| Siliguri |
| Population 470,275 (in 2001) Altitude 122 m Area 41.9 square km languages Hindi, Marwari, Bengali and Nepali |
| Siliguri (originally known as Silgarhi in Gorkha language) is a rapidly developing metropolis located in the Siliguri Corridor or Chicken's Neck, a very narrow strip of land linking mainland India to its north eastern states. It is also the transit point for air, road and rail traffic to the neighboring countries of Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The second largest city in West Bengal (after Kolkata), Siliguri is situated at the base of the Himalaya mountains in the plains. Most travellers only stop here for one night on their way to the hill station towns of Gangtok, Rangpo, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik and Darjeeling. Siliguri is one of the fastest growing cities of India. Described as the gateway to the North East of India, the strategic location of the city makes it a base for essential supplies to the region. In a recent gesture of international co-operation the road network of Siliguri is being used by the government of Nepal and Bangladesh to facilitate the transportation of rice and other necessary commodities. The Silk Route of India, i.e the trade route between India and China, is accessible only by crossing Siliguri, thus making it important for international trade between India and other countries. Siliguri is a cosmopolitan city with Marwari, Bengali, Bihari and Nepali people living together peacefully. The Rajbanshi people, who originally owned most of the land, have decreased in population. Marwaris, Punjabis, Biharis, Gorkhas and Bengalis are now the most prominent communities here. Hindi, Marwari, Bengali and Nepali are the commonly spoken regional languages. Siliguri has seen waves of massive immigration over the years, the most prominent being the illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Nepal and migrants from Assam. In addition, people from Bihar and other parts of India are also coming to the city in search of livelihood. The influx has led to an abnormally high population growth. Accommodation As a major transportation hub, Siliguri has plenty of hotels, including many budget ones. Many are located on the main road through town, Hill Cart Road. Tourist Services Agency Guest House Tel: (0353) 430872 A popular place located near the main bus station. Room: Rs 300 Banks and Internet There are plenty of internet cafes all over Siliguri. This includes along Hill Cart Road, around the main bus station and NJP railway station. There are several banks on Hill Cart Road that offer money changing and ATM services. Transport Air The nearest major international airport to Siliguri is at Kolkata, 570km away. There is a domestic airport at Bagdogra,12km west of Siliguri and there are plans for it to become an International airport soon. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Deccan all provide several flights a week from Bagdogra to Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati. Indian and Jet Airways have offices in Siliguri on Hill Cart Road. Daily helicopter flights go from Siliguri to Gangtok. The trip costs Rs 2000 per person and takes 30 minutes. There is a 10 kg luggage limit. You can buy tickets from the Tourist Service Agency (TSA). Tel: 2531959, tsaslg@sancharnet.in. Their office in Siliguri is on Pradhan Nagar Rd, near the Delhi Hotel. Train There are three railway stations in Siliguri. The main one is at New Jalpaiguri (NJP), 6 km south of the main town. This station connects Siliguri to almost every part of the country. A new broad-gauge railway track links NJP to the Siliguri Junction station in the town centre so it is now possible to travel directly to the heart of the city without having to alight at New Jalpaiguri. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling (DJ) Train numbers 1D The NJP Darjeeling Narrow Gauge Train (or Toy Train) climbs the 80km from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling in nine long hours, leaving at 9 am. The journey costs around Rs 50 (1st class Rs 247). It is a good idea to make a reservation the day before. You can make bookings at NJP station or the train booking office in Siliguri. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Kolkata (CP) Train numbers 2364, 2518 The direct trains to Kolkata depart on Wednesdays and Sundays only. However, trains run daily to Malda where there are frequent connections to Kolkata. New Jalpaiguri to Malda (MDAT) Train numbers 2344, 3142, 5658 New Jalpaiguri to Delhi (DLI) Train numbers 2505 New Jalpaiguri to Guwahati (GHY) Train numbers 2506, 4056, 5610, 5959 Bus Most long distance buses leave from the Tenzing Norgay Central Bus Terminal on Hill Cart Road, next to the Siliguri Junction Railway Station. Siliguri to Kolkata Rs 350, 600 km Departs once daily Journey time 12 hours Buses to Sikkim leave from the SNT (Sikkim Nationalised Transport) terminal, also on Hill Cart Road near the Tenzing Norgay terminal. Note that you need a permit to travel to Sikkim. These are available at the Sikkim Tourist Information Centre next to the SNT terminal. Siliguri to Gangtok Rs 90, 110 km Departs a few times daily Journey time 5 hours |
| Jeep Jeeps also link Siliguri to neighbouring hill towns like Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Mirik, Jorethang, Namchi. They depart across the road from the Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminal. They are usually more expensive than the bus but are faster and slightly more comfortable. Local Transport From the bus terminal to NJP railway station: Taxi - Rs 250 Autorickshaw - Rs 100 Cycle-rickshaw - Rs 50 Taxis between Siliguri and Bagdogra airport cost around Rs 350. Getting to the Border The neighbouring countries of Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh are connected to Siliguri by bus. Nepal Buses and shared jeeps run from the main bus terminal in Siliguri to the border town of Panitanki, 18 km away. The journey takes about 1 hour and costs around Rs 60. The onward journey from Kakarbhitta (on the Nepal side of the border) takes about 20 hours by bus but the roads are frequently damaged or destroyed by floods. Ferries are available to cross the rivers but onward buses on the other side can be unreliable. There is also a rather expensive flight available to Kathmandu from Bhadrapur airport, about 12 km south-west of Kakarbhitta. Bhutan The Royal Government of Bhutan operates buses from Siliguri to its border town Phuentsholing. Buses leave from opposite the main bus terminal. Siliguri to Phuentsholing Rs 60, 155 km Departs a few times daily Journey time 4 hours Bangladesh The small border crossing at Chengrabandha is accessible by bus from Siliguri, although you will have to change buses at Jalpaiguri for the border. Buses to Jalpaiguri depart from just outside the main bus terminal. The journey costs around Rs 50 and takes 2 hours. |