- By Bornika Das
- Tue, 25 Mar 2025 02:44 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Indian Hill Station With Best AQI: With the arrival of the summer season, travel enthusiasts are planning for a retreat and nothing can be better than the breathtaking hill stations in India. The serene and cool climate of the hill stations in India provides an escape from the heat and pollution of urban city life. People have become mindful of their health and with the increase in pollution in recent times, they are choosing places where the air quality is good enough for fresh breaths. There are certain hill stations in India that provide the best Air Quality Index (AQI) as well as a perfect summer retreat.
What Is AQI?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a system that reports the quality of the air, that is, whether it is clean or polluted. The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500, where an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered to be excellent posing minimal health risk. If you think that all hill stations in India provide cleaner air, then you’re wrong. The cold, dense air can trap pollutants for a longer time. Besides, the lower atmospheric pressure in high altitudes can lead to higher emissions of pollution from vehicles, thus affecting air purity. However, there are certain hill stations that stand apart. If you’re looking for a refreshing summer retreat with pristine air, here’s a list of six breathtaking hill stations in India.
Madikeri Located In Karnataka Is A Perfect Place For Summer Trip (Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
Indian Hill Stations With Cleanest Air
Madikeri, Karnataka (AQI: 33)
Nestled in the heart of Karnataka’s lush green Western Ghats, Madikeri offers a perfect place for a summer trip with breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, coffee plantations and rich history. This picturesque location in Karnataka boasts one of the lowest pollution levels. Having an impressive AQI of 33, the air here is fresh, crisp and well-suited for outdoor activities. Explore places like the 17th-century Madikeri Fort, sunsets from Raja’s Seat and Abbey Falls.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand (AQI: 35)
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is the place that is best for yoga, meditation and spiritual retreats. The clean air quality of AQI 35 makes it an ideal place to breathe fresh and rejuvenate. During your summer trip, you can practice yoga by the holy Ganges, explore ashrams or experience adventurous white-water rafting.
Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir (AQI: 53)
Pahalgam is that dreamland that you wish to visit once in a lifetime. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, pine forests, and the streaming Lidder River, this Kashmiri hill station offers clean air for fresh breaths. The lack of industrial pollution and minimal vehicular interference keep the AQI at 53. Whether you love trekking, fishing or simply staring at the huge landscape, you’ll feel refreshed every minute.
Coonoor, Tamil Nadu (AQI: 59)
While Ooty gets all the attention, people hardly know about Coonoor where they’ll find fresher air and fewer crowds. Located in the Nilgiris, this little town is all about tea gardens, colonial bungalows and an AQI of 59. The mild climate and lush greens make it an excellent place to unwind the senses.
Shillong In Meghalaya Provides A Breathtaking View (Image Credits: Canva)
Munnar, Kerala (AQI: 60)
Nothing can be better than green hills, misty mornings, endless tea plantations and most importantly clean air. Wondering where can you get all of these? It is in Munnar. The high-altitude location and dense forest keep the air fresh, making it one of the best summer retreats in South India. With an AQI of 60, enjoy your day walking fresh through the spice gardens, sipping locally grown tea and witnessing breathtaking views.
Shillong, Meghalaya (AQI: 70)
Popularly known as the ‘Scotland of the East,’ Shillong makes a perfect place for summer vacation because of its rolling hills, cascading waterfalls and high-spirited local culture. Having an AQI of 70, Shillong makes a good choice of place for travel enthusiasts who are looking for a mix of clean air and adventure. Travellers can enjoy strolls around Ward’s Lake or trek through Mawphlang Sacred Forest.
