Known as Calcutta during the days of the Raj, Kolkata was the capital of British India until 1911 and was considered the Orient’s greatest colonial city. Today, it remains one of India’s four great urban centres, and only major port, and is home to a wonderful blend of people from all over the world, communities formed in the days of the 18th and 19th centuries trading boom. A laidback city, the grand old colonial buildings of yesteryear are starting to look at little worse for wear, but it hasn’t stopped Kolkata becoming India’s cultural hub, with a thriving arts and culture scene. It also doesn’t affect the wonderful warmth that the city exudes, which makes it a great place to both see, and experience.