Around Kolkata

Belur Math

Belur Math is one of the popular tourist attractions around Kolkata. Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission founded by great Indian thinker and spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda.

Swami Vivekananda was the most popular disciple of 19th century sage Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who strongly preached the ‘Oneness’ Of God and futility of discrimination and fight over different religions.

Ramakrishna Mission was established in 1899 under leadership and direction of Swami Vivekananda. The mission is to spread the message of harmony among all people irrespective of their religion, caste, creed and social status.

The fundamental teaching of Ramakrishna Mission has been symbolised by the concrete structure of Rama Krishna Mandir built in 1938. Ramakrishna temple looks like a church, a temple and a masjid all at the same time from different angles, signifying the underlying teachings that God is one and each one of us interprets Him from his own perspective.

Towards the north east of the Ramakrishna temple is located an old shrine of Shree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. This is the original shrine where daily prayers were conducted till the new temple was consecrated.

Moving southeast from the old shrine is Swami Vivekananda’s room where he lived and finally attained Mahasamadhi in 1902.

Located on the West Bank of Hooghly River, Belur Math is spread over 40 acres. The well-manicured and lush lawns of Belur Math add to the peace and calm of this religious centre where people from all religions and regions from across the world.

Within the Belur Math complex is also located Swami Vivekananda Temple marking his cremation spot and several other smaller shrines.

Belur Math premises also houses Ramakrishna museum where various articles used by Ramakrishna Paramhansa, his wife Holy Mother Sri Sharada Devi, Swami Vivekananda and other disciples are displayed. One can also see or buy books related to Ramakrishna Mission in most major Indian languages.

Dakshineshwar

Dakshineshwar is a popular tourist attraction around Kolkata. Famous for and named after Dakshineshwar Temple, a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, Dakshineshwar is invariably on the must visit list of both local and foreign tourist.

Dakshineshwar Temple is located in ambient surroundings on the banks of a canal ‘Adi Ganga’.

Originally built in 1855, Dakshineshwar Temple was constructed on the banks of the Hooghly River which changed its course overtime leaving behind only a canal which meets the Bhagirathi River ahead.

Dakshineshwar Temple was constructed by popular social worker and Landlady Rani Rashmoni who was known for her kindness as well as ferocity against the unfair and unkind acts of British.

It is said that Rani Rashmoni decided to build Dakshineshwar Temple after she had a vision of the Goddess.

As the story goes, Rani Rashmoni was on her way to a pilgrimage to Benaras when at night the Goddess appeared in a vision and told her to forgo her visit to the holy town of Benaras and instead build a temple dedicated to her on the banks of the Hooghly River.

Rani Rashmoni abided! The construction of the temple began in 1847 and finally Dakshineshwar Temple was consecrated in 1855. 

Santiniketan

Santiniketan, a small town about 200 Km from Kolkata, is where The Bard of Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore spent a large part of his life.

Santiniketan is located near Bolpur in the Birbhaum district of West Bengal. ‘Santiniketan’ literally means ‘The Abode of Peace’ and the place lives upto its name.

Santiniketan is famous for Vishva Bharti University founded by Rabindranath Tagore, who believed in and promoted educating children in natural surroundings.

And in what better environs than Santiniketan! The red-soiled land with lush paddy fields, innumerous trees and Kopai River meandering slowly around this sleepy, serene town, make a perfect setting for an Open air university.

Shantiniketan today is one of the popular tourist attractions around Kolkata and is visited by thousands of tourists round the year.

Besides Vishva Bharti University, there are many other places of interest in Santiniketan. One can go around and visit Brahma Mandir, Rabindra Bhavan Museum, Uttarayan complex, Prakriti Bhavan, Shilpa Gram, Chhhatimtala and Amar Kutir.

Tagore’s Ashram, Santiniketan

This is where Rabindranath Tagore’s father, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, built a house to live in and then developed the area around. He named his house ‘Santiniketan’ after which the area came to be known.

The area has several buildings associated with the Tagore family. Few of the institutions of Vishva Bharti University are also located here. Few areas are restricted here when the classes are being held outdoors.

History of Santiniketan

Santiniketan came into being in 1862 when Rabindranath Tagore’s father, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, on a boat journey to Raipur, came across this red-soiled land.

He soon bought land here and built a small house followed by an ashram in 1863, laying the foundation of Brahmo Samaj.

Carrying his father’s baton forward, Rabindranath Tagore started a school on the lines of the ancient Hindu Gurukul system.

Rabindranath Tagore strongly believed that studying in natural environs would be more enjoyable and effective for children.

Rabindranath Tagore’s contribution to literature was recognised and acclaimed at world level when in 1913, he became the first non-European to receive Nobel Prize in Literature. Then there was no looking back!

Soon, Rabindranth Tagore, a visionary, expanded his school and converted it into an open-air University, Vishva Bharti University.

The Vishva Bharti University gained popularity and became one of the most prestigious institutions sought after by eminent people from all over the world.

Fairs and Festivals at Santiniketan

Vishva Bharti University has been a popular centre of cultural and artistic activity. Santiniketan is popular for and visited by local and foreign tourists during the three grand fairs and festivals it hosts every year – Magh Mela (6 to 8 February), Vasantotsava (March) and Paush Mela (December).

During these fairs and festivals at Santiniketan, tourists can enjoy a glimpse of folk dance, music and theatre.

Also, handicraft items like earthen ware, batik fabrics, paintings etc. produced by the rural artisans and craftsmen are also displayed here by the university students giving a platform to the rural people and bringing the urbanites closer to the roots.

How to Reach Santiniketan

Best way to reach Santiniketan is by train from Kolkata to Bolpur and traveling 2 Km by road.

One can also make a road trip to Santiniketan from Kolkata via NH2.

Mandarmani

Mandarmani is a beach resort near Kolkata. Located south-west of Kolkata in east Midnapore district, Mandarmani is ideal for a weekend getaway from Kolkata.

Mandarmani is one of the developing tourist spots and hence is not so crowded and commercialised.

However, in past few years, many hotels have come up on the beach promising lot of tourism in time to come.

Mandarmani is a beautiful and serene 13 Km long motorable beach. Though one can drive on the beach, one has to check for high tide timings in advance to avoid getting into trouble.

Mandarmani offers a perfect quiet holiday on the beach and lot of relaxation and rejuvenation.

There are a no. of shacks around unlike other commercial beaches. The hotels have restaurants, cafes and few even have souvenir shops offering shopping opportunities.

One can go for long walks along the coastline, sit on the beach for hours, watch mesmerising sunrise and sunsets and simply relax in the wonderful serene surroundings.

Walking on the sands one cannot miss on the red crabs, Mandarmani beach is known for. These quick moving creatures disappear into tiny holes, as you near them, as if playing hide and seek.

For those who do need something to do, Mandarmani is not so dead either. One can go jet skiing, para-sailing or on banana boat rides.

One can choose from a range of hotels. Mandarmani is turning out to be one of the most upcoming tourist destinations ideally suited for a weekend holiday near Kolkata.

Digha

Digha is a popular beach resort near Kolkata. Located at a distance of 187 Km in east Midnapore district, Digha is popular amongst Kolkatans for a fun-filled weekend holiday.

Digha pulls lots of tourists throughout the year. Digha today has two beaches, known as Old Digha and New Digha, which are separated by about a kilometre.

While the old Digha sees pretty choppy waters, the New Digha has lesser turbulent waters and hence preferred by most.

However there still have been cases, where people have drowned, so it is advised not to go too far in the sea and after dark the sea is out of bound anyways.

In last few years, much of the beach has been covered with stone embankments to prevent erosion by the sea.

The embankments are lined by a number of shacks selling food, snacks and beverages. Closeby, are the craft stalls which sell the cottage crafts like shell jewellery, conches, jute bags and curious made of shells.

 One can also pick up handwoven mats made of weeds, which are called Madur in Bengali and are famous of Midnapore district.

Also, cashews here are said to be the cheapest in the state, owing to the cashew farm nearby.

Digha has a range of hotels suiting all pockets.

Places to Visit in Digha

Digha Science Centre and The National Science Camp

Commonly known as Jurassic Park, Digha Science Centre is one of the new additions in Digha.

Maintained by National Council of Museums, Digha Science Centre is home to models of life-sized dinosaurs.

A smaller version of Science City Kolkata, Digha Science Centre also has various attractions based on simple scientific phenomenon like crazy mirror, magic magnets etc.

Marine Aquarium and Research Centre

Marine Aquarium and Research Centre was established in the year 1989 with the objection of introducing visitors to the marine biodiversity and its importance to the environment besides conducting researches on marine life.

Marine Aquarium and Research Centre, Digha, has 24 display tanks many of which are sadly empty.

How to Reach Digha

By Air

Nearest Airport – Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport, Kolkata (185 Km, 4.5 hrs)

By Rail

Nearest Railway Station – Shalimar station, Digha

By Road

Regular buses ply from bus station at Dharamtala and Howrah station.