Siliguri is a city located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. It is situated on the banks of the Mahananda River and is surrounded by the foothills of the Himalayas. Siliguri is a major transportation hub, connecting the Northeastern states of India with the rest of the country. Here are some of the top attractions and things to do in Siliguri:
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a popular tourist spot located on the foothills of the Himalayas. The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, and Indian bison.
Kali Mandir: It is a famous temple located on a hill in the heart of Siliguri. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.
Science City: It is an interactive science museum located in Siliguri. The museum has several exhibits on science and technology, including a 3D theatre, an aquarium, and a butterfly park.
Salugara Monastery: It is a famous Buddhist monastery located in Siliguri. The monastery is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.
Coronation Bridge: It is a historic bridge located on the outskirts of Siliguri. The bridge was built in 1930 and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
Tea gardens: Siliguri is surrounded by several tea gardens, including the famous Darjeeling tea gardens. Take a tour of the tea gardens and learn about the process of tea-making.
Shopping: Siliguri is known for its markets, including the Hong Kong Market and the City Centre Mall. Shop for souvenirs, clothes, and handicrafts.
These are some of the top attractions and things to do in Siliguri.
Best Time To Visit Siliguri
The best time to visit Siliguri is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. During this time, the temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and other outdoor activities. The monsoon season, from June to September, should be avoided as it experiences heavy rainfall and landslides, which may lead to roadblocks and disruptions in transportation.
However, if you are a nature lover and want to explore the wildlife of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, the best time to visit would be from November to March when the sanctuary remains open for visitors. During this time, the weather is mild, and the chances of spotting wildlife are higher.
Also, if you are planning to visit Siliguri during the winter months, it is advisable to carry warm clothing, as the temperature can drop to as low as 5°C. Similarly, if you are visiting during the summer months, light cotton clothes are recommended as the temperature can go up to 30°C.
In summary, the best time to visit Siliguri is from October to May, avoiding the monsoon season. However, the ideal time to visit may vary based on your preferences and activities planned.
How to get around in Siliguri
Siliguri is a city located in the Indian state of West Bengal. Here are some ways to get around Siliguri:
Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation in Siliguri. They are cheap and readily available.
Taxis: Taxis are also available in Siliguri. You can hire them for the entire day or for specific destinations.
Buses: Siliguri has a good network of buses that connect various parts of the city. You can also take long-distance buses to nearby towns and cities.
Cycle-rickshaws: Cycle-rickshaws are a fun and eco-friendly way to get around Siliguri. They are ideal for short distances.
Private Cars and Bikes: If you have your own car or bike, you can drive around Siliguri. However, be prepared for traffic congestion during peak hours.
Walking: Siliguri is a relatively small city, and walking is a great way to explore the local neighborhoods and markets.
When using any mode of transportation in Siliguri, be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings later on.
Where to eat in Siliguri
Siliguri is a bustling city in West Bengal, India, with many options for delicious food. Here are some places you can consider for a good meal:
City Centre: City Centre is a popular destination for food lovers. It has several restaurants serving Indian, Chinese, and international cuisine.
Hong Kong Market: Hong Kong Market is famous for its street food, which includes momos, chowmein, and other snacks. You can also find some restaurants serving delicious Chinese food.
Venus More: Venus More is another popular food destination in Siliguri. It has several food outlets serving fast food, North Indian, South Indian, and Chinese cuisine.
Keventers: Keventers is a famous milkshake chain in India that serves a variety of delicious shakes and snacks.
Barbeque Nation: Barbeque Nation is a great place to go for a family dinner or a celebration. They serve a wide variety of grilled dishes, and you can also enjoy their live music and entertainment.
Utsav Restaurant: Utsav Restaurant is a popular restaurant that serves North Indian and Mughlai cuisine. They are known for their delicious biryanis and kebabs.
Kalimpong Café: Kalimpong Café is a charming café that serves a range of continental dishes, desserts, and beverages. It has a lovely ambiance and is perfect for a leisurely meal.
These are just a few of the many options available in Siliguri. Don’t hesitate to explore the local markets and street food stalls, as they often offer some of the best food experiences.
Famous street stalls in Siliguri
Siliguri is a bustling city in West Bengal, India, with several famous street stalls that offer delicious food. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Bombay Pav Bhaji: This street stall is famous for its pav bhaji, a popular Mumbai street food that consists of a vegetable curry served with buttered bread.
Sharda Misthan Bhandar: Sharda Misthan Bhandar is a popular sweet shop in Siliguri that serves a range of traditional Indian sweets such as rasgulla, gulab jamun, and laddoo.
Annapurna Chat: Annapurna Chat is a popular street stall that serves a range of chaat items such as papdi chaat, bhel puri, and dahi puri.
The Egg Roll Shop: The Egg Roll Shop is a favorite among locals for its egg rolls, a popular street food in India that consists of a flatbread filled with egg, onions, and spices.
Momo Ghar: Momo Ghar is a small food stall that serves delicious momos, a type of dumpling that is popular in the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and Tibet.
Gyan’s Bakery: Gyan’s Bakery is a popular bakery in Siliguri that serves a range of cakes, pastries, and snacks. Their chocolate pastry is a must-try.
These street stalls offer a glimpse into the vibrant street food culture of Siliguri and are a great way to experience the local flavors. Be sure to try some of these iconic dishes when you visit Siliguri.
Where to stay in Siliguri
Luxury accommodation
Siliguri is a popular city in West Bengal, India, with several luxury accommodations to choose from. Here are some of the best luxury accommodations in Siliguri:
Courtyard by Marriott Siliguri: This is a five-star hotel that offers elegant rooms and suites, a rooftop infinity pool, and a spa. It is located in the heart of the city and offers easy access to the airport and major attractions.
Lemon Tree Premier: Lemon Tree Premier is a luxurious hotel that offers stylish rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, and a fitness center. It is located near the business district and is ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
Royal Sarovar Portico: This is a four-star hotel that offers spacious rooms and suites, a rooftop restaurant, and a swimming pool. It is located in a quiet area of the city and is perfect for those who want a peaceful stay.
The Cindrella Hotel: The Cindrella Hotel is a luxurious hotel that offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and a spa. It is located near the airport and major shopping centers.
Hotel Mount Himalayan Resort: This is a luxurious resort that offers stunning views of the Himalayas, comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant that serves a range of cuisines.
These luxury accommodations in Siliguri offer a comfortable and memorable stay with world-class amenities and services.
Where to stay in Siliguri
Budget accommodation
Siliguri is a bustling city in West Bengal, India, with several budget accommodation options that offer comfortable and affordable stays. Here are some of the best budget accommodations in Siliguri:
Hotel Tourist Inn: Hotel Tourist Inn is a budget hotel that offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a travel desk. It is located in the heart of the city and is perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Hotel Himalayan Regency: This is a budget hotel that offers basic amenities such as comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and room service. It is located near the Siliguri Junction railway station and is ideal for those who are looking for affordable accommodation near the station.
Hotel Vinayak Inn: Hotel Vinayak Inn is a budget hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a travel desk. It is located near the city center and is ideal for those who want to explore the city on a budget.
Hotel Embassy: Hotel Embassy is a budget hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and room service. It is located near the main market and is ideal for those who want to shop and explore the city’s local attractions.
Hotel Abir: Hotel Abir is a budget hotel that offers basic amenities such as comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and room service. It is located near the Siliguri Junction railway station and is ideal for those who are traveling on a tight budget.
These budget accommodations offer a comfortable stay with basic amenities and are perfect for those who are looking for affordable options in Siliguri.
Travel Tips Siliguri
Siliguri is a beautiful city located in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its proximity to several other tourist destinations like Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan, and Nepal. Here are some travel tips for Siliguri:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Siliguri is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. During this time, you can explore the city and nearby tourist destinations without any hassle.
How to reach: Siliguri is well-connected by road, rail, and air. You can take a flight to Bagdogra Airport or board a train to Siliguri Junction Railway Station. Siliguri is also connected to major cities by road.
Local transportation: The best way to travel within the city is by auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses. You can also hire a car for a day or two to explore the nearby tourist destinations.
Accommodation: Siliguri has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. You can choose from luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, and budget guesthouses.
Food: Siliguri is known for its delicious food, and you must try the local delicacies like momos, thukpa, chowmein, and other Tibetan and Nepali dishes. You can also find Indian and international cuisine in the city.
Places to visit: Siliguri has many tourist attractions like the Kali Mandir, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Salugara Monastery, and more. You can also plan a day trip to nearby destinations like Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan.
Safety: Siliguri is a relatively safe city, but it is always advisable to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid traveling alone at night, and