@ Rekha: Is there anything special at Sonada?  I plan to spend only couple of days in Sikkim, mostly in and around Gangtok.  I understand Nathula Pass is almost a day's journey from there, so probably will not be able to make it there.  Do post suggestions on where to go, where to eat, what to see in Darjeeling/Gangtok.  Thanks.

@Sparty, peacenepali and Granite:  thanks for your pointers on places to visit and edibles to try out.  Just thinking about pahad ko dal-bhat-tarkari-achar makes my mouth water.