31 Oct
Are you planning a short trip to Siliguri? Siliguri is a great option to explore in West Bengal, whether you're searching for a short vacation full of local adventures or a leisurely weekend in the Eastern Himalayan foothills.
The city lies tucked away between the Teesta and Mahananda rivers, linking visitors to spectacular hill stations like Gangtok, Kalimpong, and Darjeeling, but it's also a place worth visiting independently.
If you’re planning an affordable weekend escape, book with one of the top budget hotels in Siliguri City. This blog tells you every step of organizing the ideal weekend vacation to Siliguri, including how to get there, where to stay, things to do, and the ideal time to go.
Here’s Why You Should Take a Weekend Trip to Siliguri?
Siliguri is a lively city with a unique charm, standing out as a cozy, vibrant location to explore. It combines natural beauty with urban convenience. Within a few kilometers of the city center are lush tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, picturesque vistas, and vibrant local marketplaces.
Siliguri is a fantastic weekend getaway for the following reasons:
Simple accessibility: Well-connected to major Indian cities by road, rail, and air.
Convenient and small: You can visit the majority of the sites in two days.
Comfy surroundings: Encircled by tea plantations, forests, and the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, this location serves as a gateway to nature.
Affordable getaway: Excellent cuisine, reasonably priced lodging, and affordable transportation make for an inexpensive vacation.
How to Get to Siliguri: Overview
Siliguri's advantageous position in North Bengal makes it easy to go there. Depending on your convenience and price, there are three primary travel alternatives.
By Air
Bagdogra Airport (IXB), which is roughly 15 kilometers from Siliguri's downtown, is the closest airport. Major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Mumbai are easily accessible from Bagdogra. To get to your hotel in Siliguri, you can simply take an autorickshaw or hail a cab from the airport.
By Train
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Siliguri Junction are the two primary train stations in Siliguri. With frequent trains from places like Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati, NJP is the bigger and better-connected station. By car or cab, it takes only 15 to 20 minutes to get to the center of Siliguri from NJP.
By Road
NH27 and NH10 provide excellent access to Siliguri for those who prefer road travel. You can drive from adjacent hill stations like Darjeeling (2.5 hours) and Kalimpong (2 hours) or from Kolkata (560 kilometers, 10–12 hours). Plus, regular buses depart from Guwahati, Gangtok, and Kolkata.
Know The Ideal Time to Explore Siliguri
Although Siliguri has a pleasant climate all year round, October through March is the ideal time to visit for a perfect weekend trip. The weather is nice during this time of year, making it perfect for outdoor exploration, nature walks, and sightseeing.
Summer (April–June): Warm yet tolerable, ideal for trips to tea gardens.
Monsoon (July- September): is the monsoon season, which is characterized by lush vegetation and sporadic heavy showers.
Winter (October–March): Clear, cool sky ideal for quick excursions.
Siliguri's clean air and mild temperature make it ideal for lengthy walks and comfortable evenings if you're considering a short winter vacation.
Where You Can Stay in Siliguri?
There are several lodging choices in Siliguri to suit every budget.
1.High-end lodging (luxury)
If you're looking for a cozy and restful stay, pick from reputable hotels like:
1. Marriott Siliguri Courtyard
2. Sarovar Portico Royal
3. The Hotel Cindrella
4. Siliguri Sinclairs
5. The Lemon Tree Hotel
These hotels in Siliguri are ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring because they provide good dining establishments, swimming pools, and contemporary conveniences.
2. Mid-Range Hotels
Travelers who want to be comfortable without going over budget can look at:
1. Central Plaza Hotel
2. Sunhill Portico
3. Hotel Mount Embassy
4. Surya Grand
They provide delicious food, tidy accommodations, and convenient access to the main sights.
3.Budget Hotels
There are a number of low-cost motels and homestays close to NJP and Sevoke Road that provide tidy accommodations at reasonable costs for backpackers and students. You can choose from these budget hotels in Siliguri:
1. Hotel Saluja
2. Mount Amara Hotel
3. Hotel Sabera
4. Hotel Niladri Palace
If you want to travel during the busiest travel seasons (October–January or April–May), make reservations in advance.
You Can Explore These Top Siliguri Attractions (Weekend Itinerary)
Here is a recommended itinerary that strikes a balance between sightseeing, leisure, and local experiences if you only have two days in Siliguri.
Day 1: Visit Local Attractions
- Salugara Monastery
Visit the serene Salugara Monastery, which is roughly 6 km from the city, first thing in the morning. This monastery was established by Tibetan monks and is renowned for Kalu Rinpoche's 100-foot stupa. And the location in Siliguri provides a serene and contemplative beginning to your journey.
- Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
After that, proceed to the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, which is situated by the Mahananda River. This sanctuary, which covers 158 square kilometers, is home to endangered birds, leopards, and elephants. For nature photography and bird observation, you can drive to Sukna, the sanctuary's entrance, or follow a short forest route.
- Hong Kong Market
Visit Siliguri's most well-liked shopping district, Hong Kong Market, in the afternoon. Local handicrafts, apparel, fashion accessories, and international electronics are all available at competitive costs. However, don't forget to haggle because it's enjoyable!
- Eat Local Cuisine
Dine in one of Siliguri's well-known eateries to cap off your first day, and go for:
- For a continental and café atmosphere, check out The Corner Café.
- Punjabi Kadhai is a taste of North India.
- The multicuisine restaurant at Saluja Residency.
Remember to sample the street cuisine staples of Siliguri, momos and thukpa.
Day 2: Leisure and Nature
The Coronation Bridge of Sevoke
Get up early and travel 20 kilometers to the Coronation Bridge, basically known as the Sevoke Bridge, which crosses the Teesta River. Constructed in 1930, this architecturally magnificent bridge provides breathtaking views of the river valley, and it's a well-liked location for photos, particularly at daybreak.
Bengal Safari
You can next explore Bengal Safari Park, a wildlife park that offers jeep safaris where you can see tigers, bears, rhinos, and deer, on your way back. If you're traveling with family or children, it's an amazing experience.
Visit a Tea Garden
A visit to a tea estate is an essential part of every vacation to Siliguri. To observe the cultivation and processing of tea, you can travel to the nearby Makaibari Tea Estate or Sourenee Tea Garden. Also, some estates provide tea tastings and guided tours.
Relax by the Mahananda River
Take a stroll or have a picnic by the banks of the Mahananda River in the evening. Plus, the location is the ideal way to relax before returning to your hotel or continuing your travels.
Final Words
Siliguri offers a little bit of everything throughout the course of a weekend. These include shopping, culture, nature, and leisure. It's an underappreciated location that merits consideration beyond its use as a transit hub. Siliguri has a way of encouraging you to calm down and re-establish a connection with yourself. So, plan your trip and stay today!
