Gorkha War Memorial at Batasia Loop
A poignant war memorial within the scenic Batasia Loop, offering panoramic views and a tribute to Gorkha soldiers of Darjeeling.
Nestled within the famous Batasia Loop, about 5 km from Darjeeling, the Gorkha War Memorial stands as a tribute to the brave Gorkha soldiers from the Darjeeling Hills. Inaugurated in 1995, the memorial commemorates their sacrifices in various wars and operations after India's independence. The Batasia Loop itself is an engineering marvel, created in 1919 to ease the steep descent for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The railway track spirals around, descending 140 feet and passing through a tunnel. This unique design offers visitors a 360-degree view of Darjeeling's landscape, including the snow-capped Kanchenjunga range. At the center of the loop, the War Memorial features a raised oval platform with a bronze statue of a Gorkha soldier and a triangular granite cenotaph. The names of the fallen soldiers are inscribed on a Roll of Honor. The surrounding area is a beautifully maintained garden with seasonal and perennial flowers. Visitors can stroll through the garden, enjoy the panoramic views, and pay their respects to the Gorkha soldiers. The Eco Garden within the loop provides information about organic farming and plantations in Darjeeling, showcasing rare plant species.
Local tips
- Arrive early in the morning to witness the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range for the most spectacular views.
- Take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) which stops at Batasia Loop, offering a unique perspective of the memorial and the surrounding landscape.
- Explore the Eco Garden to learn about local flora and organic farming practices.
- Visit during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather and clear skies.
A brief summary to Gorkha war memorial
- 2765+6HJ, near Jorebungalow, Darjeeling, Jorebungalow, Rajahata Basti, West Bengal, 734102, IN
Getting There
-
Walking
From the Batasia Loop market area, the memorial is a short walk across a footbridge. Follow the paved pathways through the garden to reach the central platform where the memorial is located. The walk is generally easy, with slight inclines.
-
Public Transport
Take the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) from Darjeeling to Ghoom. The train stops at Batasia Loop for 10-15 minutes, allowing passengers to visit the memorial. Toy Train tickets from Darjeeling to Ghoom and back typically cost between ₹1500-₹1600. Alternatively, local taxis and buses are available from Darjeeling to Batasia Loop. From the taxi/bus stand, walk across the footbridge to enter the Batasia Loop.
-
Taxi
Taxis are readily available from Darjeeling town to Batasia Loop. The ride takes approximately 20 minutes. A taxi from Darjeeling to Batasia Loop typically costs ₹310-₹380. The taxi will drop you at the parking area near the entrance, from where you can walk to the memorial.
Attractions Nearby to Gorkha war memorial
-
Ghoom Monastery (Samten Choeling)
-
Sunrise view point
-
Darjeeling
-
Yiga Choeling Monastery
-
Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, Darjeeling
-
Batasia Eco Garden
-
Batasia Loop
-
Dali Monastery
-
Buddhist Monastery
-
Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling
-
Japanese Buddhist Temple, Darjeeling
-
Ava Art Gallery
-
Victoria falls
-
Rangaroon Tea Estate
-
High Mast Indian National Flag
Landmarks nearby to Gorkha war memorial
-
Hill Queen
-
Old Ghoom Monastery Road
-
Gorkha War Memorial, Darjeeling
-
Roll of honour
-
Tourist place in Darjeeling
-
Ghoom monastry
-
Ghoom museum
-
Nathmulls of Darjeeling - Tea Cosy
-
Darjeeling Tour Packages
-
The Yellow Box
-
Butto Kristo Dham
-
Sherpa Monastery
-
Kunga Restaurant
-
Ashmita Trek & Tours
-
Darjeeling Treks and Tours