The bustling town of Siluguri is widely regarded as a gateway rather than a destination in itself. While most tourists pass this city to get to major tourist destinations, the plains of Siliguri are often looked down on as a simple stopover. The warm weather and honking horns of the traffic often make visitors forget about the heritage, culture and history held by this city.
By booking Day tours with atravel agency in Siliguri, you get to uncover the various off-beat destinations and view this city from a unique, rustic perspective. This is especially better for individuals who like nature or seek to know about the history, as some remote regions near Siliguri offer a fresh perspective on North Bengal’s lesser-known beauty.
Below are some of the destinations you can head to while you spend your time in Siliguri.
Jhandi – A Misty Escape
This quaint destination is located in the Kalimpong district,80 km away from Siliguri. This village is a picturesque escape, perfect for witnessing the panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga. It is surrounded by larch pine tree forests and also has various rowan orchards. The path to this delightful village crosses tea gardens and winding roads. A travel agency in Siliguri can help you to reach this destination easily and unwind while letting go of the chaos of city life.
Activities to try
- While in this little village, you can wake up early and witness the pristine beauty of the sunrise
- The local forests near the village are open for hiking and are also filled with various natural trails.
- This destination is also perfect for bird watching enthusiasts and picnics in nature.
- If you are staying for a day or two, you can head to other nearby destinations such as Lava and Lolegaon.
Mangarjung – A Remote Tea Estate
This destination is close to the Makaribari and Goomtee tea estates in Darjeeling. The travel agency in Siliguri can take you to this destination within 2-3 hours, as it is just 35 km away from the city. This tea estate is not quite popular among tourists, so you are sure to find no crowds. This hidden tea garden is an untouched paradise with emerald green gardens stretching over undulating hills.
Activities to try:
- You can enjoy peaceful walks through the vast tea garden and click some of the most stunning pictures without having to worry about tourist crowds.
- The calm ambience and soothing weather of the regions are perfect for relaxing, enjoying a meal and immersing yourself in the calm and beauty of nature.
- The tea estate often has many tea garden workers doing their chores. You can interact with them and learn about their community, lifestyle and the significance of tea in their life.
Bamonpokhri Butterfly Park – Hidden Corner of Nature
If you are a nature lover or travelling with children, Bamonpokhri Butterfly Park is an underappreciated treasure just 22 kilometres from Siliguri. Tucked away among the trees of the Sukuna forest range, this destination is located at the fringes of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.
Resonating with its name, it houses native species of various butterflies. While it is a popular tourist location, the crowd is often sparse, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking a peaceful stroll.
Activities to try
- While the major focus is on observing butterflies in their natural habitat, this destination is located within the Bengal Safari. Here you can explore various flora and fauna, as well as the endangered Royal Bengal tiger.
- The destinations have various shaded spots and gazebos where you can sit and enjoy meals with your family. You can also take short forest walks and observe the birds in the region.
Bindu – Confluence of Bhutan & India
Bindu is located quite far away from Siliguri, but lies close to the Bhutanese border. To reach this destination, you may have to take a long day trip with the help of the besttravel agency in Siliguri. However, the untouched tranquillity, beauty and cross-cultural flavours are with the long driver.
The village is renowned for the Bindu Barrage on the Jaldhaka River, which serves as the border between India and Bhutan. Located among dense forests, cardamom plantations, and hills that extend into Bhutanese territory, Bindu offers a peaceful retreat away from the chaos of everyday life.
Things to try:
- Bindu is perfect if you like learning about culture and want to immerse yourself in the unique Indo-Bhutan border culture..
- You can walk along the picturesque Bindu Dam, relishing tranquil riverside paths and appreciating the natural charm of the Jaldhaka River.
- You can also ask your travel agent to help you explore the nearby villages of Godak and Todey, where untouched landscapes and rural life offer an authentic travel experience.
Sittong – Valley of Oranges
Winters are the time for harvesting oranges in the region of Sittong, and that's why it is often referred to as the Orange Village of North Bengal. But orange season or not, this hidden jewel is great for a day's drive from Siliguri. The place is about 70 kilometres away and it carries with it a raw charm, a very rich Lepcha culture and an amazing view. Sittong is special than most of the other destinations because of its relaxed ambience and old-style houses, and the serpentine river Teesta flowing through. The area is shrouded in mist sometimes in early mornings, giving you a dreamy feel.
Conclusion
Remote travel is not always about going far; sometimes it's about going quiet. Areas surrounding Siliguri are rich in nature and culture, but are yet to be appreciated by tourists. The harmonious blend of different cultures and serenity in the off-beat regions make it perfect for day car tours. If you are not sure about navigating your way through these destinations, you can always seek an hassle-free experience by collaborating with a trustworthy travel agency in Siliguri can make all the difference.
