Top 5 Things to do in Siliguri
Siliguri city – nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, this city is much more than a bustling transit point for travelers to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gangtok, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Northeast states of India.
Siliguri is a vibrant city that offers a blend of nature, culture, and commerce. From lush green landscapes to cultural landmarks, here are the top five things to do in Siliguri:
Visit Buddhist Culture at Salugara Monastery
Established by Tibetan Buddhist Monks and followers of Dalai Lama, the 100 ft stupa founded by the Tibetan Lama, Kalu Rinpoche during the time when Tibetan monks were settling down in the region after their exile from their homeland.
Kalu Rinpoche, also known as Kyabje Dorje Chang Kalu Rinpoche, was a prominent Tibetan Buddhist lama and spiritual teacher and a revered figure in the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Just 6 kms away from Siliguri town, Salugara monastery houses ancient Buddhist relics and manuscripts of religious books.
Built in Indo-Tibetan style of architecture, the peace, tranquil atmosphere and its scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot for soul seekers and those looking for a break from the hustle of their lives.
Wildlife Spotting at Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Located between Mahananda and Teesta River, the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and home to rare mountain goat, Cheetal, barking dear, fishing cat, sambar, tiger, elephant and Indian bison, migratory birds including hornbills, woodpeckers, eagles, and others.
From the sanctuary, you can also undertake mild to medium trekking challenges at Deorali, Latpancher and Golaghat Mana. We advise hiring a local guide to help you spend time in the sanctuary more effectively.
Enjoy DHR Toy Train Ride
The toy-train operated by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the few mountain routes where steam engine is still operated. This 2 feet narrow gauge train runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling and was constructed between 1879 and 1881. A journey in this Toy Train has amazing sights on display. Passengers on the train witness pleasing mountain views and pass by villages and local shops on the way, with children merrily waving at them
Walk and Take Pictures in picturesque Tea Gardens
When you are in Siliguri, exploring the picturesque tea gardens around Siliguri can be a delightful experience for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
You can watch and interact with the workers in the gardens, and taste some of the fines teas in the house the workers. Hand-rolled tea leaves smoked and dried above the fire hearth of the kitchen is a specialty tea you can find only in the houses of the garden workers. Most of the tea gardens have their own little outlets where you can taste some delicious tea at the estates and if you want, you can also purchase some to take back home with you.
Shopping at Hongkong Market
The Hong Kong Market is well-known shopping hub for people living in Siliguri. Cheap imported goods and international brands of apparels and gadgets are the main attraction in this market.
The Hongkong market also houses restaurants and confectioners, and shoppers bargain a great deal here to buy products at super cheap prices.
