Siliguri

One of the fast developing cities of West Bengal, Siliguri is situated at the foot of the Himalayas in the plains. It is often referred to as the "Gateway to North-East India". It is situated in the Darjeeling district and is the commercial hub of North Bengal.

Demographics
The inhabitants of Siliguri are mostly Bengali and Nepalese. The most commonly spoken language includes Bengali and Nepali. The business class mostly comprises of Marwaris.

Climate
Siliguri has a pleasant climate. Summers are moderate with maximum temperature of 40° C. Winters are cool and pleasant with a maximum of 15°C and minimum of 3°C. Dense fog and light rains are experienced in winters. The monsoon season lasts from June to September accompanied by heavy rainfall.

How to Visit Siliguri?
Siliguri is a fast growing cosmopolitan city and is the departure point for Darjeeling, Sikkim, Kalimpong, Nepal and North-Eastern states of India. The city attracts thousands of tourists every year and is well connected to all major states of India through rail, roads and air.

• Air : Bagdogra airport is located 12 km west of Siliguri and is connected to major Indian cities by regular flights. A regular helicopter service also links Siliguri with Gangtok.
  
  
• Rail : Siliguri is well connected by trains to almost major cities in India. There are three important railway stations in the city:
  • Siliguri Town
  • Siliguri Junction
  • New Jalpaiguri
  
  
• Road : The Tenzing Norgay Central Bus Terminal is the major destination for most buses. The city is also connected by bus service from the Bhutanese capital Thimphu. Jeeps also link Siliguri to adjacent towns.

Important Tourist Destinations in Siliguri
The city represents the diverse culture and ethos of West Bengal. The various tourist spots in and around Siliguri include:

• Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
• Madhuban Park
• Natute Interpretation Centre
• Umrao Singh Boat Club
• Sukna Lake
• Salugara Monastery
• Coronation Bridge
• Naxalbari
• Picnic Spots like Garubathan, Lover's Point
• Surya Sen Park

Besides this, Siliguri is the transit point to neighbouring tourist places like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gangtok, and North-Eastern States of India. It is also a departure point for neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.

Education in Siliguri
Siliguri has good education facilities for primary, secondary as well as higher education. The city has many government and private schools, colleges and other professional institutions. Some of the educational institutes include :

• Banimandir Railway Higher Secondary School
• Don Bosco School
• Jyotsnamoyee Girl's High School
• Saint Joseph's Convent School
• Siliguri College
• North Bengal University
• The Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College
• The Siliguri Institute of Technology

Economy
Siliguri is located critically located in the Chicken's neck, that is a narrow strip of land joining the mainland of India to its North-Eastern States. It is also well connected to countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh and is the commercial hub of North Bengal. The location of the city makes it an ideal business place. The city has eventually emerged as a profitable business centre. Many national organizations and companies have set up their offices in the city. The popular Hong-Kong market is the destination for various Chinese goods. Tea, Timber and Transport, commonly known as 3Ts are the main business of the city. Besides, the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of North Bengal (FOCIN) is headquartered at Siliguri.
The Indian Army and the Assam Riffles, an Indian paramilitary wing have their bases in Siliguri.