With air quality levels slipping into the severe zone across India’s capital and many other cities, breathing has begun to feel like a daily challenge
rather than a given. For urban residents battling irritated eyes, heavy chests, and smog-filled mornings, the idea of a holiday is no longer about luxury but relief. From quiet coastlines to high-altitude hill towns, travellers are seeking destinations that offer cleaner air and a much-needed pause for both the heart and the lungs.
Coorg, Karnataka
Often called the “Scotland of India,” Coorg is surrounded by coffee plantations and waterfalls—a perfect getaway for coffee lovers and those who wish to give their lungs a break. There is no heavy smog and burning eyes to distract you from its scenic beauty. The average rainfall throughout Coorg is between 2,500 and 3,500 millimeters a day, and hence, it will guarantee you a green and happy vacation.Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley is one of the lesser-known vacation places, and hence, you will not have to worry about traffic and pollution. It has ancient Buddhist monasteries and trekking routes that are perfect for those looking to explore new places. It has a relatively better Air Quality Index than other holiday destinations.Munnar, Kerala
Anyone who loves to travel must have heard about Munnar–a town in the Western Ghats mountain range in India’s Kerala state. Due to its vast tea plantations and adequate monsoons, pollution levels are quite low here. Spending even a few days here with your family is guaranteed to rejuvenate your lungs. There is a lot to learn in these tea plantations about how tea leaves are sourced and made; a perfect option for those hungry for knowledge.Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang has a rich and deep culture and offers a very low Air Quality Index. The fresh, chilled air of this place will make you forget the smog of metro cities. Travelling here is a bit more hectic, and permissions and planning are required beforehand, but the scenery and the hospitable people will make it worth it.The rising air pollution spells out a lot of problems in the long term, including asthma, heart attacks, and even cancer. Trips, even small ones, are important to give your heart and lungs a much-needed break from the constant smog. Destinations that offer cleaner air will soon become the staple for travellers and the most-visited places in 2026.
