In all likelihood, Siliguri figures in your travel itinerary as no more than an indispensable stepping-stone. But even before you’ve rolled into the New Jalpaiguri station, your appetite’s been whetted by the endless fresh green that’s been slipping past your barred window. You can hardly wait to get to Eastern India’s hills (or, as is often the case, eastern Nepal’s plains). Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Gangtok, and the mist and mystery of the northeastern States......cool, calm, quaint places in otherwise chaotic India, beckon.
It may not be the most alluring of tourist destinations but Siliguri is not even pretending to be one. West Bengal’s second city is unabashedly an industrial centre, an indispensable railhead, a city that’s on the move, and a city that caters to its floating population of travellers with good accommodation, restaurants and cakes!
How to Reach Siliguri?
By Air : Bagdogra airport is 12 km west of Siliguri and is connected to Delhi, Guwahati and Calcutta by regular flights. The border of Nepal-Paniktanki is only an hour away. Permits to Sikkim can be obtained here.
By Rail : New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri Junction stations at the base of the Darjeeling Hill areas have direct railway connections with Calcutta, Mumbai, Guwahati, Madras, Lucknow, and Delhi.
By Road : Buses between Siliguri and Kolkata are frequent.
Best Time to Visit Siliguri
The best time to visit Siliguri would be in the months from March to mid-June and also from October to December.
Things to do in Siliguri
More often than not Siliguri is visited because it is either a business town or you are on your way further into the higher reaches of the state. But that does not mean that there are not enough things to do in Siliguri.There are!
The science centre is interesting for the science geek and if you are spiritually inclined the two lovely monasteries in the surroundings are peaceful and tranquil. Wildlife enthusiasts will have a chance to some game at the nearby Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Shop for some bamboo handicrafts before going home.
Places Near Siliguri
There is no as such tourist attraction near Siliguri. But if you want to have a break from this place then strike out into the surrounding countryside and discover the simple pleasures of rural India. Just outside the town limits, the paddy greens that were so elusive in the rumbling train are yours to see, touch and explore.
Hotels in Siliguri – Choice is Yours
There are numerous hotels in Siliguri ranging from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star deluxe to budget hotels.