Siliguri Tourism
The gateway to the North East India, Siliguri is located in West Bengal in India. Siliguri is beautifully tucked in between the north Eastern Himalayas and the Dooar region of West Bengal.
One of the key cities in northern West Bengal, Siliguri is a sprawling urban settlement. Although the city is a fast developing modern one with little tourist attraction in it, people travel to Siliguri since it serves as a base to explore Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Dooars region in West Bengal as well as Gangtok and other places in Sikkim. Siliguri is also a good place for Shopping or accommodation at the beginning or the end of a tour to this region.
How to Reach Siliguri
Strategically located on the northern part of West Bengal, Siliguri is one of the main cities in the state. Siliguri serves as the communication hub for northeastern states of India.
As a key trade center, the city is equipped with a well develop transport network of air, road and rail. If you need to travel to cities like Darjeeling, Kalimpong in West Bengal and Gangtok in Sikkim, Siliguri serves as the entry point for the same.
By Air
The city has a domestic airport in Bagdogra, which is around 17 km away from the city center. The Bagdogra Airport is connected by regular flights to Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati.
Several private and public airlines service the airport. There is also an aerodrome located here which provides regular helicopter flights to Gangtok, Sikkim.
By Train
Siliguri has three important railway stations; Siliguri Town, Siliguri Junction and New Jalpaiguri Junction. The New Jalpaiguri railway station is at present the most important station in the region. It links to major to every major railhead in the country.
By Road
Siliguri is an important trade center and much of a gateway to the exotic north east of India. An extensive road network connects Siliguri to Kolkata, which is in turn linked to the rest of the country. Siliguri is also connected to Indian state Gangtok and countries Nepal and Bhutan by road. The National Highway 31, 31A, 31D and 55 connects Siliguri with neighbouring cities and states.
The Tenzing Norgay Central Bus Terminus is the main stop for most private and state-owned buses. The Royal Government of Bhutan also operates bus services from Siliguri to its border town of Phuentsholing.
Shared jeeps also connect the city with its neighboring hill towns like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gangtok, Kurseong, etc. The Sikkim Government also operates buses to various destinations of Sikkim from the Sikkim nationalized transport bus station.
Distance to Siliguri
- From delhi - 1484 KM
- From mumbai - 2271 KM
- From guwahati - 475 KM
- From kolkata - 606 KM
Shopping in Siliguri
Siliguri is not a tourist destination, but being a modern city and an important trade center, it offers excellent opportunity for shopping in Siliguri.
With an airport, railway station and excellent road network, the city serves as a major business hub for northeastern Indian states and countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. Traditional handicrafts from these areas get together in the city for trading and these make for wonderful shopping in Siliguri.
Darjeeling tea is the most popular item for those who go for shopping in Siliguri. Darjeeling tea is arguably the best in the world and famous for its superb flavor. Siliguri is of course a good place to buy authentic Darjeeling tea.
You may also choose to buy woolen garments from Tibet and Bhutan while shopping in Siliguri. You would come across the Tibetans and Bhutanese with assorted woolen garments virtually anywhere in the city.
Northeast Himalayan region having rich forestlands is a good source of wood. And traditionally the communities of this region are skilled in woodcraft. You may also choose to shop furniture, utilities and objets d'art in Siliguri, which is the main trading center for these things.
With a number shopping joints at Hill Cart Road and Sevoke Road, swanky malls and variety of roadside stalls there are several options for shopping in Siliguri.
Siliguri also has a market where electronic goods are almost a steal. If you share a love for gadgets, hang out at Hong Kong market, as it is popularly called.
Places to Visit in Siliguri
- Kanchanjunga Stadium
- Hong Kong Market
- Jaldapara
- Garumara
- Coochbehar
- Mirik
- Kalijhora
- Mahananda Weir Sukna
Last Updated on : September 25, 2013
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