Visiting Bagdogra 

Bagdogra lies at the foothills of the Himalayas and enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year. It's often regarded as the gateway town to North-East India and the Himalayas, as it is home to one of the oldest railway stations in India. Visit Bagdogra with your family and friends and experience its natural beauty, unique history, and cultural diversity first-hand! The small town of Bagdogra lies near Siliguri in West Bengal. It has become the gateway to North-East India and the beautiful Himalayan Mountains, as its home to one of Asia’s busiest airports, Bagdogra Airport, which offers regular service to many popular cities in India and abroad. This small hill station town rests at the foothills of the Himalayas, and it's full of sites to discover and visit, from beautiful lakes and waterfalls to stunning tea gardens and viewpoints. Bagdogra is a city full of lush green tea gardens with views of the snow-capped and majestic Himalayas. It is the ideal place to spend a mid-summer vacation. It is located about 90 km from Darjeeling, close to Siliguri and Sikkim, and acts as a gateway to many towns in northern West Bengal. No matter where you are coming from or where you are headed. There are several things that everyone should see when visiting Bagdogra.

Introducing Bagdogra

It is situated between Siliguri and Mangalore, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) away from Siliguri. Established as an outpost during British rule in India, it served as a gateway town to North-East India and led on to Kalimpong, Gangtok, etc., which were famous for their trade with Tibet. It is famous for its tea gardens and the abundance of greenery. The town becomes mesmerizing during monsoons as you get to see the clouds hovering around the peaks of the mountains. Bagdogra is a quiet and beautiful destination ideal for nature lovers and anyone looking for a refreshing holiday. Lush green tea gardens surround Bagdogra. Also used as a base for tourists traveling to Darjeeling, Siliguri, Sikkim, and the neighboring country of Bhutan. Hills and tea gardens surround it with stunning views. In the past, Bagdogra was where the British produced cultivated tea leaves on a large scale. Bagdogra is a gift from nature. There are fascinating destinations that attract thousands of tourists every year, like Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Kali Mandir, ISKCON Temple, and Bagdogra Hill Station, some of the top attractions in Bagdogra. Besides being a thriving tourist center, the city has a serene atmosphere with Buddhist influences. Moreover, the city hosts significant festivals such as Durga Puja and Kali Puja with great zeal and enthusiasm, making it a thriving cultural hub. During your stay in Bagdogra, do not miss to visit the Sevokeswari Kali temple and the Salugara monastery. You can also go rafting on the Teesta, which flows near the town, or even visit the sparkling lake Tsomgo which sits above Bagdogra. There are many things to do in Badgora: snap great photos of the River Teesta from the Coronation Bridge, take a peaceful and relaxing walk amidst the lush green confines of Surya Sen Park or Madhuban Park, take a boat ride boat at the Umrao Singh Boat Club and finally, discover the various plants of the exotic flora of West Bengal at the city of sciences. Today, Bagdogra is a significant transit point for tourists heading toward Sikkim, Bhutan, and Nepal. It is often regarded as one of the best places in North-East India. If you are planning a trip to North-East India or want to explore other areas of West Bengal, read our guide below for some great tips on reaching Bagdogra and what else you can do when you get there.

Places to Visit in Bagdogra:

Salugara Monastery

Salugara Monastery, or Monastery of the Moon, is a Buddhist shrine in the Himalayas' foothills in Siliguri, India. The Monastery was founded by Tibetan monks and followers of the Dalai Lama, who fled across the border to India after China, took control of Tibet in 1959. Salugara was built on donations and support from the local community and continues to thrive today as one of India's most important holy places, both spiritually and historically. Salugara Monastery, The Monastery is a beautiful Buddhist shrine that houses thousands of statues and exhibits how Tibetan medicine works to cure diseases.

Coronation Bridge

The Coronation Bridge was built to celebrate the coronation of King George V in 1937. The work was initiated by John Anderson, former Governor of Bengal. It is near Sevokeswari Kali Mandir in Siliguri, at the confluence of the Teesta and the Rangeet. Its primary purpose was to provide access to the beautiful hills of the North East and the Dooars and Bhutan. Today it is an essential gateway to holiday destinations such as Darjeeling. From the bridge, visitors can admire the Himalayas rising in the distance behind a landscape of green hills and the rapid waters of the Teesta flowing under the bridge. The bright magenta turrets are perhaps its most original facet. The bridge and its cantilever system are an engineering marvel. It is also called Bagh Pool by locals, a name inspired by the two lion statues that stand at one end.

Chilapata Forest

The Chilapata Forest sits on the banks of the Torsa River, just near Jaldapara National Park in Dooars, Alipurduar district, West Bengal, India. Though this forest covers only 0.09 square kilometers (about 25 acres), it houses an incredible variety of plants and animals. The Chilapata Forest, also known as the Chilapata Reserve Forest or Jaldapara Reserve Forest, is an area of dense and impenetrable forest and swamp located near the National Park of Jaldapara in Alipurduar district in West Bengal, India. Though it was earlier believed to be a part of the adjacent Jaldapara National Park, it has been later gazetted as a reserve forest with its boundaries.

Dooars

The Dooars, also known as Duars, are the alluvial floodplains in eastern-northeastern India that lie south of the outer foothills of the Himalayas and north of the Brahmaputra River basin. The region has been part of Assam since the 16th century when it became one of the Ahom kingdom's semi-independent provinces; in 1826, it was incorporated into British India and became part of Assam Province. The name derives from Doyang, meaning dark and deep, referring to its dense forest cover. It has been settled since at least the times of Aryan immigration into India and was known to the British as the Duars Plain, although it is now considered part of the North Bengal and Assam regions in India.

Darjeeling

Breathtaking, serene, and verdant—the perfect way to describe Darjeeling, India's tea capital that you must visit if you ever get the chance. Located in the northern part of West Bengal state in the foothills of the Himalayas, this quaint little town has long been touted as one of the most enchanting places in India and an ideal location for weekend getaways from Kolkata or even Delhi and Siliguri. A little offs the beaten path and located in West Bengal, India, Darjeeling isn't your typical tourist destination. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Darjeeling offers visitors breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush tea plantations, not to mention berry pancakes and chai lattes. While it's been voted the world's most beautiful hill station on more than one occasion, few travelers make the trek to Darjeeling. Those who visit usually return with fond memories of their experience in this charming town. Darjeeling's beautiful hill stations are spread over a steep mountain ridge nestled among acres of lush green tea plantations. Darjeeling sits at 2050 meters above sea level. Darjeeling offers a heady mix of beautiful tea gardens on the mountain slopes, winding train rides through the quaint town, and delicious traditional Tibetan cuisine. Darjeeling is also appreciated for the splendid panoramas of the Himalayas. The third peak in the world and the highest in India, the Kanchenjunga peak, are visible. Darjeeling is a beautiful place to walk around and explore tea plantations, villages, and markets. The city's splendid colonial architecture, including palaces and churches, makes Darjeeling a beautiful place to visit for many people from Tibet, Nepal, and neighboring Indian states. There is a reason why the city is known as the "Queen of the Himalayas." The green slopes dotted with women picking tea leaves are a fascinating sight. There are over 86 tea estates in Darjeeling which are responsible for producing the famous "Darjeeling tea." Drink a cup of chai prepared in one of the tea plantations or go down among the plantations to collect leaves.

Kalimpong

Traveling to East Indian hill towns like Kalimpong offers the opportunity to see a different side of India, whether traveling there alone or with your family. Plenty of tourists flock to the beautiful hill town of Kalimpong in India, and it's easy to see why this charming place is such a popular vacation destination. Suppose you're looking for an East Indian hill town getaway that provides exceptional opportunities to explore the area while allowing you to relax during your vacation. In that case, Kalimpong should be your top choice. Kalimpong is a beautiful hill station located in West Bengal and renowned for its beautiful scenic views of the surrounding valleys, Buddhist monasteries and churches, and Tibetan handicrafts. Dotted with ancient Buddhist monasteries, secular churches, and exquisite revered temples, Kalimpong marks Bhutan's history until it was torn apart by British rulers. We also recommend you visit the famous flower markets for their orchids and beautiful bright flowers. Kalimpong has three important gompas or monasteries: the Tharpa Choeling Gompa.

Kurseong

The town of Kurseong, The Abode of the Gods in Lepcha, lies in the sub-Himalayan belt and is once known as 'Little England' during the British Raj. It offers a variety of flora and fauna, along with some breathtaking views of the Himalayas. It is close to the international border between India and Nepal and serves as an essential gateway to Sikkim in the north. The town looks like a miniature Scotland with misty mountains and high hills, surrounded by pine forests, tea gardens, and apple orchards. Here’s an itinerary to help you plan your Bagdogra tour in India.

Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery

Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery is another most beautiful tourist attraction near Bagdogra. It served as a small retreat center but grew in importance and scale over time. Today it is a thriving place of education, home to over 500 monks dedicated to studying and sharing the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. The monks learn various aspects of spirituality, the Tibetan language, grammar, and writing, but also the liturgies and prayers of Buddhism. They become familiar with the elements and practices of their traditions, including making elaborate prayers, playing different instruments and performing ritual dances, learning various hand gestures, and revising melodies. Each month, the monks undergo rigorous week-long training in the practices preserved by the Karma Kagyu and Nyingma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, including the construction of sand mandalas, traditional music, and the creation of detailed offerings. The monks also follow teaching in Tantrism, which covers Kalachakra and Hevajra commentaries. In addition, the Monastery organizes two major annual events: the excellent spring exhibition and the great summer exhibition. Some of the most important texts of Buddhism, such as the Vinaya and the Sutras, are then presented and taught.

Top Things to Do In Bagdogra

• If you’re traveling by air, there are a few good options for accommodation in Bagdogra. For example, Mount Echo Chalets provides simple chalets surrounded by beautiful hills, while Hotel Lucky Seven is a convenient option if you prefer staying downtown. For great views of Kangchenjunga (the third highest mountain in the world), make sure to stay at Nirmala Hotel or Bhagsu Lodge. Both hotels offer cozy rooms with panoramic views of Kangchenjunga.

• There are many exciting places to visit near Bagdogra. Darjeeling—one of India's most popular hills stations—is just 30 minutes away! A day trip to Darjeeling will allow you to explore tea plantations and go sightseeing around town. Another nearby place worth visiting is Siliguri—it has many attractions, including lakes, parks, museums, monuments, and temples.

• While Bagdogra isn't known as a tourist destination, it does have some activities that might interest travelers passing through. One such activity is trekking through local villages on elephant back; it allows you to interact with locals and learn about their culture. Bird watching tours are also available in certain areas during specific seasons; one such area is Chalsa Tea Estate, which boasts over 400 species of birds!

Accommodation Options in Bagdogra

Bagdogra has plenty of accommodation options, from chain hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts. You can choose from a range of budget hotels, luxury suites, and resorts. If you're looking for a short-term stay in Bagdogra, there are plenty of apartments for rent. Feel free to browse through the website to find a place that fits your budget while exploring other attractions in North East India. There are many great places to visit in Bagdogra, including Tiger Hill, which is famous for its view of Kanchenjunga Mountain. Many people also enjoy paragliding at Jaldapara National Park, spending time with their family at NJP Waterfalls, or watching water sports nearby Kalimpong Lake.

Where to Eat In Bagdogra?

Try these places if you're looking for something tasty to grab some grub. Check out a few of our favorite restaurants in and around Bagdogra while you are there, too! There is no shortage of great food in Bagdogra. Bagdogra offers plenty of accommodation options – from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. There is something for everyone here, whether it is business or pleasure that brings you here. If you're looking for some fun things to do while visiting Bagdogra, then check out these great attractions! It can get pretty cold in Bagdogra during winter, so ensure you have everything ready before heading out into town!

How to Get Around In Bagdogra?

To get around in Bagdogra, you have a few options. You can walk from one place to another or hop on a bus or a taxi. If you're looking for something more adventurous, you could go mountain biking or rock climbing! With so many activities that can be done around town, it's hard not to spend your whole vacation here. Just remember—leave some time for relaxation! Why not try getting a massage in one of the town's many massage parlors? Or maybe take a stroll through one of its parks. Whatever you do, make sure to enjoy yourself while exploring Bagdogra! When visiting Bagdogra, there are plenty of things to see and do. You should check out Gurudongmar Lake, which is only 10 minutes away from town by car. From here, you can watch birds flying over wetlands and mangroves and catch sight of grazing deer on its banks. Another must-see attraction is Tiger Hill, which sits at an altitude of 5200 feet above sea level. It offers spectacular views of Kanchenjunga Mountain Range and other peaks like Narsingh Kangri II (7088m), Mount Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu I (8481m), and Cho Oyu (8201m). These mountains are all higher than 8500 meters high! If you’re looking for a place to unwind, Bagdogra is an excellent option. With pleasant weather all-round, no time of year is better than another. However, if you're visiting during the summer months (April–June), keep in mind that it gets pretty hot and humid here. And while winters are relatively mild here, they get chilly at night.

Conclusion

Bagdogra attracts thousands of visitors each year for both business and pleasure. Visiting Bagdogra is easy when you have help from us. Make your journey to Bagdogra a trip to remember to see the city's most popular places to visit before you arrive.