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Situated at the foothill of the Eastern Himalayas in West Bengal, Siliguri is most often believed to be the entry door into the Northeastern states of India and their regions within the Himalayas. Though being a major transit station, the place also boasts as a tourist destination as well, inculcating both beauty in its natural setting as well as its wildlife combined with contemporary comfort. Positioned between Darjeeling and the fertile Dooars Plain, there are multiple things to do in Siliguri which promise something for tourists and travellers. It is an excellent holiday destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and those seeking quiet escapes with pristine tea gardens.
10 Things To Do In Siliguri
Discover the beauty of Siliguri as a blend of wildlife sanctuaries, spiritual retreats, bustling markets, and scenic getaways. From exciting safaris to peaceful expeditions, here is a list of things to do in Siliguri.
1. Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Sourik8 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are an animal lover or a nature enthusiast, a visit to Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best things to do in Siliguri. The sanctuary lies on a wide area of land between the Teesta River and Mahananda River and is abundant in various flora and fauna. There are elephants, leopards, barking deer, and other rich varieties of bird species. This dense forest area is best for trekking and birdwatching. A safari through the sanctuary is one of the thrilling ways to witness the pristine beauty of the wilderness in Siliguri.
Highlight: Wildlife safari and birdwatching
Nearby Attractions: Sevoke Kali Mandir
Suggested Read: Chapramari National Park
2. Visit Kali Mandir In Sevoke
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A famous place of religious attraction is Kali Mandir which lies in dense greenery and rolling hills at Sevoke. Perched on a hilltop, this temple offers panoramic views all around with lush green hills and Teesta River raging below through the valley. There, in the sanctum sanctorum, Goddess Kali sits upon her black stone idol, attired with garlands and other offerings from devotees and shines with might and splendour. This temple is the oldest in the region and people pray for blessings here, most specifically during the festival of Kali Puja.
Highlight: Scenic views and religious significance
Nearby Attractions: Coronation Bridge
3. Coronation Bridge: A Marvel Of Architecture
Photo: Paramanu Sarkar / Wikimedia Commons
The Coronation Bridge was erected in 1930. It is one of the greatest British architectural beauties. This bridge runs above the river Teesta joining the Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts together. People here refer to this bridge as “Bagh Pul” because of its two lion-ornate entrance gates that guard each side. Although this bridge is a work of genius, some people look upon it as a fine tourist attraction. Such panoramic visions include rolling and vibrant shades of the rich greens surrounding hills and the bubbling, foaming flow of river Teesta under its pathway.
Highlight: Viewscapes and architectural beauty
Nearby Attractions: Sevoke Kali Mandir, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In West Bengal
4. Take a Stroll In The Lush Tea Estates
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
Perhaps the most tempting thing to be done in Siliguri is to go on a nature walk across the lush carpeted rows of rolling tea hills amidst neat tea bushes. Lush, sprawling tea plantations within this belt have some of the finest quality tea. Tourists can see workers either cultivating or harvesting tea. The entire process starts from selecting leaves to the preparation of drying and later processing them. Many tea estates offer guided tours where one can learn about the history of tea cultivation over a freshly brewed cup of tea.
Highlight: Conducting peaceful walks and tea-tasting sessions
Nearby Attractions: Salugara Monastery
5. Day Out At The Nearby Salugara Monastery
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Salugara Monastery, which is within a few kilometres of Siliguri’s heartland, makes for an excellent tourist spot. Founded by the followers of the Dalai Lama, this one is famous for its stupa standing 100 feet tall. It was erected by Tibetan Lama Kalu Rinpoche. The tourists are also able to communicate with monks and understand more about Buddhism and Tibetan culture. This monastery is also known as the Great International Tashi Gomang Stupa. The place is quiet to practice meditation.
Highlight: Meditation and cultural experience
Nearby Attractions: Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Tea Gardens
Suggested Read: Best Offbeat Places Near Alipurduar
6. Hong Kong Market Shopping
Photo: Rafael Guimarães / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
No visit to Siliguri is ever complete without a little retail therapy at the fabulous Hong Kong Market. This is the market where affordability meets variety, thus becoming heaven for shoppers. Anything from electronics or clothes to shoes and accessories will be found here at unbelievable prices. There are many narrow lanes lined with shops selling imported goods, especially Chinese products, Thai goods, and those from Hong Kong. Bargaining is very common, so prepare your negotiation skills even before you start shopping. There are food vendors offering both Thai cuisine and local dishes.
Highlight: Cheap shopping and plenty of imported merchandise
Nearby Attractions: ISKCON Temple
7. Visit the ISKCON Temple
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The ISKCON Temple at Siliguri is called the Sri Sri Radha Madhav Mandir. The temple is white and surrounded by lush greenery. Inside the temple, the idols of Radha and Krishna have been decorated lavishly; the soothing chants of “Hare Krishna” can be heard all around inside the temple, making all feel calm and elated. The well-kept garden around the temple provides for a perfect location to perform meditation and reflection. There are huge prayer halls and water gardens at this temple in Siliguri.
Highlight: Spiritual atmosphere and beautiful architecture
Nearby Attractions: Salugara Monastery, Savin Kingdom
Suggested Read: Offbeat Tourist Places Near Burdwan
8. Have Fun At North Bengal Science Centre
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The North Bengal Science Centre offers a fantastic place for both science enthusiasts and families. The location of the interactive museum is in quite serene surroundings and offers many demonstrations and exhibits that can make learning about the same interesting. The science park outside has interactive exercises involving kids and adults. Visitors can have a real stargazing experience where help in the learning process about constellations, planets, etc. is provided. In addition to the open house, the centre also conducts regular educational programs, workshops, and science shows.
Highlight: Planetarium and interactive exhibits
Nearby Attractions: ISKCON Temple, Savin Kingdom
9. Spend A Day At Savin Kingdom Amusement Park
Photo: Another_Believer / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you plan a visit to Siliguri with your family and friends, then a visit to the Savin Kingdom is essential. This is yet another most visited amusement and water parks in the city. There are exciting rides, water slides and a haunted house. One is bound to have a day that’s fun-filled at the Savin Kingdom. There are food stalls within the compound where various types of snacks and meals are available. Whether you are a fun-seeker or looking to spend the day lying beside the water, Savin Kingdom is the perfect place for you.
Highlight: Thrilling rides and water park
Nearby Attractions: North Bengal Science Centre
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Kolkata\
10. Discover Dudhia’s beauty
Photo: Shamirpetwala / Wikimedia Commons
It is an hour’s drive from Siliguri and a picture-perfect riverside destination. Dudhia presents excellent views of surrounding hills and tea gardens as offered by the serene ambience of the Balason River. People can have picnics beside the river or stroll along the banks to really relax and let the beauty of nature take over. Dudhia is a good camping spot. The tour operators have arranged for an overnight stay in the tents near the river. Dudhia is a scenic place and an ideal site to stay calm. Nature lovers and photographers prefer Dudhia.
Highlight: Mirik, Tea gardens Scenic views and riverside picnics are some other places that you can visit around this region
Nearby Attractions: Hong Kong Market, North Bengal Science Centre
Siliguri provides endless options for any kind of traveller, be it nature lovers, adventure seekers, or spiritual explorers. From the bustling markets, and peaceful temples, or soaking in the beauty surrounding the city, Siliguri has something for everyone. This bust gate to the Northeast provides the right blend of life in the city and landscapes, so plan your journey to Siliguri with TripXL and explore the hidden treasures that this beautiful city has for its visitors.
Cover Photo: Mr. Debapriya Hore / Wikimedia Commons
