Chitra Bhanu | Rabindranath Tagore Cottage | Kalimpong, India

Picturesque small towns of the Himalayan range are so beautiful. Hills, flashy streams, and lush green nature are always astonished their visitors. Moreover, periodic winds of the white mountains create a mysterious aspiration that is tough to explain in words. Small town Kalimpong is one of them. Like others, this small town was able to capture the mind of the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

  Front view of cottage 

         

In his life, Rabindranath Tagore visited the town several times and finally wished to be a permanent residence. By the time 1941, his dream came true as he got land to build his own cottage. The land was leased in the name of his daughter-in-law Pratima Devi, wife of Rathindranath Tagore. When the cottage was being built, Rabindranath Tagore was present there and scrutinized everything.

 Some photos of poet and his family

   

Some people believe that the name of the house came from the alias of Rabindranath Tagore, Bhanu Singha. Others, conversely, say that the name came from Rathindranath Tagore's studio, Chitrabhanu.

 

Chitra Bhanu was partially damaged during the earthquake in 2011 and has not been renovated yet. Today, a training center, IL&FS; Institute of Skills, is operating there.

Wall collapsed due to the earthquake

               

Although the house has lost its splendor, still now it bears the memories of Rabindranath Tagore. Visitors can see lots of things like musical instruments, radio, furniture and so on that were touched by the dear poet. There is an open sitting shaded stage situated in front of the cottage to enjoy the scenario of the Himalayas. Moreover, the place is a small Eden for those who have a strong feeling about the Rabindranath Tagore.

The cottage is situated on Atisha Road. Tourists have to hire a four-wheeler to visit the place. 

Leg harmonium of poet