Kolkata, despite its British colonial history, has maintained a distinct and vibrant identity. The city offers a rich blend of architecture, bustling markets, and a diverse cuisine. Start your exploration of Kolkata with a visit to the Museum of India, the largest in the country, which offers insights into the region's culture, customs, and traditions. Kolkata is a hub for art, science, and literature, with many Indian writers having lived and worked here. If you're fortunate, you may even catch the Kolkata Book Fair, one of the world's largest. The city hosts concerts, though theater performances are typically in the local language. Several movie theaters also screen films in English. Once you've immersed yourself in the cultural offerings, don't miss the chance to dine at one of the colorful local restaurants. Indian cuisine is renowned for its use of spices, so be prepared for flavorful dishes. You'll find a variety of options, including poultry, fish, rice dishes, and desserts like sweet yogurt (mishti dohi). Street food delights like fried eggplant slices (beguni), meat or vegetable rolls (kathi), and pancakes with sauce (phuchka) are also readily available.