Machilipatnam, India

Capital City

With a population of just 179,353, Machilipatnam hardly qualifies as a bustling metropolis. The former trading port's glory days are long gone, and the city now grapples with the bureaucratic headaches common to many Indian municipalities. Monsoon-fueled flooding and cyclone risks are ever-present, as evidenced by the devastating 1864 and 1977 storms that claimed tens of thousands of lives. Still, the city retains its handloom crafts industry and Shia Muslim cultural heritage, making it a viable option for those seeking a quieter, more traditional Indian experience - provided they can weather the administrative challenges.