Siliguri is a beautiful city in the state of West Bengal, India, nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. It’s well-known for its thriving tourism, attracting many visitors each year. The city offers stunning views of snow-covered mountains, along with diverse flora and fauna. Situated by the Mahananda River, Siliguri is famous for its tea, timber, and tourism. The unique cultures and people of Siliguri are a delightful surprise for first-time visitors. Additionally, Siliguri is often called the gateway to Northeast India and is a major business hub, being the second-largest city in terms of population. Some of the most visited tourist attractions in Siliguri are Iskcon Temple, Salugara Monastery, The Science City, Savin Kingdom, Bengal Safari Park, Coronation Bridge, Sevoke Kali Mandir, Suryasen Park, Baghajatin Park, Dudhia, Rohini Toribari Monastery and more.
Most Visited Tourist Attractions in Siliguri
As Siliguri is a popular tourist destination in North Bengal, there are plenty of places you can visit and see here. But, some of the most visited tourist attractions are:
1. Iskcon Temple
The Iskcon Temple is a popular tourist spot in Siliguri that many people like to visit. It’s famous for its impressive architecture and stunning views of the surrounding areas, attracting thousands of travelers. The temple has beautiful gardens with colorful flowers, a lake with fishes, and various statues of Lord Krishna. Inside, you can see colorful paintings of Lord Krishna’s avatars on the ceiling. Many visitors feel a strong spiritual connection with Lord Krishna and chant “hare Krishna” while being there. It’s a peaceful place where you can experience the presence of Lord Krishna everywhere.
2. Salugara Monastery
If you’re in Siliguri, you should definitely check out Salugara Monastery. It’s a must-visit place. This monastery was built by Tibetan Buddhist monks who follow the Dalai Lama. One of its main attractions is a 100 feet tall stupa constructed by Kalu Rinpoche, a Tibetan Lama. This stupa is also called The Great International Tashi Gomang Stupa. The monastery is about 9 km away from Siliguri, and it takes a little over 20 minutes to get there. Besides the impressive architecture, tourists come to see five different kinds of Buddhist relics in this colorful monastery.
3. The Science City
Opened in 1997, The Science City is the only Science Centre in North Bengal. It’s just 3 km away from the main town of Siliguri. The North Bengal Science City is well-known for its Digital Planetarium, various science shows, and a popular park with many plants. One of the highlights is a huge T-Rex statue, making it one of the top places to visit in Siliguri. Students from all over North Bengal and science enthusiasts come to this place to experience and learn more about science.
4. Savin Kingdom
Savin Kingdom, situated in Dagapur and only 5 km from the main town of Siliguri, is a great spot for those looking to have a good time. It’s a water park where you can have fun with pool slides, artificial waves, rain dance, and even a sky train. Additionally, there’s a restaurant and a kids’ corner, making it an ideal place to visit in Siliguri for both adults and children.
5. Bengal Safari Park
Only 8 km from Siliguri, Bengal Safari Park is a place you shouldn’t miss visiting. Take a jungle safari here to see lots of wild animals like sambar deer, Royal Bengal Tigers, wild bears, rhinoceros, peacocks, and more. It’s a great experience for wildlife enthusiasts!
6. Coronation Bridge
Coronation Bridge, also known as the Sevoke Bridge and just 20 km from Siliguri, is a beautiful bridge surrounded by lush green forests. The flowing Teesta River beneath adds to the beauty of this British-built architectural marvel.
7. Sevoke Kali Mandir
Very close to the iconic Coronation Bridge, there’s a lovely temple dedicated to Goddess Kali named Sevokeshwari Kali Temple. To reach the temple, you’ll climb a lot of stairs, but once you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surroundings and the sparkling Teesta River flowing gracefully.
8. Suryasen Park
In Siliguri, at Mahakal Pally, you’ll find Suryasen Park – a perfect spot to enjoy peaceful moments with your loved ones. Take a train ride, go boating, or simply relax on the benches for hours, accompanied by your family or friends. It’s a great place for some serene leisure time.
9. Baghajatin Park
Locally known as BJP, Baghajatin Park in Siliguri is a popular spot serving as both a playground and a place to hang out with friends. Surrounding the park, you’ll find various food stalls. In the evening, young people gather here to eat and chat with family and friends, creating a lively and fun atmosphere.
10. Dudhia
Dudhia is an enchanting picnic spot near Siliguri, only 25 km away. People often visit this place to have picnics surrounded by lush greenery and a beautiful river. The riverbank at Dudhia is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts who enjoy camping.
How to Reach Siliguri
Reaching Siliguri is not a hard task as it is a popular tourist destination in North Bengal. The transportation system is quite nice. You can reach here by roads, by rail or even by air.
By Air
Bagdogra airport is the nearest airport in Siliguri. The airport is just 10 km away and it usually takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Siliguri.
This airport is one of the major airports in North Bengal. It is nicely connected with various other major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, etc.
After landing at Bagdogra, you can hire a taxi or car just from the parking zone of the car outside. You can even take a bus. There are plenty of buses available who runs daily from Bagdogra to Siliguri.
By Road
Siliguri is easily accessible by road. Many buses and shared taxis are available from all other places of West Bengal.
From Kolkata, buses from NBSTC (North Bengal State Transport Corporation) and public buses can be opted.
Moreover, you can even opt for a hired car to reach Siliguri conveniently and quite comfortably.
It is worth mentioning that it will take more than 13 hours to reach Siliguri from Kolkata as the distance between them is approximately 600 km.
By Train
Siliguri has its own railway station named Siliguri Junction. However, the major railway station near Siliguri is the New Jalpaiguri Junction.
NJP is nicely connected with many other railway stations of major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, etc.
After reaching New Jalpaiguri Junction, you just have to take a car, auto or taxi to reach Siliguri. Many shared autos are available at the auto stand outside the station.
It will take less than 30 minutes to reach Siliguri from NJP as the distance between them is just 10 km.
Things & Activities to Do in Siliguri
Being one of the most visited tourist destinations for its growing tourism in the entire North Bengal, you have plenty of things and activities to do in Siliguri. However, some of the exciting things to do in Siliguri are:
Swimming: Swimming is one of the popular things to do in Siliguri. There are plenty of clubs and swimming pools available in Siliguri where you can enjoy the Swimming activity. Some of the notable swimming pools and clubs are Siliguri Club, Cinderella Club, Viramma Club, Stadium Swimming Pool, etc.
Jungle Safari: Jungle Safari is also one of the best things to do in Siliguri. Visit Bengal Safari Park to spot many wild animals such as sambar deer, Royal Bengal of tiger, jungle fowl, wild boars, rhinoceros, spotted deer, etc.
Enjoy the Tranquillity of Tea Gardens: Siliguri is full of scenic tea gardens. Walkthrough these tea gardens and enjoy the serene ambience of nature.
Photography: Create memories in photographic form while capturing photos of many magnificent temples and places of Siliguri. Capture the mountain peaks and temples like Iskcon Mandir to cherish the beauty of them forever.
Visit Various Religious Places: Siliguri is full of temples, masjids and monasteries. So, visiting religious places are going to be one of the best things to Do in Siliguri. Some of the renowned religious places are- Iskcon Temple, Salugara Monastery, Ashraful Masjid, etc.
Best Time to Visit Siligur
The best time to visit Siliguri is from the months of October to December if you want to enjoy the cool weather of winter. Again, you can visit Siliguri from February to March to have an enjoyable not so cool or not so hot weather.
Malls That Increase Tourism in Siliguri
Being one of the most populated and bustling cities of West Bengal, there are plenty of malls here in Siliguri. Some of the popular malls are-
Vega Circle Mall: Siliguri Vega Circle Mall is located beside the Sevoke Road and near Check Post. This luxurious mall offers Inox movie theatre, international hotels and restaurants.
Cosmos Mall: Opened in the year of 2008, Cosmos Mall is also Situated beside the Sevoke Road & in the opposite of WBSEDCL office. It is one of the major shopping destinations in the entire Siliguri.
City Centre: A perfect place for family outing and Shopping, Siliguri city centre is the must-visit destination for shopping, eating, gaming, movies, etc.
Reasons to Explore the Tourist Spots in Siliguri
Siliguri and its tourism with its unique charisma attract lakhs of travellers to visit it. So, here are some of the reasons to visit Siliguri
The Charming weather: The weather of Siliguri is quite pleasing. The temperature doesn’t hit below 0 degrees or even rise above 40 degrees. As a result, the weather of Siliguri makes it a tourism friendly destination.
Wildlife & Forest: Visit the nearby forest of Siliguri to get closer to nature and various wild animals. This is also the reason for the increasing demand of Siliguri tourism.
Religious Places: Feel the presence of God while visiting many sacred sites of Siliguri.
Street foods & Cuisines: Taste some craving tasty street foods such as momo, chow mien, Thukpa, etc. Moreover, Bengali food is also available here.
Countless Sightseeing Places: Explore all the sightseeing places in Siliguri to soothe your mind and spirit.
