Rabindranath Tagore's Kuthibari

District:Kushtia•Division:Khulna

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2/16/2026

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About

Rabindranath Tagore's Kuthibari in Shilaidaha, Kushtia is the historic country house where Asia's first Nobel laureate lived, managed his family's estates, and wrote some of his most celebrated works.

This charming two-story indigo-era mansion, now preserved as a museum, is one of Bangladesh's most important literary landmarks.

Tagore's Connection to Shilaidaha

Rabindranath Tagore first came to Shilaidaha in 1889 when his father, Debendranath Tagore, sent him to manage the family's zamindari (landlord) estates in the area.

Over the next several years, Tagore spent long stretches of time here, and the experience shaped his writing in powerful ways.

Living close to the Padma River and the rural life of Bengal, Tagore wrote many of his finest poems, songs, and short stories.

Some of his most famous works, including parts of Gitanjali (which won him the Nobel Prize in 1913), were inspired by the landscapes and people he encountered in Shilaidaha.

The Kuthibari Building

The Kuthibari itself is a beautiful two-story building that dates back to the 1800s.

Originally built during the indigo plantation era, the house was later taken over by the Tagore family.

It features wide verandas, arched windows, and high ceilings typical of the period.

The ground floor has been converted into a museum with several rooms displaying:

•Original furniture that Tagore used

•Photographs of Tagore at different stages of his life

•Copies of manuscripts and letters he wrote while staying here

•Personal items including his bed, writing desk, and bookshelf

•Paintings and artwork related to Tagore's time in Shilaidaha

The upper floor offers lovely views of the surrounding countryside and the river.

The Grounds and Surroundings

The Kuthibari sits in a peaceful compound with old trees, gardens, and open spaces.

A short walk from the house takes you to the banks of the Padma River, where Tagore famously spent time on his houseboat, the "Padma." The river views here are beautiful, especially at sunset, and it's easy to see why this place moved Tagore so deeply.

Literary Significance

Shilaidaha is sometimes called the "Land of Tagore's Inspiration." During his stays here, Tagore didn't just write — he also connected with local villagers, boatmen, and farmers, and these interactions filled his work with a deep understanding of rural Bengali life.

His collection of short stories, "Galpaguchchha," drew heavily from the people and places around Shilaidaha.

For anyone who loves Tagore's writing, visiting this house is like stepping into the world that inspired some of the most beautiful literature in the Bengali language.

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

Museum Entry Fee

•Bangladeshi adults: 15 BDT per person

•Foreign visitors: 100 BDT per person

•Students (with ID): 5 BDT

•Children under 5: Free

The surrounding compound and gardens are free to walk through even without entering the museum.

Note: Carry cash as there are no card payment facilities.

Opening Hours

The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday to Wednesday.

It remains closed on Thursdays and government holidays.

On Fridays, the museum opens from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM (closed during Jummah prayer time).

The grounds and gardens around the Kuthibari can be enjoyed from dawn to dusk even when the museum is closed.

During special occasions like Rabindra Jayanti (Tagore's birthday, 25th Baishakh/May) and Rabindra Prayan Dibas (death anniversary, 22nd Shravan/August), extended hours and special cultural programs may be arranged.

Time Needed

A visit to the Kuthibari museum and grounds takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

If you also want to walk to the Padma River bank, explore the surrounding village, and have tea at a local shop, plan for 3 hours.

For literature enthusiasts who want to read every display, take photographs, and soak in the atmosphere, half a day (4-5 hours) is ideal.

Best Time to Visit

Kuthibari can be visited year-round, but certain times make the experience extra special.

Rabindra Jayanti (25th Baishakh / May) - Tagore's birthday celebration.

Cultural programs, recitations, and music fill the Kuthibari grounds.

This is the single best day to visit if you want to feel the place come alive.

Winter (November-February) - Pleasant, cool weather perfect for exploring the house and strolling through the gardens.

The countryside around Shilaidaha looks beautiful in winter light.

Autumn (October-November) - Clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

The Padma River is full after monsoon, offering gorgeous views from the riverbank.

Avoid: Peak summer (May-June) is very hot.

Heavy monsoon months (July-August) can make the roads to Shilaidaha difficult, though the lush green scenery is stunning.

Best Time of Day: Morning visits (10 AM - 12 PM) offer the softest light and fewest crowds.

Estimated Cost

Transportation

•From Kushtia town by CNG auto-rickshaw: 150-200 BDT (one way, 17 km)

•From Kushtia by rickshaw van: 100-150 BDT (slower but scenic)

•Private car rental from Kushtia: 800-1,200 BDT (round trip with waiting)

At the Site

•Museum entry: 15 BDT (Bangladeshi), 100 BDT (Foreign)

•Photography: Free

Food

•Tea at local shops: 10-20 BDT

•Snacks/lunch at local eateries: 80-200 BDT per person

Total Estimated Cost

•Budget visit: 250-400 BDT per person

•Comfortable visit: 500-800 BDT per person

How to Reach

Kuthibari is in Shilaidaha, about 17 kilometers north of Kushtia town.

Getting to Kushtia is the first step, and then local transport takes you to Shilaidaha.

From Dhaka to Kushtia

Bus: Direct buses from Gabtoli or Kalyanpur terminals take 5-6 hours.

Non-AC buses cost 400-600 BDT, AC buses 700-1,000 BDT.

Hanif Enterprise, Shyamoli Paribahan, and JB Express are reliable options.

Train: Trains from Kamalapur Railway Station to Poradah Junction take 6-7 hours.

Tickets range from 200-500 BDT depending on class.

From Kushtia to Shilaidaha (17 km)

•CNG Auto-rickshaw (Recommended): 150-200 BDT one way. Takes about 30-40 minutes. You can ask the driver to wait while you visit (negotiate a round-trip fare of 400-600 BDT).

•Local Bus/Tempo: Cheaper at 30-50 BDT but runs on irregular schedules.

•Private Car: If you rented a car, the drive is scenic and straightforward.

Important Tips

•Tell your CNG driver "Shilaidaha Kuthibari" — everyone knows the place

•The road from Kushtia to Shilaidaha passes through pleasant countryside

•If combining with Lalon Shah's Shrine, visit the shrine first (it's closer to town), then head to Shilaidaha

•During Rabindra Jayanti, special transport may be arranged from Kushtia town

Facilities

At the Kuthibari Complex

•Museum with curated exhibits across multiple rooms

•Clean washroom/toilet facilities

•Sitting areas and benches in the garden

•Shaded trees and walkways in the compound

•Parking area for cars and motorcycles

•Caretaker/staff available during museum hours for basic information

•Drinking water facilities

Nearby

•Tea stalls and small snack shops outside the gate

•Local eateries in Shilaidaha village (within walking distance)

•Mobile phone network coverage is reliable

Limited/Not Available

•No ATM nearby (carry cash from Kushtia town)

•No formal guided tour service (museum displays are self-explanatory)

•No souvenir shop at the site

•No Wi-Fi

•Limited wheelchair accessibility (the museum has stairs to the upper floor)

•No accommodation at Shilaidaha — plan to stay in Kushtia town

During Special Events (Rabindra Jayanti)

•Temporary seating for cultural programs

•Enhanced lighting and sound system

•Extra washroom facilities

•Food vendors and tea stalls

Things to Do

Explore the Museum

•Walk through rooms displaying Tagore's original furniture, photographs, and personal items

•See his writing desk, bed, and bookshelf where literary history was made

•Read copies of manuscripts and letters written during his Shilaidaha years

•Study the photographs tracing Tagore's life from youth to old age

Enjoy the Grounds

•Stroll through the shaded gardens surrounding the Kuthibari

•Sit under the old trees and read Tagore's poetry in the very place that inspired it

•Take in the peaceful rural atmosphere that captivated Tagore

•Enjoy the views from the upper floor veranda

Visit the Padma River Bank

•Walk to the nearby Padma River (short walk from the Kuthibari)

•Watch the sunset over the river — a view Tagore himself loved

•See the spot where Tagore's famous houseboat "Padma" was anchored

•Enjoy the breeze and open landscape along the riverbank

Photography

•Photograph the beautiful colonial-era architecture of the Kuthibari

•Capture the garden scenery and old trees

•Sunset photography at the Padma River bank

•The building photographs beautifully in morning and afternoon light

Cultural Activities

•Attend Rabindra Jayanti celebrations if visiting in May

•Listen to Rabindra Sangeet (Tagore's songs) performed during special events

•Talk with local people about Tagore's connection to the area

Nearby Activities

•Visit Lalon Shah's Shrine in Kushtia (17 km) — combine both in a day trip

•Explore the quiet village of Shilaidaha on foot

•Visit the Gorai River bank in Kushtia

Do's and Don'ts

DO

✓Remove shoes if asked before entering certain areas of the museum

✓Maintain silence or speak softly inside the museum — it is a place of cultural reverence

✓Take your time reading the displays and descriptions

✓Ask the caretaker if you have questions — they are knowledgeable and helpful

✓Carry cash as there are no ATMs or card payment facilities nearby

✓Bring drinking water, especially in summer

✓Visit the Padma River bank while you are here — it completes the experience

✓Combine your visit with Lalon Shah's Shrine for a full Kushtia day trip

✓Respect the building's heritage — it is over 150 years old

✓Carry a Tagore poetry book if you have one — reading it here is a special experience

DON'T

✗Don't touch the museum exhibits, furniture, or artifacts

✗Don't use flash photography inside the museum

✗Don't lean on walls or sit on displayed furniture

✗Don't litter in the compound or garden areas

✗Don't carve names or write on any surface of the building

✗Don't climb trees or pluck flowers in the garden

✗Don't play loud music or make excessive noise

✗Don't smoke inside the premises

✗Don't bring food or drinks inside the museum building

✗Don't enter restricted areas or go behind roped-off sections

Safety Tips

General Safety

•The Kuthibari and Shilaidaha area are very safe for visitors

•The museum has staff present during visiting hours

•The village is quiet and friendly — locals are welcoming to tourists

•Keep your belongings with you, though theft is uncommon here

Building Safety

•Watch your step on the old wooden stairs inside the Kuthibari

•The upper floor may have uneven flooring in places — walk carefully

•Avoid leaning on old railings or window frames

•Be mindful of low doorways in some rooms

Weather Precautions

•Carry sunscreen and a hat during summer visits — there is limited shade on the walk to the river

•Bring an umbrella during monsoon season

•Wear comfortable walking shoes — the paths can be muddy after rain

•Stay hydrated — carry drinking water

River Safety

•If you visit the Padma River bank, be careful near the water edge

•The river bank can be slippery, especially after rain

•Do not swim in the Padma River — the current can be strong

•Keep children away from the water edge

Travel Safety

•If returning to Kushtia after dark, arrange your CNG in advance

•The road to Shilaidaha has no streetlights in some sections

•Keep your phone charged for navigation and emergencies

•Mobile network coverage is generally good in this area

Emergency Contacts

•National Emergency: 999

•Kushtia District Hospital: 071-61075

•Nearest Police Station: Kumarkhali Thana (closer to Shilaidaha)

Medical Facilities

The nearest hospital is in Kushtia town, about 17 km away.

For minor issues, small pharmacies can be found in nearby villages.

Location

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