Best nearby Destinations & Day Trips

Best nearby Destinations & Day Trips

Siliguri is not just a transit city—it is surrounded by breathtaking hill stations, tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and religious sites. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, an adventure getaway, or a cultural experience, here are the best day trips and weekend getaways from Siliguri.

 1. Darjeeling (Queen of the Hills)

 Why Visit?

• Explore tea gardens, colonial charm, and the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train).
• Visit Tiger Hill for a spectacular sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga.
• Try authentic Darjeeling tea and delicious Tibetan food.

 Distance: 65 km (2.5-hour drive)
 How to Reach?: Shared taxi, private car, or Toy Train from NJP
 Ideal Duration: Full-day trip or weekend getaway

 Tip: Visit Batasia Loop & Peace Pagoda for stunning mountain views!

 2. Mirik (Scenic Lake & Tea Gardens)

 Why Visit?

• Famous for Mirik Lake (Sumendu Lake), where you can enjoy boating.
• Surrounded by beautiful tea gardens and pine forests.
• Offers horse riding & scenic walks along the lake.

 Distance: 45 km (2-hour drive)
 How to Reach?: Private car or shared jeep from Siliguri
 Ideal Duration: Half-day or full-day trip

 Tip: Try hot chocolate and momos at the lakefront cafés!

 3. Kalimpong (Hill Town with Monasteries & Orchids)

 Why Visit?

• Visit Durpin Monastery & Zang Dhok Palri Monastery for spiritual peace.
• Enjoy a scenic drive through orange orchards & flower nurseries.
• Explore Deolo Hill, the highest point in Kalimpong, for breathtaking Himalayan views.

 Distance: 70 km (3-hour drive)
 How to Reach?: Private car or shared jeep
 Ideal Duration: Full-day trip

 Tip: Buy handmade woolens & local cheese from Kalimpong’s markets!

 4. Jaldapara National Park (Wildlife Safari & Elephant Rides)

 Why Visit?

• Home to the rare one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, and leopards.
• Enjoy elephant safaris & jeep safaris through dense forests.
• Visit the Buxa Tiger Reserve & Chilapata Forest nearby.

 Distance: 140 km (4-hour drive)
 How to Reach?: Private car or train to Madarihat, then jeep safari
 Ideal Duration: 1-2 days

 Tip: Stay at Jaldapara Jungle Camp for an unforgettable experience!

 5. Sevoke & Coronation Bridge (Scenic Teesta River Spot)

 Why Visit?

• A beautiful drive along the Teesta River, with breathtaking views.
• Visit Sevoke Kali Mandir, a hilltop temple with panoramic sights.
• Enjoy a peaceful river picnic or photography session at the bridge.

 Distance: 20 km (45-minute drive)
 How to Reach?: Private car or bike ride
 Ideal Duration: Half-day trip

 Tip: Visit during monsoon for lush green landscapes and full-flowing Teesta waters!

 6. Latpanchar (Hidden Himalayan Village & Birdwatching Spot)

 Why Visit?

• A hidden gem near Siliguri, perfect for nature lovers & peace seekers.
• Best place to spot Himalayan birds like the Rufous-necked Hornbill.
• Offers offbeat trekking trails & homestay experiences.

 Distance: 45 km (2-hour drive)
 How to Reach?: Private car or local bus
 Ideal Duration: Full-day trip or weekend stay

 Tip: Stay in a local homestay for an authentic village experience!

 7. Makaibari Tea Estate (Tea Tasting & Plantation Tour)

 Why Visit?

• One of the oldest tea estates in Darjeeling, known for organic tea.
• Experience tea plucking & tasting sessions with experts.
• Offers a peaceful retreat in the middle of tea gardens.

 Distance: 60 km (2.5-hour drive)
 How to Reach?: Private car or shared taxi
 Ideal Duration: Half-day or full-day trip

 Tip: Buy fresh Darjeeling tea straight from the factory for the best quality!

 8. Nepal Border Visit (Kakarbhitta – Cross-Border Shopping & Food)

 Why Visit?

• Experience cross-border travel to Nepal without a visa!
• Buy cheap clothes, electronics, and Nepali handicrafts.
• Try Nepali cuisine like Dal Bhat, Sel Roti, and Buff Momos.

 Distance: 45 km (1.5-hour drive)
 How to Reach?: Private car or local bus
 Ideal Duration: Half-day trip

 Tip: Carry your ID proof for smooth border crossing!

 9. Gorumara National Park (Jeep Safari & Nature Trails)

 Why Visit?

• A beautiful national park, home to rhinoceroses, elephants, and deer.
• Enjoy a thrilling jungle safari through thick forests.
• Spot exotic birds like hornbills, peacocks, and paradise flycatchers.

 Distance: 80 km (3-hour drive)
 How to Reach?: Private car or train to Chalsa, then jeep safari
 Ideal Duration: Full-day or overnight stay

 Tip: Stay at a forest lodge for the ultimate wildlife experience!

 10. Dooars (Nature, Tea Gardens & Tribal Culture)

 Why Visit?

• A lush green region full of tea gardens, rivers, and tribal villages.
• Best for cycling, photography, and experiencing local culture.
• Visit Jhalong, Bindu, and Samsing for stunning offbeat destinations.

 Distance: 90 km (3-hour drive)
 How to Reach?: Private car or local train
 Ideal Duration: 1-2 days

 Tip: Try homestays for an authentic tribal experience in Dooars!

 Best Trips Based on Interests

✔ For Hill Station Lovers → Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik
✔ For Wildlife & Adventure → Jaldapara, Gorumara, Latpanchar
✔ For Spiritual & Religious Visits → Sevoke Kali Mandir, Nepal Border Temples
✔ For Scenic Road Trips → Teesta River Drive, Coronation Bridge
✔ For Tea & Plantation Lovers → Makaibari Tea Estate, Dooars

Siliguri is the perfect gateway to the Himalayas, wildlife sanctuaries, tea gardens, and Nepal-Bhutan borders. Whether you want to explore the hills, take a jungle safari, or shop in Nepal, there’s an exciting day trip or weekend getaway for everyone!