The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Kolkata (Calcutta), India

I stood nervously while the immigration officer at Kolkata Airport went through my passport and e-Visa. Even though my papers were in order, I always get jittery at immigrations so the few seconds he spent perusing my papers felt like an eternity.

“First time in India?” he finally asked, looking up at me. I answered yes.

“Here in Kolkata?” he added with what looked like a wry smile. It sounded less like a question and more like a loaded statement. It was my first time in India so yes, it was my first time in Kolkata as well.

He gave a slight shake of the head and flashed that same smile before handing me back my passport. “Ok then, have a good trip.” he said and sent me through.

I didn’t know what to make of that exchange at the time but after my trip, I think I understood.

Kolkata,…