Batasia Loop is one of the most beautiful and famous tourist places in Darjeeling. It is well known for its round railway track, green gardens, and lovely mountain views. This place is part of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is also called the Toy Train.
What Is Batasia Loop?
Batasia Loop is a circular railway track built on a hill. At this spot, the toy train moves in a full circle before going ahead. This special loop helps the train climb down steep hills safely.
Instead of going straight down, which would be risky, the train takes a round turn. This makes the journey smooth and safe for passengers.
Where Is Batasia Loop Located?
Batasia Loop is located about 5 km from Darjeeling town in West Bengal. It is on the way between Darjeeling and Ghum Railway Station. Ghum is the highest railway station in India.
The area around Batasia Loop is full of:
- Green hills
- Tea gardens
- Open valleys
- Snow-covered mountains on clear days
Darjeeling Tourism Package
History of Batasia Loop
Batasia Loop was built in 1919 during British rule in India. British engineers made this loop to solve the problem of steep slopes in the Darjeeling hills.
Later, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, including Batasia Loop, was given the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This shows how important and special this railway is.
Toy Train Experience at Batasia Loop
The Darjeeling Toy Train is the main attraction here. When the train reaches Batasia Loop, it:
- Moves slowly in a complete circle
- Gives views from all directions
- Allows tourists to take photos and enjoy the ride
Many people book the Darjeeling to Ghum joy ride mainly to see Batasia Loop.
Gorkha War Memorial at Batasia Loop
At the center of Batasia Loop, there is a Gorkha War Memorial. This memorial was built to honor brave Gorkha soldiers who gave their lives for the country after India’s independence.
The memorial includes:
- A statue of a Gorkha soldier
- Names of soldiers written on stone
- A calm and respectful place for visitors
Gardens and Natural Beauty
Batasia Loop is also known for its beautiful gardens. The area is well-maintained and has:
- Colorful flowers
- Green lawns
- Clean walking paths
On a clear day, visitors can see:
- Mount Kanchenjunga
- Darjeeling town
- Tea estates and valleys
This makes Batasia Loop a great spot for photography and sightseeing.
How to Reach Batasia Loop
You can reach Batasia Loop easily in different ways:
By Toy Train
- Book a Darjeeling–Ghum toy train ride
- Batasia Loop is one of the main stops
By Taxi or Shared Jeep
- Takes about 20–30 minutes from Darjeeling
- Taxis and shared jeeps are easily available
By Walking
- Some tourists like to walk from nearby places
- Good option for nature lovers
Best Time to Visit Batasia Loop
The best time to visit Batasia Loop is when the weather is clear.
- March to May: Pleasant weather and clear views
- October to November: Best time to see mountains
You can visit all year, but:
- Monsoon season may have fog and rain
- Winter can be very cold
Morning time is best for clear mountain views.
Entry Fee and Visiting Time
- Entry Fee: Small and affordable
- Visiting Time: Around 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Timings and fees may change, so it is better to check before visiting.
Why Batasia Loop Is Special
Batasia Loop is special because:
- It is a smart railway design
- It has beautiful natural views
- It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- It shows respect for brave soldiers
- It is peaceful and family-friendly
Final Thoughts
Batasia Loop is a place where nature, history, and engineering come together. The slow toy train, green gardens, and mountain views make it one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling.
If you are planning a trip to Darjeeling, do not miss Batasia Loop. It is simple, calm, and very memorable.
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FAQs
What is Batasia Loop in Darjeeling?
Batasia Loop is a famous railway loop in Darjeeling where the toy train makes a complete turn on a hill. It is also a beautiful garden with great mountain views.
Why is Batasia Loop famous?
Batasia Loop is famous for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train, colorful flowers, and stunning views of the hills and Mount Kanchenjunga.
Where is Batasia Loop located?
Batasia Loop is located about 5 km from Darjeeling town, on the way to Ghum.
Can I see the toy train at Batasia Loop?
Yes, you can see the toy train passing through Batasia Loop. If you are lucky, you can watch it stop briefly for photos.
What is the War Memorial at Batasia Loop?
The War Memorial at Batasia Loop honors Gorkha soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. It is placed at the center of the loop.
What is the best time to visit Batasia Loop?
The best time to visit Batasia Loop is from March to May and September to November, when the weather is clear and views are best.
What are the visiting hours of Batasia Loop?
Batasia Loop is usually open from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but timings may change depending on the season.
Is there any entry fee for Batasia Loop?
Yes, there is a small entry fee to visit Batasia Loop, which is used for garden maintenance.
Is Batasia Loop suitable for families and kids?
Yes, Batasia Loop is safe and enjoyable for families, kids, and senior citizens. The garden paths are easy to walk on.
Can I see Mount Kanchenjunga from Batasia Loop?
On clear days, you can see a beautiful view of Mount Kanchenjunga from Batasia Loop.