Virudhunagar, India

Capital City

Virudhunagar is a marketing and service hub, but don't expect a tropical paradise. The city's population of 72,296 is largely employed in the service sector, while industry and agriculture make up just 12% of the workforce. The hot, semi-arid climate and lack of major geological formations provide little relief from the region's oppressive heat. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the municipality overseeing everything from roads to waste management. For those unfazed by the challenges, Virudhunagar offers a central location and easy access to nearby cities, but it's hardly an oasis.