Few sights are as enticing as that of a small steam engine finding its way around a hill, its white steam clouds in start contrast against the deep green foliage in the background. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is definitely a treat for the eyes. And not only is it pretty, it is a technological feat in itself. It manages to ascend to an altitude of 2,200m by using the Zig-Zag and loop-line technology.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has 6 zig-zags and 5 loops. Of the 5 loops, the loop near Ghoom Railway station, also known as the Batasia Loop is the most famous. It is in fact one of the most popular tourist spots near Darjeeling. Batasia loop is much more than a loop that enables the train to seemingly effortlessly descend 140ft.
The area enclosed within the loop has been converted into a well manicured park and an eco garden that not only looks beautiful, but is also home to several rare plants and flowers local to Darjeeling. At the center of the garden is the War Memorial, that comprises of a Cenotaph and a statue of a soldier paying homage on a raised dais. This memorial stands in memory and to pay homage to the Gorkha Soldiers of Darjeeling area who have been martyred in the various wars fought after the Independence of India in 1947.
All the trains traveling between Darjeeling and Ghoom need to cross the Batasia Loop. However, if you want to board a train that stops for a few minutes at the Batasia Loop, you need to board a Joyride. Most trains of the Joyride are pulled by a Steam Engine. It may be worth confirming whether the one you have purchased the ticket for will be pulled by a steam engine or a diesel engine. For a truly authentic experience, opt for one that is pulled by a steam engine.
The Batasia Loop was commissioned in the year 1919 so is a comparatively late addition to the railway that was built in the late 19th century. The purpose was to enable the train to negotiate the steep descent after Ghoom. The word "Batasia" means an airy space and justifies the experience of the place completely. The Batasia Loop is one of the most picturesque places in Darjeeling, not only because of the lovely gardens, but also because of the panoramic views of the snow-covered Eastern Himalayas the loop offers.
You can reach the Batasia loop on train or by car/taxi. If you choose to come by taxi, you can park your car very close to the loop and purchase a ticket worth Rs. 15 to enter the loop. The loop also offers the regular tourist activities such as photo-op in native clothes. Close to the loop, outside the ticketed area, are several restaurants that offer good food. There are also fairly clean restrooms available close by.
Batasia loop is definitely worth a visit if you are in Darjeeling. However, plan to be there when a train is likely to arrive too. Otherwise, it is just another visit to a garden, especially on days when the snow-covered mountains are not visible. Therefore, it is safest to arrive here on a Joyride.
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