A travel Guide to Siliguri

Siliguri Tourism

Siliguri, India, popularly known as “The Gateway of Northwest India”, is a beautiful and pleasant city located at the crown of West Bengal. This city has been a strategic military outpost for the Indian Army since the late 1970s. Located in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, this city is 392 feet above sea level. Popular for its tea gardens and natural beauty, Siliguri perfectly represents the true spirit of India via its diversity of cultures, races, and cuisines.

Some of the most notable Siliguri tourist attractions are its tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, temples, monasteries, museums, and water parks. From late-night camping by the river Teesta to enjoying VR shows in Science City, Siliguri has got it all covered.

Siliguri is a city with a beautiful past. Till the late 1960s, this big city was just a small town where trucks used to stop during their journey to further northeast. In 1975, the “Siliguri Corridor” was formed, which made Siliguri the frontline for Indo-Chinese trade. With time, migrants from Bangladesh (then East Pakistan), China, Tibet, and Bhutan settled in this city, making it the “The Gateway of Northeast”.

With its amazing scenic beauty, moderate weather, welcoming environment, and affordable hotels, Siliguri tours are a complete value for money.

Places to visit in Siliguri

1. Salugara Monastery

One of the major Siliguri attractions, Salugara Monastery, is a shrine dedicated to Gautam Buddha, located 6 km from the main city of Siliguri. Opened in 2001, the 100 ft stupa monastery is believed to be built by the Tibetan Lama, Kalu Rinpoche. Since then, this monastery has been open to the public. The interiors show a marvellous fusion of Indo-Chinese architecture. The most striking feature of the monastery is the frescoes on the ceiling of the main praying hall. This place is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Home to five kinds of Buddhist relics, Salugara Monastery is a must-visit for everyone.

2. Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary

Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in West Bengal. Situated between the Teesta and Mahananda rivers, this place is a natural marvel covered by mesmerising beauty and wildlife. Being one of the most sought-after Siliguri tourist places, it offers various adventurous activities like trekking challenges, birdwatching, and fishing in the Mahananda river. Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary hosts more than 200 species of birds, barking deers, fishing cats, sambar, elephants, and Indian bison. You can spot a Royal Bengal Tiger or a rare mountain goat in this 158 sq. km wildlife reserve.

3. Dudhia

Your Siliguri travel guide will be incomplete without a proper camping trip in Dudhia. Dudhia is a small town located 26 km from the main city of Siliguri. This place is one of the most naturally gifted regions of the Northeast. Situated on the banks of river Teesta, Dudhia is the paradise for campers, bikers, and travel bloggers. Its majestic beauty and moderate weather make it a favourite among tourists. Dudhia further has various adventurous activities like trekking, fishing, kayaking, and horse riding. Most residents rent homes in Dudhia to tourists. You can also go camping and stay in a tent by the river bank.

4. Hong Kong Market

Another major attraction among Siliguri tourist places, the Hong Kong Market, is one of the largest markets in the Northeast. With more than 200 retail shops, this market symbolises the culture and ethnicity of the beautiful town. Siliguri has always been famous for its timber and handicrafts. This market hosts more than 50 shops that provide these rare products for sale. From crafts to electronics, Hong Kong Market has it all covered. The market also offers refreshments like a hot cup of tea and a plate of momos (an Indo-Tibetan dumpling famous throughout India, Nepal, and Bhutan).

5. Tea Gardens

The Tea Gardens in Siliguri and Darjeeling are heaven for photographers, bikers, and travel bloggers. In 1837, the first tea gardens were opened in Assam. Within a few decades, many tea gardens were opened in Darjeeling and Siliguri. The moderate climate, ample rainfall, and frost-free mornings promote the cultivation of tea in this area. Nowadays, Siliguri and Darjeeling tea gardens account for 36% of the total tea cultivation in India. Many famous varieties of tea like the Pekoe and Namring are grown in these tea gardens. Adored by locals and tourists for their natural beauty, the tea gardens are extremely picturesque and pleasing for the eyes.

Things to do in Siliguri

Siliguri has various adventurous activities to offer. Here is the list of interesting things to do in Siliguri.

Going on Bengal Safari

A Siliguri travel guide must include a Bengal Safari in its famous wildlife sanctuaries. Bengal Safari offers natural beauty and a variety of flora and fauna. Some of the most common species found during the safari are wild cats, leopards, deers, elephants, and Indian bison.

Trekking and Sightseeing

Siliguri tourism is well-known for trekking, sightseeing, and other great adventurous activities. The vast mountainous plains of Siliguri offer the best trekking spots. Siliguri has more than 5 viewpoints scattered throughout the city. If the skies are clear, you can see the great Mount Kanchenjunga in all its might. Various tours and travel agencies in Siliguri arrange for trekking and sightseeing camps that can last for days in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Camping by Teesta River

Camping by the Teesta river tops the list of adventurous activities Siliguri tourism offers. Along with the lower courses of the river, there are abundant camping spots that have great scenic beauty. Tourists can hire tents, inflatable boats, kayaks and fishing poles from the shops nearby and enjoy this great experience.

White Water Rafting in Rangpo

White Water Rafting is very popular among teens and tourists who visit Siliguri. Rangpo is the go-to place for this adventure sport. Located 25 km approx from the main city, Rangpo provides all kinds of gear needed for this experience.

Best time to visit Siliguri

The best time to visit Siliguri is anywhere between the months of November and February. Tourists also come here during the summers. But Siliguri is different during monsoons, as all tourist attractions and hotels in Siliguri are temporarily closed during that time of the year.

The best season to visit Siliguri would be during the winters and early spring. Summers in Siliguri can get really warm. Monsoons on the other hand are considered an off-season for tourism.

How to reach Siliguri

If you are planning on how to reach Siliguri, here is the guide you can follow.

By Roadways

Siliguri is well-connected to the rest of India via roadways. One can simply follow the NH-55 from New Jalpaiguri and Bagdogra to reach here.

By Railways

The nearest railway station is the New Jalpaiguri railway station, which is 18 km from Siliguri. You can easily get a train for New Jalpaiguri Station from Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi and other cities in the country. From the New Jalpaiguri Station, get a taxi or bus for Siliguri.

By Airways

There are no direct flights to Siliguri. You have to take a flight to Bagdogra. Bagdogra International Airport to Siliguri is a 15-minute drive.