Batasia Loop - Darjeeling

Batasia loop resides in the north of West Bengal, which is 5km away from Darjeeling. A memorial for Gorkha soldiers of the Indian Army is kept, to honor the Gorkha Soldiers of Darjeeling, who sacrificed their lives in the wars after Independence.

You will pass by this majestic loop if you are taking a toy train ride from Darjeeling or hire a cab from Darjeeling town and visit the Batasia Loop. It is located on Hill Cart Road (National Highway 55) which takes around 20 minutes by cab from Darjeeling town. This is the best place to get a panoramic view of Darjeeling's landscape including the hill town and the snow-covered peak of the majestic Kanchenjunga.

Batasia means open space. As you stand on one side of the garden and see the toy train making a complete loop while hooting its whistle along the way, it's a wonderful experience. There are some benches around to sit and enjoy the view. The whole area, along with the garden, and a bridge that leads to the loop is about 50,000 square feet. It has been covered with lawn and beautified with flowering plants shrubs, etc.

Permissions for the construction of Batasia Loop is approved in the year 1919 because this project requires engineering equipment for the toy train, to be able to withstand a steep inclination. Just after Ghoom railway station, there is a sharp inclination as the toy train departs towards Darjeeling.

Batasia Loop was designed by the British as they were having all the engineering equipment. You won't even realize how the toy train descends about 140ft as it completes the loop through a large circular area on a gentle slope and then crosses its own track at the beginning of the loop through a tunnel below. It is recognized as one of the greatest engineering efforts.

An Eco Garden is also present in Batasia, where it has rare species of plants and provides information about organic farming in Darjeeling.

As you come out of the Batasia loop exit you will notice a small market area. This market is great for buying bags, hats, and other decorative items. On the opposite side of the road, there are a few restaurants with great views of the mountain range. They serve North & South Indian food here and additionally Chinese food during lunch.

Timings: 5 AM to 8 PM

Entry Fee: 15/- per person