Siliguri is a beautiful, clean and culturally vibrant town surrounded by pristine plains and hills of the Eastern Himalayas. There are numerous monasteries in Siliguri with a unique and tranquil atmosphere. These are for anyone who wants to spend their time in a calm and quiet environment significant for its history and beautiful views. While these holy monasteries are perfect for contemplation and prayers, they also afford people a chance to touch nature. If you wish to go through a picturesque getaway, the famous monasteries of Siliguri should be your pick.
Top 10 Monasteries In Siliguri
Here is the list of the top 10 monasteries in Siliguri, which will render solace and cultural exploration during your trip:
1. Buddhist Monastery In Kalimpong
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located just on a Siliguri-Kalimpong approach, the Buddhist Monastery at Kalimpong is among the many significant monasteries in Siliguri. It is a peaceful monastery in Siliguri with a magnificent view of the great Himalayas standing majestically in the background. Perfect for relaxing, the monastery is known for its high architectural elegance and quiet environment. This makes it a great site for the tourists who wish to speculate in silence. They can spend copious amounts of time in meditation or simply watching the breathtaking views to make the soul and mind find stillness.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Kalimpong, accessible via the Siliguri-Kalimpong route
Best Time To Visit: October to March
2. Senchal Monastery
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Senchal Monastery is another very renowned spot for tourism. It is situated right at the edge of Siliguri surrounded by forests and small hills. It is important as a religious centre, and at the same time, one can get the best view of the mountains from the compound of the monastery. The location of the monastery also qualifies it as one of the best and popular monasteries in Siliguri for a serene retreat. The monastery also affords a refuge to those who seek retreat and spiritual quietism.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Near Siliguri, surrounded by forests and hills
Best Time To Visit: October to March
3. Buddhist Monastery In Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
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This monastery is present in the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary in northern West Bengal. It is a superb illustration of how Buddhism and the natural world can coexist. For those seeking peace and quiet, it provides a quiet and isolated location next to the cascading Mahananda rivulet and surrounded by woodlands. The monastery is one of the important monasteries in Siliguri located in a peaceful area. It, therefore, qualifies to be among those monasteries which are most important in Siliguri.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Inside Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Northern West Bengal
Best Time To Visit: October to March
4. Chengmari Monastery
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chengmari Monastery is another curiosity, situated near Siliguri and is famous among tourists because of the beautiful nature around. Nestled on a hill with thick forest all around, the monastery is an excellent place for solitude and prayer. It is one of the largest monasteries in Siliguri. It has a wonderful lookout over the Kanchenjunga mass, especially the northern part. If you are looking for a place to be in silence and spirituality, this is the place where you can get such a taste of Siliguri.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Near Siliguri, nestled on a hill with forest surroundings
Best Time To Visit: October to March
5. Rangoli Monastery
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Rangoli Monastery is an extraordinary spot for cultural and spiritual tourism as it is situated in the centre of Siliguri city. It is one of the most famous monasteries in Siliguri for its architectural design and location softly situated in the area. Guests can take pleasant strolls around the compound. They can also admire the beautiful gardens of the monastery as well as the serene environment that is created around the compound. This monastery is for those who want to escape and retreat in a silent environment amidst the growing city of Siliguri.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Central Siliguri, near city gardens
Best Time To Visit: October to March
6. Ghoom Monastery
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Established at a distance of 8 kilometres from Darjeeling, Ghoom Monastery is an attractive monastery in the entire Siliguri. It is widely acknowledged by the large statue of Maitreya Buddha. It is one of the holy sites of Buddhists and is among the must-visit places in the country. The monastery provides a picturesque view of the mountains and the valleys, being one of the scenic attractions in the area. Due to the calm surrounding of the place and its religious importance, it comes under one of the holy monasteries of Siliguri.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: 8 km from Darjeeling, near Siliguri
Best Time To Visit: October to March
7. Sakya Monastery
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sakya Monastery is situated on the outskirts of Siliguri and is of prime spiritual significance. The monastery is like a haven located in close touch with nature as well as being spiritually uplifting. It’s situated in the countryside on the highlands with hills and forests all around the environment. This place is suitable for prayers and reflections. Being one of the largest and most important monasteries in Siliguri, it has admirers of silence and beauty among inhabitants and tourists.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Outskirts of Siliguri, surrounded by hills and forests
Best Time To Visit: October to March
8. Dali Monastery
Photo: Pavel Špindler / Wikimedia Commons
Dali Monastery is another famous Tibetan Monastery situated near Darjeeling which attracts tourists to Siliguri for a visit. This particular monastery is very peaceful and from this monastery, you get to view tea gardens and mountains. Being one of the most well-known monasteries in Siliguri, it offers many opportunities for spiritual searching and a fine view for tourists. The monastery gives harmony and serenity to the environment which is suitable for introspecting and praying.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Near Siliguri, overlooking tea gardens
Best Time To Visit: October to March
9. Kali Mandir Monastery
Photo: Sundar1 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kali Mandir Monastery, situated at the bank of river Mahananda, is regarded as the most important religious shrine of Siliguri. The existing monastery is maintained in the location of Goddess Kali and the area is calm and attractive. Tourists can have the opportunity to come receive a break from their busy lifestyles as well as embrace the religiosity of the area. You have a more pacified area here that can be used for praying and meditating.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: On the banks of the Mahananda River, Siliguri
Best Time To Visit: October to March
10. Jharpokharia Monastery
Photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Jharpokharia Monastery is one such place which remained unknown to the public limelight and is located at Siliguri. Less crowded, it is an ideal spot for people who are looking forward to fasting, meditating and undergoing personal character transformation. This made it the right place to practise nature-related activities like praying and other religious activities. Its scenically endowed landscape of forests and hills adds on to the beauty. It also plays the role of a centre for various festivals which makes it active spiritually during such occasions.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Jharpokharia, near Siliguri
Best Time To Visit: November to February
The monasteries in Siliguri are not only religious centres but also an opportunity to discover the calmness of the place and its natural beauty. When you are on your Siliguri tour, visit these monasteries and you will find a special combination of spirituality, heritage and tradition along with stunning views. These holy monasteries in Siliguri are suitable places for anyone who is seeking peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Plan your trip with TripXL now to visit these monasteries in Siliguri.
Cover Photo: rohitnair.photos / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only