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10 most weird Indian city names that sound too strange to be real

TOI Lifestyle Desk
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Oct 14, 2025, 09:42 IST
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1/11

10 most weird Indian city names that sound too strange to be real

India is a diverse country full of surprises, and its place names are no different. Some towns and villages have names that are so funny, strange, or unusual that they can make you laugh, blush, or even wonder how they got those names! These quirky names come from different languages, histories, or sometimes just funny coincidences.

For travellers and curious readers, exploring these weird and wonderful place names is a fun way to see another side of India’s rich culture. Be it the names that sound silly or those that seem unbelievable, each one tells a little story about the people and the history behind it. Discovering them adds a playful and memorable twist to any journey across India.


Here are some Indian towns and cities with bizarrely funny names

2/11

Bhabua, Bihar

Located in Bihar’s Kaimur district, Bhabua shares its name with a popular term to express love and adoration used for children in Bihari language. This unusual name raises eyebrows, but it’s an established city with its own unique identity.

3/11

Lolpur, Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya district, Lolpur is a village whose name invites smiles. “Lol” is a modern slang for laughter, known as ‘Laugh Out Loud’ making this place sound like a perfect destination for lighthearted fun.

4/11

Forbesganj, Bihar

Lying in Bihar, Forbesganj humorously echoes the prestigious Forbes list. While it may not feature on billionaire rankings, its name sparks a playful association that city residents often enjoy.

5/11

Pimple Saudagar, Maharashtra

This locality in Pune, Maharashtra, has a name that might make women hesitant to visit due to the word “Pimple.” It shows how local names sometimes sound amusing or awkward when taken at face value.

6/11

Kutta, Karnataka

Near Coorg in Karnataka, Kutta sounds like a common Hindi expletive but, in reality, it is actually a serene village. Locals likely find it amusing how the name can be misunderstood by outsiders.

7/11

Panauti, Uttar Pradesh

Situated in Uttar Pradesh, Panauti’s name can suggest misfortune in Hindi. Despite this, it is a peaceful settlement with no connection to bad luck beyond its name.

8/11

Achanakmar, Chattisgarh

Located in Chhattisgarh, Achanakmar translates to “sudden attack,” a name that can spook visitors. However, the area is known for its beautiful forest reserve and tiger sanctuary, offering more peace than peril.

9/11

Kala Bakra, Punjab

Kala Bakra, a village in Punjab, translates literally to “black goat.” This interesting name sparks curiosity about its origins, possibly reflecting the region’s deep connection with rural life and animals. The name is a unique example of how local culture and environment influence place names in India.

10/11

Gadha, Gujrat

Located in Gujarat, Gadha literally means donkey, often used as a humorous insult. It’s an example of how everyday words find their way into place names with ironic twists.

11/11

Bhainsa, Telangana

Bhainsa, a town in Telangana, takes its name from the Hindi word bhains, meaning buffalo, located near a lake, in Nirmal district. It is the headquarters of Bhainsa mandal and Bhainsa revenue division. It is bordered with Bhokar taluk, Nanded district, Maharashtra State on west and Nizamabad district on South.

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Copyright © May 27, 2026, 08.51PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service