Gorkha War Memorial at Batasia Loop

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.