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City in West Bengal, India
Asia > South Asia > India > Eastern India > West Bengal > Northern Plains (West Bengal) > Siliguri

Vega Circle Mall

The largest city in North Bengal, Siliguri (Bengali: শিলিগুড়ি Śiliguṛi, Nepali: सिलगड़ी Silgaṛī, Hindi: सिलीगुड़ी Silīguṛī) is a liberal and cosmopolitan city that is known for its vibrant music scene and strong youth culture. Located on the banks of the Mahananda River and the Teesta River at the foothills of the Darjeeling Hills, Siliguri is the third-largest urban agglomeration in West Bengal. It is known as the "Gateway of North-Eastern India" as it connects North-Eastern India with mainland India, making it a major trading and transportation hub. It borders Nepal on one side and Bangladesh on the other.

Understand

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Siliguri (Bengali pronunciation: SHIH-lih-GOO-rih /ʃiliɡuɽi/) has a population of 728,000 (2024 estimate) (around 1,000,000 in the metropolitan area), making it the third-largest city in West Bengal.

With massive developments since the turn of the 21st century, the city has grown from a small regional town into one of the most important business centres in Eastern India. Sprawling and boisterous, it is a city whose periphery is dominated by modern condominiums, while the downtown is characterised by sprawling street markets, up-scale shops, and large shopping malls.

Due to its position as a commercial hub and centre of learning, the city enjoys a sophistication and range of shopping usually only associated with metro cities. Furthermore, as it has attracted a large number of young Nepalese, Sikkimese, Tibetans, and Bhutanese, it has developed into one of India's most liberal and cosmopolitan cities that is known for its vibrant music scene and strong youth culture.

Siliguri is the only city in West Bengal other than Kolkata to have international 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 North-Eastern India.

Climate

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Siliguri
Climate chart (explanation)
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
 
12
 
 
23
10
 
 
 
28
 
 
25
12
 
 
 
48
 
 
29
15
 
 
 
99
 
 
32
20
 
 
 
300
 
 
32
22
 
 
 
658
 
 
31
24
 
 
 
804
 
 
31
25
 
 
 
640
 
 
32
25
 
 
 
549
 
 
31
24
 
 
 
156
 
 
30
21
 
 
 
25
 
 
27
15
 
 
 
20
 
 
25
11
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation+Snow totals in mm
Source: w:Siliguri#Climate
Imperial conversion
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
 
0.5
 
 
73
50
 
 
 
1.1
 
 
77
54
 
 
 
1.9
 
 
84
59
 
 
 
3.9
 
 
90
68
 
 
 
12
 
 
90
72
 
 
 
26
 
 
88
75
 
 
 
32
 
 
88
77
 
 
 
25
 
 
90
77
 
 
 
22
 
 
88
75
 
 
 
6.1
 
 
86
70
 
 
 
1
 
 
81
59
 
 
 
0.8
 
 
77
52
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Siliguri has a warm summer, cool winters and a severe monsoon. In summer, the temperature varies from a minimum of 18-22 °C to a maximum of 26-32 °C. The temperature in summer sometimes exceeds 35 °C. On the other hand, the winter maximum temperature hovers around 20-24 °C, and the minimum drops 6-9 °C. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 16.1 °C. The minimum temperature in winter season sometimes drops 5 °C or below. On an average, Siliguri gets 3340 mm per year. Winters are mostly dry, with the summers being rainy. About 80% of the annual rainfall is felt between June to September, this period is known as monsoons or rainy season in the season cycle. Heavy showers are often felt in May, June, July, August and September. July is the wettest month (804 mm) and January is the driest month (12 mm).

Visitor information

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  • 1 Tourism Centre, M-4 Bldg, Hill Cart Rd, ☏ +91 353 2511974, +91 353 2516306. The staff at the Tourism Centre is very helpful and the centre has a lot of information on North Bengal tourism. You can book a government lodge there before travelling to your favourite destination. (updated Nov 2022)

Talk

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Bengali, Hindi, and Nepali are respectively the most common languages spoken in Siliguri. However, as a major business and trading hub, the city has attracted numerous people from different ethnic groups, and so it is not uncommon to hear other dialects or languages spoken on the streets and in homes.

Get in

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By plane

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  • 1 Bagdogra International Airport (IXB  IATA), Bagdogra (14 km (8.7 mi) from the city centre), ☏ +91 353 269 8431. 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 from Bangkok, while Druk Air offers twice in a week direct flights to the Thai capital, which begin and terminate in Paro with a stop here. Taxis are available from the airport to Siliguri (approx ₹500), as well as to Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Phuentsholing. Bagdogra Airport (Q2900847) on Wikidata Bagdogra Airport on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2022)

By train

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New Jalpaiguri Junction railway station

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  • 2 New Jalpaiguri Junction railway station (station code: NJP) (about 20- to 30-minute ride from the city centre). The busiest railway station in North Bengal with connections to almost all parts of India (except Goa, Pune, Haridwar and Surat). New Jalpaiguri Junction railway station (Q11790860) on Wikidata New Jalpaiguri Junction railway station on Wikipedia (updated Oct 2020)

NJP is served by four Rajdhani Express trains, two Vistadome Express trains, two Humsafar Express trains, four AC Superfast Express trains, a Shatabdi Express train and a Vande Bharat Express train from this station. There is also an international train from Bangladesh, called Mitali Express. NJP also connects the mainstream broad-gauge line with the heritage narrow-gauge line.

NJP has two double-bedded air-conditioned (AC) retiring rooms, six double-bedded non-AC retiring rooms, one three-bedded dormitory and one twelve-bedded dormitory. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available at this station. It has IRCTC and other private restaurants. There is also a decommissioned train coach that acts as a restaurant, and tea rooms that serve locally grown tea. The tourist office and pre-paid taxi booth are directly opposite the station main entrance.

Transport options to city centre:

  • By bus: North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) operates bus services from NJP to Siliguri city centre. There are private bus options as well.
  • By taxi: Ride-hailing services, such as Uber, Rapido and Ola, provide rides from NJP to various parts of the city. Apart from these, numerous private taxi operators provide pre-paid and post-paid taxi services to the city.

Other stations

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  • 3 Siliguri Junction railway station (station code: SGUJ). Although mostly servicing local routes, Siliguri Junction also has a few long distance trains including the Mahananda Express (from New Delhi) and the Kanchankanya Express (from Sealdah). Another interchange between the mainstream broad-gauge line with the heritage narrow-gauge line. The station has a pleasant tea room serving locally grown tea just outside the main entrance. Siliguri Junction railway station (Q7515061) on Wikidata Siliguri Junction railway station on Wikipedia (updated Oct 2022)
  • 4 Siliguri Town railway station (station code: SGUT). Siliguri Town railway station (Q7515065) on Wikidata Siliguri Town railway station on Wikipedia (updated Dec 2022)

By bus

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  • 5 Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus, Hill Cart Rd, Pradhan Nagar. Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus (Q55634947) on Wikidata Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus on Wikipedia (updated Oct 2022)

There are regular buses from Kolkata. The well-known and comfortable Siliguri Rocket, run by the North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC), leaves Kolkata at 8PM arriving Siliguri at 8AM (₹245). Some private bus lines also ply the route. The 'Royal Cruiser' Volvo buses leaves Kolkata at 8PM arriving Siliguri at 9AM (₹745 AC/₹325 non-AC).

Under a joint understanding between Indian and Bangladeshi transport authority, there are regular bus services from Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh. BRTC (Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation) buses leave Dhaka every night at 8PM 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 US$20-25, depending on conversion rates.

There is also a regular bus service from Phuentsholing, Bhutan. Buses from Phuentsholing leave at 7:30AM, and 2PM daily, with the journey taking approximately four hours. ₹300. A daily direct deluxe service (https://www.greenlineservices.in/index.html) links Siliguri to Kathmandu, with buses departing Kathmandu at 3PM and reaching Siliguri at 8AM the next day. ₹2,000. The border crossing at Panitanki near Siliguri is only open for Indian, Nepalese, and Bhutanese citizens (as of Feb 2024).

Get around

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An electric rickshaw

Moving in and around Siliguri is cheap. There are electric rickshaws (locally known as totos), shared vans, an efficient public bus service, and rental cars. App-based car services are also available on OLA Cabs and Uber, while shared e-rickshaws and vans run on established routes, charging ₹20 per person (as of 2023) per journey. The core areas can be covered on foot and is very safe.

Monasteries

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  • 1 Buddha Mundir Monastery, Buddha Mundir Road, Salbari (Salibari). A monastery established by the Nyingma yogi, Chatral Sangye Dorji Rinpoche 
  • 2 Ewam Buddhist Monastery (Toribari Monastery), Junglee Mohal, Toribari Village, Distt, Bhaktinagar (behind Bengal Safari P.O P.S), ☏ +91 353 259 0264. A large Buddhist monastery in the Nyingma tradition (updated Aug 2019)
  • 3 Khordong Byangter Monastery, Dhansara (on road to Darjeeling, near NJP Station), ☏ +91 99330 62222, +91 98320 49416. A monastery is in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Accommodation available at the compound. 
  • 4 Iskcon Temple, Iskcon Rd, Ward 41, Haidar Par, ☏ +91 92316 84759. International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as Hare Krishna Movement, manages the ISCKON temple. It houses many beautiful idols of Advaita Acharya, Lord Narasimha, Lord Chaitanya and many more. 
  • 5 Sed-Gyued Institute of Buddhist Studies, Salugara. 15 - 20 minutes from the downtown. 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)
  • 6 Triratna Monastery, Salbari. 15 - 20 minutes' drive from downtown. A monastery in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism (updated Mar 2018)

Parks

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  • 7 Madhuban Park, Sukna Forest (towards Darjeeling). Daily 6AM–7PM. A spacious park known for its manicured lawns, pathways and children's play areas. 
  • 8 Science City, Matigara. The campus has a museum, a planetarium and an Interpretation Centre that displays various type of flora. 
  • 9 Surya Sen Park, Janta Nagar. Daily 3-7PM. A river runs along this park with kids’ rides, play equipment, shade trees & a miniature train. It also hosts many alternative energy exhibitions and picnic areas. (updated Oct 2017)

There are many places in Siliguri to visit and spend some quality time. You can tour the city yourself by renting a bike or a car. There are many places to watch movies. You can also visit tea estates for a tour where you can see the serene and spacious tea farms in and around the city. There are many exhibitions and sport events around the city.

Sacred objects on sale
City Centre Mall

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 centre 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

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  • 4 Chai Chun, GF, Planet Mall, Sevoke Road (diagonally across from Cosmos), ☏ +91 93827 02318, . A modern shop selling traditional Indian teas, flavoured teas, Indian oolong, and tea-making equipment and accessories. (updated Jan 2018)
  • 5 The Tea Cottage, Shivmandir, Military Road, ☏ +91 94345 54741. Excellent selection of Darjeeling and Assam teas at retail and wholesale prices. (updated Jan 2018)
  • 6 Siliguri Tea Auction Committee, Mallaguri, Pradhan Nagar, . Tu-Sa 9AM–5PM. A place to make bulk purchases of Darjeeling and other locally grown teas. (updated Jan 2018)

Malls

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Cosmos Mall
  • 7 City Centre (The Uttorayon Township), Matigara, NH-31. A huge mall offering major brands, international chain eateries, and live music events. (updated Jan 2017)
  • 8 City Mall, Service Road, Ward 13, Punjabi Para. Unassuming mall featuring local shops selling traditional clothing & jewelry, plus fast food. (updated Jan 2017)
  • 9 Cosmos Mall, Sevoke Road, ☏ +91 353 254 5143, . Daily 10AM–10PM. Mall with a Big Bazaar store, plus fashion, cosmetics & home retailers, eateries & frequent events. (updated Jan 2017)
  • ML Acropolis Mall, Sevoke Road (Opp Anandaloke Hospital). A large mall featuring high-end commercial outlets, pub with live music; and movie complex. (updated Nov 2022)
  • 10 Planet Mall, Sevoke Road (vertically opposite Cosmos Mall). A modern complex filled with pubs, restaurant, and cafes. A very happening place for the under 40s. (updated Jan 2022)
  • 11 Vega Circle Mall, Nimbu Basti, . Daily 10:30AM–9PM. Home to an INOX movie theatre, hotel, and international stores, including a large branch of the well known London toy store, Hamleys. (updated Jan 2017)

Street markets

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  • 12 Bidhan Market, Ward 11, Hakim Para (near the Kanchenjunga Stadium). Daily noon–9PM. The oldest and largest street market in Siliguri, Bidhan Market meanders along streets and alleys and is particularly bustling and atmospheric at night. (updated Oct 2016)
  • 13 Hong Kong Market, 6, Satyajit Roy Colony Rd, Ward 41, Don Bosco Colony. Tu-Su 9:30AM–9:30PM. Lively, long-standing market for bargain clothing, electronics & cosmetics, plus food vendors. However, beware of duplicate items. Even items made in Delhi stamped with "Made in China" are being sold here. The actual price of the item will be 1/2 or 1/3rd of the price the shopkeeper asks. (updated Oct 2016)
  • 14 Seth Srilal Market, Ward 11, Hakim Para. Daily noon–9PM. 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)

Due to the large 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.

Budget

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  • Khana Khajana, Hill Cart Road, Pradhan Nagar (Opp Tenzing Norgay Bus Station, next to Hotel Mountain View), ☏ +91 353 251 7516. Northern and Southern Indian Indian fast food. Outdoor seating at night.. Average food. Quick service. Convenient for Tenzing Norgay Bus Station and Siliguri Jn. 
  • 1 Momo Gali, Seth Srilal Market (near Margaret School, within easy walking distance of Siliguri Bus Stand). Daily 10AM-10PM. A street of restaurants and stalls selling fantastic momos. (updated Oct 2016)

Mid-range

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  • 2 Badshah Biryani Hut, Opposite Kanchenjunga Stadium, Khudiram Pally Rd, Ward 11, Hakim Para, ☏ +91 81013 47809. Daily noon–10:30PM. Excellent Biriyani along with several other cuisines. 
  • 3 Bedween Restaurant, Bidhan Market, Old Bus Stand, ☏ +91 98323 71558. Daily 10AM–10:30PM. Known for its delicious Biryani. 
  • 4 Bhojohari Manna (Hotel Golden Moments), 143 Hill Cart Road, ☏ +91 94342 10011. Daily noon–10PM. Bengali cuisine. 
  • 5 Cinderella Hotel, 3rd Mile, Sevoke Road, ☏ +91 353 254 4130, +91 35325 47136. Amrapali - Vegetarian multi-cuisine restaurant, Recoil - Bar, Sizzler - discotheque for private parties, Patio - Roof-top restaurant-cum-bar. 
  • 6 Havelli, Hill Cart Road, ☏ +91 353 253 5013. Daily 11AM–11PM. An excellent restaurant for fish and mutton items. Also offers high standard Chinese and continental dishes. Cool decor. 
  • 7 Hi Spirits Cafe and Pub, 2nd floor City Centre, Uttorayon, ☏ +91 98320 59826. Daily noon–11PM. Low-key bar & restaurant in an unpretentious, no-frills ambience with Lebanese, Mexican, Chinese and Tibetan dishes cooked to a very high standard and live music 
  • 8 Indian Pagoda, Top Plaza, Ground Floor, Sevoke Rd. Daily 10am–11pm. Contemporary space serving a typical menu of popular Indianised Chinese dishes. (updated Jan 2022)
  • 9 Kalpana Hotel Bengali Cuisines, Bidhan Market (Near Siliguri Town railway station), ☏ +91 76796 38292. Daily 10AM–9PM. Bengali cuisine 
  • 10 Kalpatru Pice Restaurant, Panitanki More, Sevoke Road, Ashram Para, Hakim Para, ☏ +91 353 264 3479. Daily 10AM–10:30PM. Bengali cuisine 
  • 11 Little Tokyo, 3F, Planet Mall, Sevoke Road, ☏ +91 96418 63365, . Daily Noon–11PM. Authentic Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai, and Korean Food. Excellent sushi and mochi ice-cream. Stylish, East Asian themed interior. 
  • 12 Marina's Motel, Bihar More, Bagdogra, ☏ +91 96097 43399, . A serene motel in a colonial-style building with a furnished terrace and garden. Serves northern Indian and Chinese cuisine. Private dining available. (updated Jan 2022)
  • 13 Monarch Restaurant, 10 Sevoke Rd, ☏ +91 98320 62155. Daily 8AM–11:30PM. Famous for Indian, Tandoori and Chinese dishes. 
  • 14 New Zaika Biryani House, Hill Cart Road, ☏ +91 94346 89708. Daily 9AM–11:15PM. Mughlai dishes 
  • 15 Punjabi Kadhai, Sidhi Arcade, 2nd Mile, Sevoke Road, ☏ +91 98326 45678, . Daily 11AM–11:11PM. Biryani, kebabs & other North Indian standards served in a casual, family-friendly rooftop setting. 
  • 16 Sagar Family Restaurant, Golden Enclave Building, near Ravi Auto, 2nd Mile, Sevoke Road, ☏ +91 98320 77344, . Daily 9AM to 11PM. Relaxed option prepping regional & global fare including dosas, noodles, pizza, momos & curries. 
  • 17 Sartaj, 110/156, Hill Cart Rd, ☏ +91 94325 16825. Daily 10AM–10:45PM. Good food, good ambience 
  • 18 Steamy Moktu, 1F Planet Mall, Sevoke Road, ☏ +91 86950 86958, . Daily noon–10PM. Asian fusion restaurant, specializing in Thai and Chinese cuisine. (updated Apr 2018)
  • 19 Tai Wah Restaurant, Sri Bhavan building, ground floor, Hill Cart Road (opposite Century Park), ☏ +91 353 243 6132. Daily 11AM–10PM. A standard menu of multicuisine meals in a restaurant with a homey, low-key ambience. 
  • 20 The Palms (Sinclairs), Ward 46, Pradhan Nagar, ☏ +91 97334 62777, toll-free: 1800 120 267000, . 7:30AM to 11PM. Also: O3 lounge bar, 5-10:30PM. 
  • 21 Taste of Sikkim, 3rd Mile, Sevoke Road, Salugara Bazar, Salugara. Daily 10AM–10PM. Simple and authentic Tibetan cuisine 
  • Veganation, Opp Union Bank, Salbari, ☏ +91 353 251 2222. A cosy restaurant with an international feel. Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine. All meals fully plant based. 

Splurge

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  • GOAT, 4-5F. Time Square Building, Sevoke Road, ☏ +91 91444 08801. Daily: noon-midnight. An elevated fine dining restaurant opened by legendary Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia. Cocktails. International cuisine. Desserts. Refined interior design. Rooftop seating. 
  • Tea Pot, Mayfair Tea Resort, New Chumpta More, Sukna,, ☏ +91 92375 00101. Daily: 13:30-3:30PM, 7PM-10:30PM. Multi-cuisine restaurant. Stylish design. Relaxing atmosphere. 

Drink

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Tashi Gomang Stupa

Coffee

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As Siliguri is 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 large number of independent coffee shops in and around Siliguri, and the quality of the coffee served is generally very good.

  • 1 Art O Adda Coffee House, 189, Subhas Pally, Netaji Subhash Road, Subhas Pally (near Netaji Girls High School), ☏ +91 86176 98119. 10AM-10PM daily. A quirky, art-filled cafe. Cosy seating. Specialises in Chinese and street food. (updated Feb 2021)
  • 2 Barista, Vega Mall, Sevoke Rd, . 10AM-10PM daily. A café chain in a great shopping mall. Also offers quick snacks. (updated Feb 2021)
  • Berlin Kaffeehaus, City Centre Mall (near Pizza Hut), ☏ +91 98000 45601. An open and light cafe. Outdoor seating, Delicious pastries and cakes. Excellent coffee. 
  • Cafe Bohemia, Shiv Mandir Road, Punjabi Para (Opp. Navjeevan Apartments, near Shiv Mandir), ☏ +91 94344 96177, . 10AM-9:30PM. An artsy place for thinkers, artists, and musicians. Live music. Excellent food. Great coffee. 
  • Cafe Karmaa Diaries, Sidhi Arcade Building, Sevoke Road, Dasrath Pally, Bhanu Nagar, ☏ +91 98002 62678. Mo: 12:30PM-Midnight, Tu-Su: Noon-Midnight. Touted as Siliguri's first mindfulness cafe. Buddhist quotes on walls, Excellent international cuisine. Coffee. Restaurant-style setting. Glass roof. Wish-fulfilling tree (updated Jan 2018)
  • Dakini Cafe, BSF Road, Salugara (Heading towards Coronation Bridge on Sevoke Road, cafe is an alley on the right, just after Salugara Stupa), ☏ +91 98325 04696. Daily M-Sa:11:30AM-9:30PM, Su:11:30AM-8:30PM. A cool, open cafe with brick walls, plants, wooden floors, and various Tibetan Buddhist art and symbols. Great coffee. Excellent Italian cuisine. 
  • 4 Do Tell, Vega Circle Mall, Salugara, ☏ +91 353 254 3434. Daily 10:30AM-9PM. Small, intimate cafe. Authentic Italian cuisine and high-quality coffee. Quick and professional service. (updated Jun 2018)
  • L-Brewing Cafe (Korean Cafe), 1F City Centre Mall, ☏ +91 95937 18386. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-9PM. Excellent coffee. Cosy environment. Cakes. Korean cuisine 
  • 5 New York City Cafe, 41 Khaprail Bazaar, ☏ +91 85974 35436. M-Sa 3-8PM, Su 3-9PM. Great coffee. Specializes in fancy cakes (updated Aug 2019)
  • 6 Ovenly, Swamiji More, Nazrul Sarani, Ashrampara, ☏ +91 70014 45897. Noon to midnight. A small bakery-cafe specialising in custom-made cakes and pastries. (updated Nov 2018)
  • Starbucks, Vega Circle Mall, City Centre Mall.. From Seattle to Siliguri the same interior design and coffee. 
  • 7 The Coffee Shop, 3F Vega Circle Mall, Salugara., ☏ +91 89727 72026. 10AM-10PM. An open plan cafe with large screens showing sport events. Espresso based coffees, pastries. Specializes in Italian food. (updated Aug 2018)
  • 8 Netaji Cabin, Bidhan Market, ☏ +91 94342 47564. 6AM-9:15PM. A traditional tea store with great breakfast menu. (updated Jan 2022)

Alcohol

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Outside wall of pub on Sevoke Road

With a young, educated, and liberal population, Siliguri enjoys a vibrant and lively pub scene. Planet Mall is the city's main watering hole, and there are a number of pubs and cafes throughout the mall.

  • 9 Half Full, 3F, Planet Mall, Sevoke Road (diagonally across the road from Cosmos), ☏ +91 35325 45886. noon-11PM. Upbeat bar & lounge featuring multicuisine fare, regular live music & sports screenings. (updated Jan 2022)
  • 10 Hashtag, 3F. Planet Mall, Sevoke Road (diagonally across the road from Cosmos), ☏ +91 98320 99995. noon-11:30PM. European-style pub with live music, dancing, pizza, continental cuisine. (updated Oct 2017)
  • 11 O3 (Sinclairs lounge), Ward 46, Pradhan Nagar, ☏ +91 97334 62777, toll-free: 1800 120 267000, . 7:30AM to 10:30PM. Worth checking out for a nice evening drink and snacks. (updated Jan 2022)
  • 12 Open House Cafe, 3rd Floor, Infinity Square, Sevoke Road, ☏ +91 96096 01818. noon-11PM. Cocktails & global fast food are served in this casual resto-bar with live music. (updated Jan 2022)
  • 13 Novus Tanzanite - Bar & Discotheque, 3F. Central Park Building, Sevoke Road, 2nd Mile (Ahead of Cosmos Mall, before PC Mitral Bus Stand), ☏ +91 70290 70290. Noon-11:55PM. Disco. Bar and restaurant. Sophisticated, urban décor. Good food. (updated Oct 2017)
  • 14 The Swedish Cafe and Pub (The Swedish), 2F Planet Mall, Sevoke Road, ☏ +91 91133 95783. 11AM–11:30PM. A stylish pub that serves innovative meals, alcohol, and coffee (updated Dec 2018)
  • 15 Worth The Hype, B29, Planet Mall, Sevoke Road (opp North City), ☏ +91 74070 45000. noon–11:15PM. Cafe and pub with chic interior, good selection of drinks, coffee and meals (updated Dec 2018)

Sleep

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If you are using Siliguri as an overnight halt, you might consider your hotel options based on the convenience of traveling to your next destination. Bagdogra, Matigara and Darjeeling More areas are convenient for Darjeeling, Kurseong (route 110), and the airport (route 327), while Salugara, 2nd or 3rd mile Sevoke Road addresses are good for Kalimpong, Gangtok and Bhutan (route 10).

Budget

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  • 1 Athithi Guest House, Hill Cart Rd. A well-maintained hotel at low rates with AC and non-AC rooms. 
  • 2 Dewan's Hotel, Bhaktinagar, ☏ +91 353 269 1452. A simple hotel 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. 
  • 3 Himalayan Foothills Homestay, Kharagsingh Rd, Shivmandir, ☏ +91 94759 08908, +91 89180 79640, +91 91265 88308, . (updated Jan 2019)
  • 4 Hotel Golden Moments, 143 Hill Cart Rd, ☏ +91 353 253 5825, +91 92336 56407, +91 94340 07001, . Non-AC double room: ₹753-2249, AC double room: ₹942-2698. 
  • Hotel Mountain View, Hill Cart Road, Pradhan Nagar, (Opposite Tenzing Norgay Bus Station), ☏ +91 97328 54000, . Budget hotel. Average service. Small but adequate rooms. Convenient for Tenzing Norgay Bus Station and Siliguri Jn. ₹1,500-1,800 (. (updated Feb 2024)
  • 5 Hotel Ranjit, 44, Hill Cart Rd, Mahanandapara, ☏ +91 353 243 1680, +91 353 252 4053. 
  • 6 Nine Ten Hotel, Navin Sen Circle, Sevoke Rd, ☏ +91 353 2543539. Check-out: noon. up to ₹1,000. 
  • 7 Sunakhari Lodge (cross Hill Cart Rd, turn left, walk one block to the Hotel Heritage, turn right at this hotel; walk one block; Sunakhari Lodge is on the corner). Sunakhari Lodge has free Wi-Fi. Singles with shared bathroom start at ₹400, ₹500 with attached bathroom (March 2019). It is less than a ten-minute walk from the Siliguri Junction train station (not the New Jalpaiguri train station). (updated Mar 2019)

Mid-range

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  • 8 Hotel 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. 
  • 9 Hotel Vinayak, 35, Hill Cart Road, ☏ +91 353 243 1130, +91 353 243 3154. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. 
  • 10 Marina's Motel, Bihar More, Bagdogra, ☏ +91 96097 43399, . A serene motel in a colonial-style building with a furnished terrace and garden. Serves northern Indian and Chinese cuisine. An 8-10 minute drive from the airport. 
  • 11 Mainak Tourist Lodge, Hill Cart Road, Pradhan Nagar, ☏ +91 353 251 2859. Basic restaurant, but modern and smart rooms. Standard: single/double ₹2,400-2,800. (updated Nov 2022)
  • 12 Sawasstika Eco Resort, Fulbari hat, Changrabandha Village, Fulbari (behind Narayana School), ☏ +91 99333 33111, +91 90027 76070. Simple, but well-equipped resort, outdoor baths, tea plantation, organic farm. 
  • The Loft, Nivedita Road, Pradhan Nagar, ☏ +91 70767 89035, +91 74790 07528. A stylish hotel. Centrally located. 12 minute walk from Siliguri Junction Station and Siliguri Bus Station. 

Splurge

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Courtyard by Marriott

Many of the modern, up-scale hotels are on Sevoke Road (2nd-3rd mile), near Vega Circle Mall.

Stay safe

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As in all of India, travelers may find themselves falling victim to scams and touts. Be on guard for anybody trying to help you by giving you unsolicited directions or travel advice, and so do not openly show that this is your first trip to the city.

If you're arriving after midnight, it is advisable to have accommodation pre-booked and an arranged pick-up from the bus terminal or station.

In general, Siliguri is an extremely safe city with a very low crime rate, and violent crime against international travelers is unheard of.

Siliguri Metropolitan Police

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ISKCON Siliguri

The Siliguri Metropolitan Police is one of the most advanced police forces in North Bengal. There are police patrollers all around the city and can be asked for any help.

Emergency numbers

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  • Emergency Number, ☏ 112. 
  • Police, ☏ 100. 
  • Fire, ☏ 101. 
  • Ambulance, ☏ 102. or dial the nearest local hospital 
  • Women's Helpline, ☏ 1091. 

Connect

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Cell phone coverage in the city is excellent. There are three major service providers offering a wide variety of plans. Among them are Airtel, VI (formerly Vodafone) and Jio. Airtel is the preferable one as it provides high quality calls and great internet speed all across the city.

To call Siliguri from abroad you will need to dial the international prefix for your country, followed by India's country code +91. If you want to dial a landline no. from a mobile, then you have to add the area code of Siliguri, 0353 before the number.

Internet services are unreliable in some parts of the city. Most stores have broadband connections. Both the railway stations have free high-speed Wi-fi services but you need an Indian mobile number to register and receive the One-time password.

Cope

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Newspapers

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Local newspapers can be handy and reliable sources for day-to-day updates about the city. The city has number of newspapers and other publication that list local happenings. There are different options for newspapers including daily, weekly and bi-weekly. Some of the popular newspapers are Uttarbanga Sambad, Bartaman, Anandabazar Patrika, The Statesman, Pratidin, Aajkaal and Times of India

Rentals

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Money exchange

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There are several banks that offer foreign exchange and ATM service.

  • 12 EBIXCASH World Money, 75, Rampada Bhavan, Ground Floor, Near SBI, Mangaldeep Branch, Hill Cart Road (A few steps from Rampada Bhavan), ☏ +91 89294 85250, . M-Sa 9:30AM –6PM. One of India's most trusted foreign exchanges. The branch provides good rates with no hidden charges. (updated Jan 2022)

Hospitals/clinics

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Ayurvedic medicine

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  • 13 Aarogyaveda, Mallaguri, Lane, Hill Cart Road (opposite Hanuman mandir, Suryasen Colony), ☏ +91 81720 77557, . M-Sa 1-2:30PM, 2:30-7PM, Sunday closed. An ayurvedic treatment centre offering natural care and treatment for illnesses. (updated Jan 2022)
  • Kerala Ayurvedam, Panitanki More, Sevoke Road (near the clock tower), ☏ +91 99320 19837. Offers comprehensive rage of ayurvedic and panchakarma therapies (updated Feb 2024)
  • Shuddhi Clinic, Gital Para, Iskon Mandir Road, PO- Sevoke Road, PS- Bhaktinagar, ☏ +91 77839 77839. M-Sa 1-2:30PM, 2:30-7PM, Sunday closed. Specialist in ayurvedic treatments and panchakarma therapies. (updated Feb 2024)

Tibetan medicine

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Western medicine

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Nearby

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  • 1 Sap Nikla Forest. The forest and nearby lake is a popular tourist destination for travelers visiting the Siliguri area (updated Dec 2022)

Go next

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  • Darjeeling — one of the oldest hill stations in India with interesting sites as well as trekking opportunities.
  • 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. ₹400 for shared taxi from Siliguri Bus Station (a little more from NJP Station).
  • Gompa Dara — a small village that is the site of Gompa Rock and meditation caves and the Ogyen Mindrol Samtenling (Buddhist monastery)
  • Jalpaiguri — a city with many historical links to the past
  • Jaldapara National Park — 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 hill station with many gardens and religious sites. Buses depart Tenzing Norgay bus station and NJP train station every 20 minutes until 4PM - ₹110-₹130 for the two and a half hour journey (little more from NJP). Shared and private jeeps also ply the route from the same locations - approx ₹300 and ₹2,800/₹3,000 respectively.
  • Kathmandu. The Indian border town of Panitanki is around one hour from Siliguri. From there, it is 1.7 km to the Nepalese border town of Kakarbhitta (rickshaws available). The border at Panitanki is closed for all nationals, except Indian, Nepali, and Bhutanese (as of February 2024). Green Line (https://www.greenlineservices.in/index.html) operates a daily overnight A/C Volvo bus service from Siliguri to Kathmandu. Departs Tenzing Norgay Bus Station at 3PM. Arrives Kathmandu at 8AM. ₹2,000.
  • Lava — a hamlet surrounded by beautiful natural forests. Home to the Lava Monastery and a spot to view Kanchenjunga peak at sunrise.
  • Loleygaon (Lolegaon) — a village noted for its Canopy Walk, Jhandi Dhara Sunrise Point, and Lolegaon View Point.
  • Mangpoo — a small village (hill station) with beautiful views was once known for its medicinal plant cultivation. It was the site where poet laureate Rabindranath Tagore wrote his famous poem Janmadine.
  • Mirik — a hill station with scenic views and tea gardens. The town is home to Sumendu Lake, several religious sites, and the international Bokar Buddhist Meditation Centre.
  • Phuentsholing — Buses depart for Phuentsholing (Dophu Transport +91 9832071965) at 7:30AM and 2PM every day from opposite Golden Plaza on Burdwan Road (behind Air View More). Tickets are sold at a counter near the bus - ₹350. There are more frequent Indian buses to the border town of Jaigaon from Tenzing Norgay Bus Station on Hill Cart Road. In addition, trains depart Silguri Junction at 7:45AM and 1PM (local - around 4 hours) and 8:15AM and 12:30PM (express - around 3 hours) to Hasimara, from where an auto (shared - around ₹30-50, reserved - around ₹300) can be taken to Jaigoan - 20 minutes. Foreign nationals need to complete Indian immigration formalities before entering Bhutan, and so need to alight the bus or auto at the immigration office in Jaigaon. (updated October 2024)
Routes through Siliguri (National Highway routes)
Gangtok ← Sevoke ←  N  S  → End
Darjeeling ← Kurseong ←  N  S  → End
Kishanganj ← Islampur ←  W  E  → Alipurduar → Jalpaiguri


Routes through Siliguri (railway routes)
Darjeeling ← Kurseong ←  N  S  → END


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