About Siliguri | Facts | Best Places To Visit
In this article, we provide comprehensive information about the geography, history, population, and top tourist destinations of Siliguri. Siliguri is a lively city in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. Nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Siliguri plays a crucial role as a commercial and transportation center, linking the northeastern states of India with the rest of the country and neighboring nations such as Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
| About: | Siliguri, a narrow stretch of land lying in the foothills of the Himalayas and bounded by the Mahananda River has a quaint and unique charm of its own. Besides its obvious strategic position to the north-eastern region of India and importance as a trading and commercial center in north Bengal, the natural beauty and cultural richness of Siliguri will appeal to all and sundry. Siliguri is the gateway for all tourists to the hill stations of the north east, Sikkim and North Bengal and one can even get a picturesque glimpse of the Himalayan ranges on clear days. It is also the transit point for all travellers wishing to go to the neighboring countries of Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Siliguri has great strategic importance in West Bengal, with convenient access to three international borders: Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan. It also connects the North-East with mainland India. Located in the foothills of Eastern Himalayas, Siliguri is a significant trading and transportation hub. |
| History: | Siliguri , the gate way to the North East India is not only of vital importance to the State of West Bengal but India as a whole. Locatied at the foot of Himalayas on the verge of Terai, it presents the picturesque glimpse of the Himalayan ranges establishing its inmate charm to a visitor. Though the settlement started initially with the tea plantation and a junction station to change over to the Toy train for Darjeeling in 1880 it acquired the status of Sub Divisional town in 1907 . Though by thirties it had gained weightage as a town, it was confirmed Municipal status only in 1950. The independence of India in 1947 provided a boom for the growth of the town with the continuous streams of inflow of refugees from the then East Pakistan. Siliguri is also re-discovered as the most vulnerable nodal point in the narrow corridor that links North Eastern States with the rest of India. Assam rail link in 1951 and broad gauge railway links with New Jalpaiguri in 1962 paved the way for its unquestionable supremacy as a primary trading Centre not only for Assam but also for Bhutan, Sikkim and Eastern Nepal as well. The Chinese aggression in 1962 and the declaration of National Emergency put the town in the strategic map of India with renewed importance. |
| Geography: | Siliguri is situated at the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, with coordinates of 26.71°N 88.43°E. The city covers an area of 260 km² within the Siliguri Corridor and is often referred to as the Chicken’s Neck. It is surrounded by dense forests to the north, and the Mahananda River, which flows through the city, divides it into two halves. The Teesta River is also in close proximity. Siliguri has an average elevation of 122 meters (400 feet). Being in the Terai region, the soil here is sandy, with a higher ratio of sand and silt compared to clay. This area is quite susceptible to earthquakes due to several nearby fault lines. The Siliguri subdivision is bordered by the Himalayan ranges to the north and by Bangladesh, the Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal, and the Indian state of Bihar to the south. To the east, it is adjacent to the Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong districts, while to the west lies the country of Nepal, making it strategically significant. |
| Country : | India |
| State: | West Bengal |
| District: | Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri |
| Language: | Bengali |
| Population: | 513,264 (2011) |
| Literacy rate: | 85.46% |
| Major Attractions to Visit: | Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary Siliguri Science City Jorpokhari Wildlife Sanctuary Savin Kingdom ISKCON Siliguri Hong Kong Market Kalimpong Bengal Safari Park Sevokeshwari Temple Siliguri Heritage Park |