Top Rated Attractions in Siliguri

Nestled in the foothills of Eastern Himalayas and steeped in diverse topography, the Gorumara National Park is a relatively small yet significant national park in the country. Its origins can be traced back to the British Raj where it was a forest reserve in 1895 and was later designated into a national park in 1995. An old bungalow from the British rule still preserves the historical documents. Flanked by important tributaries of the mighty Brahmaputra such as Murti, Raidak and Jaldhaka River, the national park serves as an important drainage ridge between the waters of the Ganges and the Brahmaputra. Blanketed in verdant covers of the Terai grasslands, the park is dappled with diverse vegetation specific to the Himalayan habitats. From silk cotton trees and bamboo groves to the umbrella-shaped rain tree, the park offers a spectacular variety in flora. While the royal Bengal Tigers are occasionally spotted among the dense tree-covered expanse, Gorumara is home to a large population of one-horned Indian Rhinoceros and also the world’s largest snake species Indian Python. Equipped with watch towers and accommodations for visitors, the national park is a popular stopover for tourists of Darjeeling.

Perched at a height of nearly 2255 meters (7400 feet), the Jorepokhri Wildlife Sanctuary is a treasured parcel of land amidst the Senchal Forest. Located roughly 19 kilometers (11.8 miles) away from Darjeeling, the sanctuary is best known for its twin lakes and the Himalayan Salamaders that thrive here. Apart from these elusive reptiles, the reserve also shelters a variety of mammals, including rhinoceros and tigers, as well as several species of birds. Landscaped parks and a well-placed viewpoint are additional highlights that promise breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped peaks that line the horizon.

The Bengal Safari is a must-try adventure of wildlife enthusiasts. The safari is divided into Mixed Herbivore Safari, Tiger Safari, Asiatic Black Bear Safari, Leopard Safari, Aviary trail, Lesser Cats trail, and the Gharial & Crocodile Pond thus getting visitors acquainted with a number of wildlife species in their natural habitat.

An oasis of the city, the Sukna Madhuban Park is a beautiful park that's perfect for a picnic with family and friends. The park is defined by winding trails covered with a canopy of lush trees and surrounded by a carpet of grass. It has a small play area where children can frolic while get acquainted with friendly monkeys.

Perched at an increasing altitude above sea level, Darjeeling is a picturesque hill station in West Bengal. Made famous for its sprawling tea estates, the breezy Eastern Indian town lies in the impressive Mahabharat Range, where nature unveils its marvellous silhouettes. Quite noted for lending breathtaking views of the mighty Kangchenjunga Mountain, the town's development as a famous hill station dates back to the British Raj. British officers had built a military yard and a sanatorium here, and it was under the Sikkim kingdom till the early years of the 19th Century. From a distance, Darjeeling appears like lush green stripes over an elevated mountain rim, enveloped by verdant tea orchards. Along with its flourishing tea plantations churning out aromatic tea leaves, it is also famous for colonial-style buildings and Buddhist monasteries. A stirring canvas of nature and culture, this picture-perfect town is home to many more interesting sites like the pristine white Peace Pagoda, the magnificent St. Andrew's Church, the Darjeeling Municipality Building and the ornamental Ghum Monastery.

A charming city flourishing besides the Mahananda River, Siliguri is a place for a traveler with varied interests. Surrounded by abundant natural beauty that includes a view of the grand Himalayas, Siliguri attracts nature lovers with its scenic allure. It is also home to a number of monasteries and temples, thus offering cultural rendezvous as well. Also the land of tea plantations, Siliguri welcomes hordes of connoisseurs of the globally-revered beverage. A gem of a city that introduces travelers to the northeastern reaches of the country, Siliguri has rightfully earned the epithet of being the "Gateway to Northeast India".