Puri, India

Capital City

With a population of just over 200,000, Puri is beholden to its most famous attraction - the Jagannath Temple, which dominates the economy and civic life. While the city draws millions of pilgrims annually for grand festivals like the Ratha Yatra, the persistent demands of catering to this influx can be a bureaucratic headache. And with a tropical climate featuring high humidity and temperatures reaching up to 97°F, Puri may not be for the faint of heart. Overall, this temple town is best suited for devout Hindus seeking a spiritual pilgrimage, not those seeking an easy, carefree coastal getaway.