Nizamabad (Bodhan), India

With a population of just 71,520, Nizamabad (Bodhan) is a sleepy town in northern Telangana that's far from the glitz of India's megacities. While it boasts some ancient history and religious sites, the pace of life here is decidedly slow. Bureaucracy can be a persistent headache, and the literacy rate of 66% lags behind the national average. On the upside, Nizamabad serves as a regional commercial hub, and the construction of Asia's second-largest sugar factory has provided jobs and economic growth in recent decades. Overall, this is a place best suited for those seeking a quieter, more traditional Indian experience, rather than the bright lights and comforts of urban centers.