Fatehpur, India

Capital City

Tucked between the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, Fatehpur may seem like an idyllic Indian city, but the reality on the ground is far more complex. With a population of just 193,193 as of the 2011 census, this Uttar Pradesh outpost has a literacy rate of 76.5% - not exactly a shining example of educational attainment. And for those looking to escape the big-city grind, the bureaucracy in Fatehpur is a persistent headache, with the city's status shifting between Jaunpur, Delhi and Kannauj over the centuries.

Still, Fatehpur has its historical charms. The area has been settled since the Vedic era, and various archaeological artifacts from the Maurya, Kushan and Gupta periods have been uncovered. And for the hardy traveler, the city's proximity to major hubs like Prayagraj (117 km away) and Kanpur (76 km) provides convenient access to transportation, with the Fatehpur railway station sitting on the Howrah-Delhi main line.

In the end, Fatehpur is a city best suited for those drawn to India's rich history and willing to navigate its bureaucratic tangles. The average tourist may find the city a bit too sleepy and removed from the action.