By JAGAT [27/June/2025] Siliguri is more than just a bustling trade hub in North Bengal - it acts as a significant gateway to the entire Northeastern region of India. Whether you’re heading to Sikkim, Bhutan, or Assam, your journey is most likely to begin here. With its strategic position and great connectivity, Siliguri is an essential transit point for road travellers, wildlife enthusiasts, and cultural travelers as well. This Siliguri to Guwahati to Pobitora corridor is not just scenic but also abounds in biodiversity and local culture. For those who want to have a short wildlife excursion or get their share of the rich Assam landscape, this trip is an ideal combination of city life and village beauty.
Here, in this blog, we give a step-by-step route map and travel guide to assist you in planning your trip from Siliguri to Guwahati and onward to the lesser-known Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.
The distance from Siliguri to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary via Guwahati is about 522 kilometers, and the entire trip can take nearly 12 hours if undertaken in a single stretch. The journey mostly involves NH27, one of the longest and most crucial highways in this region. The initial part of the travel spans 466 km from Siliguri to Guwahati, and the other 56 kilometers gets you from Guwahati to Pobitora via State Highway 3B. This connected highway is perfect for those who love driving along long stretches of diversified landscapes - from plains and rivers to undulating green forests.
By Road – If you are driving, the most convenient and direct journey would be via NH27, a distance of approximately 466 km. The drive should take anything between 10 to 12 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
By Train – Though there is a single direct train from Siliguri Junction to Guwahati, the better option is to catch a train from New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP), which is only 6.2 km away from Siliguri Junction. NJP provides more convenient and speedy train services to Guwahati.
By Air – If you prefer flying, Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Siliguri. However, there's only one direct flight to Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. Other flights from Bagdogra usually include stopovers in Kolkata, Dibrugarh, or New Delhi, making the direct train route a more time-efficient choice for many.
After you arrive in Guwahati, your trip to Pobitora becomes even more thrilling. The sanctuary is merely 56 km from the city and takes approximately 2 hours by road. The journey takes you through NH27 before turning into SH 3B. It's a picturesque journey that prepares you for a peaceful wildlife experience.
Start your journey from Siliguri and travel to Guwahati by train or flight. Spend the remaining day of yours relaxing. Depending on the time, walk around Fancy Bazaar or the Brahmaputra riverfront for a relaxing evening.
Begin the day by visiting the legendary Kamakhya Devi Temple, which is one of India's holiest Shakti Peethas. Following a spiritual morning, lunch and then embark on your 2-hour drive to Pobitora. Check into a forest lodge or resort close to the sanctuary and unwind in the evening.
This is the crowning glory of your tour. Begin your day early with an elephant safari from 6:30 am to 7:30 am. Then, go for a jeep safari from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, covering the deeper sections of the forest. Afternoon is a good time for a boat safari (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm) to see wetland birds and riverine ecosystems. Don't miss out on Pobitora online booking in advance, as safaris get booked very quickly during peak times.
Start your day with breakfast and then head back to Guwahati. Depending on your flight or train schedule, you may leave directly for the airport or grab a bite in town before catching your train or flight back home.