* {{Sleep|name=Lemon Tree|alt=|url=https://www.lemontreehotels.com/lemon-tree-hotel/siliguri/hotel-siliguri.aspx|email=|address=Cresent Tower, 3rd Mile, Sevoke Road|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+ 9911701701|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=2PM|checkout=12 noon|price=|lastedit=2018-04-19|content=A well maintained, modern hotel - convenient for airport and downtown.}}
Outskirts of Siliguri and the Darjeeling Hills beyond
Understand
Siliguri has a population of half a million (around one million for the entire metropolitan area), making it the third-largest city in West Bengal.
With massive developments in recent times, the city has grown from a small, sleepy town into one of the most important commercial hubs in north east India. Sprawling and boisterous, modern condominiums dominate the landscape on entering the city, followed by streets of market stalls that surround a core of up-scale shops and shopping malls.
Due to its position as a shopping and business hub and a centre of learning, the city enjoys a sophistication and range of shopping usually only associated with the metro cities. It is also known for its liberal and laid back atmosphere and vibrant music scene.
Siliguri is the only city in West Bengal other than Kolkata to have a commercial airport and, perhaps due to the high concentration of colleges, institutes and private schools, the city has the highest literacy rates in the state. Traditionally, Siliguri has been known for the four 'T's — tourism, timber, tea and transport — and is the gateway to Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan and the North East.
Get in
By train
Siliguri has three railway stations: New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri Junction and Siliguri Town. These stations connect Siliguri with different places across India. New Jalpaiguri is about a twenty- to thirty-minute ride from the city center. Now Siliguri Junction also has some long distance trains including Mahananda Express (from New Delhi) and Kanchankanya Express (from Sealdah).
By bus
Siliguri Bus Station is located across the street from the Sher-e-Punjab Hotel on Hill Cart Road (Tenzing Norgay Road).
There are regular buses to/from Kolkata. The well-known and comfortable Siliguri Rocket, run by the North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC), leaves Kolkata at 8 PM arriving Siliguri at 8 AM (₹245). Some private bus lines also ply the route. The 'Royal Cruiser' Volvo buses run by Gupta Travel (Tel: +91 353 251-3451) leaves Kolkata at 8 PM arriving Siliguri at 9 AM (₹745 AC/₹325 non-AC).
Under a joint understanding between Indian and Bangladeshi transport authority, there are regular bus services to/from Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh. BRTC (Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation) buses leave Dhaka every night at 8 PM and reach India-Bangladesh border at Changrabanda post at early morning. These buses will not cross the border and the passengers have to clear customs, walk a few hundred yards to cross the border and board the waiting Indian buses for another three-hour ride to Siliguri. The buses are air conditioned, very comfortable and depart on time. One-way fare from Dhaka to Siliguri is between USD 20 to 25, depending on conversion rates.
There is a regular bus service from Phuentsholing, Bhutan and the Bhutanese border town of Jaigon. Buses from Phuentsholing heading towards Siliguri leave at 7AM, 7:30AM, 8:15AM and 3PM daily and takes approximately 4.5 hrs.
By plane
26.68111188.3286111Bagdogra Airport (IXB IATA) (just 14 km from the heart of Siliguri). Due to the airport being designated an air force base, it is still known as Bagdogra, but, in reality, it is Siliguri Airport. In recent times, the number of flights operating from Bagdogra has increased substantially and currently the airport has links with most major Indian cities - Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore,Chennai, Kolkata and Guwahati. In addition, a number of airlines operate connecting flights to/from Bangkok, while Druk Air offers twice in a week direct flights to the Thai capital, which begin and terminate in Paro. Taxis are available from the airport to Siliguri (Approx ₹500), as well as to Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Phuentsholing.
Get around
Map of Siliguri
An electric rickshaw in Siliguri
Moving in and around Siliguri is cheap. Cycle-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, buses, taxis are easily available in almost every part of the city. Cycle-rickshaws can be hired to move around within the radius of 1-2 km. The fares are pretty nominal. To go about 5-10 km, one can hire/share auto-rickshaws. Electric rickshaws are a comfortable and common means of transport in Siliguri and cost Rs20 from point A to B on fixed routes. Cars can be hired from several agencies.
Buddha Mundir Monastery, Buddha Mundir Road, Salbari (Salibari). A monastery established by the Nyingma yogi, Chatral Sangye Dorji Rinpoche
26.902888.47311Coronation Bridge (Sevoke Bridge) (At Sevoke. This is about 23 km from the city on way to Gangtok/Kalimpong and Dooars on the National Highway 31.). One can see the turbulent Teesta roaring below.
Dudhia, Siliguri-Mirik Highway. A picturesque tourist spot
[dead link]Iskcon Temple. International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as Hare Krishna Movement manages the ISCKON temple, Siliguri. The temple houses many beautiful idols of Advaita Acharya, Lord Narasimha, Lord Chaitanya and many more.
26.794588.36412Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary (At Sukna.). This is a wildlife sanctuary at the foothills of the Himalayas. Vehicles can be hired to enter the sanctuary at a minimal charge. While many different types of animals live at the sanctuary, wild elephants and peacocks are its most famous inhabitants. Note that the sanctuary is closed during the rainy seasons (15th July to 15th September).
Madhuban Park, Sukna (towards Darjeeling). A spacious park known for its manicured lawns, pathways and children's play areas.
26.725688.38523Science City (At Matigara). The campus has a museum, a planetarium and an Interpretation Centre that displays various type of flora.
26.763188.44754Sed-Gyued Institute of Buddhist Studies, Salugara. 15 - 20 minutes from the downtown. The institute was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1999, and belongs to the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The compound includes a 100-foot Tashi Gomang Stupa. (updated Mar 2017)
Sevoke Kali Mandir (At Sevoke.). This is around 20 kms from Siliguri, near the Coronation Bridge. This is a temple of goddess Kali, the goddess of destruction, and is considered very holy. People from far off places come here to pray and worship her.
Surya Sen Park, Mahakal Pally. A children's park with green lawns, fountains, toy train, alternative energy exhibition, and picnic areas. Rs5. (updated Oct 2017)
Tea Gardens (At Dagapur / Sukna). Siliguri is at the heart of a tea growing area.
26.763188.44755Triratna Monastery, Salbari. 15 - 20 minutes from Siliguri. A monastery in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism (updated Mar 2018)
Do
A dazzling array of sacred objects on sale by a local vendor
Blue Mountain Club. A relaxing country-club with landscaped gardens. Membership required to use club facilities.
26.713388.42731Kunchenjunga stadium. Matches, exhibitions and varied events.
Netaji Indoor Stadium. Exhibitions and varied events.
26.739688.40312Savin Kingdom, ☏ +91 33-30285410-19. Dagapur (near Darjeeling More). An amusement and water park located among tea plantations. (updated Oct 2016)
Swimming. Viramma Club, Siliguri Club, Cinderella Club, Stadium Swimming Pool
Tea Estate Tours. Visit the serene and spacious tea farms located in and around the city.
Buy
Siliguri City Centre Mall
Basically, Silguri sells its wares on three streets - Hill Cart Road, Bidhan Road and Sevoke Road. The former offers more traditional stores and is home to many of the city's hotels, Sevoke is home to several upscale shopping malls and is the center of the city's banking, while Bidhan Road is primarily known for the street markets that span out from the thoroughfare. .
As the centre of a tea growing area, Siliguri is an excellent place to pick up some Darjeeling and other brands of the leaf.
Handicrafts
Fab India, Cosmos Mall, Sevoke Road and City Centre Mall, Matagari - two large branches of the national chain that specializes in hand spun material and natural soaps and cosmetics.
Faith and Handicrafts, Iskon Temple Road, ☏ + 98519 82567. A workshop specializing in Buddhist statues made from fiberglass and copper. (updated Jan 2018)
Shree Buddha Handicrafts, Sevoke Road, Panitanki, ☏ + 97333 29274. A wholesaler and order supplier of Buddhist ritual handicrafts and other religious items. (updated Jan 2018)
Tanias Collection, Bidhan Market, ☏ +91 9832034561. An eclectic mix of handcrafts, including religious statues. (updated Jan 2018)
Tea
Chai Chun, GF, Planet Mall, Sevoke Road (diagonally across from Cosmos), ☏ + 8759 763800, care@chaichuntea.com. A modern shop selling traditional Indian teas, flavoured teas, Indian oolong, and tea making equipment and accessories. (updated Jan 2018)
ChiPan, Hill Cart Road (opposite Hill Cart Road Bus Station), Tel: 91 81458-99825 - Good selection of Darjeeling tea for retail and wholesale.
Rakhadevi Tea Company (Rai Exports), Rai Bhawan, Seth Srilal Market (on the corner or Sevoke and Hill Cart Roads), ☏ +235 2430350. Excellent selection of Darjeeling and Assam teas at retail and wholesale prices (updated Jan 2018)
Teabox, Teaxpress Pvt. Ltd, Manjusha Tower, Eastern Bypass Road, Near Baneswar More., ☏ +91-9733061444, help@teabox.com. Mon-Sat 10AM-7PM. An international tea wholesaler, specializing in tea-based products sourced from Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiris, and Nepal. (updated Mar 2018)
Udyan Tea, Binda Jayanti Building, 31 Sevoke Road, ☏ +353-2527249, support@udyantea.com. Wide range of teas offered for wholesale and online sale. (updated Mar 2018)
Malls
City Centre (Uttarayon). A huge mall offering major brands, international chain eateries, and live music events. (updated Jan 2017)
City Mall, Sevoke Road
Cosmos Mall, Sevoke Road. A large and up-scale mall. (updated Jan 2017)
Planet Mall, Sevoke Road (diagonally across the road from Cosmos Mall, and directly across from North City). A mall known for its distinctive cafes, pubs, and restaurants. (updated Jan 2018)
Vega Circle Mall (check post, Sevoke Road). Home to an INOX movie theatre, hotel, and international stores, including a large branch of Hamleys toys. (updated Jan 2017)
Street markets
Bidhan Market, Near the Kanchenjunga Stadium. The oldest and largest street market in Siliguri, Bidhan Market meanders along streets and alleys and is particularly bustling and atmospheric at night.
Hong Kong Market, a pedestrianized street near Bidhan Market. Specializes in imported goods - mostly from China, but also from other Asian countries such as Nepal, Thailand, etc. However, beware of duplicate items. Even items made in Delhi stamped with "Made in China" are being sold here. Keep in mind that the actual price of the item will be 1/2 or 1/3rd of the price the shopkeeper asks.
Nivedita Market
Seth Srilal Market. Buzzing market in the heart of the city, where you might get the best deals. Also famous for its momo gali.(momo street) (updated Oct 2016)
Eat
Due to a high number of Nepalese and Tibetans living in Siliguri, the city offers an excellent selection of authentic Tibetan and Nepali delicacies. In addition, there are also several good quality restaurants specializing in Western and Chinese cuisine as well as a considerable number of US fast food outlets.
Aagan - the Global Cuisine Restaurant, 1st Floor, Shanti Tower, 2nd Mile, Sevoke Road, ☏ +(91) 353-2541423. Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisine - pure vegetarian. Open kitchen. Modern decor. (updated Nov 2017)
Havelli, Hill Cart Road. An excellent restaurant for fish and mutton items. Also offers high standard Chinese and continental dishes. Cool decor.
Hi Spirits Cafe and Pub, City Centre Mall. Tel:91353-2576105. Lebanese, Mexican, Chinese and Tibetan dishes cooked to a very high standard. Live music.
Indian Pagoda, Sevoke Road. Authentic Chinese cuisine.
Kalpana (Near Siliguri Town railway station). Bengali cuisine
Momo Gali, .Seth Srilal Market (Near Margaret School, within easy walking distance of Siliguri Bus Stand). A street of restaurants and stalls selling fantastic momos (updated Oct 2016)
Marina's Hotel, Bihar More Bagdogra, West Bengal-734014, ☏ +91 9609743399 , +91 8116290697, reservationmarinas@gmail.com. This serene motel in a colonial-style building is 12 km from Savin Kingdom and 13 km from the Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary. Warmly furnished rooms feature TVs and garden views. Upgraded rooms add sitting areas and sofas. Kids age 11 and under stay free with an adult. There's a Northern Indian and Chinese restaurant, as well as a private dining room for events and family gatherings. There's also a bakery, a furnished terrace and a garden.
Monarch Restaurant, 10 Sevoke Rd, ☏ +91 3532537312. Famous for Indian, Tandoori and Chinese dishes.
New Zaika Biryani House, Hill Cart Road, ☏ +91 9434689708. Mughlai dishes
Rasoi, Sevoke Road. South Indian and Chinese cuisine
Rasoraj, Mahabirsthan.
Sagar Family Restaurant, Golden Enclave Building,Near Ravi Auto, 2nd Mile,Sevoke Road, ☏ +91 353-2545448. A vegetarian restaurant offering Chinese, Indian, Italian and continental dishes.
Sartaj, Hill Cart Road, ☏ +91 353 2431758. Good food, good ambience
Tibet Restaurant, 3rd Mile, Sevoke Road, Salugara Bazar, Salugara. Simple and authentic Tibetan cuisine
Viramma, Viramma Resort, Dagapur..
Drink
Coffee
As Siliguri is located at the heart of a tea growing area, it has traditionally been associated with tea. However, following the international trend, coffee culture has made inroads in the city and there are now numerous branches of cafe chains as well as a growing number of independent coffee shops in and around Siliguri.
Cafe Coffee Day, Bidhan Road (next to Hotel Dolly)
Cafe Coffee Day, Bidhan Market near Panitanki More
Cafe Coffee Day, near Khela Ghor More
Cuppa Java, 2nd Mile Sevoke Road, ☏ +74074 48000. 11AM-10:30PM. Coffee, International cuisine (updated Jan 2018)
Dark Horse Coffee Shop, Opposite JCB Showroom, Hill Cart Road, Salbari, ☏ +91 87683 06069. 1-9PM. A cool cafe with outdoor seating. Coffee and meals. (updated Oct 2017)
Panache, 1F, Planet Mall, Sevoke Road (opposite North City, diagonally across the road from Cosmos), ☏ + 97332 50863, panache.siliguri@gmail.com. Mon-Thur:11AM-10PM, Fri-Sun:11AM-11PM. Excellent coffee, Lebanese cuisine. Free wifi. Good sound system. (updated Jan 2018)
The Haphazard Cafe, 3F, Planet Mall, Sevoke Road, (opposite North City, diagonally across the road from Cosmos), ☏ + 79809 17609, thehaphazardcafe@gmail.com. 10:30AM-10PM. A cafe offering excellent Persian/Parsi dishes. Free wifi. (updated Jan 2018)
Tea
Netaji Cabin, Bidhan Market. A rustic traditional tea house located in the heart of a bustling street market. Netaji offers chai and simple and tasty meals. [1] Open: 7AM-10PM.
Alcohol
Outside wall of pub on Sevoke Road
With a young, educated, and liberal population, Siliguri enjoys a vibrant and lively pub scene.
Half Full, 3F, Planet Mall, Sevoke Road (diagonally across the road from Cosmos), ☏ + 353 254 5886. 2PM-11PM. Chic bar. Asian fusion cuisine. A very cool and happening place. (updated Jan 2018)
Hashtag, 3F. Planet Mall, Sevoke Road (diagonally across the road from Cosmos), ☏ +91 98320 99995. 12-11:30PM. European-style pub. live music, dancing, pizza, continental cuisine. (updated Oct 2017)
O3 in Sinclairs. Worth checking out for a nice evening drink and snacks.
Open House Cafe, 3rd Floor, Infinity Square, Sevoke Road, ☏ +91 96096 01818. 2-11:30PM. Live movie, hip hop, Rustic and warm interiors with Italian comfort food. alcohol and coffee. A very happening place in the heart of Siliguri/ (updated Oct 2017)
Tanzanite, 3F. Central Park Building, Sevoke Road, 2nd Mile (Ahead of Cosmos Mall, before PC Mitral Bus Stand), ☏ +91 70290 70290. Mon-Thurs: 1:30-10:30PM, Fri-Sun: 1:30-11:45PM. Disco. Bar and restaurant. Sophisticated, urban decor. Good food. (updated Oct 2017)
26.713688.424061Athithi Guest House, Hill Cart Road. A well maintained hotel at low rates with AC and non-AC rooms.
Dewan's Hotel (near New Jalpaiguri railway station), ☏ +91 353 734-007. A simple hotel located just outside New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Station. After exiting station, turn into first alley on right (adjacent to the taxi parking lot). The hotel is at the end of the alley.
26.719488.42472Nine Ten Hotel, Navin Sen Circle, Sevoke Road (near Gurdwara), ☏ +91 353 2543539. Check-out: 12 noon. up to ₹1,000.
Mid-range
26.732188.4113Hotel Central Plaza, ☏ +91 353 251-6119. Hill Cart Road, Pradham Nagar. Located about five minute taxi ride from main bus station. Clean and acceptable facilities. ₹650 non A/C to ₹3,500 for suite.
26.726688.41514Hotel Heritage, ☏ +91 353 734-003. Hill Cart Road, Pradham Nagar. Conveniently located across from the city's main interstate bus station, Heritage is a well maintained and efficiently run hotel. ₹900 non A/C to ₹2,500 for suite.
26.731188.41275Mainak Tourist Lodge, Hill Cart Road, Pradhan Nagar., ☏ +91 353 251-2859. Basic restaurant, but modern and smart rooms. Standard: single/double - ₹1,200.
26.726588.41526Hotel Manila, ☏ +91 353 251-9342. Hill Cart Road, Pradham Nagar. Located next to Hotel Heritage. ₹600 non A/C to ₹2,400 for suite.
26.698788.31647Marina's Motel, This is just a stones throw away from the IXB airport., ☏ +91 9749093020 (Mr. Rajib).
Splurge
A new hotel development on Hill Cart Road26.730588.37338Barsana Hotel, ☏ +91 353 257-1662-3. Khaprail Road, Matigara. A beautiful hotel with all the modern amenities. Very reasonable as per the infrastructure and facilities.
26.733988.410910[dead link]Hotel Sinclairs, ☏ +91 253 251-7674. Pradhan Nagar. A well maintained hotel with good facilities. Located about a five minute taxi ride from main bus station.
Lemon Tree, Cresent Tower, 3rd Mile, Sevoke Road, ☏ + 9911701701. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 12 noon. A well maintained, modern hotel - convenient for airport and downtown. (updated Apr 2018)
26.713588.424112Saluja Residency, Hill Cart Road, ☏ +91 353 2431682, +91 353 2431683, +91 353 2431701. Business Centre is complete with all modern facilities like secretarial services, fax, Internet, e-mail, photocopying. Non-AC- ₹750-1050, AC- ₹1500-1900, Suites- ₹3,600-4,900.
[dead link]Summit Milestone, Check Post, 2nd Mile, Sevoke Road (Opposite Bhakti Nagar Police Station), ☏ +91 353 3040100. A lovely hotel with modern facilities and attentive and efficient staff.
Like most major Indian cities, Siliguri is prone to demonstrations, although these remain mostly peaceful. Otherwise, Siliguri is one of the safest large cities in India, and assaults on tourists are unheard of. Even domestic violence figures are some of the lowest in the entire country.
Connect
Internet cafes:
One internet cafe is directly behind Hotel Heritage on Hill Cart Road (across from the main bus station).
There are several banks on Sevoke Road that offer foreign exchange and ATM service.
Centrum Money Exchange, 75 Ramapada Bhawan, Hill Cart Road (near Sevoke More).
Hospitals
Neotia Getwell Healthcare, Behind City Centre Mall, Uttorayon. A state of the art hospital with full facilities. Tel +353 305 3000
North Bengal Hospital, Meghnad Saha Sarani, Pradhan Nagar. Located in an old building, but known for its professional treatment. Tel: +353 251 0441
Go next
Darjeeling — one of the oldest hill stations in India with interesting sites as well as trekking opportunities.
Dello — a small and peaceful Himalayan hamlet that is a peaceful getaway amid the majestic mountains for those who want a break from their busy schedules
Gangtok — this hill station is a popular site as a jumping off point for treks, the home of the Banjhakri Falls, views of surrounding mountains and friendly atmosphere.
Gompa Dara — a small village that is the site of Gompa Rock and meditation caves and the Ogyen Mindrol Samtenling (Buddhist monastery)
Jalpaiguri — headquarters of the Jalpaiguri Division is a city with many historical links to the past
Jaldapara — this national park is a 180 min drive from Siliguri. It's famous for its wildlife, in particular the Indian rhinoceros, bison, elephants, and peacocks.
Kalimpong — a small city with many gardens and religious sites.
Kathmandu. The Indian border town of Panitanki is around one hour from Siliguri. From there, it is 1.7km to the Nepalese border town of Kakarbhitta (rickshaws available). Buses depart Kakarbhitta for Kathmandu (12 to 13 hours) from 3 to 6PM.
Lava — a hamlet surrounded by beautiful natural forests. Home to the Lava Monastery and a spot to view Kanchenjunga peak at sunrise.
Loleygaon or Lolegaon — a village noted for its Canopy Walk, Jhandi Dhara Sunrise Point, and Lolegaon View Point.
Mirik — a hill station with scenic views, tea gardens, Sumendu Lake, several religious sites and near the Bokar Monastery (Buddhist meditation centre).
Mongpu — a small village (hill station) with beautiful views was once known for its medicinal plant cultivation. It was the site where poet laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore wrote his famous poem Janmadin.
Pelling — a small town ideal for nature walks and monastic treks.
Phuentsholing — Buses depart for Phuentsholing at 7:30AM and 1:30PM everyday from opposite Golden Plaza on Burdwan Road (behind Air View More). Tickets are sold at a counter near the bus. There are more frequent Indian buses to the border town of Jaigaon from Siliguri Bus Station on Hill Cart Road.
Raiganj — visit the Raiganj Eco Park and the Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary.
Rishop — suitable for a one-day stint. There is no city/town life here, just a small village with spectacular views of the third largest mountain peak of the world (Kanchenjungha) and its range.
This city travel guide to Siliguri is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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