Banka to Santiniketan

Bankura to Santiniketan

Santiniketan is a town in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India. It is approximately 160 km from Bankura and is well-connected by road and rail. The town is home to the Visva-Bharati University, which was founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921. Santiniketan is also a popular tourist destination, with many attractions such as the Tagore museum, the Uttarayan complex, and the Sriniketan campus.

Language

The primary language spoken in Santiniketan is Bengali. However, English is also widely spoken, especially in the academic community.

Currency

The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR). All major currencies are accepted in Santiniketan, and there are several ATMs and money changers in the town.

Distance

The distance between Bankura and Santiniketan is approximately 160 km. The journey can be completed in about 3 hours by car or bus.

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Santiniketan from Bankura:

• By Road: The most convenient way to reach Santiniketan from Bankura is by road. There are several buses that run between the two cities, and the journey takes about 3 hours.
• By Rail: There is no direct train connection between Bankura and Santiniketan. However, you can take a train from Bankura to Bolpur, and then take a bus or taxi to Santiniketan. The journey takes about 4 hours.
• By Air: The nearest airport to Santiniketan is the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to Santiniketan. The journey takes about 4 hours.

Expenses

The cost of accommodation in Santiniketan varies depending on the type of accommodation you choose. There are several budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels available, as well as more expensive hotels and resorts. The cost of food is also relatively affordable, with a variety of restaurants and cafes offering a range of cuisines.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Santiniketan is during the winter months (October to March). The weather is pleasant during this time, and there are several festivals and cultural events held in the town.

What to Eat

Santiniketan is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, offering a range of cuisines. Some of the most popular dishes include:

• Santiniketan Style Chutney: This is a sweet and tangy chutney made with tamarind, jaggery, and spices. It is often served with rice or dal.
• Doi Maach: This is a Bengali dish made with fish cooked in yogurt. It is usually served with rice.
• Mutton Kosha: This is a Bengali dish made with mutton cooked in a spicy gravy. It is usually served with rice or roti.
• Shukto: This is a Bengali dish made with a variety of vegetables cooked in a yogurt-based sauce. It is usually served with rice.
• Rasgulla: This is a Bengali sweet made with semolina dumplings soaked in a sugar syrup. It is often served as a dessert.

Where to Go

There are several places to visit in Santiniketan, including:

• Tagore museum: This museum houses a collection of Rabindranath Tagore's personal belongings, including his manuscripts, paintings, and letters.
• Uttarayan complex: This is a cultural complex that houses a number of museums and galleries dedicated to Rabindranath Tagore and his work.
• Sriniketan campus: This is the campus of Visva-Bharati University. It is a beautiful campus with a number of historic buildings and gardens.
• Kopai river: This is a river that flows through Santiniketan. It is a popular spot for picnics and boating.
• Amar Kutir: This is the former residence of Rabindranath Tagore. It is now a museum and a popular tourist attraction.

FAQs

Is Santiniketan a safe place to visit?

Yes, Santiniketan is a safe place to visit. The town has a low crime rate, and the people are friendly and welcoming.

What is the best way to get around Santiniketan?

The best way to get around Santiniketan is by foot or by bicycle. The town is relatively small, and most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other.

What are the best things to do in Santiniketan?

There are many things to do in Santiniketan, including visiting the Tagore museum, the Uttarayan complex, the Sriniketan campus, the Kopai river, and Amar Kutir.