on Tagore’s vision of “Rural Organisation for Rural Reconstruction.

Uttarayan Complex: Go Down the Lane of Tagore

Uttarayan Complex is a place of immense prestige and importance, not just in West Bengal but indeed the entire country. It is here that one of the greatest and certainly the most famous gem of pro-Independence literature clerisy, Rabindranath Tagore lived his life.

Kankalitala: Explore the Place on Cycle

Kankalitala is one sacred destination of Hindus. It is one of the 52 Shakti Peeths, which is holy abode of Goddess Sati. It is believed that Lord Shiva in a rage, refused to give up the corpse of Sati, his consort. He danced wildly and angrily. Lord Vishnu, in order to calm him down cut the corpse of Goddess Sati in to 52 pieces. One of the pieces, her waist, is believed to have fallen here in Kankalitala.

Chhatimtala: Perfect Meditation Spot

Chhatimtala was the meditation spot of Tagore's Father, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore. It is considered to be a hallowed spot and prayer services are held here on very special days.

Poush Mela: Relive the Childhood Days

Poush Utsav is inaugurated on 7 Poush (around 23 December). At dawn, Shantineketan wakes up to the soft music of shehnai. The first to enter the scenario is the Vaitalik group, who go round the ashrama (hermitage) singing songs. It is followed by a prayer-meeting at Chhatimtala. Then the entire congregation moves on to Uttarayan singing songs.

Tagore’s Ashram

Currently known as Tagore’s Ashram, this structure was the first to be constructed by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore as a guest house when he initiated the Brahmo Samaj as a movement and was called Shantineketan, which was later the name by which the entire area came to be known as. The ashram has historical significance as it is known to be the place where Tagore is said to have penned down many of his literary works. The ashram is closed on Wednesday

Upasana Ghar: Visit the Amazing Prayer Hall

The prayer hall is one of the most stunning buildings in all of Shantineketan. Made from Belgian Glass, the hall Is also called Kanch Mandir, which derives its name from the glass laden walls (kanch means glass in Bengali) prayers are held every Wednesday and the hall is lined with candles every evening, accentuating its beauty.

Sonajhuri

9. Sonajhuri is probably one of the cleanest forests of West Bengal. Morning strolls inside the beautiful forest is itself a treat. And if you come sometime during winter, the entire forest ground is covered with tiny golden sonajhuri flowers. Visit to the Saturday haat is a unique experience. Vehicles are not allowed inside the Haat. So, the place is absolutely pollution free. Hundreds of artisans come to the Haat with their artifacts. As there is no electricity the Haat starts by 11 in the morning continues till the sun sets. The artefacts are so unique that you feel like buying whatever you see and especially the prices make you feel that the place is “shoppers’ paradise”. Apart from designer dress materials all modern and fashionable accessories are available in the fair and that too at a very reasonable price. Baulssitting under the sonajhuri trees and singing with their single string instrument, ektara, brings a different charm.