Kolkata can conjure up negative images. It helps to read the history so you can understand the mentality of the city, the Bengalis and non-Bengalis. (Don't base the city on Mother Teresa and ghetto areas. Name a city in the world that does not have its problems.) In this day of political correctness and feelings of anti-colonialism, perhaps, it’s hard to know what to make of the city. However, as the old capital of the Raj, it is part of Kolkata’s history.

Walk along the Maidan, taking in the Victoria Memorial House, and then walk to the Writers Building, the General Post office, the Governor’s House and if possible along the lanes of Park Street. Drop into New Market (an indoor market) and walk to the old China town. The Chinese came from Canton in the early 1800s. Great community and great restaurants. India is truly diverse with complex beauty, history, religion and culture. So keep an open mind on Kolkata.