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:: E A S T  I N D I A   >  S I L I G U R I ::           Brief -     The gateway to Eastern India, Siliguri was always a place one passed through on ones way to somewhere else. This somewhere else, could have been Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik, Gangtok, Kalimpong, Assam and other northeastern states or the neighbouring countries of Bhutan and Nepal. Surrounded by the green hills of Darjeeling and Sikkim, Siliguri is a precious gift of Mother Nature for tourists worldwide. With new areas being developed for tourism around the Teesta Barrage, the Doors and other areas of North Bengal, Siliguri also merits a stay for the scenic attraction of its surrounding areas. A fast developing commercial township, it is renowned for its cane and jute works and also for its fast growing market of foreign goods imported directly from Nepal.           History -     The History behind naming of the place "Siliguri" claims different opinions. Many people thinks its name derives from the broken boulders called "shila" which are scattered in Mahananda river, while others are with the opinion that it means "a place of Sal Trees". Being the Gateway of North East India, it serves as the city of hospitality besides being the border area of three foreign countries namely Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Due to its geographical location, it becomes the hub-way and plays a pivot role connection several major states like Bihar, Sikkim and Assam (with other 6 north eastern states). This peerless rarely seen combination of states and countries made siliguri a central attraction to the travel lovers as well as to the traders. Siliguri serves the easy accessibility for easy ambulation to the tourist destinations like Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kathmandu, Thimphu, Dhaka etc. Designed with sophisticated networking system in communication, transportation and accommodation Siliguri retains its door open round the clock to welcome and get you at your long cherished destinations.           Culture - Climate & Geographical Location -     Siliguri has a very pleasant climate throughout the year. Siliguri is located at a crucial junction to North Bengal, Sikkim, Nepal and Bhutan.           How to Reach -     Siliguri is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the Bagdogra airport at 11 Km is well connected by air with Kolkata and Delhi. By rail, the nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri station and is well connected to Kolkata, Patna, Gaya, Delhi, Assam, Mumbai and other parts of the country. By road, Siliguri is connected with Calcutta, Delhi, Bombay, Guwahati, Bhutan, Kathmandu and of course the Darjeeling hills. It is also a major intersection in the road transportation network to northeast India. The Siliguri Tenzin Norgay Bus Terminal is from where state-run buses and coaches, taxis and cars for hire are available for connecting journey.           : T O U R I S T   P L A C E S :           Darjeeling -     One of the most magical lands on earth, Darjeeling is lavished with awe-inspiring wildlife and exquisite flora, with some of the rarest species of animals and birds and some 600 species of butterflies. Synonymous with tea, Darjeeling is a petite hill station in West Bengal. Cradled in the folds of the worlds loftiest mountains, Darjeeling is justly regarded as the "Queen of India's `hill-stations". Tranquil tea plantations, rolling hills against the Khangchendzonga, the Toy Train, elegant monasteries and charming hilltops add to Darjeelings ,making it a special destination in the east. While the Buddhist Monasteries and the Hindu temples are of architectural and cultural importance, the Himalayan physiography of lofty mountainous terrain and cascading rivers offers adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering and river rafting.           Jaldapara Wild Life sanctuary -     With an area of 100sq.Km surrounded amidst idyllic location is the Jaldapara Wild Life sanctuary, which houses Rhinos, Bisons, Barking deer and wild elephants. It is the wild animals, that roam around with perfect nonchalance attract people to Jaldapara. An early morning ride on elephants, deep into the wild life sanctuary, is the main attraction of the place, as it goes deep into the sanctuary crushing the long grass and crossing the big lakes. The sight of Rhinos will bless the luckier tourist, which is a treat to watch. Riverine forests, shield rivers with water transparent and crystal blue, making swimming and fishing a great attraction. Another major attraction is, that a person going to the Jaldapara, can also visit Bhutan. The best season to enjoy Jaldapara is from October to May.           Kurseong -     A serene, small picture postcard pretty town, Kurseong (the home of the white Orchid) is on the way from Siliguri to Darjeeling and an important stop on the Toy Train route. A town of schools, providing excellent education to students from all over India, Kurseong is an ideal holiday spot for long walk in the hills and tea gardens. Its milder, healthy climate all the year round and tranquil atmosphere, had once attracted many of the rich and the famous of Calcutta to have a summer residence here, which included Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore, Sister Nivedita, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and writer Mark Twain.         Kalimpong -     Lying peacefully against the backdrop of the magnificent Khangchendzonga, Kalimpong is one of those rare hill stations, that are not overcrowded. Known for its cool weather throughout the year, it is a garden town with numerous shaded walks along forest roads. Famed for its Buddhist monasteries, Kalimpong is a heavenly place at bloom-time, when Kalimpong emerges in a riot of colours, as entire hillsides get covered with exquisite orchids and other exotic flowers. The panoramic view of the Khangchendzonga range from here, is one of its significant highlights.         Mirik -     Lying at an altitude of 1,730 m, Mirik is an attractive hill destination, with a charming lake, forests of Cryptomeria Japonica, orange orchards, tea gardens and cardamom plantations. The Sumendu Lake, with its 3.5 Km. of cobbled promenade, is a major attraction of Mirik and is situated at the bottom of the Mirik spur. There is also a floating fountain in the middle of the Lake and an 80 ft. long footbridge, which connects the flower garden to the heavily forested ridge on the west. Walks along and around the lake, or along the numerous walks in the heavily forested ridges, would make ones trip memorable.         Gangtok -     Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, has a very spectacular setting and offers excellent views of the entire Kanchenjunga range, from various points in its vicinity. This jewel- like mountain capital, lies wrapped in mists and clouds, with an incredible variety of rhododendrons and rare orchids. A large number of mountains having high altitude stands here with the high serrated, snow capped spurs and peaks of Kanchenjunga, from where a number of glaciers descend into the state of Sikkim.         Dooars Valley -     Derived from the word doors, the Dooars forms a gateway to the hill stations of North Bengal and Bhutan. The unending stretch of virgin forests, in the valley, is criss-crossed by the river Teesta and her innumerable tributaries. Beautiful motorable roads cut through deep forests teeming with wild life and Terai tea gardens. The Dooars Valley is specially noted for its wild life sanctuaries, the most notable of which is Jaldapara, offering memorable elephant rides through rhino and tiger forests. Other sanctuaries include Buxa Tiger Project, Gorumara and Chapramari.