Siliguri Travel Guide: 5 Places to Visit in the Gateway to the Hills
Siliguri itself is a compact commercial town, but its real draw is its position at the base of the Himalayas, within a few hours' ride of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and the Dooars forests.
Coronation Bridge
Built over the Teesta River in the 1930s-40s, this bridge is a common stop on the road out of Siliguri toward Kalimpong and Sikkim.
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Bordering Siliguri, this forest sanctuary is home to elephants and a variety of birdlife, and offers a quick escape from the town without a long ride.
Salugara Monastery
This Buddhist monastery on the outskirts of Siliguri is known for its tall Maitreya Buddha statue and is a quieter stop than the busier town centre.
Darjeeling day trip
Around 70 km and roughly a three-hour ride from Siliguri, Darjeeling's tea gardens and Kanchenjunga viewpoints make a popular, if long, day trip or overnight detour.
Bengal Safari Park
Located near Siliguri, this safari park lets visitors view tigers, lions and other wildlife from vehicles without travelling deep into forest terrain.
Best time to visit and getting around
October to April avoids the heaviest monsoon rain, which can affect hill roads toward Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Siliguri town is easy to cover on a scooter, but a geared bike rental suits riders planning to continue onward into the surrounding hills.
Planning to ride there?
Compare current bike and scooter listings before you book.