Jalandhar, India

Capital City

With a population of over 873,725, Jalandhar is hardly the quaint, peaceful enclave you may have imagined. This bustling industrial hub in Punjab is a grind, with a heavy bureaucratic burden and extreme weather to boot. The sports and leather industries employ over 130,000 people, but the city's crowded streets and high pollution levels are a persistent headache. While Jalandhar's connectivity via rail and road is excellent, the harsh reality is that this city is better suited for the gritty, resilient types than those seeking a relaxed, scenic Indian experience.