Batasia Loop ㅤ

Batasia Loop

What it is: Batasia Loop is a scenic railway spiral where the famous Darjeeling Toy Train makes a graceful loop around a beautifully landscaped garden. It was designed to ease the train’s steep descent and is now a major tourist attraction.

When it was built: Constructed in 1919 by the British during colonial rule, this loop was a brilliant engineering solution to handle the sharp elevation drop near Ghoom.

Where it is located: Situated about 5 km from Darjeeling town, near Ghoom, it offers a stunning panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga range and houses a War Memorial honoring Gorkha soldiers of the Indian Army.

Details

On the way to Darjeeling from Siliguri by the famous Toy Train journey passes through the Batasia Loop (A Windy Place) and the War Memorial. This place is 5 kms. ahead of Darjeeling city and located in between Ghoom ( The highest point in the world where Locomotive Engines operate) and Darjeeling cities. Batasia Loop attracts people for spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjunga & other snow capped Himalayan Peaks and watch the remarkable engineering marvel of Darjeeling Himalayan Railways where almost imperceptibly the railway line negotiates a circle and descends 1000 ft. in altitude. At the centre of Batasia Loop a War Memorial stands. This memorial was constructed by the District Sainik Board, Darjeeling in commemoration of the brave Gorkha Soldiers, who sacrificed their life to protect the sovereignty of the Nation since independence. This memorial was sanctified on 22nd March, 1995. Local people throng here to seel handicrafts and woolen items for tourists.

How to Reach

By Air: Bagdogra, 90 K.M. (via NH 110) away from Darjeeling, is the nearest airport connected by flights from major cities like Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati.

By Train: Apart from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station (88 K.M. from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station) the two closest railway stations are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. These railway stations have direct railway connections with Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, and other major cities of India.

By Road: The major access to Darjeeling by road is via Siliguri, 77 K.M. (via NH 55), which is connected to all the major cities of India. Bus service is available from Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand, Siliguri. Smaller vehicles are also available on seat-sharing/ hire from airport, railway station, motor syndicates / police motor stand. Facility of Pre-paid taxi stand from NJP Railway station & Bagdogra airport can also be availed. The four routes that one can opt from Siliguri to reach Darjeeling are: i) Tindharia – Kurseong route ii) Dudhiya – Mirik route iii) Rohini route iv) Pankhabari

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