Top 5 Residential Places to Live in Kolkata K olkata is the capital of West Bengal as well as one of the major metropolitan cities of India. It is also known as 'City of Joy'. The city has been an important cultural centre since the British India period and is also considered the 'Cultural Capital' of India. Along with being the capital of India during the British colonial period, it was also the centre of art, commerce and political activities. It is situated on the banks of the river Hooghly and is famous for its heritage, literature, music, sweets, street food, Durga Puja, tram, metro rail etc.