Note: A trip to the hills can offer a welcome change from the haze, traffic, and polluted air of a busy city. But while a few days amid greener surroundings may give you a breather, travelling cannot be a permanent solution to the problem of air pollution. Hill towns, too, experience changing air quality, and their clean-air promise should never be taken for granted. If you are planning a getaway, however, these five hill stations are worth considering. Just remember to check their latest AQI before you set off.
As winter approaches, the skies above several cities begin to look different. A familiar haze settles over buildings, traffic moves beneath a blanket of smog, and stepping outdoors becomes uncomfortable. For people living in crowded urban centres, even a morning walk can mean spending time in polluted air.
It is little surprise that the hills begin to look inviting at this time of the year. With forest trails, open landscapes, and fewer vehicles than in major cities, mountain towns offer a different environment. But does travelling to the hills actually mean breathing cleaner air?
Not necessarily. Tourism, road construction, traffic, and seasonal weather conditions can affect air quality even in smaller hill towns. Looking at local AQI readings, rather than assuming that every green destination has clean air, can help travellers make a more informed choice.
Here are five hill destinations to consider, along with their latest available air quality readings.
1. Landour, Uttarakhand
For Delhi residents looking for a mountain escape, Landour offers a suitable alternative to the crowded streets of Mussoorie. Situated above the popular hill station, this small cantonment town is surrounded by oak and deodar forests, with walking trails and old colonial-era buildings.
For Delhi residents looking for a mountain escape, Landour offers a suitable alternative to the crowded streets of Mussoorie. Photograph: (Hire A Camp)
Visitors can explore the Circular Road, stop at Char Dukan for a cup of tea, or walk towards Lal Tibba, one of the area’s best-known viewpoints. Its slower pace and forested surroundings make it appealing to travellers who prefer a peaceful break over a packed sightseeing itinerary.
AccuWeather’s latest dated reading available for Landour was 85 on 6 November 2026, classified as Poor on its air quality scale.
2. Gangtok, Sikkim
For those willing to travel further from Kolkata, Gangtok offers a Himalayan alternative. Located at approximately 1,650 metres, the Sikkimese capital combines mountain views with monasteries, local markets, and natural surroundings.
For those willing to travel further from Kolkata, Gangtok offers a Himalayan alternative. Photograph: (Travel India)
Visitors can explore Rumtek Monastery, walk along MG Marg or take a trip to Tsomgo Lake. The surrounding mountain landscape also offers opportunities to experience Sikkim’s local culture and food.
On 6 November 2026, Gangtok recorded an AQI of 33, classified as Good under India’s AQI scale. The reading came from the Zero Point GICI monitoring station under the Sikkim State Pollution Control Board.
3. Madikeri, Karnataka
Bengaluru residents looking for a change of environment can head to Madikeri in Kodagu, a region known for its coffee plantations, forest patches, and waterfalls.
Visitors can explore Abbey Falls, located around eight kilometres from Madikeri, or head to Raja’s Seat for views of the surrounding valleys. Coffee estate stays also offer an opportunity to walk through plantations and learn about how coffee is grown.
Bengaluru residents looking for a change of environment can head to Madikeri in Kodagu. Photograph: (INIKA Resorts)
On 6 November 2026, Madikeri recorded an AQI of 22, classified as Good. The reading came from the Stuart Hill monitoring station operated by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. The station recorded a 24-hour AQI range of 3-28.
4. Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka
Known for its coffee-growing landscape, Chikkamagaluru offers another mountain escape for people looking to spend time away from Bengaluru’s busy roads.
One of its highlights is Mullayanagiri, Karnataka’s highest peak. Visitors can also explore Kemmangundi, which is surrounded by forests, mountain streams, and gardens. The surrounding coffee estates provide another way to experience the region.
Chikkamagaluru offers another mountain escape for people looking to spend time away from Bengaluru’s busy roads. Photograph: (Cozycozy)
On 6 November 2026, Chikkamagaluru recorded an AQI of 38, placing it in the Good category. The reading came from the Kalyana Nagara monitoring station.
5. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Coonoor, in the Nilgiri Hills, is a peaceful alternative to Ooty for travellers who want to experience the mountains without spending their entire holiday in a busy tourist centre.
The hill town is known for its tea-covered slopes and scenic railway journey. Visitors can explore Sim’s Park, walk through tea estates or visit viewpoints such as Lamb’s Rock and Dolphin’s Nose.
Coonoor, in the Nilgiri Hills, is a peaceful alternative to Ooty for travellers. Photograph: (Nilgiris Explorers)
On 6 November 2026, AccuWeather reported an AQI of 11 for Coonoor, placing it in the Excellent category on its own scale.
Can the hills really offer cleaner air?
Travelling to the hills can mean spending less time around congested roads and dense urban development, but a lower AQI is never guaranteed. Weather conditions, tourist traffic, construction, and local pollution sources can change readings from one day to another.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 falls in the Good category, while 51 to 100 is considered Satisfactory.
It is also important to check which AQI scale a platform uses. India’s CPCB index and international indices can have different categories and breakpoints, so their numbers cannot always be compared directly.
Before planning a trip, check the latest readings and identify the monitoring station or data source behind them. Choosing accommodation away from busy roads and exploring quieter parts of a destination can also help.
The hills cannot promise pollution-free air. But checking the numbers before travelling can help you make a more informed choice about where to spend your next break.
