Darjeeling, West Bengal's famous 'hill station', situated at an altitude of 7000 ft and now surrounded by tea plantations, was gifted to the British East India Company in the early 19th century and quickly became a popular resort for the British seeking to escape from the sweltering heat of Calcutta and the plains. From nearby Tiger Hill there are wonderful views of the Kanchenjunga peaks and the Eastern Himalayas - including (on clear days) Mt Everest. The area offers excellent trekking. An unforgettable way to arrive is by the scenic narrow-gauge train journey up into the mountains from Siliguri (it takes up to seven hours to cover 50 miles) past forests, waterfalls and deep valleys.