Gitanjali Rail Museum — Attraction in Bolpur

Tucked away in the picturesque town of Shantiniketan, the Gitanjali Rail Museum is a charming destination that showcases a unique blend of railway heritage and cultural significance. As I stepped into the museum, I was struck by the serene ambiance and the intriguing exhibits that awaited me.

Ambiance: 4.5/5 The museum is situated in a tranquil setting, surrounded by lush greenery and the iconic Shantiniketan landscape. The building itself is a beautifully restored railway station, which adds to the nostalgic charm of the museum. The interior is tastefully designed, with ample natural light and a well-planned layout that allows visitors to navigate easily.

Exhibits: 4.7/5 The Gitanjali Rail Museum boasts an impressive collection of railway artifacts, including vintage locomotives, coaches, and even a recreated railway station. The exhibits are meticulously maintained, and the attention to detail is evident in every aspect. From the intricately designed railway signals to the antique railway equipment, every display is a testament to the museum's commitment to preserving India's railway heritage.

Highlights:

Vintage Locomotives: The museum features an impressive array of vintage locomotives, including steam engines and diesel locomotives. Recreated Railway Station: The museum has recreated a vintage railway station, complete with a ticket counter, waiting room, and even a vintage railway clock. Railway Memorabilia: The museum showcases a vast collection of railway memorabilia, including vintage railway posters, uniforms, and equipment. Tagore Connection: The museum has a special section dedicated to the life and works of Rabindranath Tagore, which adds a unique cultural dimension to the museum.

Interactive Elements: 4.0/5 While the museum could benefit from more interactive elements, the staff is knowledgeable and eager to share their expertise with visitors. The museum also offers guided tours, which provide valuable insights into the history and significance of the exhibits.

Overall Experience: 4.5/5 The Gitanjali Rail Museum is a hidden gem in the heart of Shantiniketan, offering a unique and engaging experience that combines railway heritage with cultural significance. The museum's serene ambiance, meticulously maintained exhibits, and knowledgeable staff make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, railways, or culture.

Recommendation: If you're visiting Shantiniketan, the Gitanjali Rail Museum is an excellent addition to your itinerary. Be sure to allocate at least 2-3 hours to explore the museum thoroughly, and consider taking a guided tour to get the most out of your visit. Don't miss the opportunity to soak in the tranquil ambiance and learn about the fascinating history of...

Gitanjali Rail Museum

Gitanjali Rail Museum, nestled in front of Bolpur station, stands as a poignant homage to the revered poet and philosopher, Kaviguru Rabindranath Tagore. This two-storied marvel spanning 1830 square meters mirrors the architectural elegance of Shantiniketan's UDAYAN building, evoking a serene ambiance reminiscent of the poet's abode.

Stepping into this cultural sanctuary, visitors are greeted with a treasure trove of history and emotion. The ground floor unveils the iconic railway Saloon Car, bearing witness to Tagore's final journey from Bolpur to Kolkata in 1941, marking his departure from Shantiniketan Ashram. Preserved meticulously by Eastern Railway, this carriage serves as a solemn tribute to the poet's legacy, resonating with visitors from far and wide.

Complementing the Saloon Car's luminance are 35 rare photographs capturing Tagore's multifaceted essence, accompanied by 48 framed prose and poems, enriching the narrative of his profound contributions. Moreover, the exhibition showcases facsimiles of the Trust Deed of Bhubandanga, laying the foundation for Vishwabharati, a testament to Tagore's visionary endeavors.

Ascending to the first floor, visitors are immersed in 153 rare photographs, immortalizing Tagore's pivotal moments in Shantiniketan and abroad, offering a glimpse into his illustrious life and the genesis of Shantiniketan Ashram.

The genesis of this museum, marked by the laying of its foundation stone in 2010 and its public unveiling in 2012, coincided poetically with the 150th birth anniversary of the great poet. Named after Tagore's seminal work, Gitanjali, which celebrated its centenary in 2010, the museum serves as a timeless tribute to Tagore's enduring legacy, inviting visitors to embark on a journey through his profound wisdom and artistic brilliance.

In essence, Gitanjali Rail Museum is not merely a repository of artifacts; it's a sacred ode to Tagore's immortal spirit, inviting pilgrims of literature and history to bask in the radiance of his...

Gitanjali Rail Museum, in front of Bolpur (Shantiniketan) station is a humble tribute of Eastern Railway to the great poet and philosopher Kaviguru Rabindranath Tagore. It’s a two-storied state-of-the-art museum having an area of 1830 square meter resembling the UDAYAN building of Uttarayan complex in Shantiniketan Ashram. Gitanjali Rail Museum remains opened for the visitors from 9:00 hrs. to 13:00 hrs. and from 14:30 hrs. to 17:00 hrs. daily excepting Wednesday. There is no entry fee for visiting the museum.

Ground floor of the museum houses the railway Saloon Car in which the ailing Kaviguru had undertaken his last train journey from Bolpur station to Kolkata in July, 1941 leaving his Shantikenation Ashram forever. The poet died o­n 7th August, 1941 in Kolkata. Eastern Railway has preserved the Saloon Car as it is as a mark of respect to the great poet. The illuminated display o­n an elevated gallery and up keeping of the coach have been appreciated by the visitors from all parts of the country as well as from abroad.

Besides, the illuminated Saloon Car in the ground floor, there are 35 rare black & white photographs of the poet in various mood along with 48 framed write ups of his prose & poems. There are three facsimiles of the Trust Deed of Bhubandanga of the year 1863 o­n which land the Vishwabharati set up later are also o­n display.

On the first floor of the museum, there are 153 rare photographs of the poet and his prime companions in Shantiniketan, the first batch of teachers of Shantiniketan Ashram and various foreign trips of the poet are of immense historical and archival value.

On the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Kaviguru Rabindranath Tagore, Ministry of Railways decided to pay its tribute to the great poet and philosopher. Foundation stone of the museum was laid in October, 2010 just outside Bolpur station and it was opened for public viewing in August, 2012. It was named after the poet’s Nobel Prize winning collection of poems GITANJALI which also completed its 100...