Travel – Page 15 – Footloose Forever

Hotels in Kolkata to lookout for – Practical Tips

March 20, 2015March 20, 2015Posted in KolkataTagged hotel bookings in Kolkata, hotels in Kolkata, Kolkata accommodation, Kolkata hotels, list of hotels in Kolkata11 Comments

victoria memorial hall, kolkata, hotels, hotel bookings in kolkata, best hotels in kolkata

When you are on a backpacking tour or a personal business trip to Kolkata you probably would not like to spend thousands of bucks for an accommodation. What if you get a list of hotels in Kolkata depending on your budget and preference of location? It will save your precious time in searching for the best hotels in Kolkata and you can fully concentrate in your tour of the city.

victoria memorial hall, kolkata, hotels, best hotels in kolkata, hotel bookings in kolkata — Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata

Deciding the Right Location

Kolkata is a big city with thousands of accommodation options in different areas. While some people tend to look for hotels near the airport to save time it can actually cost you more. Most of Kolkata’s tourist attractions and commercial zones are in the downtown. So, it will take you minimum 30-40 minutes to reach the city centre from the hotel by taxi. If you travel by public transport to slash the cost of transportation be prepared to sacrifice more time because of traffic jams and frequent signaling on Kolkata roads. However, the ultimate decision should always be based on an individual’s priorities.

Benefits of Choosing Hotels in Downtown Kolkata

Choosing a hotel in Kolkata’s bustling business precinct such as Esplanade and Park Street will save both your time and money in getting around. This area is not only home to a range of decent hotels but also houses a several restaurants, bars, shopping malls and theaters. Having a shelter in downtown Kolkata ensures easy access to the city’s popular commercial and entertainment hubs. If your budget hotel excludes meals don’t worry. This area opens up a plethora of choices regarding eateries and food stalls to satisfy your eating needs without hurting your pocket.

List of Top Budget Hotels in Central Kolkata

It is better to book hotels in advance to avoid hassles. Here are the names of a few hotels in the heart of Kolkata that are known for quality service at affordable rates. Hope the following information helps in your hotel bookings in Kolkata.

Innra Kolkata Hotel is run by one of Bengal’s most trusted jewellers Anjali Jewellers. So, you can expect quality service and high standard of accommodation at this hotel located at Boubazar in central Kolkata.

Hotel Dreamland near Kolkata GPO offers an array of amenities for business travellers including onsite restaurant and well-equipped conference hall. If leisure is your priority you can choose from villa style rooms having access to swimming pool.

Dee Empresa Hotel at Park Street ensures comfort and convenience for both vacationers and business tourists with well-appointed AC rooms featuring television, telephone and housekeeping service. Guests can enjoy dining at the hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant.

Hotel VIP International, Park Street offers accommodation featuring modern fittings and equipment along with a range of amenities including Wi-Fi access, concierge, travel desk and complementary pickup.

Sudder Inn, strategically positioned at Park Street offers quick access to Kolkata’s shopping and leisure districts. Neat and clean air conditioned rooms come with television, telephone, Wi-Fi access, hot and cold water supply and more.

Rambling in the Ruins of Chittorgarh

March 17, 2015May 23, 2015Posted in RajasthanTagged Chittor, Chittor attractions, Chittor Sun temple, Chittorgarh, Fort, Jauhar, Kirti stambh, Krti Stambha, Mira bai temple, Rajasthan, Rana Kumbha Palace, Rani Padmini Mahal, things to see in Chittorgarh, Vijay Stambha43 Comments

Chittor, chittorgarh, ruins at chittor, chittor attractions, things to see in chittorgarh

Chittorgarh – the name instantly invokes a mixed feeling of awe, veneration and thrill. The moment I read the name in our itinerary the names like Rana Pratap, Mira Bai, Rani Padmini thronged my mind. Chittorgarh is a place full of historical sagas of chivalry, sacrifice and spirituality.

Our Rajasthan tour plan was like this – Jaipur – Pushkar (via Ajmer Sharif Dargah) – Udaipur (via Chittorgarh) – Mount Abu (via Haldighati) – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur.

So we left Pushkar early in the morning and reached Chittor in the afternoon on our way to Udaipur. The fort is situated on a hill and you can take a tour of the entire fort area by auto rickshaw. We booked autos from the auto stand near Hotel Padmini. It took Rs. 100 per head. The cost included auto fare and guide’s charge for our group.

Chittorgarh was a fortified town in time of Rajput rulers. I assume it took years to build such a huge fortified town which is also the largest fort in India. The guide said there are total 113 temples inside the fort apart from palaces and monuments. Once the capital of Mewar Rajputana (Southern part of Rajasthan) Chittorgarh is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was ruled by Guhilot and Sissodia dynasties from 7^th Century AD until captured by Emperor Akbar.

Unfortunately, it was already 5 pm and we had too little time to explore the entire fort area. This is one of the downsides of joining conducted tour by travel agencies. Ours was a large group and you know the proverb … too many cooks spoil the broth. 😛 We always fell short of time. Anyway, I roamed around and explored the palaces, memorials and temples as many as I could before the dusk.

Sun Temple

Surya Mandir or Sun Temple in Chittorgarh is the place where Rajput kings offered worship to sun god. The temple erected in 8th century stood the test of time for over a millennium. The intricate stone detailing on the temple walls and columns is a treat to the eye.

Krishna Temple (Kumbh Shyam Temple)

This is the temple of Mira Bai. It was built separately beside the sun temple. The Rajput rulers were worshipper of Surya (the sun god). But Mira Bai despite being a Rajput daughter and the queen of Chittor was a devotee of Lord Krishna and later chose the life of a saint.

Mira used to sing devotional songs and won people’s love with her soulful singing and sacrifices. This is the temple where Mira Bai contemplated for the last time and nobody had seen her after that. The legend says her mortal body was merged to the icon of Lord Krishna in the temple.

Vijay Stambha

We started our Chittorgarh tour with Vijay Stambha (Tower of Victory) which is the emblem of Chittor’s glorious past of valor and heroism in protecting their motherland. The monument was built by Rana Kumbha (1458 AD-1468 AD) to celebrate his victory over the Sultan of Malwa in 1440 AD. The tower has over 150 steps to the top balcony. I bet if you can make it to the top it will be the most rewarding experience to enjoy a 360 degree view of the fort.

Rani Padmini Mahal

Queen Padmini’s Palace is situated in the middle of water. The path through the garden entrance led us to the room where Allauddin Khilji is said to have a glance at the reflection of Rani Padmini on a mirror while the queen stood at the gate of her palace.

It is said that Padmini the wife of Rana Ratan Singh was so beautiful that the story of her ravishing beauty reached the ear of Nawab Allauddin Khilji and he came all the way from Delhi to Chittor to see her. But it was against the dignity of Hindu Rajputana that an outsider will look at the queen. Again, they didn’t have the choice to refuse Khilji who had a strong army. So they arranged it liked that.

Jauhar Kund

Later in 1303 Allauddin attacked Chittor and killed Rana Ratan Singh to possess his queen. But the queen and all other female royals committed suicide by burning to death called Jauhar. This was a custom meant for Rajput female royals. Whenever the kingdom was defeated and captured by the enemy (especially Mughals) they committed Jauhar to avoid the shame and indignity at the hand of enemy. The huge pyre where women jumped into the fire was called Jauhar Kund.

Bramha Temple

The Brahma Temple in Chittorgarh was built by Rana Kumbha to honour his father. The adjoining garden called Charbagh houses the cenotaphs containing the ashes of Chittor’s kings starting from Bappa Rawal to Udai Singh, the founder of Udaipur.

Gaumukh Reservoir

Built adjacent to Bramha Temple this reservoir holds water for sacred functions and worship. As the name reveals the shape of the reservoir resembles the mouth of a cow, the sacred animal in Hindu religion. The cascading structure with the reservoir at the bottom creates a wonderful vista.

Other Attractions in Chittorgarh

Apart from this there are Rana Kumbha Mahal or the Palace of Rana Kumbha, Kirti Stambh, Fateh Prakash Museum, Naulakha Bhandar or the ‘Nine Lakh Treasury’ established by Rana Kumbha are some of the main attractions of Chittorgarh. Fateh Prakash Museum opened in the residence of Maharana Fateh Singh, is located near Rana Kumbha Palace. The museum remains open from 10am to 4pm daily except Fridays.

After about 2 hours of rambling in the ruins of Chittorgarh it was time for us to leave for Udaipur. 😦 The stone edifices looked mysterious in the dying daylight. I wished I could stay there for some more time. But Udaipur was beckoning. It looked even more beautiful in the light of setting sun.

What I realized is that you need at least one day to explore and enjoy the beauty of Chittor. The place has so much to offer that it is an unjust attempt to accommodate everything in a single post. I wish to share more glimpses of Chittorgarh Fort in future. 🙂

Shantiniketan Trip – Exploring the villages nearby

March 10, 2015March 13, 2015Posted in KolkataTagged Bolpur, Kolkata, rural Bengal, Shantiniketan, Villages in Shantiniketan, weekend getaway near Kolkata40 Comments

farmer going to field, bolpur, shantiniketan, rural life,

This is the concluding part of my travelogue on Shantiniketan trip in January, 2015. If you missed the earlier posts here are the links Weekend Trip to Shantiniketan: Day-1 and Day-2: Exploring Visva Bharati and Tagore’s abode in Shantiniketan.

Day 3 – Exploring the locality and the villages nearby

I got up early that morning and set out to explore the village nearby. I wandered along the village road to feel the essence of the place. It’s been a long time I have been to a village. Here are some moments of a morning spent in rural Bengal. Hope you like them.

When I started the sky was pale blue.

I passed the green rice fields

and followed the village road

to find haystacks on both sides, a common thing to see in rural areas.

The village was waking up slowly. Women were already at the pond, doing dishes and washing

while these ducklings kept vigil on them. 🙂

The stray dogs seemed tired and busy in resting after nightlong watch.

The farmer sets out for the fields.

The sun was already above the horizon and it reminded me that I had to go back to hotel.

While returning I stood by this fishpond to see nice reflections of palm trees in the water.

With the sun shining bright the rice fields looked greener and lovelier to me.

And I collected a souvenir from the groves beside it.

Beautiful! Isn’t it? 🙂

P.S: We boarded Howrah Express from Bolpur-Shantiniketan at 1:10 pm and reach Howrah comfortably at around 3:30 pm. Cost of the trip was Rs 2300 per head. It includes train fare, accommodation, food, sightseeing and pick and drop – all of which I mentioned in detail in my previous two posts – Weekend Trip to Shantiniketan: Day-1 and Day-2: Exploring Visva Bharati and Tagore’s abode in Shantiniketan.

My ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Tour – Part III

February 27, 2015February 27, 2015Posted in ICC Cricket World CupTagged Adelaide, Auckland, Australia, Cricket, cricket world cup, Hamilton, Hobart, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, ICC Cricket World Cup Tour, Melbourne, Napier, New Zealand, Sydney6 Comments

CWC 2015, ICC Cricket World cup, Cricket, Australia, New Zealand

Hope you are enjoying the matches of this 2015 cricket world cup with your favorite teams winning. There were some exciting matches too between some not so popular teams. For example, the match between Ireland and UAE (match #16 on Feb 25) where Ireland beat UAE in the last over of the match. For me this was so far the most exciting match of the world cup. As the tournament is taking more exciting turns so is my tour (err…virtual tour 😛 ) of Australia and New Zealand. However, I don’t want to stretch it longer because I want to watch the final at home, completely relaxed. 😉 So, this is the last and the concluding part of my virtual tour of the Cricket World Cup 2015. If you have missed the first two here are the links – My ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Tour – Part I and Part II.

Wellington – Match #22, #36, #46 (Quarterfinal)

While Wellington is going to host three more matches of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 we’ll have plenty of time to explore the region. Wellington is a beautiful city which ranked 4th in Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Cities to Visit in 2011. So you can expect a lot from your tour of the city. A ride on Wellington’s historic cable car is a must-do to get the glimpses of the city’s main attractions in one go. The cable cars depart in every 10 minutes from Lambton Quay in the city center. Or you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Oriental Bay beach after the matches. Well, there is no dearth of beaches in the city though. But if you are a nature lover Zealandia Sanctuary awaits you with a treasure of exotic flora and fauna of the region. It’s only a few minutes’ drive from the city. Find out the secrets of some most fascinating Hollywood movie making such as Lord of The Rings on a guided tour of Weta Cave.

Match details:

Match #22 (March 1) – England Vs Sri Lanka
Match #36 (March 12) – South Africa vs UAE
Match #46 (March 21) – A4 vs B1 (4^th Quarterfinal)

Brisbane – Match #23

While Pakistan takes on Zimbabwe at The Gabba on 1^st March you can enjoy a river cruise in Brisbane. The Brisbane River connects most of the inner-city precincts and sets the stage for a whole range of outdoor adventures, riverside attractions and dining options. And don’t forget to pay a visit to cute koalas as they are waiting for you at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in the suburbs of Brisbane.

Match details: Match #23 (March 1) – Pakistan vs Zimbabwe

Canberra – Match #24

Canberra has a lot to offer. If you want to know about Australia as a nation this is a great place to start with. From National Zoo and Aquarium to National Gallery and Museum of Australian Democracy – an extensive city tour can give you insights about the history, art and culture Down Under. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the city’s most iconic monument Australian War Memorial. Australian National Botanic Gardens offers a refreshing leisure escape from the city.

Match details: Match #24 (March 3) – South Africa vs Ireland

Napier – Match #25, #31, #41

With an eclectic mix of Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco architecture and the beautiful Hawke’s Bay to set the backdrop Napier is peaceful retreat. The downtown area was reconstructed in Art Deco style after the devastating earthquake of 1931. Art Deco tour in the city is one of the popular things to do in Napier. On the contrary, excursions by the bay will give you many of such pleasing views of the city of Napier to enjoy.

Match details:

Match #25 (March 4) – Pakistan vs UAE
Match #31 (March 8) – New Zealand vs Afghanistan
Match #41 (March 15) – West Indies vs UAE

Perth – Match #26, #28

The capital city of the state of Western Australia enjoys Mediterranean type climate, which is ideal for beachfront activities. Whether you want to watch beautiful sunsets by the Indian Ocean or visit the aquarium to witness Australia’s rich marine life or take cycling tour of the city choices are a plenty. If you have time after the world cup matches head to Swan Valley for a wine tour or take a day trip to Nambung National Park to witness the exotic landscape formation called The Pinnacles and get the taste of Australian Outback.

Match details:

Match #26 (March 4) – Australia vs Afghanistan
Match #28 (March 6) – India vs West Indies

Nelson – Match #27

Split Apple Rock in the Tasman Bay, is an interesting geological absurdity. It is located in shallow water where you can wade to it. As a popular tourist attraction in Abel Tasman National Park it is accessible from ‪Nelson, the venue of tomorrow’s ‪‎Cricket World Cup match #27 between Bangladesh and Scotland.

Match details: Match #27 (March 5) – Bangladesh vs Scotland

Auckland – Match #29, #39, #47 (semifinal)

Auckland, the venue of ICC cricket world cup matches, is a cosmopolitan city which is built in similar patterns as is Los Angeles. The city is home to plush shopping malls and international designer boutiques. If you want to get the vibe of Kiwiland check out the bustling city markets such as Victoria Park Market and Takapuna Market full of shops, cafes, eateries and crafts stores from where you can collect goodies and local made artifacts as souvenirs.

Match details:

Match #29 (March 7) – South Africa vs Pakistan
Match #39 (March 14) – India vs Zimbabwe
Match #47 (March 24) – 1^st Semifinal

Hobart – Match #30, #35, #40

Booming tourism in Australia’s southernmost town Hobart has plenty to offer starting from historic city tour (Salamanca Market, Battery Point) to unique Cadbury Chocolate Factory tour to conventional full-day sailing cruise. But the most exciting part of your Hobart travel could be Hobart City Flight which is a 30-minute scenic flight in a small plane over Mt Wellington and Derwent River. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramas of Hobart coastline

Match details:

Match #30 (March 7) – Zimbabwe vs Ireland
Match #35 (March 11) – Sri Lanka vs Scotland
Match #40 (March 14) – Australia Vs Scotland

Sydney – Match #32, #38, #43 (Quarterfinal), #48 (semifinal)

Sydney the famous Harbour City in Australia is the capital of the state of New South Wales. With its rich heritage, art and culture there is no dearth of options when it comes to entertainment and touristy activities in and around Sydney. After watching all those big matches at Sydney Cricket Ground you definitely need to chill out. And what can be a better place than Tamarama Beach which is only 7 kilometers from the bustling business precinct of Sydney.

Match details:

Match #32 (March 8) – Australia vs Sri Lanka
Match #38 (March 13) – England vs Afghanistan
Match #43 (March 18) – A1 vs B4 (1^st Quarterfinal)
Match #48 (March 26) – 2^nd Semifinal

Adelaide – Match #33, #42, #45 (Quarterfinal)

Adelaide Botanic Garden – A must see in Adelaide, ‪Australia. Do you know there are 275 more things to do in ‪‎Adelaide other than watching ‪Cricket World Cup? Here is a comprehensive list of things to do in Adelaide. Hope you don’t get carried away with all these touristy activities and forget to watch the match between – England and Bangladesh on 9^th March here in Adelaide. 😉

Match details:

Match #33 (March 9) – Australia vs Sri Lanka
Match #42 (March 15) – England vs Afghanistan
Match #45 (March 20) – A3 vs B2 (3rd Quarterfinal)

Hamilton – Match #34, #37

Initially an agricultural center Hamilton today is a booming city in Waikato, New Zealand. The city offers a plenty of things to do for tourists and locals alike. You can visit the zoo, or go shopping in the Downtown Plaza, or hit the gaming parlours in SKYCITY Hamilton for nonstop fun and excitement. Those who seek some quiet scenic escape can visit Hamilton Gardens or take a stroll along the Waikato River that splits the city in two halves. But the best way to see Hamilton is a hot air balloon ride.

Match details:

Match #34 (March 10) – India vs Ireland
Match #37 (March 13) – New Zealand vs Bangladesh

Melbourne – #44 (Quarterfinal), FINAL

The world is round and we have now reached where we started our 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Tour – Melbourne. 🙂 The city is said to be the cultural hub of Australia and offers plenty of Victorian style architecture to behold and photograph. For example, St Paul’s Cathedral, Trinity College, Scots Church, Flinders Street Station and so on.

Match details:

Match #44 (March 19) – A2 vs B3 (2^nd Quarterfinal)
FINAL (March 29)

P.S: My four semifinalists are Australia, NZL, India and South Africa. What are yours? And how did you enjoy the Cricket World Cup tour with me? Don’t forget to share your opinion in the comment box below. 🙂

Disclaimer: All Images in this post are taken from Internet.

My ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Tour – Part II

February 22, 2015February 27, 2015Posted in ICC Cricket World CupTagged 2015 Cricket World Cup, Australia, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, ICC Cricket World Cup Tour, New Zealand4 Comments

We have already seen some exciting matches like India Vs Pakistan, some upsets like WI Vs Ireland and some scintillating performances like Brendon McCullum’s against England. It’s time for me to take you to the next leg of my ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 tour. If you have missed the first part take a quick look My ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Tour – Part I.

Match #14 – Christchurch

The Brighton Beach Kite Festival is over for this year but while England takes on its neighbour Scotland on the 14th match of 2015 Cricket World Cup at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, you can still enjoy an array of activities by the beach including swimming, surfing, bird watching.

Brighton Beach Kite Festival , Christchurch, ICC cricket world cup match — Flying kites at New Brighton Beach

Match #15 – Canberra

The prime reason behind your visit to ‪‎Canberra on 24^th Feb might be ICC‪ Cricket World Cup match no. 15 – WI Vs Zimbabwe. But who says sports, food and walking tours cannot go hand in hand? While you visit the main attractions of Canberra don’t miss the Summerside Festival celebrating local and seasonal produce. It also offers an opportunity to taste the best of local wines and enjoy exciting events and exhibitions.

Canberra, ICC cricket world cup venue, WI Vs Zimbabwe — Canberra Parliament House -the brooding ground of Australian Democracy

Match #16 – Brisbane

Brisbane is said to be one of the world’s friendliest and liveliest cities. The best way to explore Brisbane is to go cycling. There are separate lanes for cycling along the riverside. Bicycles are available on rent at the centre of the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. You can rent one for 24 hours or for a week. While Ireland takes on UAE on 25^th you can enjoy a cycling tour of the city. If cycling is not your forte book a river cruise or fix a meeting with the koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary as part of your visit to the city.

cycling in brisbane, Icc cricket world cup, 2015, cricket — Cycling is the best way to get around in Brisbane

Match #17 – Dunedin

Otago Peninsula at the eastern most part of Dunedin is the home to exotic flora and fauna. The region can rightly be termed as the ‘Wildlife Capital of New Zealand’. With picturesque walkways along the coast, breathtaking views from the steep cliffs, the beautiful Larnach Castle, Glenfalloch Gardens, the Marine Studies Centre Aquarium, and local Arts & Crafts center you have lot more waiting for you in Dunedin apart from the world cup match between Scotland and Afghanistan. I wonder which is more beautiful – Scottish Highlands or Dunedin’s Otago Peninsula?

Dunedin, icc cricket world cup, cricket match — Cape Saunders, Otago Peninsula , Dunedin

Match #18 – Melbourne

While Sri Lanka takes on Bangladesh in 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup on 26th February you have plenty of time to enjoy in Melbourne. Go off the beaten tracks in the city for some beach side adventure. Drive down to Mornington Peninsula, about 70 km from Melbourne, featuring rugged coastline with untamed waves ideal for surfing and wakeboarding.

melbourne, Icc Cricket world cup 2015, — It’s surfing time in Melbourne

Match #19 – Sydney

I am expecting an exciting cricket match between South Africa and West Indies on 27th February. But even if you are on a short trip to attend the ICC World Cup match you just cannot leave the city without a visit to the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. It is needless to say the harbor and the opera both have a lot in store for visitors.

Sydney, icc cricket world cup, world cup 2015 — the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House

Match #20 – Auckland

Located on the North Island of New Zealand Auckland is the largest and most populous city in the country. The faceoff between the host and co-host of ICC 2015 Cricket World Cup is going to take place here in Auckland on 28^th. I believe this is going to be the most exciting match at the initial round of the world cup. So, it will be difficult to miss even a single over for cricket lovers but you’ll have plenty of time in the evening to witness the fascinating Auckland Lantern Festival 2015 which will take place from 26 February to 1 March 2015 from 5 – 10.30 pm every evening, at Albert Park.

Auckland, AUstralia vs NZL, ICC cricket world cup — Mesmerizing Chinese Lantern Festival in Auckland

Match #21 – Perth

On the same day India will be playing against UAE in Perth, the capital of the state of Western Australia. The metropolitan area of Perth offers many urban entertainment facilities including pubs, bars, and theaters you can find beauty of nature in the city parks such as Kings Park, Bold Park, and Lake Monger. Though I would like to see India win against UAE but I could skip the match for a sailing in the beautiful Swan River in Perth. What do you say?

perth, Icc cricket world cup, India vs uae — Go sailing in Swan River, Perth

Will be back soon with the next leg of my virtual 2015 Cricket World Cup tour. Stay tuned… 🙂

Disclaimer: All Images in this post are taken from Internet.

Exploring Visva Bharati and Tagore’s abode in Shantiniketan

February 21, 2015March 10, 2015Posted in KolkataTagged ballavpur wildlife sanctuary, baul, deer park, kala bhavan, khoai, khoai mela, Rabindra bhavan, shanibarer haat, Shantiniketan, sonajhuri, Uttarayan complex, Visva Bharati, weekend getaway near Kolkata25 Comments

tagore's statue, amar kutir, shantiniketan

This is the second part of my travelogue on Shantiniketan trip in January, 2015. If you missed the first part here is the link for you A refreshing Weekend Trip to Shantiniketan.

Day 2 – Exploring Visva Bharati University campus-Uttarayan-Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary-Sonajhuri-Shanibarer Haat and Khoai

We booked rickshaws (Rs 300 per rickshaw for a tour of the university campus including Uttarayan Complex and Rabindra Bhavan Museum and a detour to the sanctuary.)

Visva Bharati University

Visva Bharati with a sprawling campus is famous for its excellence in the study of art and music. I was amazed by the awesome sculptures made with clay and pebbles by Ram Kinkar Baij, a pioneer of modern art and sculpture in India. His works are inspired by tribal lifestyle and it is expressed through his sculptures and murals that are on display at Kala Bhavan.

“He integrated elements of Santhal tribal art and life into his own work and enhanced them by an understanding of Western expressionism that was gleaned from books at the library of the Kala Bhavan.”

You’ll see his life-size sculptures and murals including the statues of Buddha and Gandhiji are on display at Kala Bhavan (The Heritage Complex) in the university campus.

However, I found the works of new generations artists like these are no less attractive than those of the maestro.

The famous kalobari or Black House is known for its unusual relief works designed by Nandalal Basu and his disciples like Ram Kinkar Baij. The house is built with mud and coal tar is used to design its black frescos.

Prayer Hall or Upasana Griha of the university is made with marble and stained Belgium glasses. It was built in 1863 by the poet’s father Debendranath Tagore. The prayer hall looks amazing in gleaming artificial light during the evening service.

We stopped by the Chhatimtala, a beautifully landscaped garden area where Gurudev’s father Maharshi Devendranath used to meditate and pray. The place has a serene atmosphere where you’ll inevitably feel in harmony with nature.

Uttarayan Complex

This is the place where the great poet and his family lived. There are five residences of Tagore named as – Udayan, Konarka, Shyamali, Punascha and Udichi and The Bichitra now turned to Rabindra Bhavan Museum which houses an impressive collection of Tagore’s belongings, especially his manuscripts, paintings and other documents.

Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary

The wildlife sanctuary in Shantiniketan has now turned to a mere ‘deer park’ as the local people call it. As you go deeper into the jungle you will only find herds of deer. There was a time when the sanctuary was home to a variety of animals. But today only spotted deer are the only species left. We watched the deer playing and grazing all by themselves. Some were a bit curious and peeped from behind the bushes and observed us.

As long as we were inside the sanctuary it was very cool and comfortable under the canopy of towering trees. When we came out of the park the it felt hot in the early afternoon sun even in January. We were hungry and a bit tired. It was better to go back to the hotel for a refreshing shower and some tasty meal.

Khoai-Sonajhuri-Saturday Market

Reloaded and rejuvenated we set out towards Khoai at around 3 pm. The Khoai Mela or Shanibarer Haat or ‘Saturday Market’ which is a temporary, open-air market where locales sell various items starting from musical instruments to dokra handicrafts to ethnic jewellery and hand-loom sari and dress materials. Apart from Tagore and Visva Bharati this market was a chief attraction for me. Set beside Khoai, the deep dry riverbed, with Sonajhuri Forest in the backdrop, this Saturday Market is the place to feel the vibe of Shantiniketan.

Although I did not find anything cheap (as we think about local markets) but there were plenty of things that ignited my interest.

The baul singers in their dazzling robes sang soulful folklores while playing ektara (single-stringed instrument) or dotara (two-stringed instrument).

We roamed around in Sonajhuri forest for some time and sat by the Khoai and took pictures.

After wandering about an hour I felt an urge of having tea. It’s a Bong habit of getting tea-thirsty as soon as the clock strikes five in the afternoon. But a tea stall was hard to find in a place like this. Suddenly I saw a small crowd at a distance. Approaching closer I discovered my saviour. Crowd gathered around this young girl selling tea/coffee. She carried a huge flask that contained hot water for making tea and it was finished in an hour.

The market dissolves at sunset. When I finished my tea it was almost 5:30. The shadows of lanky eucalyptus trees grew taller reminding us that it’s time to leave. Though I wanted to spend some more time there our rickshaw puller said it becomes too dark after sunset and there are no street lights. So we had no choice except to get on the rickshaw and return to the hotel.

That evening Baul Monn arranged a concert by local band who offered wonderful fusion of folk songs with electronic musical instruments which we enjoyed very much. I went to bed thinking about my ‘venture’ next morning and dreamt of Sonajhuri and the colorful Saturday Market that night… 🙂

Day 3 – Exploring the locality and the nearby village.

A refreshing Weekend Trip to Shantiniketan

February 21, 2015June 25, 2016Posted in KolkataTagged Amar Kutir, Bolpur, Kolkata, Prakriti Bhavan, Shantiniketan, Srijani Shilpagram, Visva Bharati, weekend getaway near Kolkata, weekend trip29 Comments

way to prakriti bhavan, shantiniketan, country road

“Nearest to the church is farthest from god’ – this old adage is so true, at least in my case. Shantiniketan is only 164 km from Kolkata, nearly 4 hours’ drive, and it is even closer to every bong’s heart, still it took us so long to visit the place. Established by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Visva Bharati University in Shantiniketan has played a vital role in Bengal’s modern art and cultural history. And I always wished to see the houses where the great poet lived and where he studied and taught his students. Every time we planned, every time it was postponed and the jinx continued for the past 5 years. However, we finally made it this year in January (23-25). It was a refreshing family trip which was decided overnight. Planning doesn’t always work! 😛 But, it’s better late than never… 🙂

How to go:

We boarded Santiniketan Express that departs from Howrah at 10:05 am everyday. The train reached Bolpur-Shantiniketan around 12:35 pm. There is a train from Sealdah – Sealdah-Rampurhat Passenger, which can also reach you comfortably to Bolpur, but it takes longer than the Howrah-Santiniketan Express dedicated for tourists only. The car from Baul Monn Resort was waiting outside the station.

Where to stay:

Baul Monn Holiday Resort is a nice and quiet stay away from the hustles and bustles of Bolpur Township. They provide pick up and drop service on request. You can read my review of the hotel on TripAdvisor.

When to go:

In late January the nights were cold and days were pleasant in Shantiniketan. So, I think this is the best time to visit the place if you want a quiet holiday or relaxing weekend trip. Poushmela was just over and there were fewer crowds. If the festivals are main attraction for you then you should visit Shantiniketanin December during Poush Mela or in March to get the flavor of Holi in the form of Vasanta Utsab celebrated in the Visva Bharati university ground.

Things to do:

Visva Bharati University and Uttarayan Complex (where the poet and his family lived) are the main attractions. But there are much more to see and enjoy in Shantiniketan. In fact, the exotic rural landscape and the appeal of peaceful countryside has turned Shantiniketan from a cultural pilgrimage to a popular weekend getaway from Kolkata. I wanted to enjoy the natural charm of the place too. So, I planned my tour the following way.

Day 1 – Prakriti Bhavan – Amar Kutir – Srijani Shilpa Gram through Sriniketan Campus – Kopai River – Back to hotel

We reached the hotel by 1:30 and set out to explore the area by 2:30 pm after lunch. Our first stop was Prakriti Bhavan Nature Art Museum, India’s only nature art museum.

The museum houses impressive collections of naturally formed rock and driftwood sculptures. The sculptures, mostly collected from Deccan Plateau are placed in the outdoor garden while the wooden items are on display inside the museum building. These natural sculptures resemble animals, humans, gods and goddesses. A visit to Prakriti Bhavan will let loose your imagination for sure. Do you see Rabindranath Tagore in this natural rock sculpture? 🙂

Amar Kutir

If you want to buy some local made handicrafts for souvenir Amar Kutir is a place to visit. We bought key rings, handmade diaries, typical Shantiniketan leather-worked purses; Kantha stitched jewellery box and junk jewellery for family and friends.

Srijani Shilpa Gram

After savoring some phuchka in front of Amar Kutir we made our way through Sriniketan Campus towards SRIJANI Shilpagram Complex.

The Shilpagram is a wonderful place to be with beautifully decorated tribal huts all around, depicting the lifestyle of various indigenous tribes from different parts of India. The place gives you quick insight of tribal life and their art and culture. This complex is developed and maintained by EZCC (Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre). They also organize cultural programmes and concerts in the outdoor arena in SRIJANI.

Kopai River

I had seen photos of Kopai River on the web and so I had doubt about it. The dusk was falling when we reached by the river. And as I expected it was sheer disappointment. There was no water, only grass and pebbles scattered along the riverbed. Our driver said that during monsoon the river overflows the bridge.

It was already dark as we returned to our resort. The manager informed us about the evening concert at the resort garden. Our first day ended with soul touching baul songs presented by local singers.

Day 2 – Exploring Visva Bharati University campus – Uttarayan Complex – Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary – Sonajhuri forest – Shanibarer Haat and Khoai

Day 3 – Exploring the locality and the villages nearby