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Across India, air quality has deteriorated sharply, with many cities—especially in the north—experiencing consistently “unhealthy” to “hazardous” pollution levels. As of November 2025, major urban centres often report AQI values exceeding 200, and some even reaching the 301–500+ range. PM2.5 particles, at concentrations well above WHO guidelines, pose a serious public health risk, contributing to millions of premature deaths. Amid this, a growing number of travellers are turning to hill stations, coastal towns and eco‑tourism destinations, where cleaner air and lower pollution offer a welcome reprieve.
Current AQI: AQI.in reports 40
Why Shillong
Perched at an elevation of 4,990 feet, Shillong in Meghalaya is famed for its crisp, clean air and abundant greenery. Its high altitude, dense forests, and minimal industrialisation create a naturally refreshing atmosphere, often described as the city’s own “air conditioning.” While urban growth has brought slight local warming, the city remains a haven from pollution.
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The region is dotted with natural attractions that highlight its scenic beauty. Umiam Lake offers boating amid lush surroundings, while the Mawphlang Sacred Forest is steeped in ecological and spiritual significance. Elephant Falls and the lesser-known Spread Eagle Falls (Sati Falls) showcase stunning cascades, and Lady Hydari Park provides a serene picnic spot with a picturesque lake. Nearby Mawlynnong village, celebrated as “Asia’s Cleanest Village,” combines impeccable cleanliness with rural charm, making it a must-visit for those seeking nature, culture, and tranquillity in Meghalaya.
Current AQI: AQI.in reports 33
Why Ooty
Ooty, perched at around 2,240 metres in the Nilgiri Hills, is famed for its crisp, fresh mountain air, scented with eucalyptus and pine, offering a refreshing escape from urban life. Often called the "Queen of Hill Stations," it is celebrated for its pristine natural surroundings, crisp mountain air, and rich biodiversity. Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills—literally the "Blue Mountains"—it provides a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts.
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Part of the UNESCO-recognised Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Ooty is a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare plants and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Key attractions include scenic lakes like Ooty Lake, Emerald Lake, Avalanche Lake, and Pykara Lake with its dramatic waterfalls, ideal for boating, birdwatching, and photography. Doddabetta Peak—the highest in the Nilgiris—along with viewpoints like Dolphin’s Nose and Needle Rock, offer breathtaking panoramas of valleys and hills. The Government Botanical and Rose Gardens showcase exotic flora, while nearby Mudumalai National Park provides a glimpse of tigers, elephants, and deer in their natural habitat.
Current AQI: AQI.in reports 68
Why Madurai
Madurai, one of the world’s oldest cities and home to iconic landmarks, boasts immense historical and cultural significance. However, the city faces growing environmental concerns. Air quality is currently rated unhealthy for sensitive groups, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) identified as the primary pollutant.
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Madurai is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. The Meenakshi Amman Temple, an iconic twin temple, is the city’s cultural and religious heart. Other highlights include the 17th-century Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, blending Dravidian and Rajput architecture, and the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which explores Mahatma Gandhi’s connection to the city. Visitors can also explore Koodal Azhagar Temple and Pazhamudhir Solai, both significant religious sites, or enjoy panoramic views and ancient rock carvings at Samanar Hills. For a mix of nature and tradition, the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam tank offers a serene escape.
Current AQI: AQI.in reports 30
Why Gangtok
Gangtok, set against the Himalayan backdrop with views of Mount Kanchenjunga, offers glacial lakes like Tsomgo, waterfalls such as Ban Jhakri Falls, hot springs, and wildlife sanctuaries. The city is known for its relatively clean air, thanks to a focus on eco-tourism, though air quality can fluctuate with PM2.5 and PM10 levels.
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Gangtok is a haven for nature lovers, offering glacial lakes, waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints, and rich biodiversity. Lake Tsomgo, perched at 12,400 feet, dazzles with snow-capped surroundings, while Tashi Viewpoint provides sweeping vistas of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. Ban Jhakri Falls, set amid lush greenery, offers a tranquil escape, and the Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to rare wildlife such as red pandas and snow leopards. Visitors can also explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, soak in therapeutic hot springs, or enjoy adventure activities like white-water rafting on the Teesta River. Together, these natural attractions make Gangtok a perfect blend of scenic beauty, wildlife, and outdoor adventure.
Current AQI: AQI.in reports 95
Why Udupi
Nestled along the coast, Udupi recorded a good air quality index (AQI) in November 2025. The region is rich in natural beauty, with pristine beaches, scenic waterfalls, and a unique landscape where rivers meet the sea. Key attractions include the tranquil Malpe Beach, the picturesque Padukere Beach, and stunning waterfalls such as Kudlu Theertha Falls.
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The region is dotted with serene beaches such as Malpe, Kaup, and Padubidri, where golden sands meet swaying palms and clear waters, offering opportunities for relaxation as well as water sports like surfing, jet-skiing, and scuba diving. Nature enthusiasts can explore the unique basaltic rock formations of St. Mary’s Islands or trek to Koodlu Theertha Falls, a scenic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The coastal rivers, backwaters, and verdant surroundings provide a tranquil escape from urban life. While Udupi’s religious sites like the Shri Krishna Matha, Anegudde Vinayaka Temple, and Shri Brahmi Durgaparameshwari Temple draw spiritual seekers, its beaches, waterfalls, and islands make it a perfect destination for travellers seeking a blend of nature, adventure, and serenity.
How polluted is India?
India is among the world’s most polluted countries, ranked fifth globally in 2024. Many cities, especially in the north, experience consistently “unhealthy” to “hazardous” air quality levels.
What pollutants are most concerning?
PM2.5 particles are the main concern. All of India’s 1.4 billion people are exposed to concentrations above the WHO annual guideline, affecting respiratory and cardiovascular health.
How bad is the air in major cities?
As of November 2025, major cities often report an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 200, with northern cities frequently falling into the “severe” or “hazardous” categories (AQI 301–500+).
What are the health impacts of air pollution in India?
Air pollution is the country’s leading risk factor for death, contributing to over 1.6 million deaths in 2019 from strokes, diabetes, lung cancer, and other health conditions.
Why is air pollution such a serious issue in India?
It is both a public health and economic challenge, affecting millions of lives, increasing healthcare costs, and reducing overall quality of life due to chronic exposure to toxic air.
