15 places to visit in Siliguri and things to do

Most tourists passing through Siliguri are en route to Darjeeling, Sikkim, or Bhutan. Nevertheless, Siliguri offers a rather spectacular trip if you are adventurous enough to travel here. Here, you may find parks, monasteries, shrines, tea gardens, and the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, providing excellent possibilities to experience the city’s many features.

By Air: Bagdogra airport is the nearest airport to Siliguri. It is around 15mins drive from the airport to Siliguri. One can hire a taxi or an auto to reach Siliguri.

By Train: The nearest rail is New Jalpaiguri. This is well connected to most of the major cities in India.

By Road: Siliguri is well connected with all the neighbouring places in West Bengal through well-maintained roads. It is also connected to Darjeeling which is 67kms from Siliguri. State and private buses provide a decent service to the visitors.

Check out these Siliguri attractions whether you are passing through or travelling there on business.

 

15 best Siliguri tourist places

Here is a brief list, with images of places to see in Siliguri.

 

Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, one of West Bengal’s most amazing wildlife sanctuaries, is located around 9. kilometres from Siliguri. Various plants and animals may be found in this reserve forest, especially orchids, jarul, elephants, serow, and even a few Bengal tigers. 

You must not miss it because it is a popular tourist destination in Siliguri. Flycatchers, Himalayan pied hornbills, and migratory species that originate in central Asia are among the birds that birdwatchers will appreciate viewing.

If you wish to spend the night, the sanctuary features a government-run woodland lodge and a museum with preserved animals.

Distance: 8 kms from Siliguri takes approx 10 minutes to reach there

Timings: 6 am to 4:30 pm

How to reach: The cheapest way to get from Siliguri to Sukna is to drive, which costs INR 100 – INR 160 and takes 10 min.  A direct train departs from Siliguri Jn and arrives at Sukna. Departing five times a day and operating every day. The journey takes approximately 30 min.

Source: Pinterest

 

Dudhia

Dudhia is a must-see Siliguri tourist place. It is a quaint small village next to the Balason river banks. Tea gardens encircle it, providing a beautiful background for all of the photos. It’s an excellent place to organise a picnic as well. 

Due to the low water levels in the winter, Dudhia has heavy visitor traffic. On the other hand, if you want to escape the crowds, go there on a weekday.

Distance: 21.4 kms from Siliguri takes approx half an hour to reach there

Best time to visit: October-December and February- April

How to reach: The cheapest way to get from Siliguri to Dudhia is to drive, which costs INR 250 – INR 370 and takes 24 min.

Source: Pinterest

 

Chilapata Forest

The rainforest, surrounded by the banks of the Torsha and Bania rivers, is home to an incredibly varied range of plants and animals. This forest, which forms an elephant corridor between Jaldapara National Park and Buxa Tiger Reserve, is home to a variety of animals, including occasionally emerging new species. 

The Chilapata forest, home to the threatened one-horned rhinoceros, bison, leopards, and wild pigs, also boasts a wide diversity of butterflies and more than 20 different types of snakes.

The finest place to see animals and take in the area’s unequalled unspoiled beauty is from the watchtower along the River Torsa. In addition, you may explore the ancient Nalraja Garh ruins, which were built in the fifth century AD and are encircled by the fabled Ram Guna Trees, also known as “the bleeding trees.”

Distance: 165 kms from Siliguri takes approx four hours to reach there

Best time to visit: October-May

Timings: 5 am and 3 pm for safari

Safari cost: INR 1600

How to reach: The cheapest way to get from Siliguri to Chilapata Forests is by bus, which costs INR 400 – INR 470 and takes 3 hours 27 minutes. The quickest way to get from Siliguri to Chilapata Forests is to train and taxi, which costs INR 440 – INR 1,100 and takes 1 hour 25 m minutes.

Source: Pinterest

 

ISKCON Temple

The largest Krishna Consciousness centre in northeast India is the ISKCON temple in Siliguri. It is a well-known centre for Vedic culture studies and one of the most important religious destinations for devotees and pilgrims. The temple’s main building has a serene, pure vibe and is set in the heart of a sizable, well-kept garden.

After participating in the transcendental worship service, you may take a tranquil boat ride on the artificial green lake. A restaurant nearby provides Thai, Chinese, Italian, Chinese, and Indian food. You may stay in a cosy hotel-style room at the on-site temple guest house for as little as Rs 800 per day.

Timings: 8: 30 am – 1 pm and 4 pm – 8:30 pm

Source: Pinterest

 

Savin Kingdom

A 10-acre amusement park with a castle concept called the Savin Kingdom is located in Siliguri. It has rides, entertainment areas, a sizable pool, banquets, a hotel, restaurants, and more. This makes it a top choice for families seeking a holiday, both among residents and visitors.

While the amusement park is jam-packed with exciting attractions, visitors of all ages are drawn to the water park’s big pool because it has a wave pool, water slides, and other entertaining activities. 

Children will love the thrilling adventure rides and sports. There are also several interesting activities available, like henna painting, pottery making, magic performances, and fortune-telling. 

Restaurants and a cinema are part of the on-site Savin Plaza. Savin Retreat, a three-star resort, offers premium lodgings, while the banquet portion provides event and party facilities.

Entry ticket: INR 300 – INR 400

How to reach: By rented car or taxi.

Source: Pinterest

 

Salugara Monastery

The Salugara Monastery, a Buddhist holy site and one of Siliguri’s most well-known tourist attractions, is situated about six kilometres outside of the city. It is as serene as you would picture a monastery to be ideal for meditation or if you want some time to yourself. 

A 100-foot-tall stupa was built by the lama and teacher Kalu Rinpoche. There are five relics there that are highly venerated by followers—consequently, a top destination for tourists in Siliguri.

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

Distance: 6 kms from the main city.

Source: Pinterest

 

Bengal Safari Park

A family day out in the wilderness is best spent at Bengal Safari Park. The park displays the variety and wealth of North Bengal’s flora and animals. Additionally, it was the first park in the area to introduce animal safari trips, which boosted tourism in the area. The park, which spans 700 acres, is a piece of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary’s rich forested region.

However, the elephant rides and animal safaris are what pull the majority of people to the park, despite claims that it is rich in medicinal plants and herbs. 

The Mixed Herbivore Safari, Royal Bengal Tiger Safari, Asiatic Black Bear Safari, Leopard Safari, Aviary Foot Trail, Lesser Cat Enclosure Trail, etc., are among the options available to visitors.

Ticket price: 30 INR for Adults and 10 INR for Children

Distance: 8 kms from the main town

Timings: 5:00 am and 3:00 pm for safari

Safari cost: INR 100-INR 300

How to reach: Take a cab that will drop you at the entry gate within 30 minutes or so.

Source: Pinterest

 

Sepoy Dhura Tea Garden

One of Siliguri’s lesser-known attractions is the Sepoy Dhura Tea Garden, situated in the Shivkhola Hills near the more well-known Tindharia Tea Garden. This tea garden gives you a sense of the area’s unadulterated natural splendour. 

This tea estate is a short journey from a neighbouring village and is the ideal one-day getaway from Siliguri. Make a reservation at one of the local homestays if you wish to see nearby attractions.

Take a stroll in the garden, inhale the clean air, and enjoy the breathtaking vistas. You may also observe the tea harvesting process up close and, if you want to, even participate.

Distance: 17 kms from Siliguri takes approx 40-45 minutes to reach there

Best time to visit: All year round

Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

How to reach:  Commute via public transport

Source: Pinterest

 

Coronation Bridge

The Coronation Bridge in Siliguri is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. It is in the little village of Sevoke, which is around 25 kilometres from Siliguri. It was created by John Chambers, the final British executive engineer working for the PWD’s Darjeeling division, to honour the coronation of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI. The Teesta River’s depth was a challenge that had to be solved, and the bridge is renowned for both its engineering and design.

Distance: 20 kms from Siliguri on Highway

Best time to visit: All year round

Timings: Sunrise to Sunset

How to reach:  Commute via public transport

Source: Pinterest

 

North Bengal Science Centre

The North Bengal Science Centre is one of the most interesting sites in the city. Its mission is to teach science through imaginative science performances, dioramas, a 3D theatre, and a digital planetarium, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Siliguri. 

The T-Rex figure that welcomes you as you enter the gate is undoubtedly the star of the show. The facility is pretty accessible, and both children and adults will enjoy it because there are just nominal entrance costs.

Ticket: 

Entry ticket	30/- per head
Digital Planetarium	30/- per head
3D Film show	25/- per head
Science show	10/- per head
Taramandal	10/- per head

Timings: 10 am to 6:30 pm

Source: Pinterest

 

Sevoke Kali Mandir

The Sevokeshwari Kali Mandir, also known as Sevoke Kali Mandir, is situated along the banks of the powerful Teesta River not far from Coronation Bridge. This Kali temple, which is encircled by woodlands, draws both pilgrims and visitors because of its seclusion. 

The main temple may be reached through colourfully painted steps. This temple is one of the top tourist attractions in Siliguri because of the breathtaking vista of Mount Kanchenjunga towering over the flowing Teesta. The Mandir is always accessible to guests. The sound of jingling prayer bells during festivals replaces the temple’s serenity.

Distance: 20 kms from Siliguri

Timings: 6:00 am and 6:00 pm

How to reach: The quickest way to get from Siliguri to Sevoke is by taxi, which costs INR 250 – INR 300 and takes 17 min. A direct train departs from Siliguri Jn and arrives at Sivok. Departing five times a day and operating every day. The journey takes approximately 25 min.

Source: Pinterest

 

Hong Kong Market

Without stopping at the Hong Kong Market, Siliguri shopping isn’t complete. If you love to shop and consider a trip incomplete without doing so, you should go to the Siliguri Hong Kong Market. Hong Kong Market should undoubtedly be on your schedule as it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Siliguri for all shoppers. You may shop for clothing, jewellery, accessories, and handicrafts from the area. 

Distance: 2 kms from Siliguri  Railway Station

Timings: 9:30 am and 8 pm

Source: Pinterest

 

Kanchenjunga Stadium

The Kanchenjunga Stadium, a multi-use venue predominantly utilised for cricket and football games, was constructed in 1969. The stadium can host daytime and nighttime events and has a capacity of 45,000 spectators. Here, several Ranji Trophy and Federation Cup matches are frequently held.

Source: Pinterest

 

Lokenath Temple

The Lokenath Baba Mandir is a masterpiece of architecture that displays exquisite artwork in the shape of statues of various deities. The split image of Lokenath Baba and Lord Shiva is conceivably the most beloved idol in this location. Here, devotees may also witness a special area for pujas, a huge Ganesha statue, and a display of the goddess Lakshmi.

Distance: 5 kms from Siliguri

Best time to visit: June

Timings: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm

How to reach:  Commute via public transport

Source: Pinterest

 

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The two-foot narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connects New Jalpaiguri with Darjeeling. The well-known toy railway travels a beautiful path through Kurseong to connect Darjeeling and Siliguri. 

This toy train journey gives a one-of-a-kind experience and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vintage coaches and the recently added opulent Vista Dome coaches are the primary tourists draws in addition to the toy railway.

The trail’s winding bends, loops, Zs, and steep gradients are a traveller’s joy, and the captivating mountain in the distance makes for a lovely background. Additionally, tourists may go to the DHR archives at Kurseong Station, Elysia Place, Ghum Station, and the photo gallery at Sukna Railway Station.

Ticket price: Darjeeling-Ghoom up-down ride will now be steam engine-run train – INR 1,165/ each and the diesel engine-pulled train – INR 695/ each.

Source: Pinterest

 

FAQs

What time of year is ideal for visiting Siliguri?

The winter season, which lasts from October to February, is the ideal time to visit Siliguri. Temperatures fall to 8 to 10 degrees Celsius, and in certain places, especially early in the morning, they are frequently accompanied by dense fog and infrequent light showers. If you want to travel comfortably, you should avoid the summer and monsoon seasons because they are much hotter and more humid.

Is Siliguri an ideal location?

Siliguri, one of the top tourist destinations in West Bengal, is a wonderful combination of clean air and care. You 'live' here rather than stay'. You don't want to go since life is so simple and tranquil here. Siliguri, which is at the base of the Himalayas, has a rich history.

What Siliguri delicacy is famous?

Non-vegetarians have numerous spicily delicious cuisine options, like Potoler Dorma (meat-stuffed gourd), Bhapa Ilish (steamed Hilsa fish), and Chital Muitha (fish koftas), and Chital Kaliya (a fish dish with sauce).