The second most important city in West Bengal, after the state capital Kolkata, Siliguri is a rapidly developing as a metropolis in West Bengal. Serving as the gateway to the northeast region of India, it connects the hill towns of Gangtok, Rangpo, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik and Darjeeling, to the rest of the country.
Located at the plains of the mighty Himalayan range, Siliguri acts as an important base for essential supplies to the other parts of the region. A bustling city, it even serves as a base for Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Shashatra Seema Bal (SSB) and Assam Rifles .
Geographically the location of Siliguri is unique in that by only half an hour's drive one will reach center of dense forest or start climbing the hills. Meandering roads to Kalimpong or Gangtok running parallel to the River Teesta or Rangit with its rapids and falls is one of the finest stretch of landscape in the world.The surrounding areas of the city are beautiful. The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is 18 km from the city (Permits are required). The Coronation Bridge (Sevoke Bridge) is an important bridge of the north east.
