Salugara Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery located in Salugara, a small town near Siliguri in West Bengal, India. The monastery is affiliated to the Gelugpa order of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded in 1959 by the great Tibetan lama Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey. The sanctuary is a major centre of Tibetan Buddhist learning and practice, with hundreds of monks studying and living there.
The monastery is home to the largest Tibetan Buddhist Monastic University outside Tibet. The sanctuary has an impressive collection of Tibetan Buddhist scriptures, statues and artefacts. The monastery also houses a large library and museum.
The monastery also serves as a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists, with many people coming from faraway places to pay their respects. The most important festival of the monastery is the annual Losar Festival, celebrated with great pomp and grandeur.
The monastery is surrounded by beautiful gardens, where one can find a variety of flowers, trees and birds. A large pond is nearby, where one can take a refreshing dip during the hot summer. The monastery also offers several activities and excursions, such as meditation classes, tai chi and yoga classes, and guided tours of the sanctuary and its nearby attractions.
If you wish to explore the area around Salugara Monastery, there are several interesting places to visit. The nearby Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to spot some rare species of birds and animals. The Bhutia Busty Monastery is also worth a visit for its beautiful architecture.
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near Siliguri, close to Salugara Monastery. It is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including leopards, Indian bison, elephants, and various species of birds. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, birdwatching, and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
Coronation Bridge:
The Coronation Bridge, also known as Sevoke Bridge, is located near Siliguri and connects the city to the neighbouring district of Darjeeling. The bridge is an architectural marvel that offers scenic views of the below-ground Teesta River. Visitors can walk leisurely across the bridge, enjoy the cool breeze, and capture stunning photographs.
Kali Mandir, Siliguri:
Kali Mandir is a popular Hindu temple in Siliguri, near Salugara Monastery. It is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is known for its religious significance and architectural beauty. Visitors can witness the daily rituals and seek blessings at this sacred temple.
Mirik is a picturesque hill station near Siliguri, approximately 50 kilometres from Salugara Monastery. It is known for its beautiful lake, Sumendu Lake, which offers boating facilities and scenic views. Visitors can also explore the serene tea gardens, visit the Pashupati Nagar border market, and enjoy the tranquillity of this hill retreat.
Jorpokhri:
Jorpokhri is a small village near Darjeeling, around 80 kilometres from Salugara Monastery. It is known for its twin lakes and panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings, take nature walks, and enjoy birdwatching in this serene hilltop village.
Darjeeling, a popular hill station in West Bengal, is approximately 70 kilometres from Salugara Monastery. It offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, including Mount Kanchenjunga. Visitors can explore the tea gardens, ride on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), visit the iconic Tiger Hill for sunrise views, and immerse themselves in the charming colonial-eraambiencee of the town.
These are just a few suggestions for visiting places near Salugara Monastery in West Bengal. Each destination offers its unique charm, whether it's the wildlife sanctuary's natural beauty, the temples' spiritual significance, or the hill stations' serene ambience.