Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is located in India’s West Bengal region on the banks of the river Hooghly. It is one of the world’s largest cities and serves as eastern India’s main commercial and industrial centre. Kolkata is surrounded by a wealth of unique natural offerings, from the largest deltaic zone in the world west of the city and salt lakes to the east to the renowned mangrove forests of Sunderban, which can be found south of Kolkata.

Visitors arriving in Kolkata for the first time are often overwhelmed by the sheer aggregate of people, buildings and vehicles all jam-packed into every nook and cranny of available space. Known as the Jewel of the East, with its interesting East-meets-West architecture reflecting strong Victorian influences, Kolkata is one of India’s most important hubs.

Featuring fascinating culture that is ripe with some of India’s finest offerings in film, theatre, music and art, Kolkata is a magical place that continues to lure many a foreign visitor to explore the intricacies of this lively metropolis.

Kolkata, with its growing commercial sector, is a city of contrasts. Trams sift through narrow streets packed with jostling crowds and hand-drawn rickshaws, their drivers carrying massive loads. Meanwhile, one of the world’s most modern underground metro systems whisks people across the city, away from the city’s notorious traffic snarls.

Kolkata is a shopper’s paradise; large shopping centres offer everything from luxury brands to cut-rate prices. Many of the world’s top hotel chains have set up shop in Kolkata as well.

Recent archaeological findings suggest Kolkata’s origins may date back more than 2,000 years. However, its recorded history has only been documented for about 300 years, making Kolkata one of India’s youngest cities comparatively.

The city was the capital of British-ruled India until 1910 and much of its development took place during this era. The British were first given permission to settle in the area by the grandson of the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb in the 1700s. The city’s most rapid period of expansion took place until 1756, when the town was attacked by Siraj-ud-daula, which saw many of the British inhabitants flee.

The British did not stay away for long; in 1757 they returned to Kolkata and constructed bigger, better and stronger fortifications, making Kolkata the capital of British India. However, the city’s close proximity to Bengal, an important centre for the Indian uprise against British rule, prompted rulers to relocate the capital to its present day site: New Delhi.

In 1947, India was partitioned and the economy suffered greatly. Hundreds of thousands of refugees entered the country and the British cleared out.

Throughout the 1970s the India-Pakistan conflict caused a further influx of refugees and the city streets were lined with chaos and poverty. The situation was brought to public awareness by the internationally famous nun, Mother Theresa, who devoted her life to aiding the city’s poor and suffering.

In the 1980s the city’s fortunes improved. The government set up public work schemes and the country’s technology sector strengthened. Calcutta reverted to its original name of Kolkata, and today it is a thriving hub offering visitors sites, sounds and a unique and lively culture.

Temperatures in Kolkata in the summer months can reach 38°C, with very high levels of humidity making travel quite uncomfortable for those unaccustomed to such climates. If you are planning to visit during this time, be sure to pack light cotton clothing and keep yourself well hydrated. Temperatures during the winter months are far more bearable, reaching about 27°C but often dropping to as low as 12°C. Light wools are the most appropriate attire for the winter months but be sure to pack lighter clothes as well, as temperatures vary.