List Of 10 Indian Cities With Cleanest Air Having AQI Around 50 All-Year

In India, Air pollution and smoke-filled skies have become a major issue, particularly in densely populated areas like Delhi, where pollution levels regularly approach the danger zone. When winter arrives, the air quality scale can occasionally rise above 400, making every breath dangerous and causing symptoms like itchy eyes, gasping for air, and sore throats. However, many other towns in the nation still have clear, breathable air, despite Delhi's suffocating haze.

These locations frequently have fewer people, lots of trees, a cool breeze, and very few industrial areas, all of which help to maintain clean air. They are among the best places in India to live or travel because the air quality is at 50 or lower. Every day, nature clears the air, whether it's in serene mountain villages or coastal regions swept by constant gusts.

Here is the list of 10 Indian cities with good air quality shows that clean and healthy air is still possible in the country, and it highlights places where people can breathe freely without worrying about pollution.

AQI numbers and Category (Image: Central Pollution Control Board, CPCB)

1. Shillong (Meghalaya)

Tucked in the high hills, Shillong is known as one of India’s greenest capitals, surrounded by dense trees that absorb heavy rainfall and keep the air clean. As there are many plants and fewer factories, the city's air quality typically remains below 50 on the AQI scale. According to data from AQI.in, some locations in the city are currently only hitting 28, which is a strong "Good" rating.

2. Gangtok (Sikkim)

City with best AQI (Image: Canva)

Gangtok, which is located at an altitude in the eastern Himalayas, has an efficient urban planning that keeps traffic flowing smoothly, with slow-moving cars, and a complete ban on horns. All of this reduces fumes. Most days, the air remains fresh. The AQI occasionally jumps between 20 and 40, according to the numbers. According to state records, the average PM2.5 level last year was only 13.8. "Good" appears frequently in live updates, even when it occasionally hits 44.

3. Pelling (Sikkim)

Nestled among hills and trees, Pelling is a small, serene area in West Sikkim. The breeze feels clean because there are no crowds or busy roads nearby. According to a local eco-survey, the air quality is between 30 and 40 on the AQI scale. The same 30–40 figure is supported by additional data.

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4. Ooty (Tamil Nadu)

City with best AQI (Image: Canva)

Ooty, also called Udhagamandalam, is located high in Tamil Nadu's hills, where there are few factories and little traffic, allowing for fresh breezes to blow. Even though the air quality index occasionally rises to 53, it is typically much lower, between 20 to 40, so breathing feels clean most of the time.

5. Madikeri / Coorg (Karnataka)

Madikeri - also known as Coorg - sits right in the middle of coffee farms and thick trees. Because it's up in the hills, it doesn't have much city development, yet plenty of plants, and the air stays fresh. A CPCB update once showed its AQI dipped as low as 16, landing firmly in the "Good" range on certain days.

6. Aizawl (Mizoram)

Aizawl is frequently regarded as one of the most elegant towns in India. Its AQI was once reported by media outlets using CPCB numbers to be 26, placing it in the "Good" range. Its hilly layout, limited factories, that the airflow stays strong, helping maintain crisp, clear air.

7. Shivamogga (Karnataka)

Unlike larger cities, Shivamogga, also known as Shimoga, is located in Karnataka and is not overrun with factories. Trees remain dense throughout the region because there are fewer industries. Compared to busier areas, the air is kept cleaner by this vegetation. Ozone and small particles were found at safe levels at one pollution check site; they were mostly "Good," occasionally close to "Moderate." An AQI reading of about 49 was even mentioned in local reports.

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8. Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu)

City with best AQI (Image: Canva)

Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam is located on the coast. Because of its closeness to the ocean, pollution levels are generally low because clean air is occasionally carried away by fresh winds. According to CPCB data, its AQI typically remains below 40.

9. Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala)

The air quality in Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is typically adequate. AQI Numbers tend to be in the 40 to 50 range because of being close to the coast, having more green spaces, or having fewer factories nearby. CPCB shares real-time updates from monitoring locations; the most recent ones indicate a reading of 40.

10. Mysuru (Karnataka)

The air quality in Mysuru is typically good to satisfactory. This is likely because it is known as a "Green City" with lots of trees that reduce air pollution, and there is less industry here than in other locations. According to the most recent CPCB data, the average instant AQI value is 48, which is within the clean range.