Darjeeling, India

Capital City

The population of 118,805 makes Darjeeling feel crowded and chaotic, with unregulated construction and water shortages a persistent headache. While the tea industry and tourism drive the local economy, the city's colonial legacy has left deep social divides, and the indigenous Nepali-speaking population remains marginalized. Extensive deforestation has also damaged the environment, affecting the perennial springs that supply the town's water. Overall, Darjeeling's combination of natural beauty, bustling streets, and lingering inequities make it a challenging prospect for all but the most adventurous expats.