The en route to the Northeastern states and the transit base to all the hill stations of Darjeeling and Sikkim, Siliguri not only offers the transport and accommodations but also a wonderful holiday experience that only a few have discovered. The second largest city and the major commercial hub of North Bengal are best known as the chicken neck. So, if you happen to make up your mind to halt in the city to find out a bit more of what it holds in your bosom, then you're at the right place. Here's a quick guide on the top 10 things to do in Siliguri for a remarkable vacation experience.
1. Experience the wild side and serenity at North Bengal Safari
Basically, Bengal Safari is a part of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary and it the most sought-after destination in Siliguri. Spread over an area of 297 hectares, it offers an extraordinary wildlife safari experience and recreation amid the calm and serene ambiance amid nature, a much-needed seclusion and peace from the bustling city of Siliguri. Highlights- Category: Wildlife, Zoo, Nature Best Time to Visit: Morning, Afternoon Facilities: Food Stalls, Washrooms Recommended Hours: Min. 2 hours Best Visited With Group, Solo, Couple, Children, Family Not Allowed: Pets Entry Fee: Adult (12 years and above) INR 20 Child (5 to 11 years of age) INR 10 Child (below 5 years of age) Free Closed On: Mondays Allowed: Footwear, Camera, Video
2. Get distracted from the chaos of the boisterous city at Isckon Temple
Historically famous as Hare Krishna Movement, Isckon Temple is the largest temple in Northeast India. Sacred to the Hindus, it is also one of the major tourist attractions in Siliguri that provides the much-needed peace to the Krishna devotees. Highlights- Category: Temple, Religious site, Pilgrimage Best Time to Visit: Morning, Evening Facilities: Food Stalls, Washrooms Recommended Hours: Min. 2 hours Best Visited With Group, Solo, Couple, Family Not Allowed: Footwear, Pets Allowed: Camera, Video Entry Fee: Free- Not Applicable
3. Slay the summer heat and the winter blues at Savin Kingdom Amusement & Water Park
Sprawling over an area of 10 acres, the Savin Kingdom is based on the banks of Mahananda River. It is a perfect place for recreational and amusement activities for visitors irrespective of their age. The Amusement Park is divided into 3 major sections- Food court section, cultural section, and dry park section. Highlights Category: Water Park, Recreational Park, Amusement Park Best Time to Visit: Morning, Afternoon, Evening Facilities: Food Stalls, Washrooms Recommended Hours: Min. 3 hours Best Visited With: Group, Solo, Couple, Children, Family Not Allowed: Pets Entry Fee Amusement Park (Mon to Fri) Adult: INR 60, Child: INR 50 (Sat-Sun) Adult: INR70, Child: INR 60 Water Park (Mon to Fri) Adult (above 3 feet height): INR 220 Child (up to 3 feet height): INR 150 (Sat-Sun) Adult (above 3 feet height): INR 300 Child (up to 3 feet height): INR 200 Allowed: Footwear, Camera, Video
4. Purchase anything that appeals your eyes at the cheapest price at Bidhan Market
Bidhan Market is the best place to buy your daily and essential requirements at the best price. As a local, you can purchase fresh fruits and veggies, and a tourist or a shopaholic; you can purchase goods as souvenirs, clothes, accessories, shoes, household items at the cheapest price in Siliguri. Highlights Category: Market area, shopping place, street market How costly it is: Economy, suits all budget range Best Visited With Group, Solo, Couple, Family Specialty: Indian spices, Home decor, Vegetables and Fruits, Grocery, Clothes, Accessories, Books, Electronics, Utensils, food, etc.
5. Ditch the crowds and embrace the tranquility at North Bengal Science Centre
Located 5 km away from Siliguri city, North Bengal Science Centre is one of the prominent tourist destinations that serve as a recreational zone for both kids and adults. Located in Matigara along the NH31, the Science Centre exhibits a large range of scientific equipment and projects that make learning science more interesting and easy for the kids. Highlights Category: Science center, a Recreational place for kids and adults Best Time to Visit: Afternoon Facilities: Washrooms Recommended Hours: Min. 3 hours Best Visited With Group, Solo, Couple, Family Not Allowed: Pets Entry Fee: INR 20 Allowed: Footwear, Camera, Video
6. Explore Coronation Bridge, the historical landmark of the Colonial Era
Famous as the key bridges in West Bengal, Coronation Bridge is an outstanding design that has been constructed with a vision to join the Northeastern territory with the state. Exiting since the Colonial rule, the bridge stands over the Teesta River offering the scenic views of rivers and greeneries. Highlights Category: Historical landmark, Bridge Best Time to Visit: Morning, Afternoon Facilities: Food Stalls, Washrooms Recommended Hours: Min. 1 hour Best Visited With Group, Family, Solo, Couple Not Allowed: Pets Allowed: photography Entry Fee: Not Applicable
7. Embrace the peaceful ambiance at Sed-Gyued Monastery
Located in Salugara, Sed-Gyued Monastery is the only Buddhist Monastery located near the heart of the Siliguri city. It is a crucial scared site for the devotees of Buddhism and it is marked as one of the major places that offer the much-needed peace from the exasperating hassles and chaos of the city. Highlights Category: Buddhist Monastery, a Pilgrimage site Best Time to Visit: Morning, Afternoon Facilities: Food Stalls, Washrooms Recommended Hours: Min. 2 hours Best Visited With Group, Solo, Couple, Family Not Allowed: Pets Allowed: Footwear, Camera, Video Entry Fee: Not Applicable
8. Discover the pleasure of sauntering amid the serene Surya Sen Park
Contradicting the hassle and rush of the Siliguri city, Surya Sen Park is one of the best places to be, if you're looking for greeneries and peacefulness. It is perhaps the best place for both kids and adults with plenty of space to saunter, separate area for kids, green lawns, painted benches, and swings amid the brilliantly manicured garden with a large pond where the ducks swim gleefully. Highlights Category: Garden, Recreational Park Best Time to Visit: Afternoon Facilities: Open space and place to sit, Recommended Hours: Min. 1 hour Best Visited With Group, Solo, Couple, Family Not Allowed: Pets Allowed: Footwear, Camera, Video Entry fee: Not Applicable
9. Enjoy the most trending events in City Centre the North Bengal's best-rated shopping mall
Located at Matigara, nearby Science Centre, City Centre is the best place to be if you're seeking the element of unlimited fun. Best destination for the shopaholics and tourists, City Centre is the zone for the trends and exciting events all year round. Highlights Category: Shopping center, Dining, Entertainment Best Time to Visit: Afternoon and evening Facilities: washrooms, dining, shopping, entertainment Recommended Hours: Min. 2 hour Best Visited With Group, Solo, Couple, Family Not Allowed: Pets Allowed: Footwear, Camera, Video Entry fee: Not Applicable
10. Explore Vega Circle, where the ambiance mesmerizes you to the core
Vega Circle is another best-rated mall that is located in Salugara nearby the Checkpost area. The youngest mall in Siliguri is known for its fascinating architectural feature that is unique and captivating in every sense. One can walk in for shopping, dining, entertainment, or just pay a visit. Highlights Category: Shopping center, Dining, Entertainment Best Time to Visit: Afternoon, Evening Facilities: washrooms, dining, shopping, entertainment Recommended Hours: Min. 3 hour Best Visited With Group, Solo, Couple, Family Not Allowed: Pets Allowed: Footwear, camera (only mobile phone cameras allowed) Entry fee: Not Applicable So, what are you waiting for? Explore these places for a fascinating holiday experience in Siliguri.