Bhuj, India

Capital City

Bhuj is not for the faint of heart. With a population of just over 213,000, this district capital in Gujarat must contend with some of the most erratic weather on the planet - rainfall can vary from less than 10 millimeters per year to over 1,300, often within the span of a single monsoon season. The city's infrastructure has been repeatedly tested by devastating earthquakes, including one in 2001 that leveled thousands of buildings. And the local bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the 51 cannons that once bristled from the crumbling fort walls. Still, Bhuj remains a fascinating cultural hub, home to historic crafts like bandhni tie-dye and Rogan painting. For the intrepid traveler willing to brave the elements, Bhuj offers a window into India's vibrant past.