Puthia, Bangladesh

With a population of 159,406, Puthia is a sleepy corner of Bangladesh far from the bustle of Dhaka. The once-grand Rajbari palace is now a crumbling shell, its ornate terracotta decorations either stolen or decaying due to neglect. Locals and experts alike are disappointed by the lack of preservation efforts from the government's archaeology department, which has failed to even erect a boundary wall around the historic temples. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the high salinity of the local climate poses an ongoing threat to the remaining architectural treasures. Unless you're a die-hard heritage buff willing to battle red tape, Puthia likely isn't the overseas destination for you.