Transport hub Siliguri is the main jumping-off point for Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim, and Bhutan, eastern Nepal and India's Northeast States can also be accessed from here.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Siliguri & New Jalpaiguri.
Indian
AmberTrusted and air-conditioned Amber, attached to Hotel Saluja Residency, serves mouthwatering dishes, including fluffy naans, lip-smacking curries, tender meat dishes and subtly flavoured biryanis that go down extremely well with the city's food lovers. Plenty of alcoholic drinks too; evenings are especially buzzy here. It's 1.5km south of the Central Bus Terminus.
Continental
Around the CornerAround The Corner does Western food as well as any restaurant north of Kolkata. The pasta is European-standard, or you could go for pork steaks, fish and chips, burgers, grilled prawns or apple pie with ice cream. With 10 tables, low lighting and Western rock music, it's also a place you can just come for a drink (beer from ₹150).
Multicuisine
Khana KhajanaThe secluded garden here offers merciful relief from the thunderous Hill Cart Rd chaos. The extensive menu ranges from fine curries and naan (tandoor-cooked flat bread) to Mumbai street snacks, with plenty of hearty vegetarian options and kulfi (flavoured, firm-textured ice cream).
Indian
SartajThis sophisticated (for Siliguri) eatery, 1.5km south of the Central Bus Terminus, boasts a huge range of first-rate North Indian tandooris and curries, some decent Continental sizzlers and top-notch service, including a smart, very amiable doorman. It's also a good place for a cold beer or other alcoholic drinks.