Shillong, India

Capital City

With a population of just 143,229, Shillong may seem like a sleepy hill town, but the reality is anything but peaceful. The British legacy lives on in the city's winding roads and temperamental weather - summers are cool and rainy, while winters bring bone-chilling temperatures. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city has struggled to manage its rapid growth since becoming the capital of Meghalaya in 1972. Still, for those seeking respite from India's crowded cities and a taste of colonial-era charm, Shillong could be an appealing option.