Gorakhpur, India

Capital City

Gorakhpur's population of 673,446 belies the challenges that await newcomers. The steamy tropical climate brings extreme summer heat, with temperatures soaring past 49°C. Floods are an annual scourge, displacing 20% of the population. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the municipal corporation and various development authorities overseeing the city's governance. However, Gorakhpur's location along the Rapti River and lush greenery provide pockets of respite. This city is best suited for those who can withstand the climate and administrative hurdles, and find solace in the region's natural beauty.