The Himalayan scenic roads have been key attractions to visitors for many years. So, here we explore 5 scenic road trips you can plan with a car rental in Siliguri for outstation.
If you’re still skeptical about your next trip to the Himalayan foothill, here are some suggestions. Pack your bag and experience a memorable holiday.
1. The Classic: Siliguri to Darjeeling (via Kurseong)
Visit the classic, cherished one – Siliguri to Darjeeling via Kurseong, via NH 110, popularly known as the Hill Cart Road, known for the gradual ascent and gentle curves. You can experience the tea estates, lush forests, glimpses of the Himalayas and small villages. Find the best cab service in Siliguri to visit Sukna, Tindharia, Sonada and Ghoom. While Sukna and Tindharia are known for being the gateway to gills, dense forests and a small station on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway route, respectively, Sonada is a quiet hill town with Buddhist monasteries. Don’t miss Ghoom, since you can experience Batasia Loop and the famous Ghoom Monastery here.
This iconic route offers a gradual immersion into the hills, and you can experience the transition from plains to mountains.
2. The Sikkim Gateway: Siliguri to Gangtok
Sikkim Gateway, the Siliguri to Gangtok route, is a 115 KM journey through the beauty of Himalayan foothills, forests and tea gardens, connecting Sikkim’s mountains and the plain land of West Bengal via NH10. You can enter Sikkim through this to experience the ecstasy of monasteries, vibrant culture and stunning high-altitude landscapes. In this 4–5-hour trip, you can find the wind of rolling hills, the mysterious forests, lovely, lush tea gardens, and views of the Himalayas.
Find the best cab service in Siliguri to visit some of the greatest creations of Mother Nature and the years of hard work by the locals. Make sure that you visit Tsomgo Lake, or Changu, a stunning glacial lake, and Nathula Pass, a high-altitude pass. For Nathula pass, you need special permission from the authorities, but you can certainly enjoy the verdant landscapes and tea gardens before getting a panoramic Himalayan view at Tashi View Point near Gangtok.
3. The Valley & Monastery Route: Siliguri to Kalimpong
The valley and Monastery route from Siliguri to Kalimpong offers a stunning view of the Himalayan range via NH-10, including the remarkable lush hills, Kanchenjunga and tea garden. NH-10 is the primary route that offers a stunning view of the Teesta River, while the rolling hills, dense forest, glimpses and terraced tea garden offer scenic beauty that you will definitely cherish. However, visit Kalimpong town as well, for vibrant flower nurseries that export exotic blooms, Tibetan handicrafts and Buddhist monasteries.
Apart from this, you can explore serene spots like Sillery Gaon, Lava, Lolegaon and Rishop for panoramic views and tranquil homestays. Discover the beautiful churches and monasteries, offering local and cultural insights. This road is ideal for flower enthusiasts and trekkers, while paths via Gorubathan can also be a memorable journey.
Note: This road is a blend of spiritual sites, natural beauty and horticultural charm. Plan your solo tour for a relaxing Himalayan gateway.
4. The Offbeat Escape: Siliguri to Sittong/Latpanchar
The Siliguri to Sittong/Latpanchar escape is one of the classic North Bengal offbeat journies, focusing on birdwatching (especially Rufous-necked Hornbills in Latpanchar) and orange orchards (Sittong). It offers a pristine landscape via routes like Sevoke-Latpanchar for a less commercialised, tranquil Himalayan experience.
Far away from mainstream spots like Darjeeling can surely be your short nature breaks.
Make sure that you visit Latpanchar, a renowned place for birdwatching (240+ species), and Sittong or Orange Valley, popular for the orange groves, and the charming and serene Ryang River valley.
Planning for a solo trip? Or with your partner? This can be a dream place due to fewer crowds and pristine nature, and experience authentic village life.
5. The Wildlife & Forest Trail: Siliguri to Dooars/Jaldapara
The Wildlife & Forest Trail from Siliguri to Dooars/Jaldapara is a popular and classic North Bengal nature trip.
Do forests drive you? Animal lives? Well, then do not miss this trail, as you can not only find lush forests, but also rich biodiversity and iconic animals like the one-horned rhino, covering Jaldapara, Gorumara and Chilapata.
You can experience jeep safaris, bird watching, elephant rides and treks through Sal forests with popular bases, including Madarihat, Lataguri and Jayanti that offer opportunities to see bison, elephants and various birds.
Expect jeep safaris, elephant rides, birdwatching, and treks through dense Sal forests, with popular bases like Lataguri, Madarihat, and Jayanti, offering chances to see rhinos, elephants, bison, and various birds, culminating in a return to Siliguri.
Book a car rental in Siliguri for outstation and experience the wildlife and forest trail.
Final Thoughts
Experience the serenity of the Himalayan range throughout the lush forests and roads. Find offbeat escapes for your next solo trip or with your partner, family, or friend to cherish the silence, fog and green.
Planning for the next adventure?
Find peace in the Mountain? Find the best car rental in Siliguri for outstation and experience the serenity NOW!
