Darjeeling is a popular hill station, surrounded by tea plantations on all sides. The views over the mountains to the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga and down to the swollen rivers in the valley are magnificent. Buddhist monasteries; tea plantations; colourful markets and handicrafts shops; trekking are some of the major attractions, not to mention the famous 'toy train' which is part of the fun in getting there. Excursions include Kalimpong on the foothills and deep valleys of the Himalayas; Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, overflowing with ancient temples, palaces, monasteries and colourful bazaars. Darjeeling tea is one of the finest teas in the world and the snowcapped mountains form a picturesque background to the many tea plantations in the region.