Bijapur, India

Capital City

With a population of 327,427, Bijapur is a bustling historical city in Karnataka, but don't expect an easy ride. The climate is brutally hot, with temperatures reaching up to 42°C in the summer. And bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city grapples with managing its rich heritage. Still, Bijapur's magnificent Chalukya-era monuments and Adil Shahi-era architecture make it a compelling destination for history buffs undeterred by the challenges of life in this ancient urban center.