East to the hills
From Araria, the road heads east across the last stretch of Bihar to Kishanganj, then enters West Bengal and runs north-east through the narrow strip of land between Nepal and Bangladesh to Siliguri. On a clear day, the Himalayan foothills appear ahead as you near the city. A morning load usually arrives in the afternoon.
Kishanganj
Kishanganj, Bihar's last district on this road, is known for its tea gardens, unusual for the state. The town can be slow at busy hours. If your move ends there, give the exact address.
Crossing into West Bengal
Keep the signed packing list, the mover's invoice and your ID in the cab for the state border. Your mover handles the vehicle's own papers. Bihar's prohibition applies on the Araria side, so no alcohol should be in the load when it's packed.
Where in Siliguri
Siliguri is a busy trading city with heavy truck traffic on its main roads, Hill Cart Road and Sevoke Road especially. Areas such as Pradhan Nagar, Matigara, Champasari and the newer apartments towards Sevoke are popular. Many buildings have society rules for moving; our guide to society NOCs and lift bookings explains what to ask for.
Why people move to Siliguri
Siliguri's trade, transport, tea, schools, hospitals and army and border-force establishments draw families from across north Bihar. If an employer is paying, ask which documents they need; every mover we work with provides a GST invoice.
Leaving Araria
From the bazaar, goods are carried to a truck on a wider road; colonies near the highway make a faster start. Official quarters need a vacating notice and an inspection.
Rain at the foot of the hills
Siliguri gets very heavy monsoon rain, and some roads flood briefly after a downpour. Between June and September, ask for a waterproof sheet over the load and waterproof wrapping on electronics. Araria's summers are hot and humid, while Siliguri is a little milder. Winters are pleasant, with fog on some mornings.
October, November, February and March usually suit this route best.
Festivals
Durga Puja is huge in Siliguri, with streets blocked by pandals for days, and Chhath and Eid bring many workers home on the Bihar side. Diwali, Holi and the wedding season are busy too. Pick a quieter week.
Students
A student moving to Siliguri's colleges, North Bengal University or a coaching centre usually needs a few-items move. Check the hostel's dates first.
Going on into the hills
If your final address is in Darjeeling, Kalimpong or Sikkim, the hill roads usually need a smaller vehicle, and the goods may be transferred in Siliguri. Ask for this to be on the quote.
Two-wheelers
A scooter or motorcycle can usually travel in the same truck if it is wrapped, photographed and listed separately. Our bike transport service page explains the options.
Settling in
In Siliguri, ask how water and power backup work, register with the society office if there is one, and book internet early. After an interstate move, your vehicle registration and some records may need updating. Our guide to address changes after moving lists the official records to update.