Cuttack, India

Capital City

A population of 606,007 makes Cuttack the second-largest city in Odisha, but the reality is a bureaucratic headache and a climate that runs hot and humid. While the city's history and culture are undeniably rich, the maze of streets, lanes, and markets can be a persistent challenge to navigate. And with the region prone to cyclones from the Bay of Bengal, it's not for the faint of heart. This city is best suited for those seeking an immersive experience of small-town India, warts and all.