11 Incredible Weekend Getaways From Siliguri (2024)

Located in the northern part of West Bengal, Siliguri is one of the most important cities after Kolkata. It is an important business center in the region and caters to the livelihood of several people from all across West Bengal. Usually known for tea and timber production, Siliguri garners a lot of business globally and contributes significantly to India’s GDP. Apart from businesses, Siliguri is mostly famous for being the pathway to many tourist destinations. Some of these sites are located in West Bengal, while others are situated in Meghalaya, Assam, Sikkim, and even foreign countries like Bhutan.

The location of Siliguri is so blessed that tourists travel towards a wide variety of destinations from there. As it is situated by the Himalayas’ foothills, most hill stations surrounding West Bengal can be reached quite easily from there. The town is also known as the gateway to the North East. If you go there, you will understand how easy it is to explore the North Eastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and others are from Siliguri. By landing in Siliguri, all the Himalayan towns of Eastern India will be in your footsteps. Even though there are many sites to explore in Siliguri itself, we are here to talk about the best weekend destinations near Siliguri.

By reading this blog, you will get to know about all the breathtakingly beautiful sites near Siliguri. These sites are so convenient to visit from the town that you will be able to explore them over a weekend pretty easily. Reaching Siliguri is pretty easy as it has a railway station as well as an airport. The nearest airport from Siliguri is situated in Bagdogra. It is well connected to every part of India.

11 Incredible Weekend Getaways From Siliguri

The destinations mentioned in the following part of this blog are all popular tourist spots in India. People from different countries across the globe go there to have a splendid vacation.

1. Gangtok

Even though Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim, most people avail Siliguri to visit there. As the nearest airport to the city is located near Siliguri, it is the most convenient way for tourists to go there. Located at an altitude of 5349 feet, Gangtok is an exceptional hill station in India. Famously known for the breathtaking scenery and Tibetan monasteries, Gangtok has a lot to offer. As this site is the heart of Sikkim, people who want to explore different parts of the state make Gangtok the center. There are so many sightseeing spots and viewpoints throughout the city that you will fall in love with it.

Apart from scenic views, the Tibetan heritage of Gangtok also sets it apart from the other hill stations in India. You will gain a lot of knowledge regarding the history of Tibetan architecture and culture from there. With fantastic nightlife, fabulous restaurants, and gorgeous sightseeing spots, Gangtok is the perfect weekend destination from Siliguri.

Distance from Siliguri: 113 km.

Time to Reach: It would take you around four and a half hours to reach Gangtok from Siliguri.

Image Source

Places to See: Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Ganesh Tok, Ban Jhakri Falls, MG Marg, and others.

Best Time To Visit: November to March, and April to June.

2. Samsing

Located in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, Samsing is one of the most beautiful spots near Siliguri. With an altitude of 3000 feet, Samsing is a mesmerizingly beautiful location that caters to all types of tourists. This village is famous for its lush green tea gardens and scenic view of majestic mountains. Almost every spot of this village is so gorgeous that you will genuinely feel bad leaving there. Even though the Dooars circuit covers this site, not many people know about it. When you see the entire region and its greenery for the first time, you will instantly feel rejuvenated.

While exploring Samsing, people also visit the adjacent Khasmahal village. This village is famous for its orange orchards. Apart from the natural views, Samsing is also home to a wide number of endangered bird species. Do not forget to bring your binoculars while visiting Samsing.

Distance from Siliguri: 78 km.

Time to Reach: It would only take you two and a half hours to reach Samsing from Siliguri.
Image Source

Places to See: Bindu, Suntalekhola, Khasmahal, Fagu tea garden, and others.

Best Time To Visit: November to April.

3. Darjeeling

While listing out the best weekend destinations from Siliguri, how can we forget Darjeeling? Commonly known as the “Queen of hill stations,” Darjeeling is the heart of North Bengal. This hill station is widely known for its fierce natural beauty and mind-blowing ambience. Located at an altitude of 6,170 feet, Darjeeling is a wonderful destination to spend a few days. If you visit there in clearer weather, you will get to witness the full range of Mount Kanchenjungha from the town. The sight of the majestic mountains will remain in your mind for the rest of your life.

Many adventure enthusiasts visit Darjeeling to enhance their rock climbing and mountaineering skills in the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Others take part in trekking.

There are so many trekking routes from Darjeeling that it is tough to choose the right one. Darjeeling as a town is quite colorful and vibrant. There are so many renowned restaurants and hotels over there that staying there will be blissful for you.

Distance from Siliguri: 62 km.

Time to Reach: It would not take you more than three hours to reach Darjeeling from Siliguri.
Image Source

Places to See: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock, Ghoom, Tiger Hills, and others.

Best Time To Visit: October to May.

4. Paro

Siliguri is located at such a fantastic geographical location that visiting foreign countries is a pretty easy deal. A gorgeous town of Bhutan, Paro is one such location that tourists visit pretty easily from Siliguri. The drastic difference between the scenic views, culture, governance, and other aspects between India and Paro will genuinely astonish you. With breathtakingly beautiful valleys, lush greenery of trees, the babbling Paro chu, Paro is an amazing site to spend your weekend. When you reach Paro, you will genuinely be surprised. From the town planning to the surrounding views, everything is quite different in Paro, from the people to the hospitality. Image Source

Paro has so many historically important sites that staying only one day over there is not enough. It would be better for you if you stay there for at least three days to genuinely know Paro.

Distance from Siliguri: 280 km.

Time to Reach: It would take you around seven hours to reach Paro from Siliguri. Even if you take a car, you will have to get permits from Phuntsilong to enter the country.
Image Source

Places to See: Rinpung Dzong, National Museum of Bhutan, Drakhapo, Taktsang monastery, and others.

Best Time To Visit: October to June.

5. Kurseong

Located at the height of 4864 feet, Kurseong is another important hill station in West Bengal. With mesmerizingly beautiful views, lush greenery of pine tree forest, and gorgeous orchids, Kurseong is a must-see site near Siliguri. Due to its proximity to Siliguri, many people explore this destination in one day only. During British rule, Kurseong was a prominent administrative site. That is why, even now, the colonial era’s reminiscence is quite visible throughout the town. If you go there, you can take part in white water rafting.

Most adventure enthusiasts love to participate in white water rafting in the Teesta river. In case you do not want something so severe, you can participate in trekking in the different routes from Kurseong. Hot balloon riding and rock climbing are also common activities that people participate in while visiting Kurseong.

Distance from Siliguri: 33 km.

Time to Reach: It would only take you an hour or so to reach Kurseong from Siliguri.

Places to See: Dowhill park, Forest museum, Eagle’s Craig Viewpoint, Salamander lake, and others.

Best Time To Visit: October to June.

6. Mirik

Located pretty close to the main city center of Siliguri, Mirik is one of the most beautiful weekend destinations located in the northern part of Bengal. Mostly known for the beautiful Mirik lake, Mirik is a gorgeous hill station where you can relax for a few days without any worries. With breathtakingly gorgeous mountains, lush greenery of coniferous forests, beautiful monasteries, and rich cultural heritage, Mirik is a great gift of nature. As this site is located not that far away from Darjeeling, many tourists tend to cover it while exploring Darjeeling.

If you are planning on traveling to Mirik from Siliguri, you will have no problem. Within a few hours, you will reach there. Some of the common activities to participate in Mirik are boat riding and peddling. Even though it is moderately famous, it is not as popular as Darjeeling. That is why Mirik is comparatively less crowded than the other destination.

Distance from Siliguri: 45 km.

Time to Reach: It would take you only an hour and a half to reach Mirik from Siliguri.
Image Source

Places to See: Mirik tea gardens, Mirik lake, Deosi Dara, Bokar Ngedon Chokorling Monastery, and others.

Best Time To Visit: October to May.

7. Pelling

Situated at an altitude of 7200 feet, Pelling is a mesmerizingly beautiful site located in Sikkim. As it is accessible pretty easily from Siliguri, we are including Pelling in this list.

The main reason why Pelling is so acclaimed among travelers from different countries is that you will be able to see the majestic Mount Kanchenjungha from almost every part of Pelling. When you see the vast expanse of the gorgeous mountains from Pelling, you will be genuinely stunned. The view is out of this world. There are other sites in Pelling that are exceedingly spectacular.

Some of Pelling locations are so rustic that you will forget that you are in the 21st century. Apart from the scenic view, Pelling’s food is also delectable. Tibetan cuisine is quite highlighted throughout the region. By visiting this tiny hillside hamlet once, you will gain memories for your entire life.

Distance from Siliguri: 130 km.

Time to Reach: You will reach Pelling from Siliguri by car within four to five hours at most.
Image Source

Places to See: Khecheopalri lake, Kanchenjungha falls, Pemyangshi monastery, rock garden, and others.

Best Time to Visit: October to June.

8. Murti

Located pretty close to Neora Valley National park, Murti is named after the gorgeous river Murti in the Jalpaiguri district. The unparalleled beauty of this region makes a tourist visit there repeatedly. Beautiful green forests surround the village. As this site is located quite close to other important tourist places like Jaldhaka, Bindu, Samsing, and others, tourists love to witness them. When you reach Murti, you will be bewildered by its scenic view. It is genuinely surprising that not many people know about this region. Even though it is one of India’s most spectacular sites, the crowd over there is pretty less.

People enjoy the surrounding of the area by bathing in the water of the Murti River. You can also participate in the activity if you are a good swimmer. Some adventure-enthusiasts go trekking to different routes from Murti.

Distance from Siliguri: 70 km.

Time to reach: It would take you around two hours to reach Murti from Siliguri.
Image Source

Places to see: Jalangi, Jaldhaka, Neora Valley National Park, and others.

Best time to visit: October to May.

9. Lava

At the height of 7,016 feet, Lava is one of the most beautiful hill stations in West Bengal. Situated in the Kalimpong district, Lava is a spectacular destination where you can soak in the glory of nature. The unparalleled natural beauty of Lava, along with the sense of tranquility, makes it one of the most sought-after tourist spots among nature lovers. As majestic mountains surround the entire site, you will find yourself mesmerized by its amazing scenic views. One of the most notable features of Lava is its lush green alpine trees.

The view of these trees from faraway is so magical that you will forget that you are in West Bengal. Many trekking routes start from Lava. The trekking route to Rishop is located not that far away from Lava. If you are a wildlife lover, Lava will be more enjoyable for you as, throughout its forests, many wild animals reside. You might be lucky enough to see barking deer or black bear while staying there.

Distance from Siliguri: 100 km.

Time to reach: It would not take you more than three and a half hours to reach Lava from Siliguri.
Image Source

Places to see: Rimbik, Ramitey Dara viewpoint, Rachela pass, Rishop, Loleygaon, and others.

Best time to visit: October to May.

10. Kalimpong

Apart from Darjeeling, Kalimpong is probably the most popular hill station in West Bengal. This beautiful town is now the district headquarters by the same name. Even though it has a moderate population, the tourism industry is booming over there. Like other hill stations in West Bengal, Kalimpong is also deeply influenced by Tibetan culture. That is why, throughout the town, you will get to see many Buddhist monasteries. There are many viewpoints in Kalimpong that allow you to get a panoramic view of the entire city.

While exploring Kalimpong, do not forget to try some local delicacies to enhance your taste buds. As it is situated pretty close to Siliguri, tourists visit there frequently to have a fantastic weekend.

Distance from Siliguri: 67 km.

Time to Reach: If you travel by car, you will reach Kalimpong from Siliguri within two and a half hours.
Image Source

Places to See: Crockety, Morgan House, Dr. Graham’s house, Lord Buddha statue, and others.

Best Time to Visit: October to June.

11. Yuksom

Located in the Western part of Sikkim, Yuksom is a spectacular village located in India. Even though it would take you at least seven hours to reach there from Siliguri, it would be an enthralling experience for you if you reach there. The main reason why this site is so important to the Tibetan community in India is that it is home to the Dubdi monastery that is the oldest in the region. Apart from the said aspect, Yuksom is mesmerizingly beautiful. As it is an off-beat location, you will not find the unruly crowd of tourists over there.

This village is a perfect place to lose yourself in the lap of nature. Surrounded by the Himalayas, Yuksom will allow you to witness the magnificent scenic view of its surroundings. If you love trekking, you will have a great time exploring Yuksom. Some extraordinary trekking paths from there offer breathtakingly gorgeous views.

Distance from Siliguri: 141 km.

Time to Reach: If you want to visit Yoksom by car from Siliguri, it will take you approximately five and a half hours.
Image Source

Places to See: Dubdi Monastery, Kanchenjungha Falls, Pelling, and others.

Best Time to Visit: October to May.

All the destinations included in this blog are naturally beautiful. These sites are so spectacular that they are famous across the globe. If you go there, you will meet tourists from different continents. The beauty of these regions is so tremendous that people tend to go there over and over again. If you want to explore these places without any headache, it would be most efficient to book a car from Siliguri.

By renting the car for two or three days, you will have no problem exploring all these excellent sites. We hope by reading this blog, you get excited enough to start planning for your trip!