Tagore's Santiniketan, Our Santiniketan

Santiniketan is a great weekend getaway with friends and family – just 200 kms away from Kolkata. A few years back when we had been there, as first timers – we did all the main spots. The recent visit was however just to attend Poush Mela.

Poet Rabindranath Tagore’s abode

That is how we all know this place. Viswabharati University there was founded by him, famous for its open-air classes where students attend the lectures by sitting under trees amidst nature. Indira Gandhi, Satyajit Ray and Amartya Sen were from this University. Kala Bhavan (The Art School), Sangeet Bhavan (Music School)  are all within walking distance.

Uttarayan where the poet spent many years of his life and made those wonderful creations has several buildings inside that is quite a tour. It is closed on Wednesday and bags or cameras are not allowed inside.

‘Rabindra Bhavan’ is a must visit to see the wonderful collection of photographs of Tagore and his family, his personal possessions, various publications, paintings, gifts received by him, that are kept in the Museum. 

A Rickshaw tour

Hire a rickshaw and they will guide you to the important places – Chhatimtala, a huge banyan tree that was used as meditation space and to create those literary works by the Tagore family, the stores for handicrafts, the deer park, the Kopai river, Shonajhuri etc. One rickshaw can accommodate two people and will cost around INR 300 to 350 for the whole day. Paying for the rickshaw puller’s lunch is optional.

Fun Fair

If you missed the Poush Mela in December, you can plan your trip during Basanta Utsav in March to celebrate Holi. The essence of the place can be best seen during these fairs. The Khoai Mela held every Saturday offers stoles, sarees, show pieces, handbags for sale. The mood sets in when the Baul sings a local folklore. 

Extra Days

If you stay for a day you can do Kankalitala temple, one of the Shaktipiths in India on Kopai riverbank, just 10 kms away from Santiniketan or cover Tarapith, Bakreswar Massanjore.

Commuting to Santiniketan

Many trains like Viswabharati, Ganadevta, Rampurhat Express takes you to Santiniketan in less than 2 hours. Ganadevta leaves Howrah at 6.55 AM and reaches Bolpur station at 8.44 AM. By road, it takes around 3 / 4 hours from Kolkata.

If you return on the same day, catch the Rampurhat Express at 5.38 PM. or Ganadevta at 6.29 PM reaching Howrah in approximately 3 hours i.e. around 9/9.30 PM.

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A Slice Of Life In The Outskirts Of Bangalore

If you have lived in Bangalore, the silicon valley of India for over a decade, you have probably explored all the malls, halls, temples, city tours, night life, resort hopping, spiritual centers, weekend trips in and around the place – and you begin to wonder what is left to do in this city that is so full of life.

Think again! Have you drove or rode a bus to the outskirts to taste a slice of life there? The belt between Chandapura circle and Anekal and a little beyond has a few spots of interest, which can be covered in a day.

Pearl Valley

Like any other traveler, even if you are a resident of Bangalore you want to first know if there is any tourist spot in this belt. You should be ready to walk down three hundred steps to see a stream of water flowing and capture the view around – a valley indeed. It is 14 kilometers from Chandapura Circle towards Anekal. There is ample parking space and a refreshment joint. Locally known as Muthyalamuduvu is an ideal picnic spot.

Happy Home Resort

This resort is just one and a half kilometer from Pearl Valley, which has a multi cuisine, basketball court, swimming pool and cottages to stay if you desire to stay the night. You can ask for poolside lunch with prior intimation. On request, they arrange stage shows and camps at nominal costs. The plot owners of Nature city as members, are allowed to use the amenities for free however other visitors will be charged negligible fee, mainly to maintain the site.

Exploring Temples

You can either begin or conclude your tour with a quick visit to any temple – Venkateshwara or Ram Mandir that is either on your way or a five-minute walk from the bus stop.

Shopping Centers

Residents here mainly depend on the Friday market in Anekal and Saturday market in Chandapura circle for their vegetable needs. Big Market and D Mart are two decent stores that partially give a glimpse of city shopping – discounted throughout the year and all products like home appliances, clothes, furnishing, etc are available here under one roof. With Big Market you also have the convenience of home delivery within an hour for nearby residents.

Upcoming Villas

Many corporate managers and leaders invest in real estate to save tax. If they already have a flat in the city, buying another nest in the outskirts for weekend getaway or to rent out is the prevailing trend. So, if you do not belong to the usual young college going crowd out to explore the city borders aimlessly and are here with a purpose - keen to invest, make it “must do agenda” to figure out Villas offered in just thirty Lakhs and also those worth over a crore with a private pool.

This area has a dozen going residential projects, an upcoming diagnostic center, several schools, banks and is all set to establish its value substantially in the real estate landscape. The greenery around reminds you of the laid back life that almost immediately reduces stress.

Half a day in Hospital

Your trip to this side of the city does not necessarily have to be as a weekend tour. If your appointment with the cardiologist in Health city, Devi shetty’s Narayan Hrudalaya (A few kilometers from the IT hub Electronic City) is over by noon, you can explore the area for the rest of the day.

Dining out

On your way back to the city you can stop at The Lark near Bommasandra for dinner or try Sai Vishram near Hebbagodi. You can pack something to munch from Anand Bhawan in case you want to save time, which is at a stone throw distance from Narayana Hrudalaya Hospital. Use the flyover to avoid traffic.

Yercaud

There are regular KSRTC buses to Hosur from Anekal main bus stand. Salem is approximately 190 kms from Hosur. Yercaud is just another 15 kms from Salem. You will love it for the breath taking beauty it has to offer and the mood.

Yercaud Lake. Source: Google Images 1

Abode for Silks

If you are a visitor in Bangalore and stationed near Electronic city, you can try the very new Chennai Silks and the jewellery showroom Sree Kumaran Thangamaligai in Sipcot Complex on Bangalore Highways Road, Hosur. From Chandapura circle, instead of taking a right turn to Anekal, if you go straight, you find Attibele and this outlet is just five kilometers from there.

The Chennai Silks - SIPCOT Complex 1

With time this place will have a lot more to offer however as of now, this can be a whole day program – hassle free and at your own convenience, most importantly hardly affecting your budget. 

Write to chaltechalteindia@gmail.com if you have a story to share about Bangalore or if you are planning a visit, our team will be glad to assist you with a no-obligation itinerary at no cost. 

Exploring Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur, the largest industrial city of Jharkhand in India is founded by the late Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata. 

It is popularly known as the Steel City and is situated at the confluence of Subarnarekha and Kharkai Rivers. This place is ideal for those who are interested in weekend trips but do not want to travel far off as it is just four hours from the city of Kolkata. It may not lure tourists when you suggest Jamshedpur for holiday mainly because it is a business hub but once you step into the city, the greenery, the innumerable beauties, both natural and man made are sure to catch one's fancy.  The best time to visit is December to March.

Tatanagar station is very well connected and many trains are available from Kolkata. Although Volvo buses also run from Kolkata to Jamshedpur, it is advisable to go by train as the train journey is comfortable.

If one is planning a short trip, it is better to catch the first morning train which is BBN-JANSHATABDI starting from Howrah at 6.20 a.m. and reaching Tatanagar in less than 3.5 hours. 2 way AC Chair Car tickets will cost around INR 910 (1 way being INR 455) whereas 2way 2S is INR 280.

Since it is the industrial capital of Jharkhand, this city is both a business and tourist destination. Hence one can get hotels of all categories, both budget and luxury, ranging from INR 600 to 5000. It is better to stay near the Railway Station as autos and cars are available whole night. Both hired cars and auto rickshaws are available for city tours. An Indigo will cost approximately INR 1000 /1500 per day depending on the distance and time whichever is higher.

The main attractions of the city  are: Jubilee Park, Dimna Lake, Jamshedpur Stadium, Tata Steel Zoological Garden, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary and Chandil Dam.

Day 1 

Dimna Lake
Jubilee Park
Tata Steel Zoological Park

Jamshedpur Stadium (if time permits)

Day 2 

Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary
Chandil Dam

Day 1

Dimna Lake 

Dimna Lake is 13 kms from the city and is situated at the foot of Dalma Hills. The lake though artificial is very beautiful and surrounded by mountains in all directions with lots of greeneries.

The reservoir built over the lake is beautiful.

One can also enjoy boating in this serene lake.  It is preferable to visit the lake in the day time as this place is not safe in the evening.

Jubilee Park

The Jubilee Park is built over a vast area and was gifted by Jamshetji Tata to the locales on completion of 50 years of the city. This park reminds tourists of Kashmir’s Mughal Garden and Bangalore’s Vrindaban Garden. It is decorated with rose gardens all over, flower beds and illuminated fountains. 

The added attractions are a lake and an amusement park. The musical laser show in the evening is a must watch. 

The Park looks heavenly during the birth anniversary of Shri Jamshedji Tata on 3rd March when the whole place is decorated with lights.

Opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m.

Tata Steel Zoological Park

Tata Steel Zoological Park is situated in the adjoining area of Jubilee Park. This zoo is very big and almost all kinds of animals are found here. To avoid walking, one can also hire the ‘Baghakudar Express’ at a rate of Rs.200/- which will cover the entire zoo in a span of half an hour to 45 mins. 

This is one of the best zoos and has Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Hippopotamus, Porcupines, Butterflies, Birds to name among a few.

Day 2

Check out from the Hotel early morning and start for Asanboni which is just 17 kms from Jamshedpur. Asanboni which is situated at the foot of Dalma Hills is very calm and peaceful and you will love the tranquility of the place.

The best place to stay in Asanboni is the Hill View Resort. Although it is a little expensive starting from INR 1900), you will love your stay here and it is worth your money.

Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary 

Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is located 10 kms from Jamshedpur at a height of 3000 sq.ft, above the sea level. It is famous for herd of wild elephants, deers and bears. The adventure lovers and trekkers would love the trek to Dalma Summit as the sanctuary is covered with thick forests. 

But before starting for the trek, one can visit the Shiva temple outside the Sanctuary but be ready for a good climb as the temple is situated at the hill top from where you can get a good view of the whole city.

Entry Fee for Adult is INR 2 whereas for Jeeps and Small Cars its INR 80.

Chandil Dam

Another major tourist attraction in Jamshedpur - This is famous for its breathtaking beauty and is just 21 kms from Dalma Sanctuary. Surrounded by green mountains and hills this is another paradise on earth and you would love to spend hours here.

You can come back to the hotel in the evening and take the morning Steel Express at 6.15 a.m. or Howrah Express at 9.35 a.m. from Tatanagar Station

OR

Add one more day and visit Ghatshila which is just 50 kms from Jamshedpur.

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Write to chaltechalteindia@gmail.com if you have a story to share about Jamshedpur or if you are planning a visit, our team will be glad to assist you with a no-obligation itinerary at no cost. 

A Visit To The Art Of Living Headquarters In South India

It is not about spiritual shopping or seeking peace and solace when you plan a visit to a meditation camp or a pilgrim. In simple words it is just giving life a break. Only when there is moderation in mundane activities can one dwell on a few fundamental questions of life and the purpose of existence. Even those who get a quick rush of adrenaline in parties, on the dance floor, a long bike ride or any other energetic pursuit, want to pause and reflect, once in a while. The idea is to rest your mind, restore that mental energy and face life head on.

Headquartered in Bangalore, The Art of Living International foundation was formed in 1989 with that vision of a stress free life and violence free world. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is the humanitarian leader and inspiring force of this movement. There are several courses on breathing techniques, meditation and yoga that are conducted in the center. The environment is soothing and very comforting.

Once in Bangalore, How To Reach: The cheapest way to reach the center on Kanakpura road, which is approximately fifteen kilometers from the main bus stand Banashankari, is by bus. There are daily passes available for INR 70 for non-AC buses and INR 140 for AC buses that can be used through out the day.

The frequency of buses from Airport and Railway station to Central Silk Board Junction eases commuting issues. Almost all Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses go to Banashankari from Silk Board.


Vishalakshi Mantap

From Gate 5, the Vishalakshi Mantap is a ten-minute walk. The information centers share map of the layout and there are helpful volunteers to guide visitors.

There is a guided tour daily at three thirty that covers important spots. You just have to register your names at the information center. Fortunately they even offer to take names over phone. The tour guide provides you all the required information, not just about the spots and the center but also about the associated projects of the Foundation across India. For example, while stopping at the school, the guide tells you there are over four hundred schools all over India that provides education for free.


Goshala - The Cowshed

The cow shed locally known as Goshala has over three hundred cows of various breeds. The cows have names and respond favorably to milking procedure through music and hymns playing in the sheds.


A brief session on Permaculture

With the right mix of humor and sensitive sarcasm, we are made to realize what goes into that hole called mouth (Food) and what comes out from the same hole (Words) govern our lives in a big way. It is important we take enough care to control both. And then the discussion shifts to the little things we can do daily to bring that change.


Ayurveda Hospital

Shuttle service is available till four in the evening from the center to the Ayurveda hospital for those who need these services. The hospital has a full-fledged medical store


Soothing Atmosphere

There are so many other things one can do in the centre – take a solitary walk, a quiet laid back time sitting near the amphitheatres, meditate, view the videos, shop in the stores that stocks books, CDs, incense sticks. Depending upon the time you reach you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner within the layout. There are rooms for counseling, cottages to stay, a huge dining space and a shop that sells all the in house produce.

To achieve world peace, we need a stress free mind and violence free society. That is the simple philosophy of the founder and the visit to the center only strengthens that belief system all the more.