Shantiniketan is a small town near Bolpur in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India, approximately 165 kilometers north of Kolkata. It was made famous by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, whose vision became what is now a university town, Visva-Bharati University. The name Shantiniketan means 'abode of peace', and true to its name, it is a serene, culturally rich, and education-focused location. The town is known for its baul music, local art and crafts, and its festive seasons. Tagore founded the Ashram with an experimental school in the early 1900s, with an unconventional and modern approach to education that attracted many thinkers, poets, and artists from across the globe. The architecture of Shantiniketan is especially notable, featuring collaborative designs that blend both international and local styles. The environment is lush with trees and red soil, offering a connection to nature. Today, tourists can explore Tagore's residence, the university campus, the local markets selling handicrafts, and attend the famous seasonal festivals like Poush Mela and Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival).