Bishnupur - The name is derived from the Hindu God ‘Vishnu'. The terracotta temples here are all dedicated to Krishna and other incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Managed by a line of Hindu Rajas of the Malla dynasty, Bishnupur developed a different form of architecture and has possibly the most excellent and detailed terracotta work in Eastern India that has withstood the ravages of time and is now being preserved by the ASI and government for posterity.
Shantiniketan - earlier named Bhubandanga (named after Bhuban Dakat, a local Dacoit), and was owned by the Tagore family. The fame of this place comes from The Vishwa Bharati University, established by the Nobel Laureate Poet of Bengal Rabindranath Tagore. This university believes that knowledge should teach one to free one's minds of all limitations. In 1862, Maharishi Devendranath Tagore, the poet’s father, while on a boat journey to Raipur, came across a landscape with red soil and lush green paddy fields. He chose to plant more trees and built a small house. He named his home Shantiniketan. He founded an ashram here in 1863 and became the initiator of the Bramho Samaj.
The Terracotta Trail - Terracotta or "Baked Earth", a brownish-orange color, that is so synonymous with temples scattered all across Bengal & India in the larger picture, which traces back its roots until the 14th Century, & in the recent centuries, throughout history, it is widely found in sculpting & pottery as well as for roof & bricks. Bishnupur is enriched with terracotta craft & is a place thronged by many wanting to experience a first-hand feel of being transported to an era dating centuries. The art leaves you spellbound; & with such intricate carvings & the history of Mahabharata" that it depicts in scenes, it keeps you gazing at the wonders of the world & how relevant they are today.
Cultural Experience:– Baul, the wandering minstrels of Bengal, can be seen performing in the Saturday haat (local market) on the banks of Kopai near Shantiniketan. Bauls perform songs on religious, contemporary social, political, economical and philosophical issues. They mostly move and perform alone, but sometimes move and perform in groups too. Santhal dance or folk dance of the local tribal people can also be enjoyed.