Gaya, India

Capital City

At 470,839 residents, Gaya is the second-largest city in Bihar - a fact that belies its quaint, religious appeal. While the city's Hindu and Buddhist sites draw legions of pilgrims, the bureaucracy required to manage such crowds can be a persistent headache. And with a humid subtropical climate, the weather remains seasonably hot and rainy throughout the year. Gaya is best suited for devout spiritual seekers willing to navigate occasional red tape and muggy conditions.