Delhi’s AQI climbed from 117 on October 31 to 261 on November 1 and 324 on November 2, and Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been invoked across the NCR. If the holiday week has you
eyeing a getaway from the haze, a change of scenery might be just what you need. Think forest canopies, open water, coffee plantations and mountain air. From the wilderness of central India to the Himalayan foothills, these eight destinations offer a chance to slow down, spend more time outdoors and enjoy a different kind of holiday.
Kanha, Madhya Pradesh: Into The Heart Of The Sal Forest
There is something wonderfully restorative about being surrounded by a dense forest, waking up to birdsong and watching the landscape come alive at first light. Kanha, with its expansive sal forests, open meadows and rich wildlife, offers just that. It is also the landscape that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, making it particularly special for wildlife enthusiasts. Beyond its famous tiger population, the national park is also known for its barasingha, or swamp deer.
Where to stay: Outpost 12
Located in Kanha’s buffer zone, Outpost 12 is a 10-acre luxury bio-lodge that draws inspiration from the region’s tribal animist culture. Its beautifully designed ranger cottages, open-air bathtubs and hyperlocal, seasonal menus featuring wild-foraged ingredients make it an appealing base for a forest holiday. Activities extend beyond safaris, with opportunities to learn about the local tribes and the region’s original inhabitants.
Air quality: Dense forest, wide meadows and relatively little traffic make for a very different environment from a busy city. Actual air quality can vary with weather, local activity and season.
Getting there: Fly from Delhi to Jabalpur, then drive approximately 3.5 hours to the lodge. Outpost 12 is among the properties closest to Khatia Gate, making safari excursions convenient.
Best for: Wildlife lovers, first-time tiger spotters and anyone keen to see the barasingha in its natural habitat.
Bhitarkanika, Odisha: A Floating Escape Through The Mangroves
For a holiday that trades city traffic for winding waterways, Bhitarkanika is a fascinating choice. One of India’s most remarkable mangrove ecosystems, this coastal wilderness is home to saltwater crocodiles, kingfishers and an extraordinary variety of resident and migratory birds. The landscape is best explored from the water, where dense mangrove forests, quiet creeks and wide river stretches create an entirely different rhythm of travel.
Where to stay: Antara Catamarans
Antara Catamarans offers a private floating retreat in the mangrove-fringed rivers of Bhitarkanika. Each of its four catamarans features two elegant cabins with ensuite bathrooms, a lounge and a wooden sundeck for taking in the views or watching the night sky. The cuisine ranges from hyperlocal dishes to international favourites, tailored to guests.
During the day, guests can head out on smaller boats with a naturalist to spot crocodiles and birds, or explore the mangrove forests on foot. It is an immersive way to experience the region’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Air quality: Open waterways, coastal breezes and extensive mangrove cover create a refreshing natural setting, although local conditions can vary.
Getting there: Fly from Delhi to Bhubaneswar, then drive approximately three hours to the boarding area. The Antara team can arrange airport transfers.
Best for: Birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts and travellers looking for a genuinely quiet, offbeat escape.
Coorg, Karnataka: Coffee Plantations, Waterfalls And Rainforest Trails
Coorg has long been a favourite for travellers looking to trade city noise for mist-covered hills and lush greenery. Its coffee estates, forested slopes, hidden streams and waterfalls make it particularly inviting for a slow holiday. The region’s Kodava culture and distinctive home-style cuisine add another layer to the experience, while the surrounding Western Ghats offer plenty of opportunities for walking, hiking and simply taking in the views.
Where to stay: Karthakaad Mane
An intimate eight-key property set on a working coffee estate at the edge of the Brahmagiri forest, Karthakaad Mane offers a chance to experience Coorg at a gentler pace. Guests can savour Kodava home cooking, walk through Robusta plantations past hidden streams and waterfalls, or sign up for a guided sunrise hike to the estate’s highest point for sweeping views of the rainforest-clad hills. After dark, the open skies make stargazing an appealing way to end the day.
Air quality: Coffee plantations, rainforest and misty hills offer a welcome contrast to urban surroundings. Air quality, of course, depends on local weather and seasonal conditions.
Getting there: Fly to Mysuru or Kannur, followed by a drive of approximately three to four hours.
Best for: Couples, families, nature lovers and digital detoxers.
Fort Kochi, Kerala: Sea Breezes And Heritage-Lined Streets
Fort Kochi is best explored on foot. This atmospheric coastal neighbourhood brings together Portuguese, Dutch and British influences, with colonial-era buildings, art cafés, spice-scented streets and a lively waterfront. The Chinese fishing nets are among its most recognisable sights, while Mattancherry, Jew Town and St Francis Church offer plenty to explore. There is also a thriving cultural scene, with galleries, performances and independent boutiques adding to its charm.
Where to stay: Eight Bastion
Eight Bastion is a heritage stay in the heart of Fort Kochi’s old quarter, making it a convenient base for exploring the neighbourhood. Step outside and you are minutes from the Chinese fishing nets, the lanes of Mattancherry and Jew Town, St Francis Church and the area’s art cafés and galleries. Evenings are best spent strolling along the waterfront, watching fishing boats come in as the harbour light fades, or catching a Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performance nearby.
Air quality: The coastal setting brings in sea breezes, while the walkable neighbourhood makes it easy to explore without relying on a car for every outing. This does not necessarily mean consistently low AQI.
Getting there: Fly to Kochi International Airport. The property is approximately a 45-minute drive away.
Best for: Culture-seekers, history buffs, art lovers and travellers planning a short break.
Kerala Backwaters: A Slow Journey Through Palm-Lined Waterways
The Kerala backwaters are an invitation to slow down. A network of lakes, lagoons, canals and rivers winds through coconut groves, paddy fields and small villages, offering a glimpse of everyday life along the water. The experience is less about ticking off attractions and more about watching the scenery unfold: egrets taking flight, kingfishers darting across the water and village life carrying on along the banks.
Where to stay: Spice Coast Cruises
Spice Coast Cruises offers the opportunity to explore the backwaters aboard a traditional Kerala houseboat. Expect a private deck, cabins with local design touches and a crew that prepares fresh Kerala meals on board, including seafood. Days move at the pace of the water, with opportunities to watch birds from the deck, stop at local villages for walks and storytelling, and cycle through the surrounding paddy fields.
Air quality: Lakes, lagoons, coconut groves and open waterways make for a breezy setting, although air quality varies across the region and with local conditions.
Getting there: Fly to Kochi, then drive approximately 1.5 to two hours to the boarding point, depending on the cruise’s departure location.
Best for: Honeymooners, couples and small families looking for an intimate holiday away from busy itineraries.
Thekkady, Kerala: Spice Trails And The Wild Side Of The Western Ghats
Thekkady is a destination for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Set in the Western Ghats, the region is known for its spice plantations, forest trails and proximity to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Cardamom, pepper and other spices grow across the surrounding hills, lending the landscape a distinctive aroma. There are guided nature walks, birdwatching opportunities and boat rides on Periyar Lake, making it an excellent choice for travellers who want a holiday with a little adventure.
Where to stay: Spice Village
An award-winning resort in the Periyar forest belt, Spice Village offers cottages inspired by traditional local architecture and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Guests can sign up for plantation walks, spice trails and birding excursions, or take a property tour with the resident naturalist to learn about its sustainability initiatives. Guided night walks in the forest are another memorable experience.
Air quality: The forested hills and spice-growing landscape offer a different atmosphere from city life, with the scent of cardamom and pepper adding to the sensory experience. Conditions are not uniform and can change with the season.
Getting there: The property is approximately a four-hour scenic drive from Kochi or a two-hour drive from Madurai.
Best for: Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and multigenerational families.
Wellawaya, Sri Lanka: Countryside Calm And A Taste Of Village Life
For those willing to travel a little farther, Sri Lanka’s southeastern countryside offers a rewarding change of pace. Around Wellawaya, the landscape opens into paddy fields, farms and rural villages, with national parks such as Yala and Udawalawe within reach for wildlife excursions. It is a side of Sri Lanka that travellers sometimes overlook in favour of the beaches, but one that offers a more immersive experience of the island’s agricultural traditions and everyday life.
Where to stay: Jetwing Kaduruketha
Jetwing Kaduruketha is a luxurious eco-agro retreat near Wellawaya, surrounded by village life and paddy fields. Guests can explore the region’s farms, enjoy a farmer’s curry lunch, learn about heirloom rice varieties and trace parts of the historic Ravana trail. Its location also makes it a convenient base for excursions to Yala and Udawalawe, while the property’s hospitality adds to the experience.
Air quality: Open countryside and agricultural land create a more spacious setting than a city, although local air quality can vary depending on weather, farming activity and other conditions.
Getting there: Fly into Colombo and drive approximately four hours to the property.
Best for: International-getaway seekers, nature lovers, history buffs and wildlife enthusiasts.
Dhulikhel, Nepal: Himalayan Views And A Wellness Reset
Set in the Himalayan foothills, Dhulikhel is known for its sweeping mountain views, terraced hillsides and traditional settlements. It is a destination that lends itself to a slower, more contemplative holiday, with opportunities for hiking, meditation and exploring the region’s spiritual heritage. The nearby Namo Buddha pilgrimage site is particularly significant, while the surrounding countryside offers a beautiful backdrop for a wellness-focused escape.
Where to stay: Dwarika’s Sanctuary
A Himalayan wellness retreat, Dwarika’s Sanctuary blends Vedic traditions with Buddhist medicine. Its all-suite cottages sit on terraced slopes and offer floor-to-ceiling views of the mountains. Wellness programmes include sound healing, chakra meditations, cave experiences, rock salt chambers and daily yoga, with doctors and experts overseeing the programmes. There is also a spa, farm-to-table dining and a hiking route to the Namo Buddha pilgrimage site that begins at the property.
Air quality: The Himalayan foothills, surrounding forests and open countryside offer a refreshing change of landscape. However, mountain air should not automatically be equated with consistently clean air; local AQI and weather conditions are worth checking before travel.
Getting there: The property is approximately 45 minutes by road from Kathmandu airport, depending on traffic.
Best for: Wellness seekers, travellers interested in meditation and spiritual traditions, and anyone planning a proper reset.
A note before you book: These destinations offer greener, more open natural surroundings, but none should be treated as a guaranteed escape from air pollution. AQI can vary by season, weather, local traffic, agricultural activity and other factors. Check current air-quality readings and travel advisories for your destination before setting off.
