Kurnool, India

Capital City

With a population of just 269,122, Kurnool is hardly the bustling metropolitan you may have envisioned. The city's identity as the "Gateway to Rayalaseema" belies its sleepy, provincial atmosphere. While the area has been inhabited for thousands of years, modern Kurnool was only founded in the 16th century.

The climate is brutally hot, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to a scorching 45°C in the summer. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as Kurnool serves as the district headquarters and houses various state-level government institutions. Navigating the local administration is not for the faint of heart.

Overall, Kurnool offers little to entice the average expat. This is a city best suited for those seeking a quiet, slow-paced life in southern India, away from the crowds and chaos of the megacities.