Siliguri is a vibrant city located in the Indian state of West Bengal. Situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, it serves as a major gateway to popular tourist destinations like Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan.
Everything you need to plan and travel to Siliguri, from essential travel tips to must-visit attractions and accommodation options, discover the best of this enchanting destination.
Siliguri, a bustling city in the Indian state of West Bengal, is nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. The landscape of Siliguri is defined by its strategic location at the crossroads of several important travel routes, including the “Chicken’s Neck” corridor connecting mainland India to the northeastern states. Surrounded by rolling hills, the city enjoys a backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including the iconic Kanchenjunga. The region is characterized by lush greenery, with tea gardens and forests dotting the landscape. The meandering Teesta River flows nearby, adding to the region’s natural charm.
Siliguri’s unique geographical setting makes it a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas and a vibrant hub for trade and tourism, offering visitors a taste of both the mountains and the plains.
Siliguri, with its strategic location and vibrant atmosphere, offers a variety of activities for travellers. Explore Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can go on nature walks and birdwatching amidst the lush forests. Visit Kali Mandir, a popular Hindu temple, and explore the serene ISKCON temple for spiritual tranquillity. For a dose of culture and shopping, stroll through the Hong Kong Market and City Centre, bustling with local crafts, clothing, and delicious street food. Take a scenic drive to the nearby tea gardens like Makaibari or Rohini and savour a cup of fresh Darjeeling tea. Don’t miss a relaxing boat ride on the picturesque Mahananda River.
Siliguri also serves as a convenient base for excursions to nearby hill stations like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Gangtok, offering an array of adventures for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts.
Siliguri offers a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury hotels, budget guesthouses, and comfortable homestays, ensuring a comfortable stay for every traveler. Popular areas for accommodation include Sevoke Road, Pradhan Nagar, and Hill Cart Road, with convenient access to amenities and attractions in the city.
Siliguri is a melting pot of various cultures, and its culinary scene reflects this diversity. Visitors can indulge in a variety of cuisines, including North Indian, Bengali, Tibetan, Nepali, and Chinese. Popular dishes to try in Siliguri include momos (steamed dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), phaley (Tibetan bread), Bengali sweets like rasgulla and sandesh, and authentic North Indian curries.
The city also offers a range of street food options, from pani puri and chaat to delicious local snacks. Whether you’re craving traditional regional delicacies or international flavors, Siliguri has something to satisfy every palate.
Siliguri is well-connected transport hub with efficient intra-city options (buses, taxis, rickshaws) and major transportation links (New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, Bagdogra Airport). Easy access via roads to neighboring cities and tourist spots.
Siliguri’s subtropical climate features hot summers (up to 35°C), mild winters (10°C to 25°C) from October to February, and a lush, green monsoon season (July to September) with moderate to heavy rainfall. Check weather forecast before visiting for a comfortable trip.
Everything you need to plan and travel to Siliguri, from essential travel tips to must-visit attractions and accommodation options, discover the best of this enchanting destination.
Everything you need to plan and travel to Siliguri, from essential travel tips to must-visit attractions and accommodation options, discover the best of this enchanting destination.
Everything you need to plan and travel to Darjeeling, from essential travel tips to must-visit attractions and accommodation options, discover the best of this enchanting destination.
Everything you need to plan and travel to Siliguri, from essential travel tips to must-visit attractions and accommodation options, discover the best of this enchanting destination.
Siliguri is famous for being a major transportation hub and gateway to the northeast of India. It is known for its strategic location at the foothills of the Himalayas and is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Dooars” and “Gateway to the Northeast.” Siliguri is also renowned for its tea gardens, producing some of the finest tea in the region. Additionally, it is a popular shopping destination, offering a wide range of goods, including traditional handicrafts, clothing, and electronics.
By Air: The nearest airport to Siliguri is Bagdogra Airport, located approximately 16 kilometers away. It is well-connected to major cities in India and operates regular flights. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-paid taxi to reach Siliguri.
By Train: Siliguri Junction is a major railway station that connects the city to various parts of the country. It is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Guwahati. Several trains, including express and superfast trains, operate on these routes. From the railway station, you can easily find local transport options to reach your desired destination in Siliguri.
By Road: Siliguri has good connectivity through road networks. National Highway 31 connects Siliguri to other major cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, and Patna. You can opt for buses operated by state transport or private operators to reach Siliguri. Shared taxis and private cars are also available for a more comfortable and convenient journey.
In Siliguri, the common payment modes include cash, debit/credit cards (accepted at some establishments), mobile payment apps like Paytm, Google Pay, and PhonePe, and there are also ATMs available for cash withdrawals.
A minimum of 2-3 days is recommended to explore Siliguri and its surrounding areas, allowing time to visit local attractions, experience the local cuisine, and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. However, extending your stay to 4-5 days will provide a more relaxed and immersive experience, allowing you to delve deeper into the culture and attractions of the area.
There is an airport in Siliguri, approximately 90km from Darjeeling, called Bagdogra Airport.
Siliguri is often referred to as the “Chicken Neck” because of its geographical shape. The city is located in a narrow strip of land that connects mainland India with the northeastern states. This strip of land is shaped like a neck, and its narrow width gives it the resemblance of a chicken’s neck. The term “Chicken Neck” is a colloquial nickname for this geographical feature.
Most of the city is in the Darjeeling district, though a small part lies in the neighbouring Jalpaiguri district.
Siliguri is considered a city in the state of West Bengal, India. It is the third-largest city in West Bengal and serves as an important commercial, transportation, and educational hub in the region.
Siliguri can be visited throughout the year, but the months of October to March are considered the best time to visit, with pleasant weather and clear skies for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
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