Mumbai: For decades, the national capital, New Delhi, has suffered from the worst air pollution in India and it becomes the worst in winter. Its air quality at present has been classified in the ‘very poor’ category with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 363. With its exacerbating air pollution, it’s time you breathe fresh air and celebrate Diwali vacations in the cities with the best AQI index.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is used to detect air quality and give information about the health effects of air pollution based on these. Lesser the AQI, more better it is as it indicates better air quality and lower health issues. The more the AQI, the more polluted the air.
Though you can’t change your city of residence, what’s better than to get some time and spend it in the hills, forests or places with better AQI?
So, leave behind the pollution and embrace a clean, peaceful Diwali celebration this year at these scenic and serene places offering tranquil bliss.
5 Serene destinations for a breathable Diwali, far from Delhi’s pollution
Experience a breathable Diwali at these 5 serene destinations, offering fresh air and peace far from Delhi’s pollution.
1. Aizawl
The capital city of Mizoram is a beautiful place with pleasant weather. Its AQI index remains good, mostly between 20-30. The most popular attractions here include Durtlang Hills offering viewpoints offering panoramic views of the capital city. Visit Reiek Tlang one of the highest hills of Mizoram, Vantawng Falls, Solomon Temple and many other scenic tourist attractions here.
2. Gangtok
The capital city of Sikkim gives you a mesmerising view of Mt Kanchenjunga. The AQI index here remains good and mostly between 20-30. Natural attractions here include Tsomgo Lake, Ban Jhakri Falls, Tashi Viewpoint, Enchey Monastery, Ganesh Tok, Do Drul Chorten Rumtek Monastery and so on. You can enjoy white water rafting in River Teesta here.
3. Chikkamagaluru
Another place with breathable air is Chikkamagaluru in Karnataka with wonderful trekking trails and coffee plantations. You must visit Manikyadhara, a gorgeous waterfall in the Bababudangiri hills of Chikkamagaluru. You can also visit the Coffee Museum to learn about the history and processing of coffee. It boasts various temples and adventure activities, a wildlife sanctuary and a national park.
4. Thiruvananthapuram
The capital city of Kerala, the southern tip of God’s Own Country, Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum inhabits various picturesque places along with temples. The city with good AQI has numerous places to visit including Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kovalam Beach, Shankumugham Beach, Veli Tourist Village, etc.
5. Pondicherry
The AQI index here remains good throughout the year between 20-30. The best places to visit in Pondicherry or Puducherry are French Quarter, Promenade Beach, Auroville, Paradise Beach, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple and Pondicherry Museum.
So, now that we have curated the best places that you can visit during your Diwali vacations with great spectacular locations, lovely climates and fresh air with good AQI indexes, don’t wait, pack your bags and breathe, breathe and breathe- Good air.
