Silvassa, India

Capital City

With a population of just 21,890, Silvassa is a small industrial hub in western India, far from the glitz and glamor of the country's major cities. While the city has seen rapid growth, thanks to tax incentives that have drawn in over 3,500 small and medium-sized businesses, the reality on the ground is one of a persistent bureaucratic headache. The area hosts a transient population of over 200,000 laborers, many hailing from distant states, who come seeking work in Silvassa's factories producing plastic goods and other fast-moving consumer products. For those seeking a quiet, affordable base to tap into India's manufacturing boom, Silvassa may be worth a look, but the city's remote location and heavy industry presence make it a poor choice for those in search of an authentic Indian experience.