Balaghat, India

Capital City

Forget the glamour of India's megacities - Balaghat is a practical, down-to-earth place. With a population of just 84,216, this provincial town in Madhya Pradesh is known for its tile factories, rice mills, and forests. The bureaucracy can be a persistent headache, but the cost of living is low and the Wainganga River flows beside the town. If you're looking to escape the crowds and chaos of the big cities, Balaghat might be the quiet, unassuming refuge you need.