In a landmark move to showcase its rich cultural and educational legacy, Visva-Bharati University is set to welcome tourists back to its historic campus through a newly launched ‘Heritage Walk’ initiative. The programme comes in the wake of the institution’s prestigious designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reaffirming its global significance and enduring connection to the visionary ideals of Rabindranath Tagore.
The university, founded by the Nobel laureate and rooted in his philosophy of holistic education, will now open its gates once again to the public—offering a guided journey through time, architecture, and artistic heritage.
A Walk through History
University officials revealed that the Heritage Walk is expected to commence on a trial basis by late July or early August, with initial tours conducted once a week and limited to a small group of participants to maintain quality and depth of experience.
“The guided walk will take visitors through iconic landmarks of the campus—including Rabindra Bhavan, the university’s archives, museums and several historic buildings,” a senior Visva-Bharati official confirmed, adding, “Each stop on the route will be accompanied by insightful narratives from experienced guides, illuminating the deep historical and cultural significance of the university.”
To ensure an immersive and sustainable experience, the university is crafting alternative pedestrian-only routes to minimize traffic congestion and preserve the sanctity of the campus. One such proposed route will lead visitors from the Subarnarekha intersection to Jagadish Kanan and onward to Rabindra Bhavan—combining scenic beauty with cultural depth.
Campus access after pandemic closure
Public access to Visva-Bharati had been severely curtailed since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many visitors to Santiniketan unable to explore the spiritual and intellectual heart of the region. The reopening of the campus to tourists marks a pivotal shift under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prabir Kumar Ghosh, who has championed the initiative as a way to reconnect the university with the wider world.
“The Vice-Chancellor and other university officials have already surveyed potential routes, including Jagadish Kanan, to finalise the Heritage Walk path,” a university source said.
A new cultural dimension for Santiniketan tourism
University officials believe the Heritage Walk will greatly enhance the tourist experience in Santiniketan, which draws thousands of visitors each year but often leaves them with only a superficial glimpse of its cultural wealth.
“Although tourists flock to Santiniketan, many leave without truly experiencing the intellectual and artistic soul of Visva-Bharati,” the official remarked saying, “This initiative will change that, offering a deep, reflective and educational encounter with the space Tagore built to nurture free thought and creativity.”
The Heritage Walk is expected to attract domestic and international tourists, scholars and cultural enthusiasts, creating a new avenue for heritage-based tourism in Bengal. More than just a sightseeing tour, it is envisioned as a pilgrimage through the ideals of Tagore, inviting visitors to walk the same paths that once echoed with the footsteps of poets, philosophers, artists, and revolutionaries.
As the Heritage Walk prepares to take its first steps, Visva-Bharati is poised to reaffirm its position not just as a university, but as a living museum of Indian thought, tradition and innovation—nestled in the tranquil red-soil lands of Santiniketan.