While our first day in Shantiniketan this time was completely relaxed, we did make really good use of our afternoon. Going around the lovely University Campus and stopping by at all the landmarks there. Then experiencing nature, music, culture and creations at Srijani Shilpagram. Next some great Bong food at Amar Kutir Hensel Ghar followed by a bit of shopping at Amar Kutir showroom. And a feel of Kopai river and the mustard fields as I walked around enjoying nature. It was our second morning and we woke up very early, had some tea, freshened up and set off exploring some more of the top Shantiniketan landmarks starting off with a Puja offering to Goddess Kali.
We had put up in this beautiful homestay in ‘Shanti Shristi’ this time and were thoroughly enjoying our time there. If you too wish to stay in this accommodation or another lovely duplex with personal lawns in ‘Sonar Taree’, the two serene residential complexes of Shantiniketan, What’s App on +91 9910660937 to Travelwisesr.
Kankalitala Mandir
Kankalitala Mandir is recognized as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India and one of the most visited Hindu temples. It is believed that the waist of Devi Sati fell in Kankalitala after the body was divided into pieces by Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra.
The ride on a Toto from our homestay to the temple passing stretch of palm trees and farmlands was refreshing. And then once we were there it was as always a divine experience.
The Temple complex
Our Prayers
Ma Kali or Goddess Kali is associated with power, creation, time, change, destruction and death. It is believed that Kali emerged from Goddess Durga to destroy evil and defend the innocent. She is the divine protector and the one who bestows moksha or liberation. And we Bongs just love and adore her.
As we move out
Kopai Riverside
Kopai River also called Sal River is a tributary of the Bakreshwar River and flows through Bolpur, Shantiniketan, Kankalitala, Kirnahar and Labhpur in Birbhum district. Our next stop was here to spend a while by the river. Although the river is almost dry now it’s a nice sight during the monsoon months.
Shopping on the move
Available only during the winter months, Shantiniketan is famous for its Nalen Gur (the finest variety liquid gur) & Patali Gur (the solidified version), both date palm jaggery . Last time we were there we had picked up some stuff from this shop owner while returning from Kankalitala temple. However this time he had jacked up his prices and therefore the toto driver suggested a good alternate place. Islam’s shop near Kopai. We were there in a while.
Palashboni – A Santhal Village
We are now on our way to this lovely Santhali village named Palashboni through the Sal groves. The walk is not too long but the world there so interesting. This village is quite well known now especially after few movies and television serial episodes have been shot here. Let’s walk.
Life in Palashboni
As we were about to enter the village we noticed few ladies sitting and chatting and a young boy with a nice collection of hand-made artificial jewelry on a table shop. And there was complete peace thereafter.
Experience Palashboni Live
Prakriti Bhawan
Buddha Temple
Wooden Durga
‘Bonobithi Aadi Hensel Ghar’ for Bong Lunch
Surul Rajbari
Surul Rajbari or Sarkar Rajbari is around 290 years old but has been maintained beautifully all these years. Built by Srinivas Sarkar a businessman the temples in the complex outside looked beautiful with a recent fresh coat of paint. The Durga Puja is held every year and draws a good crowd of devotees during the Puja days and the Bhasan.
Bolpur Station & Gitanjali Rail Museum
The Bolpur Railway Station is an important junction with many long distance trains passing by including the Shatabdi & Vande Bharat to New Jalpaiguri from Howrah. There are early morning trains, later in the day and evening trains as well to reach from Kolkata. The newly renovated station with escalators installed as well presents a pretty picture for travelers. The Gitanjali Rail Museum is just opposite the station on the other of the main thoroughfare.
Also see: Landmarks on your first day in Shantiniketan
Anno Haat
Anno Haat or Shanibarer Khoai Haat operates every Saturday and was the one which started ages back. You can see some stalls on other days as well now but the numbers are very limited. You can walk through and reach Sonajhuri Haat where we are headed next.
Sonajhuri Haat
Sonajhuri Haat is a top draw these days for travelers visiting Shantiniketan for their holidays and even boutique owners who buy stuff from here for online sales or for selling from their shops. The Haat is now open throughout the week. Come get a feel. Be there to check out what to expect.
A Shop-till-you-drop destination
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