One of the most beautiful hill stations in the country, Darjeeling district in the extreme north of West Bengal lies at an elevation of about 7000 feet (2100m) above sea level. Tea, timber and tourism are the three mainstays of the economy of the district. Cash crops such as orange and cardamom are cultivated here. It is situated on a long, narrow mountain ridge of the Sikkim Himalayas that descends abruptly to the bed of the great Rangit River. The crafts of this region reflect the varied cultures of different ethnic groups settled here like the Tibetans, Nepalese and others. Coming down to the plains, here Siliguri is the main commercial city of north Bengal and its importance comes from its strategic location near international and state borders. It is situated on the banks of River Mahananda. Spread around the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, the town is an important transit, trading and educational centre.