Once you move past the bustle of Sonajhuri, Shantiniketan opens up into a world of quieter paths, open fields and little corners where time seems to slow down.
Taltore Rajbari
In Santiniketan, the road continues well beyond Kabiguru's ashram towards Taltore village. The village got its name, Taltore, from the rows of palm trees. There, in a completely rural setting, stands Taltore Rajbari. Though called a rajbari, it is actually a zamindar's house. When Maharshi Debendranath Tagore established the ashram in Santiniketan, this family's contribution was immense.
Raypur Rajbari
The Surul Rajbari in Bolpur is very famous. During pujas, it overflows with crowds of photographers. Lesser known is the Raypur Rajbari. Coming out of Taltore, there's a massive rajbari in Raypur village. Now it's almost in ruins. But history still speaks here. If you love taking photographs, you'll find extraordinary locations in this broken palace. Many films have been shot here as well.
Fullramata Temple
When people come to visit Santiniketan, most go to the temple at Kankali Tala. Toto or car drivers also take them there. But at a distance of 45 minutes lies another Sati Pitha, Fullra. It is said that the goddess's lips fell here. The peaceful environment, beautiful pond banks, and mustard fields are bound to fill your heart. If you go at noon, you'll get hot bhog - rice, dal, vegetables, and chutney.
Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay's House
Most tourists return after visiting the Fullra temple. But just ten more minutes from this temple is the house of legendary writer Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay. The house named 'Dhatridebata' in Labhpur is beautifully arranged. For a ten-rupee ticket, see the Tarashankar museum.
Kanika Bandyopadhyay's 'Anandadhara'
You must take a photo standing in front of Nobel laureate Amartya Sen's house, 'Pratichi', in Santiniketan.
But have you seen the house of another daughter of this ashram, legendary singer Kanika Bandyopadhyay?
This house, named 'Anandadhara', has a museum. The house has been included in the World Heritage. Countless photographs of Kanika and her musical instruments are carefully preserved.
