Welcome to Siliguri
Siliguri,The Gateway City to Northeast India
Introduction
Siliguri is a city which is situated in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located on the banks of the Mahananda River and at the Himalayan foothills. Siliguri also serves as the linking end to many enchanting hill stations of West Bengal like Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Kurseong. It is the second largest city in the state and is a prime hub of transportation, educational and tourism activities of Bengal thus it spins around its four 'T's i.e. Tea, Timber, Transport and Tourism. The city is blessed with abundant natural beauty and tea plantations. Siliguri is considered as the doorway to the North East of India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh and is counted as one of the three satellites IT hub. It has become a significant trade center of West Bengal. The town hosts over 20,000 domestic and 15,000 foreign visitors annually. Siliguri being a commercial center for the North Bengal, it draws migrants from other states who come in search of livelihood. It is also the transit point for air, road and rail traffic to the adjoining countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, and to the North East. Apart from this, there are numerous beautiful places to visit in the city of Siliguri which attracts hundreds of thousands of people from all over the country.
History
The city of Siliguri had been ruled by many great dynasties like the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas and its immense strategic value realized post the Indian Independence. According to Sailen Debnath, Siliguri means a heap of stones or pebbles; and in the nineteenth century often the area was called Silichaguri. Siliguri was nothing but a small village with more small population. Agriculture was the only occupation of the dwellers of then Siliguri. After the partition of subcontinent into India and Pakistan in 1947 and the creation of Bangladesh in 1971, the city of Siliguri became a crowded refugee center. When the British East India Company introduced railways to Northeast India, it enhanced the importance of the region. The population of the town continuously increased leading to its expansion because of many immigrants from Bangladesh, Nepal, southern Bhutan and adjacent Indian states. Today, Siliguri has achieved the position of second largest city in the West Bengal.
Tourism
Siliguri is one of the most imperative towns in the Northern part of India. It is a significant tourism destination in Uttar Pradesh. The city boasts of some very important historical as well as cultural heritage sites. The major Siliguri attractions of Siliguri include Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary, Kali Mandir, Hong Kong Market, North Bengal Science Centre, Sevoke Brigde, Surya Sen Park and many more. Apart from this, the city has numerous attractive places and sightseeing, which makes it an ideal tourist spot for travellers.
Places to visit
Hong Kong Market
Hong Kong Market is a most popular market in the city of Siliguri for buying foreign goods and international brands like apparels and gadgets. The market offers a wide variety of imported goods at highly reasonable prices. Besides, the illegal shopping arcade also features old confectioners and restaurants.
Kali Mandir
Kali Mandir is one of the most famous Hindu temple which is located in Siliguri city. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The Goddess Durga in the form of Kali is established at the shrine. Sculpture of the Goddess is covered with jewels and arms like sword and armoury.
Coronation Bridge
Coronation Bridge is also a nice place to visit in Siliguri which is located at a distance of 25 kms away from the main city. It was generally built for linking the way from North Eastern territory to West Bengal in the year 1930. The Coronation Bridge is also popularly known as Sevoke Bridge.
North Bengal Science Centre
North Bengal Science Center is an amazing place to visit in Siliguri. It is one of the important characteristic of the place is that even a little whisper into the parabolic reflector can be heard by the other person standing right in front of other reflector. It presents the fundamental rules of science for young people through inventive methods.
| Area | 260 km² |
|---|---|
| Population | 705579 |
| Language | Bengali and English |
| Pin Code | 734001 |