Visva-Bharati University is preparing to reopen its campus to tourists visiting Santiniketan, offering them the opportunity to walk through its historic grounds and experience the enduring legacy of Rabindranath Tagore’s educational vision.
The central university authorities are set to launch a ‘Heritage Walk’ initiative for tourists. The move comes after the university’s recent designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and aims to offer visitors a deeper insight into the historical significance of the institution Tagore founded.
University sources said the Heritage Walk is expected to launch on a trial basis by late July or early August. “To ensure a meaningful experience, the guided walk will initially be held once a week with a limited number of participants. The Heritage Walk will feature guided tours of key landmarks, including historic buildings, Rabindra Bhavan, the university’s archives and museums,” said an official of Visva-Bharati.
He said experienced guides will provide in-depth insights into the historical significance of each site, while also highlighting the importance of preserving Santiniketan’s distinctive cultural heritage.
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General tourists’ access to the Visva-Bharati campus had been restricted since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, current Vice-Chancellor Prabir Kumar Ghosh has taken the initiative to reopen the campus gates to visitors.
The Vice-Chancellor and other university officials have already surveyed Jagadish Kanan, a scenic area near Rabindra Bhavan, to evaluate the proposed route for the walk.
To manage crowd flow and reduce traffic congestion, alternative pedestrian routes are being planned. One such route will guide tourists on foot from Subarnarekha intersection to Jagadish Kanan and Rabindra Bhavan, ensuring an immersive and environmentally conscious experience.
“Even though tourists come to Santiniketan, many leave without experiencing the authentic cultural and historical environment of Visva-Bharati. Now this new initiative will add additional attraction for visiting Santiniketan,” said another officer from the university.
This initiative is expected to benefit domestic, international tourists and scholars as well. With the launch of the Heritage Walk, Visva-Bharati hopes to offer visitors a journey through history, education and culture at the heart of Santiniketan.
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