Things To Do In Siliguri

Siliguri is a versatile city in the northern part of the Indian state of West Bengal. A thriving bustling city situated near River Teesta it serves as a gateway to the northern destinations of Bengal like Darjeeling and the Dooars. Despite being a commercial hub, Siliguri has a number of tourist attractions and blessed with charming scenic beauty. Before heading upwards, tourists can indulge in a number of things to do while in the city.

Wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to undertaking a safari at Bengal Safari which is an extension of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Sprawled across 297 hectares, the sanctuary houses a large array of wild animals like leopard, tigers, elephants etc. Jeep and elephant safaris are available for tourists which take them deep into the forests for a sighting of animals. The interior of the forest is serene and peaceful and offers a much-needed respite from the bustling city life.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the few mountain railways that are operational. It is 200 years old and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site few years back. The train runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling through fascinating landscape offering a magnificent view of the surroundings. No trip to Siliguri is complete without a train ride. It is fun and interesting at the same time.

Siliguri has the largest ISKON Temple in Northeast India. It is a beautiful temple and an important tourist attraction in the city. People visit the temple to pay homage and seek blessings. The peaceful and serene ambiance of the temple and its surroundings is extremely tempting drawing hundreds of devotees every year.

Dudhia is a beautiful picturesque hamlet located near the banks of River Balason. A mere 26 km from Siliguri, Dudhia is a great destination for a day’s trip. It is an ideal spot for family picnics and riverside camping. Spending a night out in the open on the banks of the river under the clear blue skies and twinkling stars can be an experience of a lifetime. It is blessed with impeccable natural beauty.

Get a taste of a slice of history with a visit to the Coronation Bridge which is an architectural splendor. One of the most popular bridges in the state, it was constructed during the British period to commemorate the coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI. The bridge stands towering over the gorgeous Teesta River.

Siliguri is the starting point of trips to different tourist destinations of North Bengal. It is well connected by road and rail with places like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Dooars etc. A visit to Siliguri must be clubbed with a trip to any of these fascinating destinations. A view of the mighty Himalayas, the wildlife sanctuaries of the Dooars, the sprawling tea gardens of Darjeeling and a glimpse of Kanchenjungha ranges are more than worth a visit.

As a gateway to North Bengal, cuisine in Siliguri is quite a mix of the cultures and different flavors. Tourists can get a taste of the mouth-watering Bengali cuisine, Chinese and Mughal dishes. With a sizeable Tibetan population in the city you can get treated to the delicious thukpas and momos. Those with a sweet tooth can get a taste of the wide range of Bengali sweets from sweet shops scattered all over the city. Khana Khazana, Manpasand, Sartaj are some of the popular restaurants in Siliguri.

Siliguri is a shopper’s paradise. There is the extremely famous and popular Hong Kong Market located at Hakim Para. Tourists will find several international brands here and wide collection of foreign apparels and other goods. Most of these items here are imported from China. Electronic goods are available at affordable rates and it is a treat to be here. The reasonable prices make it all the more tempting. And if you are exhausted from all that shopping drop into Haveli restaurant and treat yourself to delectable Bengali and Chinese cuisine.