The second most important city in West Bengal, after the state capital Kolkata, Siliguri is a rapidly developing as a metropolis in West Bengal. Serving as the gateway to the northeast region of India, it connects the hill towns of Gangtok, Rangpo, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik and Darjeeling, to the rest of the country. Located at the plains of the mighty Himalayan range, Siliguri acts as an important base for essential supplies to the other parts of the region. A bustling city, it even serves as a base for Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Shashatra Seema Bal (SSB) and Assam Rifles.The city of Siliguri is primarily based on ‘4 Ts’ - Tea, Timber, Tourism and Transport. While tea and timber are the main industries flourishing in the region, much of the economical growth of the place is dependent on tourism and transport as well. Due to its strategic location, the place serves as an important landmark for visitors and tourists traveling to the north eastern hill towns. The location has also made the town the next business hub of West Bengal (after Kolkata), as many national companies and organizations have set up their offices herein.
Originally owned by Rajbanshi Group, Siliguri has become a cosmopolitan city, with a populace that has Bengali, Bihari and Nepalis in large numbers. Hindi, Bengali, Nepali, Bhojpuri and English are the commonly spoken languages. Talking about the tourist attraction in the city, ISKON temple ranks highest. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, it is deemed as the biggest Krishna centre in the whole northeastern region. Apart from this, there are numerous places wherein you can enjoy the serene beauty and charm of nature. Right from effervescent tea gardens to unruffled Jaldapara national park and even the observatory points, Siliguri is a delightful place to enjoy the beauty and splendor of the region.
Recently, Siliguri has gained a contemporary face lift, with the emergence of popular shopping malls, like Cosmos, City Style and Sun Flower. However, despite the new malls and shopping arcades opening up, Hong Kong market and the market in Hill Cart road still remain a favorite amongst tourists. In short, Siliguri is a shopper's paradise, as it offers excellent products, at affordable rates. Plans to open multiplexes are also on the cards. Once done with shopping, you can also indulge in the scrumptious 'momos' and savor a hot cup of Darjeeling tea. Overall, Siliguri is a perfect place for tourists, who want to experience the beauty and magnificence of nature, coupled with contemporary services.
Coronation Bridge
Siliguri is not just the gateway to the northeastern region of India, but also a mecca for tourists to experience the bountiful glory and ecstasy of nature. There are umpteen excursion options for tourists in Siliguri. With just an hour or two of drive, one can reach the most scenic and picturesque places around the city.
Siliguri Excursions
Siliguri is one of the most important cities in West Bengal. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayan range, the city offers a lot of attractive places to the visitors. Right from religious sites and shopping centers within the city to wildlife sanctuary and picnic spots nearby, tourists can never get bored or jaded in the city.
How to Reach Siliguri
A fast developing metropolis in West Bengal, Siliguri is the commercial nerve center of the northeastern region of India. It serves as the gateway connecting mainland India with the northeastern states. Siliguri is extremely well connected by all the modes of transport - be it air, rail or even roadways.
ISKCON Temple
International Society for Krishna Consciousness, more popularly known as ISKCON Temple, is one of the prominent places of interest in Siliguri. Sited at Gital Para, ISKCON Temple Road, the temple is characterized by purity, serenity and sublime beauty.
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Snuggled in the Alipuduar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district, Jaldapara is situated in the foothills of eastern Himalayas, at a distance of 124 km from Siliguri. The place houses a wildlife sanctuary, prominently known as Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary.
Siliguri Tourist Attractions
Siliguri is the second most important city in the state of West Bengal, after Kolkata. Located at the foothills of the glorious Himalayan range, the city, apart from boasting a panoramic view of the nature, has a number of tourist attractions to its credit. Right from the holy and scared ISCKON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Temple to the numerous shopping centers and the informative, yet entertaining Science City,
Siliguri Weather
Siliguri is situated at the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range. The city offers panoramic view of the glorious mountains. It also serves as the gateway to the hill towns of Gangtok, Rangpo, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik and Darjeeling. Thanks to the mountainous ranges surrounding it, the weather in Siliguri remains pleasant for most of the months of the year.
