Backpacking India 92/129: goto Siliguri Journey to Siliguri

Backpacking India 92/129: goto Siliguri Journey to Siliguri

I, mr.hotsia, would like to share my travel experience from Kolkata to Siliguri, the starting point of an adventure in Northeast India, a region many may not be familiar with. But for those who love rugged backpacking travel, this area is a gateway to fascinating cultural and natural diversity.

From Bagdogra Airport, I chose to travel by a private taxi for convenience and speed, with a driver experienced in local routes. This means you don’t have to worry about winding roads and traffic conditions that can be heart-pounding at times. The car took us through landscapes of fields and small villages nestled on hillsides. The atmosphere was fresh and distinctly different from the big city of Kolkata.

Siliguri is not famous as a main tourist destination, but it is a central hub connecting various northeastern states and also serves as a gateway to the famous tourist city of Darjeeling, which I have previously written about.Traveling to DarjeelingTraveling from Siliguri to Darjeeling can be done by several routes, but local cars with experienced drivers will help you travel more safely and conveniently.

During my time in Siliguri, I strolled through a lively local market full of vibrant colors and the fragrant aroma of spices wafting through the air, along with the calls of vendors. I tried various local dishes, especially the chicken biryani with rich flavors and northern Indian spices, which is a local specialty you would regret missing. There were also stalls selling Momo, a popular Nepali dish in this region, with flavors very close to the original.

The warmth of the locals and the simple lifestyle in Siliguri made me feel like I was experiencing another side of India that mainstream tourists rarely reach. I also met local groups who shared travel stories and recommended interesting nearby places. This is not just a transit town but a destination worth spending time exploring seriously.

Speaking of Northeast India, Siliguri is also an important gateway before entering Sikkim, a state famous for its strong Buddhist religion and culture. I have written aboutTraveling Namchiwhich is not far from here. There is a sacred place called Samdruptse Statue, also simply known as Buddha Park, where I was impressed by the high mountain views and peaceful atmosphere. There is also Ngadok Monastery filled with paintings and unique Buddha statues reflecting the lifestyle and faith of Buddhists in this region deeply.

Traveling from Siliguri to various towns in the region gave me the chance to experience the diversity of India in terms of nature and culture that are completely different. If you enjoy unhurried travel, are excited to discover new routes, and want to truly learn about local lifestyles, I recommend opening your heart and visiting here at least once.

For those fascinated by India’s big cities and technology, I recommend the articleBackpacking Bangalore (Bengaluru)where I shared about India’s technology capital, experiencing local life and food fully. Although I didn’t visit IT hubs as planned, eating chicken biryani and walking the markets left a strong impression.

Finally, traveling to Siliguri and nearby areas allowed me, mr.hotsia, to see India from a different perspective than the usual images we see in movies or media. This is India of people living simply but full of warmth and fascinating cultural diversity. For travelers who love rugged, off-the-beaten-path journeys, I believe this route will not disappoint.

Watch my travel clips atBackpacking India 92/129: goto Siliguri Journey to Siligurito truly feel the atmosphere from mr.hotsia’s travel starting point.