How about celebrating your anniversary with your loved one amidst sprawling tea gardens? Well, how about waking up to a cup of freshly made tea and some chai biscuits and chit-chat with your friends? Doesn’t it all sound pleasant and perfect? Yes, all this is possible when you are in Siliguri; a beautiful city tucked safely in the laps of Mother Nature has an overabundance of things to offer to the travelers. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, Siliguri is a perfect place to unwind, rejuvenate, and relax completely.
This place is rich in culture and has a lot of attractions and destinations which every tourist must visit. Apart from this, some of the areas in and around Siliguri would also be perfect destinations to explore. Siliguri is not just a romantic destination; it caters to the requirement of every traveler. There are wildlife sanctuaries, jungles, temples, and other attractions that one can visit during their trip to Siliguri. If you are going on a long journey to this place, certain other places are close to this paradise which you must not miss. In this article, we have covered the top 10 places near Siliguri.
10 Best Places Near Siliguri
Here are the 10 best places near Siliguri for you to visit and explore:
1. Darjeeling
Well, Darjeeling would undoubtedly be on the bucket list of every traveler. Especially for the ones who love hill-stations, this would be the first place that would strike their minds. Siliguri is just at a distance of 61.8 km from Darjeeling, and it can be considered as one of the perfect destinations to visit when you are here. It would not be an exaggeration to call the “queen of hill-stations.” The beautiful design of the city takes you back in time and transports you to a dreamy state.
Best time to travel: October to December
Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
Ideal for: Couples, Trekking Enthusiasts and Nature Lovers
Places to visit:
- Ghoom Monastery
- Peace Pagoda
- Happy Valley Tea Estate
- Tenzing Rock
- Japanese Buddhist temple
- Mahakal Temple
Must do things:
- Make sure to try the Darjeeling ropeway which can be thrilling
- A visit to the National Himalayan academy is a must
- Missing the “toy train Ride,” considered to be the best in the country would be a blunder
Must Read: 13 Things To Do In Siliguri To Make The Stopover Memorable!
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2. Kalimpong
Located at a distance of approximately 68 km, Kalimpong is yet another heavenly abode, Kalimpong. If you have ever wondered about being in fantasy land, you must visit Kalimpong. The vintage building belonging to the colonial era perched upon a ridge on the effervescent Teesta River looks splendid and can make you stay here forever. When you are here, make sure to sit at the Art café to get a lovely view of the city with some yummy coffee and milkshakes.
Best time to travel: October to December
Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
Ideal for: Couples, Trekking Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers and Photographers
Places to visit:
- Deolo Park
- Mangal Dham Pranami Temple
- Durpin Monastery
- Lepcha Museum
- Tharpa Choling Monastery
Must do things:
- Do not forget to catch a glimpse of the skyline of the city from the Deolo Hill
- Visit the serene monasteries
- Attend a workshop on paper-making at the Himalayan paper industry
Suggested Read: Experience Perfection In These 15 Hotels In Siliguri For Different Budget
3. Mirik
Similar to Darjeeling, Mirik is yet another less-explored place near Siliguri. This is one of the best places for people to spend some time away from the chaotic city. Settle down in this splendid place and allow the vibes of surroundings to sink into you slowly as you sip on some real home-made tea and your favorite book. Mirik is 45 km from Siliguri.
Best time to travel: March, April, October, and November
Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest railway station: Kurseong, Ghum and Darjeeling Railway stations
Ideal for: Solo travellers, trekkers, and hikers, Nature Lovers
Places to visit:
- Sumendu Lake
- Mirik Lake
- Tamang Monastery
- Golpahar viewpoint
- Chamong Tea Estate Garden
Must do things:
- Visit the human-made Sumendu Lake and spend time bird watching, boating, and fishing
- Take an early morning walk in the nearby tea-estates
- Go on a city tour and understand the history of Mirik
Suggested Read: 19 Best Places To Visit In Siliguri That Highlight Its Interesting Personality!
4. Manipur
Manipur, the cute-looking people and one of the most amazing sisters amongst the seven sister states in India have a lot to offer for travelers and tourists. Manipur is at a distance of 47 from the Siliguri ad can be reached within a few hours. Manipur can be called a picture-perfect destination, the lush green forests, and the mesmeric water bodies make the place a celestial abode. Spending time amidst the bountiful nature can be a lovely experience.
Best time to travel: October to March
Nearest airport: Imphal Airport
Nearest railway station: Dimapur Railway Station
Ideal for: Nature lovers, Solo-travelers, photographers
Places to visit:
- Loktak Lake
- Kangla Fort
- Dzukou Valley
- Imphal War cemetery
- Imphal valley
Must do things:
- Go hiking to Dzukou Valley and get to know the true beauty of nature
- Spend time at the one and floating lake, Loktak Lake and admire the serene ambiance
- Experiment with your camera and get the most stunning shots of the landscapes
Suggested Read: Top 51 National Parks In India: A List You Just Can’t Ignore!
5. Guwahati
Guwahati is one of the best places that one can think of visiting. Guwahati is surrounded by the mighty Brahmaputra and makes you feel amazing with its culture and people. Wouldn’t it be nice to just enjoy the lovely sunset on your way back home by the riverside every day?
Well, Guwahati is a sprawling beauty and is a perfect blend of modern and traditional culture. The city has some of the most famous temples dating back to the 18th-century. The town is filled with some of the best cafes, and it offers some of the best Assamese delicacies which are a must-try. Guwahati is 450 odd km from Siliguri.
Best time to travel: January, April, September -October
Nearest airport: Guwahati airport
Nearest railway station: Kamakhya Junction
Ideal for: Pilgrims, nature lovers, photographers, and couples
Places to visit:
- Kamakhya Mandir
- Umananda Mandir
- Peacock Island
- Assam State Museum
- Dirpor Bill
Must do things:
- Visit the most famous Kamakhya Mandir, one of the 108 Shakti Peethas.
- Catch the sun playing with the sky from the Brahmaputra River
- Book for dinner at the cruise in the peacock island enjoying the tranquillity of the surroundings
Suggested Read: Go Karting In India: A Thrill Ride Awaits At These Exciting Venues Across The Country
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6. Jalpaiguri
Jalpaiguri is yet another beautiful hill-station, which is 53km from Siliguri. Exactly like Darjeeling and Siliguri, even Jalpaiguri has a lot of attractions for tourists. The culture and the heritage of the quaint city are just too beautiful. Nestled in thick forests and jungles, Jalpaiguri can be another place where you can find complete relaxation.
Best time to travel: October to March
Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri Railway station
Ideal for: Couples, Photographers, Wildlife enthusiasts, and water lovers
Places to visit:
- Sikhia Johra
- Buxa Fort
- Gajoldoba
- Jayanti Forest
- Gorumara Forest
Must do things:
- Go up to the top of the Buxa Fort and enjoy the panoramic view of the Siliguri city amidst the ruins
- Go to Jayanti Forest and spend time watching birds of various species
- Take a walk in the tea estates and gardens early in the mornings and experience the best sunrise moments of your life
Suggested Read: 12 Jyotirlingas In India To Visit: See The Spiritual Side Of The Country
7. Lataguri
Home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and wildlife, Lataguri is yet another place that embraces a lot of travelers. If you want to experience quiet and calm surroundings as you explore some of the best tea gardens, this is the place to visit. Nature’s magnificence is truly defined here, and Lataguri is just at a distance of 64 km from Siliguri.
Best time to travel: October to December
Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
Nearest railway station: Jalpaiguri Railway Station
Ideal for: Couples, Wildlife photographers, hiking enthusiasts
Places to visit:
- Buxa Tiger reserve
- Murti River
- Jayanti Mahakal Caves
- Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
- Gorumara National Park
Must do things:
- Spot the gigantic bison family crossing paths with you on the streets
- Cave exploring is a must when you are here
- Nature camping amidst the jungle and valleys can be an ideal thing to do in Lataguri
Suggested Read: Mahabalipuram Temples: Visit These 10 Breathtakingly Beautiful South Indian Souls
8. Gangtok
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Catch the perfect views of the snow-capped Himalayas in her pure form from Gangtok. A paradise-lake place, Gangtok is one of the most frequented destinations by a lot of people. Gangtok is 64 km away from Siliguri and is a must-visit place. Experience the most curvaceous and some of the high altitude treks in Gangtok. This is a perfect place for all those who are high on adrenaline.
Best time to travel: October to Mid-December
Nearest airport: Bagdogra International Airport
Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
Ideal for: Couples, High-altitude trekkers, Motorcycle enthusiasts, Trekkers, Photographers, Couples, nature lovers, High-altitude trekkers
Places to visit:
- Enchey Monastery
- Tashi View Point
- Hanuman Tok
- Sikkim-Himalayan Zoological Park
- Ganesh Tok
Must do things:
- Go around the place to experience the fantastic blend of Hindu-Tibetan culture
- Get a lovely view of the blooming rhododendron flowers and capture the best photographs
- Hike to some of the tallest and highest peaks in India
Suggested Read: 25 Amazing Wildlife Sanctuaries In India For Adventurous Safaris And Encounters With The Wild!
9. Shillong
Looking at the colourful homes from a hill-top and dreaming of having one is beautiful, isn’t it? If this is what you want, then you could have it temporarily satisfied at Shillong. Known as the “Rock Capital of India,” this is one of the beautiful hill-stations that everyone must visit once in their lifetime. The kind people and their hospitality would blow your minds off. When you are here, you must undoubtedly explore their cafes that offer some of the best and mouth-watering Chinese delicacies. Shillong is also home to a lot of waterfalls plunging from great heights.
Best time to travel: September to May
Nearest airport: Guwahati airport
Nearest railway station: Guwahati Railway Station
Ideal for: Trekking and Hiking enthusiasts, party-animals and shopaholics
Places to visit:
- Umiam Lake
- Ward’s lake
- Shillong View Point
- Elephant Falls
- Nohkalikai Waterfalls
Must do things:
- Take a walk around the city and enjoy the fresh breeze early in the mornings
- Spend time going around the market in the evenings buying some local stuff at an affordable price
- Café-hopping is must when you are here; try some of their best desserts
- Spend time at one of the bars and pubs tapping feet to some of the world’s best music
Suggested Read: 7 Best Homestays In Siliguri For A Blissful Staycation In West Bengal
10. Cherrapunji
Are you a lover of Macbeth, and has fantasy always fantasized you? Have you ever dreamt of being in a place that resembles almost heaven? Well, say good-bye to your dreams and make them all come true now. The turquoise –blue water at the naturally formed lagoons and the cascading waterfalls swelling throughout the year can be one of the best sights to behold. Cherrapunji, the highest rainfall destination in India, is 590 km and is one of the must-visit places when you are in Siliguri. The stunning waterfalls in this place can leave you in a state of trance.
Best time to travel: October to May
Nearest airport: Umroi Airport
Nearest railway station: Guwahati railway station
Ideal for: Water lovers, nature lovers, swimmers, and hiking enthusiasts
Places to visit:
- Double-decker living root bridge
- Dawki
- Mawlynnong
- Mawsmai Cave
- Krem Phyllut
Must do things:
- Trek to the Double-Decker Living Root Bridge, 3000 odd steps one-way is exhilarating
- Explore some of the best limestone caves of India
- Take a bath in naturally formed lagoons and feel ecstatic
- These are some of the places that are near Siliguri. When you are in Siliguri, a planned trip to all these places are a must because these are some of nature’s hidden treasure. Experiencing this sort of environment first-hand is one of the best things to happen.
Further Read: Raneh Falls: A Detailed Guide On Exploring The Grand Canyon Of India!
Aren’t these places near Siliguri simply heavenly? Their distinctive culture, history, landscapes and attractions will add a lot more essence to your journey. Plan a trip to your favourite Indian destination like these for an amazing vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Places Near Siliguri
Are all these places well-connected through airways, railways, and roadways?
Yes, all these places are well-connected from the major cities by all means of transportation
Do we have to book flights well in advance?
Yes, during the peak season, the prices can be sky-rocketing. Hence, booking flight tickets well in advance is the best thing to do.
Can we book Himalayan trekking from these places?
Yes, most of these places are closer to Himalaya; hence, taking one Himalayan trek would be an ideal thing to do.
A writer at TravelTriangle, Elin, enjoys putting her travel experiences into words. She is a lover of cats and coffee and believes in the idea of ‘Live and let live’.