Things to Do in Siliguri

The renowned monastery holds a massive 110 feet tall Stupa which was constructed by Tibetan Lama- Kalu Rinpoche, even as Tibetan monks were settling down in the region during their exile. It is also known as the Tashi Homang Stupa. This Buddhist shrine houses around 5 Buddhist relics and is a place of meditation and prayer. There is a popular and ancient belief surrounding the monastery that it is guarded by the hills surrounding it.

Considering its religious significance, it is a must see among the ‘Places to visit in Siliguri’. The monastery which is located 127 meters above sea level, attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to view the Stupa and the monastery. The tranquillity of the monastery which has an Indo-Tibetan style of architecture and its scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot for soul seekers and tourists.

Location: It is located 6 km from the main city on the outskirts.

Timing: During the day. Open from 6 am to 6 pm.

The Bengal Safari park located inside the forest area of the Mahananda Wildlife Safari Sanctuary and is among the first animal safari parks of Bengal. Spread over 297 hectares and a diverse flora and fauna, the park which is lush with Sal trees offers wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers a plethora of thrilling sightings including seeing the Sal in its natural habitat and sighting of wildlife like the Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, bears, sambar deer, fowl, sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, Leopard, Gaur, Civets, wild boars, rhinoceros and the spotted deer.

Visitors can choose from a plethora of Safari experiences including Tiger Safari, grand safari, herbivore & Tiger safari and elephant riding safari. Among other attractions, visitors can also check out the crocodile pond, souvenir shop, a nature interpretation centre, medicinal plant garden, a  Bonsai garden and an aviary at the park.

Location: It is located 8 kms from Siliguri.

Timing: Park is open from 9:15 am to 5 pm.

Price (including Entry):
-Tiger Safari- Adult & Child above 5 yrs Rs 50,
-Combo I Safari – Rs 100,
-Grand Safari- Rs 200,
-Elephant riding – Rs 300.

Best time to visit: May, June & August.

Also known as the Sevoke bridge, the coronation bridge spans across the Teesta river and connects neighbouring Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri and is located 20kms from the city. The bridge which is among the ‘Places to visit in Siliguri’ was named to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937. Having the characteristics of Roman architecture.

The bridge is supported by a beautiful arch and is locally referred to as Bagh Pul or Tiger Bridge because of the two tiger statues at one entrance of the bridge. Visitors enroute Sikkim or Darjeeling often stop by the bridge to admire the lush landscape and dazzling blue waters of the Teesta river and the beauty surrounding it.

Location: 20kms from the city on Highway 31.

Time: During the day.

Best time to visit: All round the year.

Located on the banks of the Teesta river, the Kali temple is an ancient temple which is located close to the Coronation Bridge. It is a well-revered place in the vicinity of Sevoke and contains the sculpture of Hindu Goddess Kali. Also called the Sevokeshwari Kali Mandir, it is located 26 kms from Siliguri. The temple gets scores of visitors during festivals especially during Navratri and Durga Puja, where one can routinely witness processions from the temple commemorating the Goddess Kali.

A rich folklore surrounds the temple’s history which bringing newlyweds from all over India and its neighbouring nations to take blessings from the Goddess for a happy married life. As a Siliguri tourist place , tourists visiting here can also take in the breath-taking views of the meandering Teesta river and the snow clad Kanchenjunga peak looming large over the river.

Location: Pradhan Nagar, Siliguri.

Time: Afternoon.

Best Time to Visit: Visit during Navratri season (October).

Located at the heart of Siliguri, the Hong Kong market is a must visit to buy foreign goods and international branded products like apparels, bags, beauty, footwear,  lingerie, watches and electronic gadgets. It is a well-known market and is among the ‘Places to visit in Siliguri’ that offer a wide variety of imported goods at reasonable rates.

One can indulge some quality time window-shopping here without burning a hole in the pocket as the goods sold here are known to be 30% cheaper than in Kolkata and 40% cheaper than those sold in Delhi and Mumbai. Bargaining is common here as prices are not fixed. One can also drown one’s shopping blues in the cafes and eateries dotting the place.

Location: City center.

Timing: 9 am to 9 pm.

Located in Salugara on the outskirts of Siliguri, Syed Gyued monastery is a photogenic calm haven. A breath-taking monument which is shaped like a Pagoda, it was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 2001. It is a place of meditation and an institute of Buddhist studies, which traces its origins back to the 14th century. One can observe Buddhist rituals and statutes here.

This historic site and architectural beauty of this monastery was destroyed by the Chinese army during the Indo-Chinese war of 1959 and was later rebuilt. Today, it houses more than 90 monks and doubles up as a research centre as well.

Location: 30 minutes’ drive from Siliguri, 8 kms away.

Time: 9 am to 6 pm.

Best time to visit: All year round.

A sacred site in Siliguri, the temple has a split idol of Lord Shiva and Lokenath Baba who form two halves of the body. A huge idol of Lord Ganesha and Lakshmi & Narayan under Sheshnag greets visitors at the entrance of the temple.

A popular story behind the temple is that Lokenath Baba was an ardent Shiva devotee who was born in 1730 and died in 1890, having had a lifespan of 160 years. He is believed to have attained enlightenment at the age of 90 years and is known to his followers by more than 100 names. The temple complex made of white marble has a beautiful white lotus temple or Padma Mandir of Baba Lokenath, Milan Mandi and several idols of Gods and Goddesses. Devotees visit the temple all the way from Bangladesh, West Bengal and all over India.

Location: 5 kms from Siliguri, Dagapur.

Time: 8 am to 7 pm.

Best time to visit: All year round.

A charming tea garden village, Sepoy Dhura is located in Kurseong, Darjeeling. With lush tea plantations on both sides of the road, the curvy roads snaking their way through Kurseong have beautiful views with greenery all around. One can take walks amidst the tea gardens, smell the fresh air and watch the tea picking process from close quarters. It is around 17-20 kms away from its nearest town of Siliguri, which takes about 40 minutes to reach.

This quaint little town of Sepoy Dhura is a little known but must visit among the Places to see in Siliguri. Visitors can explore from a wide array of tea gardens while watching the locals pluck tea leaves or observe the whole tea processing here. While exploring the tea gardens, they can also take back some choicest tea varieties home and revel in the tranquillity of this exquisite place.

Location: Kurseong, Darjeeling.

Timing: 10 am to 6 pm.

Best time to visit: Tea Gardens are open throughout the year.

Nestled between the Teesta and Mahananda rivers on the foothills of the Himalayas in the Darjeeling district, it is a reserved forest area spread across 158 sq km radius. The main entrance to the sanctuary is from Sukna which is about 30 minutes from Siliguri. Regular Safaris are offered in one’s own vehicle and it takes 2.5 hours to complete the entire circuit. There are 330 different types of plants, while the forest is said to have 150 odd elephants.

The views from here are spectacular with grassy meadows on one side, the flowing Mahananda river on the other and mountains as the backdrop. Rare birds and exotic species of mammals can be sighted at the sanctuary. One can spot Tigers, Himalayan black bear, rare mountain goat, porcupines, golden cats, sambar, Indian bison, wild boards, monkey and black capped langur.

The sanctuary is also home to 243 different species of birds including many migratory birds who flock here from Central Asia. The sanctuary has many tourist facilities and a lodge for accommodation run by the state government as well.

Location: Sukna, Hill Cart Road.

Timing: 8 am to 4 pm daily.

Price:
-Rs 50 per person,
-Guide Rs 150,
-Vehicle – Rs 100, and
-Camera – Rs 100.

Best time to visit: November to April.

Indulge and soak in some tea tourism at the Dagapur Gulma Tea Estate which is among the Places to see in Siliguri. With tea gardens dotting the landscape, this lush, green, tranquil sight is sure to revive the city-weary traveller.

Located at the foothills of Darjeeling, let the clear blue skies and the fresh air of the tea estate greet you in a warm embrace like an old friend. The roads through Dagapur Gulma are perfect for morning or evening walks with sweet endings in the company of a hot cuppa.

Location: Siliguri, Hill Cart Road.

Timing: Monday to Sunday- 5 am to 3 pm.

Best time to visit: October to December & February to March.

A vibrant Science centre that intends to popularise Science, is run by the Indian government and hosts a wide array of experiences. The main attractions here include a digital planetarium, a 3D theatre, Taramandal, a mobile Science exhibition, a Park, a Fun gallery, a nature interpretation gallery and a life science corner. The center hosts interesting projects, daily Science shows, sky observation and exhibitions galore.

Location: Transport Nagar, Matigara.

Timing: 10.30 am to 7 pm (Ticket counter closes at 6.30 pm).

Price:
-Entry ticket is Rs 25 per head,
-Planetarium- Rs 20 per head.
-Prices vary for student groups, groups of 25 people & government school students.

Best time to visit: Round the year.

A multi-purpose stadium in Siliguri, it is mainly used for cricket and football matches and fairs and exhibitions. Built in 1969,  it has a capacity of accommodating 40,000 people. Catch up with a Federation Cup or Ranji match or Celebrity Cricket League match being played here, while many day and night matches are also hosted here.

Location: Bidhan Road, Siliguri.

Timing: Open 24 hours.

Best time to visit: Round the year.