Batasia Loop

Another attraction which is definitely worth taking time out for, is the Joy Train Ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Popularly referred to as the Toy Train, this is Darjeeling’s pride and joy. It was declared to be a World Heritage Site in 1999. With the steam engine at the helm and the leisurely pace at which it chugs along, the train gives you ample opportunity to observe and admire the surrounding nature. Besides its regular route to and from New Jalpaiguri and Kurseong, rides are accommodated during peak season that move between Darjeeling and Ghum on a two-hour return trip. During the journey, the Batasia Loop is a five-kilometre-long loop around which the train completes a steep full circle and offers beautiful views of mountains as well as the War Memorial, which was built in honour of the Gorkha Soldiers who lost their lives during the fight for Indian Independence. You can actually do some street shopping in the Batasia Loop Market, which is a make shift kind of a thing. Haggle well and you'd get amazing stuff in low prices.