- By Bornika Das
- Wed, 22 Oct 2025 01:06 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Hill Station Getaways: As the winter season is slowly making its way and following the overuse of firecrackers and vehicle emissions during Diwali 2025, Delhi and Gurugram AQI (Air Quality Index) remain a concern as the city struggles on with dense blankets of smog and poor air quality. If the pollution has already started to bother you and you’re in a dire quest for fresh air and mental rejuvenation, a trip to the hills in India can be a quick escape. The poor AQI in the Delhi-NCR region makes people crave India’s hill station getaways that offer clean air, scenic views, and a peaceful environment to recharge after the festival haze.
Apart from being a quick breather, these getaways provide holistic wellness as well. From mornings filled with birdsongs, pristine streams and dewy sunrises, these Indian hill stations encourage slow living, including savouring walks, deep breathing, and reconnecting with nature's rhythm. Here are the seven hill stations in India that will provide you with an escape from Delhi-Gurugram smog and poor AQI.
Budget-Friendly Hill Stations In India With Clean And Fresh Air
Fagu, Himachal Pradesh
Oftentimes, you might find Shimla to be too crowded for clean and fresh air. You can travel a little further and take a pitstop in Fagu, it's lesser-known neighbour. The area is known for its apple orchards, misty trails and snow-dusted peaks in the distance. Stay in a homestay for authentic Himachali food (straight from farm to thali).
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Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Also known as “Princess of Hill Stations”, Kodaikanal justifies the name. The lakes look like a mirror on good days and the Pillar Rocks offer a curious natural wonder in this hill station of South India. Although it is crowded, it is worth a trip for fresh air and picture-perfect moments.
Chopta, Uttarakhand
Chopta in Uttarakhand is a secret hill station that is often known as Mini Switzerland for its beautiful, unfettered views of the hills. Meadows covered with lush greenery, treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila and the snow in winter, are enough to drive you to this place.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley, located in the higher levels of the Himalayas, stands as one of India’s top stargazing destinations, which has cleaner air. Located at 12,500 feet above sea level, it is far away from atmospheric pollution and city lights. Although a lot has been said and written about its daunting trails and spectacular views, people love the unfettered views of the Milky Way that are coupled with shooting stars and stunning constellations.
Hill Stations In India For Fresh Air (Image Credits: Canva)
Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh
Ladakh is known for stargazing worldwide, owing to its high altitude and minimal light pollution, providing clear views of the Milky Way. Located over 3,000 metres above sea level, Pangong Tso Lake’s clean air and low annual precipitation make it perfect for stargazers. Make sure to visit the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle for a stargazing night when making a trip to Pangong Tso Lake.
Kausani, Uttarakhand
Kausani is not just a lesser-known hill station in India, but a Himalayan balcony with uninterrupted views of Nanda Devi and Trishul. Once, Mahatma Gandhi called it the “Switzerland of India.” This place witnesses the sky undergo fifty shades of orange at sunset. You can also visit Anashakti Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi had stayed, before making your way to Starscapes Observatory for a night sky view.
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Coorg, Karnataka
Often known as the “Scotland of India,” Coorg is tucked in the Western Ghats and this hill station in Karnataka brims with spice plantations, cascading waterfalls and viewpoints that seem straight out of pictures. Also, what will take you back to the place is the filter coffee while enjoying mist curls around your balcony.
As pollution in the air gets worse in Delhi and Gurugram and the AIO drops, a short trip to leaner, fresher hill stations in India can be an escape and a quick getaway. These hill stations not only promote a more health-conscious lifestyle but also make you bond with the nature.