The Transit Wonderland: 6 Best Things To Do In Siliguri, India

1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Fondly known as the Toy Train, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was built under the british rule in the 18th-century. This 2 foot (610 mm) narrow-gauge railway, traverses from an elevation of 100 meters (328 ft) at New Jalpaiguri to about 2,200 m (7,218 ft) at Darjeeling. Till date the train is handled by vintage British built B class steam locomotives. It is listed amonst UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

If you are heading to Siliguri on a transit to Darjeeling, then this train is highly recommended as it not only brings nostalgia of the British ruled days but it is an engineering feat which travels in loops and zig-zags while covering a distance of 78 kilometers (48 miles) between the two cities.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Address: New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri Junction

Website: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

2. ISKCON Temple

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Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare

If you are aware of the above chant, then you must visit this temple also known as Sri Sri Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir. Its soothing ambience, serene campus and grandeur will engulf you. Soak in the peaceful environment and ensure you wait to experience atleast one aarti to truly enjoy this experience.

ISKCON Temple

Address: Gitalpara Iskcon Road, Siliguri 734401, India

Website: ISKCON Temple

3. Salugara Monastery

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The Salugara Monastery is crowned with a Tibetan style stupa which is believed to be founded by the Tibetan Lama, Kalu Rinpoche. Located 6 km (3.7 miles) from the city center, it is a famous tourist destination revered by the monks as it brings out five kinds of relics of Buddhism. It is also known as The Great International Tashi Gomang Stupa.

Salugara Monastery

Address: Ward 42, Prakash Nagar, Siliguri, West Bengal 734004, India

4. Hong Kong Market

As its name implies, this is a unique market offering imported goods and commodities at cheap rates. People come here to go crazy shopping. But ensure you bargain really well before buying or else you might end up paying more than the actual price of the product and be fooled by shopkeepers.

In an era of shopping online or through branded stores in malls, the old worldly charm of this place is something that will hold on to you even if you decide to go there for simply taking a stroll. Please beware this is a crowded destination with swarms of people so take care of your belongings. This will be an unforgettable shopping experience.

Hong Kong Market

Address: Centre of the City, Siliguri 734001, India

5. Savin Kingdom Waterpark

If you are traveling with kids, then Savin Kingdom is a castle-themed amusement park with many rides, a food court, bar, pottery making, magic and various kinds of entertainment for all age groups. It is quite popular among locals for day-trips. This kingdom offers complete family entertainment so even adults can enjoy rides like Sky Train, Bumping Car, Break Dance, and Flying Chair. In the water park section you can enjoy many rides. This is a well-maintained place with parking facilities. Break the monotonous vacation by bringing out your inner-child and be prepared to capture lots of crazy moments!

The hours of the water park are from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm and for the amusement park are 10:30 am to 8:30 pm.

Savin Kingdom Waterpark

Address: Darjeeling More, Dagapur, Siliguri, West Bengal 734003, India

Website: Savin Kingdom Waterpark

6. Chilapata Forest

Located at an hour drive (68 kms/42.3 miles) from Siliguri, the Chilapata Forest forms an elephant corridor between the Jaldapara National Park and Buxa Tiger Reserve. Chilapata Forest is a dense forest so it is advisable that you take a jeep safari to go deep inside the forest and enjoy the flora, fauna and wildlife upclose. This forest used to be the hunting ground for kings and still has many rhinos, elephants, deers, and peacocks.

The main attraction in the area is a fort of the Nal kings known as the Nalraja Garh. Although it is now in ruins, this fort was built during the Gupta empire in the 5th-century, which is considered to be the Golden Age of India. Near the fort gate there are rare trees called Ramguna which are also known as bleeding trees because when they are cut, you can see red colored blood-like juice flowing from its branches.

There are two times for the safari; one early morning around 5:00 am and one in the afternoon around 3:00 pm (these times may change during different months).

Chilapata Forest

Address: Mendabari, Near Jaldapara National Park, Siliguri 736121, India

Catch the real essence of this Transit City: Siliguri

How to reach? By air: the nearest domestic airport from Siliguri is the Bagdogra Airport, roughly a 15 minute drive from the city center. It is well connected with various Indian airports and also has flights to international destinations such as Paro and Bangkok. By train: the city’s railway station is called New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. It is well connected to most Indian cities with direct trains.

Being a tourist destination and the gateway to the north-east hill stations, this city offers a wide array of cuisines from North Indian, Eastern Indian to Continental. You must try out Dimsums (Nepali Momos), Thukpa (Tibetan Soup), Jhalmuri (Spicy Puffed Rice Bengali Snack) & Indo-Chinese delicacies such as Chowmein, Chilli Chicken, Choupsuey, and Fried Rice. The ideal time to visit Siliguri is from October to February, when winter sets in. The summer months can be hot and it is best to avoid the rainy season.

Whether you get to spend a day or hours here, Siliguri is a city which will leave you enthralled with its uniqueness, delicious delicacies and natural beauty.