As the rains shut shop for the year, India’s air quality is once again taking a turn for the worse. Delhi’s AQI has plunged to around 173 (considered ‘unhealthy’), Mumbai’s continues to waver between ‘poor’ and ‘unhealthy’ categories. With Diwali right around the corner, pollution levels in Indian metros are only expected to plummet further and it might be a good time to consider heading for the hills. According to real-time data from IQAir, a Swiss air-quality monitoring company, these 5 hill stations currently boast some of the cleanest air in the country.
What is good AQI?
The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500 and an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered to be good, while 51 to 100 is considered satisfactory. Such AQI has minimal impact on your health and you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about dust or pollution.
Good
Shillong (Current AQI: 30)
Go for: Boat rides at Umiam Lake, panoramic views from Shillong Peak, picnics by Ward’s Lake and trekking 15km along the David Scott Trail through the East Khasi Hills.
Leh (Current AQI: 43)
Go for: A visit to Pangong Lake, walking around Leh Market and a scenic drive up to Khardung La Pass.
Gangtok (Current AQI: 55)
Go for: Cable car rides with Himalayan views, river rafting on the Teesta, visits to local monasteries and a day trip to Nathu La Pass.
Satisfactory
Chikmagalur (Current AQI: 55)
Go for: Riverside camping at Sakleshpur, tours of the coffee estates, colonial-era plantation bungalows and the many waterfalls in the region
Munnar (Current AQI: 63)
Go for: Touring the Tea Museum, daily performances of Kathakali and Kalaripayattu at Punarjani Traditional Village, boating on Kundala Lake, visiting Attukal Waterfalls and a safari through Eravikulam National Park after the monsoon.
AQI is subject to change. Readers are advised to check IQAir for updated information.
English