Siliguri Tourism

Siliguri is a bustling city in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. It serves as the primary gateway to India’s northeastern states and neighboring countries like Bhutan and Nepal. This bustling city, straddling the Teesta and Mahananda rivers, combines urban energy with natural serenity, offering a unique blend of biodiversity, cultural heritage, and modern attractions. From the misty tea gardens to the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga, visible on clear days, Siliguri’s landscape is as diverse as its tourist offerings.

Thanks to its strategic location, it has evolved into one of the most significant commercial and transit hubs in Northeast India. Whether you're traveling by road or rail to the Northeast, you’re bound to pass through this vibrant city. Siliguri also serves as the gateway and trade hub for destinations like Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan, Dooars, parts of Nepal, Bangladesh, Bihar, and Assam.

Seamlessly connected by air, road, and rail to all major Indian cities, Siliguri is the starting point for travelers eager to explore Bengal, Sikkim, and beyond. Its direct road links to Bhutan and Nepal, along with its access to other northeastern states, have turned Siliguri into a thriving international trade center.

At NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited, we are proud to have our central office located in this vibrant city.

A Glimpse into Siliguri’s History

A century ago, Siliguri was just a small village on the banks of the Mahananda River. The only thing of significance back then was its railway station, which operated the iconic toy train to Darjeeling. However, the partition of India in 1947 changed everything. The creation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) led to mass migration across the border, who sought refuge in North Bengal. This migration continued for nearly three decades, transforming Siliguri from a sleepy village into a thriving town.

The partition also created what is known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck’ of India – a narrow stretch of land connecting mainland India to the Northeast. Siliguri sits at the heart of this critical corridor. To the south lies the Bangladesh border at Fulbari, while the northern fringes of the city are enveloped by the lush forests of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary and the rolling hills beyond. With its crucial position, Siliguri witnessed rapid economic growth and an influx of people from all over India, eventually emerging as one of the most prominent cities in Eastern India.

Natural Attractions and Biodiversity near Siliguri

Siliguri’s ecological wealth is anchored by its protected forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and riverine landscapes, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary

Established in 1959, the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary spans 159 square kilometers of subtropical forests between the Teesta and Mahananda rivers. Created to protect the Indian bison and Bengal tiger, the sanctuary now shelters over 300 bird species, including migratory visitors like the Eurasian wigeon and purple heron, alongside mammals such as Asian elephants, leopards, and the rare Himalayan serow. Trekking trails wind through dense foliage, offering opportunities to spot Sambar deer, barking deer, and the elusive fishing cat. The sanctuary’s role extends beyond conservation; it acts as a critical corridor for elephants migrating between West Bengal and Assam.

Bengal Safari Park

Adjacent to the Mahananda Sanctuary lies the Bengal Safari Park, a 700-acre zoological park that provides immersive wildlife experiences through herbivore, carnivore, and elephant safaris. Tourists can observe Bengal tigers, rhinoceroses, and Asiatic black bears in semi-natural enclosures, while the park’s avian residents—jungle fowl, spotted owls, and migratory waterfowl—add to its ecological appeal. The park’s design emphasizes education, with guided tours highlighting conservation efforts for endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros.

Sevok and Gajaldoba - Scenic Viewpoints

The Coronation Bridge, an architectural marvel built in 1930 over the Teesta River, offers panoramic views of the Himalayan foothills and is a popular stop for photographers. Further downstream, the Gajoldoba Reservoir near Teesta Barrage has emerged as a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting species like the river lapwing and cotton teal during winter.

Cultural and Religious Heritage

Siliguri’s multicultural identity is reflected in its monasteries, temples, and vibrant festivals, drawing pilgrims and cultural tourists alike.

Salugara Monastery and Sed-Gyued Monastery

The Salugara Monastery, founded by Tibetan lama Kalu Rinpoche, is renowned for its 100-foot-tall Tashi Gomang Stupa, which houses relics of the Buddha and serves as a meditation center for Buddhist monks. Nearby, the Sed-Gyued Monastery—rebuilt after its destruction during the Chinese invasion of Tibet—functions as a research center for Buddhist philosophy and hosts over 90 monks from the Gelukpa tradition. Both sites attract visitors seeking spiritual solace and architectural beauty, with prayer flags fluttering against the backdrop of the Himalayas.

ISKCON Temple and Kali Mandir

The ISKCON Temple (Sri Sri Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir) stands as one of Northeast India’s largest Krishna-centric complexes, featuring intricate marble carvings and daily kirtans that draw devotees from across the region. In contrast, the ancient Sevoke Kali Temple, perched on the Teesta’s banks near Coronation Bridge, embodies Shakti worship traditions, with rituals often accompanied by the roar of the river below.

Recreational and Educational Attractions

Science and Amusement Parks

The North Bengal Science Centre, established in 1997, engages visitors with interactive exhibits, a digital planetarium, and a green science park showcasing renewable energy models. For family-friendly thrills, Savin Kingdom Amusement Park offers go-karting, water slides, and a multiplex, while Dreamland Amusement Park combines agricultural themes with rides like a mini ropeway.

Urban Green Spaces

Surya Sen Park, Siliguri’s largest urban park, provides a verdant retreat with walking trails, boating facilities, and open-air theaters, making it a favorite for evening strolls. The park’s namesake, a revolutionary hero, is commemorated through statues and plaques that blend leisure with historical education.

Shopping in Siliguri

Siliguri is a shopper’s paradise, attracting visitors from across the region. Whether you're looking for branded goods or local bargains, the city has something for everyone:

• City Center & Cosmos Mall – The most popular shopping malls, featuring a mix of international and Indian brands.

• Hong Kong Market - Dubbed the “Chandni Chowk of the Northeast,” this bustling market on Hill Cart Road specializes in affordable apparel, electronics, and imported goods from China and Southeast Asia. Bargaining is customary here, with vendors offering everything from faux leather jackets to Himalayan handicrafts. The market’s narrow lanes and neon signs create a sensory experience reminiscent of its namesake city.

• Bidhan Market – The largest marketplace in Siliguri, with over 3,000 shops offering everything from clothes to electronics.

• Sevok Road & Hill Cart Road – The go-to areas for bustling markets and a wide range of shopping options.

Entertainment & Nightlife in Siliguri

Siliguri’s nightlife scene is thriving, offering various entertainment options:

• Nightclubs & Discos – Popular spots include Zorb, Nasha, Devils, and Sizzler, which are perfect for party lovers.

• Restaurants & Bars – The city has countless dining options serving a mix of Indian and international cuisine.

• Cinemas & Multiplexes – Enjoy the latest blockbusters at modern multiplexes like Cinemax and Inox or visit traditional theaters like Biswadeep, Bishal, Meghdoot, Urbashi, and New Cinema.

• Cultural Hubs – Town Hall, Dinabandhu Mancha, and Mitra Sammelani Hall regularly host cultural events and performances.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Siliguri experiences three distinct seasons:

• Winter (November–February): Ideal for tourism, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 22°C and minimal rainfall, perfect for safaris and outdoor activities.

• Summer (March–June): Temperatures can soar to 37°C, prompting travelers to seek cooler hill stations like Darjeeling.

• Monsoon (July–October): Heavy rainfall limits outdoor exploration but rejuvenates the region’s tea gardens and rivers.

Connectivity and Transportation

Siliguri’s strategic location is bolstered by robust transport links:

Air: Bagdogra Airport (16 km away) connects to major cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Guwahati and Delhi. As of 2025, the airport is being reconstructed to increase its capacity.

Rail: New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) is a major rail hub, offering the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Toy Train—a narrow-gauge railway traversing tea estates and mountain passes. NJP is one of the busiest railway stations in eastern India. All trains to North East India passes through NJP.

Road: National Highway 10 links Siliguri to Gangtok, while the Asian Highway provides access to Bhutan, Bangladesh and Assam. National Highway 110 connects Siliguri with Darjeeling. Several other major highways lead to Siliguri from different parts of the country.
Major distances from Siliguri:

Kolkata – 650 km
Kathmandu (Nepal) – 760 km
Thimphu (Bhutan) – 350 km
Gangtok (Sikkim) – 120 km

Nearby Destinations

Darjeeling and Kalimpong

A 3-hour drive from Siliguri, Darjeeling offers colonial-era tea estates and the iconic Tiger Hill sunrise view. Kalimpong, 65 km east, lures visitors with orchid nurseries and the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery.

Dooars Forests

Home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Elephants, Gaurs and other animals, the Gorumara, Jaldapara, and Buxa forests are within a one to three hours' drive from Siliguri.