One of the most metropolitan cities in the world, one of the most striking things you’ll find when you move to Kolkata is the friendliness of its people. The city prides itself on its diversity of languages, religion and culture and once you get used to the hustle and bustle you’ll also appreciate some of the beautiful architecture. Generally speaking, the people here are not easily offended, but you’re advised to use your common sense and respect any cultural differences as well as holy sites and rituals. Kolkata has many festivals throughout the year, which you’ll be encouraged to join. On the bank of the Kooghly River sprawls the famed city of Kolkata (Calcutta). The "City of Joy," immortalized by India’s most widely celebrated poet, Tagore, the humanitarian Mother Theresa and the mercantilist British East India Company, is at long last emerging from an extended period of economic stagnation. These days, the city is India’s third largest in terms of GDP, and is the main commercial and financial hub of East and northeast India, owing largely to its strategic port location and a burgeoning IT sector. As a trading hub, shopping in this city is always an exciting experience, whether you lose yourself in the bustling Burrabazar or the upscale Newmarket Mall. Local Bengali cuisine is exquisite and Kolkata’s restaurants are famed for their dazzling décor. With no curfew, after-dinner digestifs are readily available as this city grooves late into the night. With a population of just over 15 million people, the city’s population density often feels more oppressive than it otherwise might, owing to the languid, tropical climate. In summer months, temperatures scale up to 40 degrees Celsius, with very high humidity. Being a former Communist bastion, the city regularly grinds to a standstill as workers take to the streets. During this time, public transport all but shuts down and shops remain closed. Despite its recent economic growth, poverty persists in Kolkata on a notable scale. While being a relatively safe city, do be aware that numerous scams are at work (particularly sped-up taxi meters), so you need to keep your wits about you at all times.