Siliguri is a place that spreads across the districts of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri in the state of West Bengal. The city is situated on the Shore of Mahananda River on the eminence of the Himalayas. There are so many beautiful places to visit in Siliguri. Siliguri is said to have a population scale of about 705,544 while the metropolitan city of Siliguri has 1,021,544. The demographic structure of this place is also balanced, as it states that 51% are males and 49% females inhabit the place. 10% of the total population is under the age group of six.
The economic condition of the city is also prosperous and it has succeeded in driving labor forces from the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Sikkim and other parts of north India. The city is also a potpourri of races as one can find large numbers of Tibetans and Bhutanese people settled permanently. It is counted as the third largest city in the state after Kolkata and Howrah and the second largest in North East India after Guwahati.
Siliguri is the pylon for the North Eastern India. The city got its municipal status in 1949 and extended into a Municipal corporation in 1994. It is one of the fastest growing metropolitans in the country and extends from the district of Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. As like Darjeeling, Siliguri was also once a hub for Britishers during their reign. There are many old British sites namely Hill cart road, Mahabirsthan Market, Siliguri town Railway Station. Siliguri’s products are also famous in the markets. It produces mainly 4T’s i.e. Tea, Tourism, Timber, and Transport.
The city of Siliguri also has an A+ railway network grid. The New Jalpaiguri Junction Railway station, which falls under the Kathiawar Railway division of the Northeast Frontier Railway caters to the needs of thousands in this city. The New Jalpaiguri Railway station, also known as the NJP station was established in 1964 as a part of the Greenfield Project. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train is the main attraction that tourists like to travel in at this station. The city of Siliguri is also connected with air service by the help of Bagdogra airport.
Places to Visit in Siliguri
Surya Sen Park
The Surya Sen Park is a park in Mahakal Pally, Siliguri, West Bengal. The park embraces the memory of freedom fighter Surya Sen and is one of the best places to visit in Siliguri. It is also a children’s park and holds an exhibition on alternative energy in West Bengal. Famous Bengali songs are played during the evening and the fountains become functional that in turn change the ambiance of the park.
Science City, Siliguri
The science city in Siliguri is located at Matigara is one of the famous places to visit in Siliguri. The museum is spread over a stretch of land and exhibits the evolution of science and technology through the ages. It portrays, how man came into existence. Although it is smaller in size in comparison to other science museums of a city yet one gets to know a lot of interesting facts from the place. It is especially a must visit for the students.
Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary is situated between the river Teesta and river Mahananda. This vast stretch of land is a must place of visit for tourists. It is the home ground of rare species of goats, bison, sambar, cheetal, fishing cat, migratory birds, and tiger as well. One can find interest in the trekking activities that are done at Golaghat Mana and Deorali. This is also one of the best places to visit in Siliguri.
Market Places In Siliguri
Hong Kong Market, located on Hill Cart Road near Khudiram Pally is the most popular marketplace in Siliguri. It is rich in articles and goods that are specially imported from China. This market is always flocking with tourists both Indian and abroad. This market not only has apparels to offer but also electronic gadgets are being sold. The market also imports its products from Thailand, Nepal and many other places.
Famous Food in Siliguri
Siliguri, being a tourist destination, offers a variety of food items to its tourists. For this purpose, there are a number of restaurants all around the city which are specialized in the production of different cuisines. Some of the delicacies that are provided by these restaurants are Bengali, Chinese, Mughlai, and South Indian cuisines. Apart from these, there are a number of famous sweet shops where one can savor the taste of authentic sweets and desserts.
Besides a restaurant, the food stalls meet the gastronomy of tourists by producing tasty and delicious food items. Some of the signature delicacies are momos with sauces and soup, noodles, Tibetan noodle soup or Thukpa etc.
Famous Festival in Siliguri
The main festival that is celebrated in Siliguri is Durga Puja. It is conducted in the month of September or October and everyone celebrates it with great zeal and enthusiasm. Apart from Durga Puja, fairs or Melas are even conducted. One of them is the Vaisakhi Mela. The city of Siliguri hosts the Baisakhi Mela that is celebrated on the eve of Bengali New Year. It mixes all the races within itself and creates a diversity in the air. This is a colorful event and many tourists visit Siliguri in order to witness it. Siliguri also hosts many fairs like Hosto Shilpo Mela, Lexo Fair and Book Fair. Again during the entire winter season, tourists witness the fashion shows, concerts, and musical shows even.
Best Time to Visit Siliguri
Summer in Siliguri sets from March to June when the temperature shoots up to 38C. During the month of June till September, it experiences heavy rainfall. Thus the ideal time to explore places to visit in Siliguri is from the month of October to February when the cold winds start blowing. But one must not forget to carry woolen garments while visiting the place during peak season.
How to Reach Siliguri
By Plane: From the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, fly to Bagdogra airport. From the Bagdogra airport, take a taxi for Siliguri.
By Train: From the International terminal take a bus to Howrah Junction. From the Howrah Junction board a train and get down at Siliguri Junction.
By Bus– From the airport, take a taxi and go to Kolkata bus Terminus. From this juncture, board a bus and get down at Siliguri.
