Kolkata, founded in 1690 on the banks of the Hooghly River, nicknamed the City of Joy, functions with its own rhythms and beats different from the other major cities of India. It occupies a charmingly distinctive place in the story of the heritage, history, art and culture of India. Calcutta as it was known earlier was the first capital of the country under British rule. Today the capital of the state of West Bengal showcases its British colonial architecture alongside modern high rises and swanky shopping malls, its people creating an effortless balance between traditions old and new. Visiting the city in any season, whether for a day or two or ten, these are some of the must dos to partake in the culture of the city like a local.