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Another name for Salugara Monastery is The Great International Tashi Gomang Stupa. Encircled by the verdant surroundings characteristic of North Bengal, this monastery is a haven of tranquillity and holiness. It is home to a 100-foot stupa that was built by the Tibetan Lama, Kalu Rinpoche and was established by Tibetan Buddhist monks and Dalai Lama devotees. The monastery has several relics of Buddhist spiritual gurus and is embellished with elaborate Thangka paintings. It’s a special spot for meditation and study of the Mahayana Buddhism philosophy because of its calm atmosphere and distinctive architectural design.
Location
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Salugara Monastery is 6 km far away from the bustling city of Siliguri, next to the Salugara army barracks. The Droden Kunchab Chodey Buddhist Association is responsible for maintaining Salugara Monastery, which was constructed by His Holiness Dalai Lama’s disciples.
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How To Reach
Photo: শরদিন্দু ভট্টাচার্য্য / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: Siliguri is easily accessible by vehicle via National Highway 31 (NH 31) and has good connections to other areas of West Bengal and nearby states. Salugara Monastery can be reached from Siliguri by buses, private taxis, and self-drive cars.
By Rail: Salugara Monastery is around 10 kilometres from the nearest major train station, New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP). It has connections to several cities, such as Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. To get to the monastery from NJP, tourists can use a cab, autorickshaw, or cycle rickshaw.
By Air: The nearest airport to Salugara Monastery is Bagdogra Airport, which is around 15 km from Siliguri. Bagdogra has excellent connections to Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati, among other important Indian towns. To get to the monastery from the airport, tourists can use app-based cab services or rent a taxi.
Places To Visit Near Salugara Monastery
1. Kalchakra Monastery
Photo: PrashansaGurung / Wikimedia Commons
Kalachakra Monastery is a well-known Tibetan Buddhist temple established in Siliguri, West Bengal, India. The monastery is an important place for Buddhist prayer, and its practice is famous for its calm environment and religious values. On the religious side, the monastery retains features of the history and traditions of true Tibetan Buddhism. It is a place that is on the always list for any traveller seeking to learn more about the Buddhist faith and cultural experience due to its natural appearance, magnificent construction, and active monks’ presence.
Location: Kalchakra Monastery, Jeevandeep Rd, Ward 42, Salugara, Siliguri, West Bengal 734004
Timing: 7 AM – 7 PM daily
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Distance From Salugara Monastery: Around 1 KM away
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2. Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Saptaa1234 / Wikimedia Commons
The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the southern part of the Darjeeling District, between the Teesta and Mahananda rivers. Originally established in 1955 as a game park, it was subsequently transformed into a sanctuary to save the populations of Royal Bengal Tigers and Indian bison. Leopards and clouded leopards, Himalayan black bears, fisher cats, and jungle cats are among the less common species seen here. The best way to see the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary’s rare plants and animals is on a jeep safari.
Location: Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Hill Cart Rd, Sukna, West Bengal 734009
Timing: 6 AM – 4:30 PM (closed on Tuesday)
Entry Fee: Rs. 50 per adult and Rs. 25 per child
Distance From Salugara Monastery: Around 21 KM away
3. Sumendu Lake
Photo: Sujay25 / Wikimedia Commons
Sumendu Lake is located close to the heart of Mirik, a charming hill town in West Bengal. It has rainwater to feed it, and the lake never runs dry the whole year. On the eastern side of the lake, there is a beautiful garden in which the visitors and the residents might entertain themselves in the natural environment. The western side of the lake is surrounded by a forest of tall pine trees and trails around it. The lake is also surrounded by a 3.5 km road that is quite beneficial for morning walks.
Location: Sumendu Lake, Mirik, Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India
Timing: 9 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee (Rs. 160 for horse riding)
Distance From Salugara Monastery: Around 53 KM away
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Things To Do In Salugara Monastery
1. Indulge In Spiritual Activities
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The 14th Dalai Lama’s residence, Salugara Monastery, provides a serene setting and exquisite minimalist design that make it the perfect place for spiritual retreats. Here, one can engage in meditation, chanting, and prayer; the serene garden or meditation halls offer peaceful environments ideal for contemplation. To better educate guests, Salugara also holds talks on Buddhism and spirituality.
2. Witness Festivals And Events
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The Salugara Monastery also contains numerous festivals and events, which open a view to the customs, religion, and culture of the region. During festivals that are held annually by Salugara Monastery, there are many occasions that a non-Christian may witness Buddhism, such as musical groups from Tibet and Buddhists performing ritual dances and other cultural dances. Prayers follow these performances. It also takes you directly to a lovely world of fabulous, yummy Tibetan food. These festivities, therefore, provide a unique way of entreaty to Lord Buddha for his significant endowment.
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3. Explore The Stupa
Photo: Jacek Halicki / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The imposing stupa, which is almost 100 feet high, is the focal point of Salugara Monastery. The stupa is a stunning building that represents enlightenment and tranquillity. It is said to have five relics of the Buddha. The stupa is open for visitors to explore, take in its elaborate architecture, and worship. Prayer wheels around the stupa, which devotees spin while repeating mantras to deepen their spiritual experience.
Where To Eat
Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
In Siliguri, there are several local and multi-cuisine dining alternatives close to Salugara Monastery. The Yellow Chilli offers traditional Tibetan flavours. Bengali and North Indian cuisine are served at Sagar Family Restaurant. A well-liked destination for a blend of Indian and European food is Punjabi Kadhai. Indian specialities and a range of fast snacks are available at Urban Belly.
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Where To Stay
Photo: Sharon Hahn Darlin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Barsana Hotel & Resort is one of the most preferable choices for spending luxurious time due to the availability of modern comforts. The hotels that are timely available for fresh accommodation and are providing excellent amenities include Cinderella Hotel and Sinclair’s Siliguri. Visitors who would like to have cheap hotels need to consider the Hotel Central Plaza or Hotel Saffron Crest, as it offers no extra frills for guests but rather clean and pleasant rooms.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Sourik8 / Wikimedia Commons
The best season to visit the Salugara Monastery is in the winter season, from October to March. With delightful moderate temperatures between 10°C and 25°C, the weather is perfect for travellers to experience the tranquil setting. A lovely scene with an abundance of greenery and a pleasant atmosphere is provided by the start of spring, which occurs in late February or early March. Photographers and peace-seekers are especially drawn to the monastery gardens in full bloom during this time of year.
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Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip: A trip to Salugara Monastery West Bengal typically costs between ₹1,500 and ₹4,000, including transportation, entry fees, and meals. Travel expenses vary based on distance from your location, with budget-friendly accommodations available nearby for a comfortable stay.
Cash Payments: Salugara Monastery, located near Siliguri in West Bengal, is a serene Buddhist site. Visitors often make cash payments for donations, offerings, or tour fees, supporting the monastery’s maintenance and religious activities. It’s a peaceful destination for spiritual reflection.
Tips For Travellers
- Preserve order within the monastery and establish respect for styles of worship.
Away carry cash for emergencies. - Sometimes, you will find that photography is prohibited; please seek approval first before taking a picture.
- They may require you to move, so do not wear formal shoes.
- Ensure you drink water and always have a bottle of water with you.
Salugara Monastery is a must-visit location because of its tranquil surroundings, majestic stupa, and spiritual atmosphere. The monastery’s attractiveness is enhanced by its setting in the Eastern Himalayas, which makes it the ideal place to meditate and reflect. Salugara Monastery provides a peaceful and enlightening experience that has a deep effect on the soul, regardless of whether you are a devotee, traveller, or spiritual seeker. Plan your trip with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Sebastian Pena Lambarri / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
