Breathtaking journey from Siliguri to Darjeeling via Batasia Loop | Darjeeling trip
On 9th March 2024, we finally started our journey to Darjeeling via a cab. We took the same driver who dropped us in Radha Rani Lodge last night from the NJP station. The weather was pleasant on that day and we were not feeling so much coldness outside. The driver told us that there is a market just ahead of the Radha Rani lodge from where we got off, and, we should pass that market before 9:30 am, otherwise, there would be a possibility of huge traffic. Likewise we passed the market before 9:30 am and were experiencing the natural beauty of North Bengal while moving through the cab.
The roads from where we were travelling, were very smooth and there were many camps and places acquired by the Indian Army on both side of the roads. We came to know, that, those were the Army camps and it’s a privilege to see our brave Indian army protecting our motherland. We also came across many tea gardens on both side of the roads and it was a delightful view to watch. Just as we were going ahead, we also saw a place where the Indian army were practicing their defend mechanisms and it was a pride to watch. As time was passing and we were moving forward, I was just experiencing the weather fluctuations as we were moving upwards. As we were moving upwards, the exciting view of the huge mountains covered with dense forest crystalized my eyes.
The weather was getting cooler as we were moving upwards. After sometime, we got off at a Café point to have our breakfast. The name of the Café was “Roma Café”. The road was slopy and the café was just on the side of the road. Our driver kept his cab on the other side of the road and kept a big stone under the front wheels, so that, the cab doesn’t move back and roll down. Almost most of the travelers who were going for Darjeeling, got off in this restaurant “Roma Café” for having breakfast.
We ordered for Egg Toast and Luchi, with lemon tea. The café was very neat and clean and it has also a roof where anyone can sit there under big umbrellas and get the magnificent view of the surroundings along with having the breakfast. Likewise we got to the roof of the café and enjoyed our breakfast along with the vivid mountains covering outside. After having our breakfast, we again got into our cab and started moving forward for our journey to Darjeeling. One thing I need to say that, do not take any heavy foods, otherwise, you might have stomach issue while going upwards on a hilly area. As were moving upwards and experiencing the natural surroundings, we finally came across a Gate where “Kurseong” was written and we were told that we had entered Kurseong. We could see the famous “Doordarshan tower” standing tall on the top of a mountain, which is also named as “Eagle point” view, from where the sight of Mount Kanchenjunga can be glimpsed. As we were moving towards the locality, there were many hotels, houses, restaurants, as well as old buildings which were built during the British period. Now the temperature was much cooler and we took the winter belongings. Finally, we came across one of the most viewing points in Kurseong, the Batasia Loop. The Batasia Loop is one of the most beautiful and historic places in Darjeeling, where, one can get the breathtaking view of Mount Kanchenjunga along with various peaks, and the famous Gorkha War Memorial. Likewise, we got off from our cab and entered Batasia loop after purchasing the entry fee ticket costing Rs. 20/- per person. There are many gates from where you can enter the Batasia loop. Batasia loop is approximately 7000 feet above the sea level. The entire area was just breathtaking with local people selling woolen garments, and the spectacular view of the Darjeeling Himalayan railway line that enters into the Batasia loop premise like a circular loop where the Darjeeling toy train stops here for 15 minutes to have the views of the entire area for the passengers. However, our luck was not so good on that day, as it was mostly cloudy outside and we couldn’t see the glimpse of Mount Kanchenjunga.
However, after having the view of the Batasia Loop, we again got into our cab and headed towards our hotel “NRS Norling Retreat” in Darjeeling. As we were heading towards our hotel, we were feeling very cool. Finally after traversing for approximately 3 hours, we reached our hotel “NRS Norling Retreat”. The hotel is just magnificent with great staffs and superb location. The hotel stands right on the side of the road where the spectacular view of the mountains and the surroundings are clearly visible with no obstruction in between. Okay, so, I shall be continuing sharing my experience on my next article. So, I would request you to follow my blogs accordingly.
The driver took Rs. 3500/- for the entire trip from Siliguri to Darjeeling.
