Aurangabad, India

Capital City

With a population of 1,175,116, Aurangabad is the fifth-largest urban area in Maharashtra - but it's no tourist paradise. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city was once the capital of the Mughal Deccan and retains a heavy administrative burden. And the climate is hardly idyllic, with scorching summers reaching up to 46°C and winters occasionally dipping below freezing. Still, the city's historic charm and cultural heritage make it an appealing option for those drawn to India's storied past.