Siliguri is the main commercial city of the North Bengal and its importance comes from its strategic location near international and state borders. It is situated on the banks of the river Mahananda, spread across the foothills of the Himalayas, it is an important transport, trading and traditional and professional educational centre. From a small village, Siliguri became a sub-division in Darjeeling district exactly a hundred years ago. It was in the year 1907 that Siliguri was declared a sub-division (Mahakuma) by the British administration. Siliguri is not a very old city. At the time of Indian Independence in 1947, it was a small village. But the partition of the country and creation of Pakistan increased the importance of the place. A large number of migrants from Bangladesh settled in this hamlet at the time of partition. Over the next half a century the town has grown by leaps and bounds to become the second most important town in West Bengal after Calcutta. It is really surprising to note the growth of the small town into one of the largest cities in the entire North East of India.
Siliguri is known as the gateway to north-eastern India. The strategic location of the place makes sure that travellers to the north-east have to pass through Siliguri. It is also the commercial capital of the region. Siliguri is situated at the base of the Himalaya Mountains in the plains. It is the largest city in the area of North Bengal and the second largest city in West Bengal. It connects the hill station towns of Gangtok, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik with the rest of India. The Mahananda River flows past Siliguri. Siliguri has three main seasons, summer, winter and monsoons. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 38°C. It is considerably cooler than the southern and central regions of West Bengal. During this season, tourists from all over India stop in Siliguri en route to the cooler climes of the northern hill stations. Winters are relatively cool and temperatures range from a high of 15°C to a low of about 3°C. Light rain and dense fog are seen during this season. During the monsoon season between June and September, the town is lashed by heavy rains often cutting access to the hill stations and Sikkim. The climate is suitable for growing tea and the surrounding region has many tea gardens. Siliguri has the best communication network in the region. The nearest Railway Station from Siliguri is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is the biggest railway station of the area. From here you can get the trains for the other parts of India. Bagdogra Airport at a distance of 12 kilometers is the only airport in this region. Siliguri is also connected by road with the entire Himalayan region. The National Highway 31 and National Highway 55 is connects Siliguri with other major places. The biggest Bus Terminus of North Bengal, Tenzing Norgey Bus Terminus is situated in Siliguri. The other roadway conveyances like taxi, jeeps are also available here.Settelite Map of Siliguri
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Siliguri is described as the gateway to the North East of India, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh. The strategic location of the city makes it a base for essential supplies to the above regions. Siliguri has gradually developed as a profitable centre for a variety of businesses. As a central hub, many national companies and organizations have set up their offices here. The Hong Kong market near Khudirampally is the chief hub for buying low-cost Chinese and illegally imported goods. Seth Srilal Market, Sevoke Road and Hill Cart Road are other prominent market places. The four "T"s - Tea, Timber, Tourism and Transport - are the main businesses of Siliguri. Being a tourist destination, Siliguri has a good number of hotels. Siliguri is the headquarters of FOCIN (Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of North Bengal). As a gesture of international co-operation and friendship, the road network of Siliguri is being used by the governments of Nepal and Bangladesh to facilitate easy transportation of essential commodities, such as food grains. The Silk Route of India, i.e. trade route between India and Tibet (China) is accessible only after crossing Siliguri (Nathula and Jelepla). There are also business routes to Bhutan. In recent times, the city has seen the establishment of a number of shopping malls and multiplexes to cater to the growing needs of the populace. Siliguri City Centre Mall and Siliguri Orbit Mall(Inox) In order to develop the city in a planned manner and to make arrangement for the exploding population of the city, new townships have been proposed to be built around the fringes of Siliguri.
As per the recent information sources, it came to know that the population of Shiliguri on August 18th 2011 is approximately 250,499. (Extrapolated from a population of 470,275 in 2001 and a population of 284,602 on February 12th 2010.)