Top Reasons to Go to Kolkata (Calcutta)

Eclectic Architecture: The city is packed with gorgeous temples, mosques, universities, and colonial mansions and monuments.

Walking City: Kolkata is best seen on foot: take a walk across the Howrah Bridge or go for a wander through the giant Maidan park.

Cultural Capital: Catch a locally-produced English-language movie or play; for astonishing art, head to the Indian Museum, considered the country's best.

Foodie's Paradise: Kolkatans are proud of their food—especially their seafood—-and for good reason. This is also the place to try Indian-Chinese food, originated a century ago by Chinese immigrants.

Book Bargains: You might just find a gem at one of the many bookstalls on College Street. Kolkata's book fair, in winter, is one of the largest in the world.