Jalpaiguri district

Understand

Jalpaiguri is home to animal species like the famous one-horned rhino (গণ্ডার goṇḍār) and numerous other species of animals and birds. The region has an undulating span of tea gardens and rice plantation. Besides, it offers a pleasant environment, and is more relaxed than the nearby tourist destinations of Darjeeling and Gangtok.

Visitor information Official websites:

Jalpaiguri District

Getting there

By plane Although Jalpaiguri does not have any airport on its own, Siliguri (IXB IATA) serves the district too.

By train Jalpaiguri is well connected to all regions of India through the wide network of railways. There are many railway stations in the region providing easy mobility. New Jalpaiguri Junction railway station (NJP) in Siliguri is the busiest one. Direct trains from NJP run from Delhi several times daily. From Kolkata's Sealdah station, the best train is the Padatik Express, running daily at 11:20PM and arriving in NJP by 9:15AM the next day. Apart from this, the train with the shortest travel duration is the Vande Bharat Express leaving from Howrah at 5:55AM and arriving in NJP by 1:25PM.

By car Road travel is efficient in Jalpaiguri. There are many highways connecting the region to different parts of the country. Most road networks to North-Eastern India pass through this region. There are state highways that provide easy transport to places within the state of West Bengal. State Highway 12 (SH 12) connects most of the region. All major national highway systems connecting North-Eastern India with mainland India pass through this region.

Eat

The cuisine in this region is mostly similar to that of the general cuisine in the entire Bengal region. In the northern cities of this region, like Siliguri, momo, a steamed filled dumpling, is quite popular along with its variations. Apart from this, bhapa pitha, a traditional rice cake, is quite popular. Chop, a potato and spice-stuffed deep-fried snack is also eaten and well-liked by locals. Chop can also be made with eggs, prawns and other variations.

Drink & nightlife

There are bars in cities. In some rural areas, a fermented rice beverage is available, but it is hard to find. Drinking alcohol in public places is generally frowned upon.

Go next

Kalimpong — if Jalpaiguri is not enough, then definitely visit the hilly area at the northern fringes of West Bengal.