While planning a holiday trip to West Bengal, every vacationer prefers renowned and picturesque hill station like Darjeeling, Gangtok and the enchanting city of Kolkata. But there are many tranquil and other offbeat hill stations and towns in West Bengal which must be explored by every travel enthusiast. Walking in the snow-clad mountains, watching tea plantations and feeling loved with your close ones in the timberland isn’t that amazing!!
All these captivating things can also be enjoyed at Siliguri a tiny offbeat hill station of West Bengal. Lets read more about this captivating town in my blog!!!
A Quick Virtual Tour of Siliguri
Siliguri is a tiny hill station nestled in between the Himalayan foothills and the Dooar region of West Bengal. Perched at an altitude of 2,113 feet, this scenic town is located on the banks of the river Mahananida and acts as a gateway for traversing other this pictorial sections of West Bengal such Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Dooars, Gangtok and many more. It is highly famous for its tea, tourist attractions, spiritual destinations and timberland. Throughout the year it is packed with travellers and thus making it a major tourist spot of West Bengal.
Abundant in extraordinary landscapes and spectacular locations, Siliguri is a must-visit destination which satisfies every holiday aspects traveller during the trip. Being the paradise in the eastern part of India, Siliguri will rejuvenate your mind and body fully and acts as a refresher for the eyes.
Centre of Attractions at Siliguri
Salugara Monastery
A significant sightseer spectacle in Siliguri is the Salugara Monastery located around 6 km away from the city centre. It is a sacred place for Buddhists as it houses five major Buddhist relics. It is one of the most popular Buddhist monasteries in the world.
The major highlight of this monastery is its 100-feet stupa established by Tibetan Buddhist Monk, Kalu Rinpoche. The tranquil environment at the monastery in snow-clad mountains making it a perfect place for meditation and rejuvenating your soul and body. Salugara Monastery and its relics are now highly revered by Buddhist devotees all around the world.
Coronation Bridge
Coronation Bridge is also popular as the Sevoke Bridge and traverses across the Teesta river. This bridge connects Darjeeling with Jalpaiguri. Locally this bridge is known as Tiger / Bagh Bridge due to its two tiger statues at one entrance of the bridge. This bridge is constructed in Roman Architectural style which is making it a must-watch spot for history lovers.
The bridge was designated to honour the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937. The bridge also has a beautiful cove and tourists stop at the bridge frequently to enjoy the lush scenery and sparkling blue waters of the river Teesta and its appeal.
Sevoke Kali Mandir
Kali Mandir is a Hindu temple of Goddess Durga, is one of the most loved spiritual spots of town after Salugara Monastery inhabited nearby Sevoke Bridge. It is positioned at an around 23km from Siliguri. It is loaded with hidden beauty in the ambience and is a major highlight of the hill station. There is a tale associated with this temple which says that newlywed couples have to pay reverence at the shrine for their happy married life.
The temple is visited by innumerable devotees during the period of Durga Puja and Navratri, which is celebrated with grandeur. Apart from this, from Kali temple visitants and travellers can get a chance to behold the sight Kanchenjunga peak. Isn’t that amazing?
Also Read:Â Top 5 Places to Visit In West Bengal
ISKCON Temple of Siliguri
The ISKON temple of Siliguri is also known as Sri Sri Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir. It is one of the most prominent Krishna temples in the Northeastern zone of India established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. This huge temple with its alluring architecture and soothing ambience pulls attractions of everyone especially Krishna Devotees.
It houses a giant idol of Lord Krishna and is always buzzing with divine music and dance of the devotees. The sanctity of the temple provides solace from all the materialism of social life. It is also an ideal place for meditation, enlightenment and self-reflection.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a popular tourist attraction and ranks among the top places to visit in Siliguri West Bengal, close to 200 years old, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and still operating.
It runs from New Jalpaiguri till Darjeeling, giving visitors the privilege of travelling on a train that looks more toy than real. If you’re travelling with your partner and are keen to discover the best places for couples to visit in Siliguri, it doesn’t get any better!
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is located around 9 km from Siliguri and it is one of the most sightseeing wildlife sanctuaries in West Bengal. It is a forest reserve home to a range of flora and fauna including Bison, Orchids, Jarul, Elephants, Serows and even a handful of Tigers from Bengal.
Bird-watchers can enjoy seeing birds from Central Asia, such as flycatchers, Himalayan pied hornbills and migratory animals. If you want to spend the night, the sanctuary has government-run forest lodge. It is one of the top tourist spots in Siliguri which you shouldn’t skip.
Savin Kingdom
The Kingdom of Savin is an amusement park set among spacious and serene tea estates. The park is visited by tourists and locals of all ages due to various numerous opportunities and leisure facilities. The thematic castle park is built over an area of 10 acres on the banks of the Mahananda River.
It is divided into 3 sections section of the dry park, cultural portion, and food court. Visitors can enjoy fun rides and swings at Break Dance, Go Kart, Swing Chair, Paratrooper, Dashing Cars Monorail, and Fume Train. Also, you can participate in various cultural invents such as pottery making, painting and watch magic shows at the Savin Kingdom.
Visit Charming Tea Garden of Sepoy Dhura
The quaint village of Sepoy Dhura is located in Kurseong, Darjeeling and known were its lush tea gardens on both sides of the road giving beautiful views with greenery all around. When you start walking around the tea gardens a strong fragrance of tea infused with fresh set an amazing environment.
Travellers will explore from a wide range of tea gardens while watching the locals pluck tea leaves or watch the entire processing of tea here. As you visit the tea gardens, you can also take home numerous types of tea to enjoy the quietness of this beautiful place.
Also, you can pay a visit to –
- Syed Gyued monastery which is a breath-taking monument designed in the pagoda shape.
- Explore the beautiful town of Dudhia.
- Science City is known for its planetarium and Nature Interpretation Centre.
- Take a stroll at the lush greenery of Chilapata Forest.
- Enjoy water rides with your loved ones and family at Dreamland Amusement Park.
If you are looking to shop something in Siliguri, then head straight towards the Hong Kong market on Hill Cart Lane. It is a flea market that sells merchandise at a reasonably low price. It is a popular destination for visitors and is crowded by shoppers all year round.
When To Visit Siliguri: Travellers can plan visiting Siliguri in the winter season as it is the best time for witnessing the panoramic views. As in cold weather, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as trekking, safaris, and bird-watching etc.
Also Read:Â Travel & Tourism Guide of Darjeeling
