Take a Ride on a Toy Train
Starting with one of the most prominent Siliguri sightseeing spots, the Darjeeling Himalayan train is also known as a "toy train". Travelling on this train will make you feel like you are in a retro Bollywood song. This 3-hour train ride from Siliguri to Rongtong and back will treat you to lovely sights of lush hills and valleys. The train makes its way through Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, so you have a chance to spot some wildlife as well. It leaves Siliguri Junction Railway Station at 10:30 am, so reach the station early to secure tickets. A single ticket should cost you around Rs. 1000.
Stroll Along a Tea Garden
This is a Siliguri attraction you can not miss out on! Imagine taking a calming walk in the quietude of a tea garden. Sepoy Dhuria tea plantation is located conveniently close to Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. The breezy drive up to the plantation is enjoyable as well!
Jungle Safari in Chilapata Forest and Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary
Taking a jeep safari through Chilapata Forest is a must-do activity for wildlife enthusiasts. Chilapata Forest is an extension of Jaldapara National Park. Visitors have a chance to spot animals like jaguars, leopards, elephants, rhinos, tigers, mongooses, and birds like hawks, mynahs, sparrows, cuckoos, etc. The trips happen both in the morning and evening, but we recommend opting for the morning excursion to increase your chances of sighting these magnificent creatures. This small, dense forest is an elephant corridor between Buxa Tiger Reserve and Jaldapara National Park.
Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary is enveloped by the rivers Teesta Mahanadi on the east and west respectively. Mountain goat, Cheetal, barking deer, fishing cat, sambar, tiger, elephant, Indian bison, and migratory birds have all been spotted here. It is located around 16 km away from Siliguri and is another great spot for nature lovers.
Connect with Divinity at Salugara Monastery and Sevoke Kali Mandir
The charming Salugara Monastery is believed to have been constructed by a Tibetan Lama, Kalu Rinpoche. It has an impressive 100-foot stupa on top of the vibrant structure and is said to house five important Buddhist relics. Sevoke Kali Mandir is an ancient temple dedicated to goddess Kali. It is located on a hillock on the banks of Teesta River and offers stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga.
An Educational Trip at a Science Centre
The old and young, and especially science nerds, will be delighted while visiting North Bengal Science Centre. Science City houses a science park, a mobile science exhibition and a digital planetarium. The 3D sci-fi films are stunning and worth a visit.
