Visva-Bharati Ashram Area
বিশ্বভারতী
The birthplace of Tagore's Visva-Bharati University. The old ashram, the glass-walled prayer hall and open-air classes under trees form the core of this World Heritage Site.
Visva-Bharati University was founded by Tagore in 1921. The old campus is the starting point of the whole university town. It includes the Chhatimtala, where Tagore's father, Debendranath, meditated under a saptaparni (seven-leaf) tree in 1863; the two-storey Santiniketan Griha ashram he built, the oldest building on campus; and the Upasana Griha, completed the same year, with coloured glass on all four walls, where prayers are still held every Wednesday morning. Next door, Patha Bhavana primary school carries on Tagore's idea of teaching under trees, with students sitting on the ground in a mango grove. Access to classes is restricted, and visitors can usually tour designated areas in the afternoon. Wednesday is the university's rest day. You can ask a licensed local guide or an e-rickshaw driver to show you around. Please do not disturb classes or enter the residential areas.
Opening hours
Entry restricted during classes; visits generally open in the afternoon; closed Wednesdays
Nearby sights
- Cheena Bhavana
- Uttarayan Complex & Rabindra Bhavana
- Kala Bhavana
- Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sonajhuri Haat
- Srijani Shilpagram
- Sriniketan
- Amar Kutir