Siliguri is situated in Darjeeling district, and though it is the district's largest city, the district headquarters is located at Darjeeling. Siliguri is a unique city as 15 out of 47 wards of Siliguri Municipal Corporation falls in neighbouring Jalpaiguri district. The Indian army, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Shashatra Seema Bal (SSB) and the Assam Rifles have bases around the town . The Bagdogra Airport is located within the Indian Air Force (IAF) cantonment area. Siliguri has an Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOC) oil depot near the southern edge of the town.Siliguri is the 2nd largest city of West Bengal after kolkata.
It is located in the Chicken's Neck — a very narrow strip of land linking mainland India to its north eastern states. It is also the transit point for air, road and rail traffic to the neighbouring countries of Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The town hosts over 500,000 domestic and 15,000 foreign visitors annually. It is the commercial nerve centre of North Bengal.
Siliguri is situated at the base of the Himalaya mountains in the plains. It is the
largest city in the area (North Bengal)and 2nd largest city in west bengal and
connects the hill station towns of Gangtok, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik and
Darjeeling with the rest of India. The Mahananda River flows past Siliguri. Siliguri
has three main seasons summer, winter and monsoon. Summer temperatures
rarely exceed 38°C.It is considerably cooler than the southern and central regions of
West Bengal. During this season, tourists from all over India stop in Siliguri en route
to the cooler climes of the northern hill stations. Winters are relatively cool and
temperatures range from a high of 15°C to a low of about 3°C. Light rain and dense
fog are seen during this season. During the monsoon season between June and
September, the town is lashed by heavy rains often cutting access to the hill stations
and Sikkim. The climate is suitable for growing tea and the surrounding region has
many tea gardens. to know more visit siliguri.com
PLACE TO VISIT
Salugara Monastery - A monastery in the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The compound includes a 100 foot stupa consecrated by the late Kalu Rinpoche.
Coronation Bridge at Sevoke - This is about 23 kms from the city on way to Gangtok/Kalimpong and Dooars on the National Highway 31.
Tea Estate Tours - Visit the serene and spacious tea farms located in and around the city.
Science City - at Matigara on the northern suburbs.
Blue Mountain Club - A relaxing country-club with landscaped gardens.
HOW TO REACH
The 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 State Transport Corporation, leaves Kolkata at 8pm arriving
Siliguri at 8am (Rs. 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
8pm arriving Siliguri at 9am (Rs. 745 AC/Rs. 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 everynight 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. A One way fare for Dhaka to Siliguri is between USD 20 to 25,
depending on conversion rates.
* There is a regular bus service from Phuentsholing in Bhutan and the Bhutanese
border town of Jaigon to Siliguri. The Bhutan Government buses are the most
efficient.
* The Bagdogra Airport is just 10 kms from the heart of Siliguri. It is well connected
with most major Indian cities.
* New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is 6 kms south of the city centre, and is very well
connected with the rest of the country.
