Siliguri is a city that lies in the state of West Bengal. The city is enveloped by the Himalayan mountains, which amplifies its scenic beauty. We have compiled a list of the best places you can visit when in Siliguri. Let’s have a look.
Places to visit in Siliguri: Monasteries and Temples
1. Salugara Monastery
The Salugara Monastery is particularly famous for the massive 100 feet stupa that was established here by the Tibetan Lama, Kalu Rinpoche. The monastery was founded as a result of Tibetan Buddhist monks settling in the region during their exile.
The monastery is also known as the International Tashi Gomang Stupa and is located approximately 6 kilometres from the main city. The monastery houses five Buddhist relics and is a hit with cultural enthusiasts.
- Distance from Siliguri: 6 kilometres
2. Sed Gyued Monastery
The Sed Gyued Monastery is a magnificent structure located in Siliguri. The monastery is an important Tibetan meditation centre. It was was attacked by the Chinese army and was almost destroyed in the Indo China war.
It has since been rebuilt and restored to its former glory. The monastery is home to more than 90 monks and serves as a research centre of Tibetan culture. A visit to the monastery is a serene experience.
- Distance from Siliguri: 8.2 kilometres
3. ISKCON Temple
The ISKCON temple is known for spreading Krishna Consciousness through international borders has one of its temples situated in Siliguri. Locally known as the Sri Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir, the temple boasts of a massive campus and a tranquil ambience.
You truly feel one with your spiritual side when you visit the temple. The temple is also known for distributing food during the various festivals that are celebrated in the premises.
- Distance from Siliguri: 3 kilometres
4. Sevoke Kali Mandir
The Sevoke Kali is an ancient temple located on the banks of the Teesta River. The nearest landmark to the temple is the coronation bridge. The temple is said to be the home of Goddess Kali who acts as a protector of the locals living in the region.
The temple is located on a nearby mountain and the walk to the temple can be a workout in itself. It is said that the locals, before any auspicious occasion, visit the temple to seek the goddess’s blessings.
- Distance from Siliguri: 2 kilometres
5. Lokenath Temple
The Lokenath Baba Mandir is an architectural masterpiece which showcases great artwork in the form of the idols of different deities. Perhaps the most loved idol here is the split idol of Lokenath Baba and Lord Shiva.
Devotees can also visit a special space for performing pujas, a gigantic idol of Lord Ganesha and an exhibit of goddess Lakshmi here.
- Distance from Siliguri: 270 kilometres
6. Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary
The Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary is located right in the middle of the Mahananda River and the Teesta River. As the sanctuary is surrounded by two major rivers, it is blessed with fertile land that also serves as a breeding ground and a natural habitat to various animals.
You can spot animals such as the cheetal, barking deer, fishing cats, sambar deer, tigers and the rare mountain goats. The rivers banks also make for good campsites as well as jungle trekking spots that lead to Deorali and Latpanchar.
- Distance from Siliguri: 23 kilometres
7. Madhuban Park
The Madhuban Park is a park that was founded by the Indian Army, who maintain it. The park is located on the outskirts of Siliguri and makes for a spectacular picnic spot.
Enveloped by the Sukna forest, the park is covered in greenery and has a nice, cool climate. In the evenings, people come here to stroll with their families or friends, enjoying the serenity and fresh air the park has to offer.
- Distance from Siliguri: 33 kilometres
8. The Science City
The Science City, holding true to its name, was established with the intent of spreading a more scientific temper in the local community. This center has a planetarium and a nature section.
Here you can learn more about the universe and scientific theories through the guided tours conducted. Irrespective of your educational background, a visit to the Science City will leave you feeling enlightened.
- Distance from Siliguri: 7 kilometres
9. Dudhia
Dudhia is located on the outskirts of Siliguri and is a beautiful town. The town is blessed with lush greenery and beautiful river. The river makes for an excelling kayaking and canoeing spot.
The banks of the river are a great camping spot. Dudhia is particularly famous amongst nature and adventure enthusiasts.
- Distance from Siliguri: 23 kilometres
10. Coronation Bridge
Coronation Bridge is otherwise known as the ‘Loha Pul’. It is a bridge that connects Siliguri to the Jalpaiguri District in West Bengal. The bridge is a prime example of precise engineering combined with beautiful aesthetic styles.
The bridge offers a panoramic view of Siliguri’s natural landscape. You can enjoy adventure sports activities like rafting and canoeing in the bellowing waters that flow under the bridge. A visit to the bridge is a must if you find yourself on the outskirts of Siliguri.
- Distance from Siliguri: 22 kilometres
11. Savin Kingdom
The Savin Kingdom is an amusement park in Siliguri. This amusement park is, usually, surrounded by many tea estates. You can spend time at the amusement park engaging in the numerous rides the park has to offer.
The park is a hit with children so make sure to take your kids here. It’s also a great place to reawaken the childlike wonder in you. If you do not wish to take part in the rides, you can just relax in the nearby tea estates.
- Distance from Siliguri: 4 kilometres
12. Hong Kong Market
The Hong Kong Market is a bazaar in Siliguri that is always buzzing with some sort of activity. The marketplace is known for housing inventory that ranges from imported goods to international brands.
There are also restaurants and confectionaries to satisfy your famished tummy when you finish shopping. All the goods sold here are available at great bargains.
- Distance from Siliguri: 3 kilometres
13. Chilapata Forest
The Chilapata Forest lies on the very edge of the Siliguri border limits and is a must-go place for every wildlife enthusiasts. The forest acts as a pathway between the Jaldapara National Park and the Buxa Tiger Reserve, seeing elephants travelling here during their mating season.
You can also spot animals like rhinos and leopards in the forest. Besides the animals here you can also visit the decayed forts of the Nal kings and hitch a tonga ride by the Bania River.
- Distance from Siliguri: 170 kilometres
14. Kanchenjunga Stadium
The Kanchenjunga stadium is the massive stadium located in Siliguri. It is known for hosting cricket and football matches. The stadium was constructed in 1969 and since then has been an important landmark in Siliguri.
It can seat up to 45,000 people in one go, with all the amenities needed to watch a match comfortably. The most famous tournaments conducted here at the stadium are perhaps the Ranji Trophy matches.
- Distance from Siliguri: 5 kilometres
Siliguri is a city with so much natural beauty, you may keep coming back for more. From beautiful mountain ranges to tranquil monasteries, the city has something to offer every type of traveller. So what are you waiting for? Head out to this beautiful city and let us know of your experiences in the comments section.