Forget Darjeeling & Digha! The Serene Gulma Near Siliguri Should Be On Your Pujo Getaway Travel List

Resting on the banks of rocky Mahananda, Gulma on the outskirts of Siliguri happens to be one of the most underrated and offbeat places in West Bengal. A fine destination to enjoy some quality time with your family, Gulma will make you forget Kolkata owing to its serene surroundings and distant Darjeeling hills.

Often, our Durga Puja bucket list ends with known places to travel to. Whilst the Sharad rolls in quietly and kaash blooms on the open fields, every Bengali yearns for a family getaway. Of course, options are either to visit the same, old destinations or to take a long journey somewhere outside of Bengal. For all those travel-seeking folks whose minds are popcorn while searching for refreshed tourist places, we bring you Gulma near Siliguri. 

The most adorable aspect of Gulma is the serenity, which is far beyond what you will find on the hills of Darjeeling or on the beaches of Digha and Mandarmani. It would seem as if one of those scenery drawings from our childhood have come to life; lush-green forests, rivers and hills created an enlivening vibe which will sponge all your pandemic blues. 

About Gulma

Gulma is a village on the outskirts of Siliguri, lying some 15 Kms away. You can reach it quickly if you take a shortcut by the North Bengal Safari main gate. MET has predicted that Durga Puja will be washed by the rains from Shashti to Ashtami, making it the perfect time to plan a trip to Gulma. Rains seem to embellish the offbeat destination as the plying and lazy Mahananda sparkles with colourful pebbles and nearby animals. 

We recommend you don't this place during the summer season as the head would seem quite unbearable. by the dense jungles, you will find the Humro Gulma property, a beautiful hotel where you can anchor and crash in. Gulma you consume just one night of your journey and therefore, the roadside food stalls would suffice.

Places To Visit

Gulma is a gem onto itself, a rare, green emerald of West Bengal that isn't receiving the attention it deserves. The vast picnic ground and plentiful space to chillax with your cousins and friends while the elders breathe-in the purity of nature, seems just too perfect. However, there are many more things you can do here. 

1. Ewam India Buddhist Monastery

On your way to Gulma from Siliguri, some 11 Kms away, the quietude of Ewam India Buddhist monastery will scintillate you. The beautiful gongs, prayer bells and the silence of the region by the Gulma forest will make you sit and meditate for long hours. The Buddha shrine inside is quite an artistic masterpiece. 

2. The Mahananda River

Although it happens to have quite a rough terrain by the valley, Mahananda here is lethargic, owing to the plain fields. The pebbled basin and walkable terrain make it quite a landscape. You can easily cross it over and explore the banks on either side. 

3. Elephant Crossing Zone

By the other side of the Mahananda river, there is a narrow gravel path towards the forest. It's known as the elephant crossing zone. During rains, you can easily spot the wild elephant crossing the river with their families and it's honestly quite a marvellous sighting. 

4. Rail Bridge

Another striking feature of Gulma is the petite rail bridge. The current and torrential part of Mahananda is ornated with this sturdy rail bridge, some 20 minutes away from the picnic ground. It is quite near to the Gulma railway station and crossing it would take you to the other side of the river, towards the forests. 

All image credits: Google Images/ Anindya Mohapatra, Suman Nandi, Sujeet Mukherjee and Ramanand Mahato