Travel to India: the metropolis of Calcutta

Getting to Calcutta means coming across a metropolis (17 million inhabitants, including the suburbs!) which has remained as India dated back 30/40 years ago.Thousands of yellow old ambassador cars (like Italian old Fiat 1100) used as taxi, the shops on the sidewalks that sell everything and cook food filling the air with spices and fumes, the chaotic traffic, the perennial noise of the horns, but also markets, richness of colours, the many British-style cricket clubs.

It is a city that deserves one or two days of visit and can be considered as a stopover to continue towards other destinations such as the north-east of India, the Andamans, or Bhutan.Definitely not to be missed: the flower market which takes place in the morning in an area adjacent to the Hooghly river; the ablutions in the river performed daily by the locals; the terra cotta district where craftsmen create objects with the clay, especially figures of gods, which are cooked in the sun.

This city was the first capital of the British Empire but has also been disputed by various nations. The sign of these many influences is found imprinted in Portuguese Catholic churches, in the synagogue as well as in Hindu temples, jain, and in English colonial palaces. Also interesting is the House Museum of the Nobel Prize winning writer and poet Rabrindanth Tagore, where many of his writings, paintings and photos depicting him with famous personalities from around the world are kept.

The Mausoleum dedicated to Queen Victoria remains however the main landmark of the city. Suggested experiences are the short cruises on the Hoogli river and above all a brunch at the "Bomti's", the home of an art dealer that stands out for its beautiful decor, where you can eat local food that is explained by the landlord.

For overnight stay I highly recommend: The Oberoi Grand, 5-star heritage hotel, central location near  markets and restaurants, with different room types and a nice pool; Glemburn Penthouse, on the 7th and 8th floor of a building in the central area overlooking the park and Victoria Memorial, 8 very large suites, each one different from the others with very smart and elegant furnishings, the common area is in heritage style, very appreciated is the rooftop infinity pool.

Calcutta is also an ideal starting point for exploring the Darjeeling district, or alternatively Sikkim with Buddhist monasteries, trekking to Khangchendzonga (one of the Himalayans peaks at 8.000 m). Bhutan and Nepal can also be reached overland.