Diwali brings joy, light, and a sense of renewal, but the days that follow tell a different story. In recent years, major metropolitan cities across the country have been shrouded in thick smog, with the AQI (Air Quality Index) often reaching the 'very poor' or 'severe' range. In the last 24 hours, the AQI in Delhi has remained in the 'very poor' range, marking yet another year of deteriorating air quality.
The combined effects of crackers, stagnant winter air, and vehicular emissions turn the festivities into a respiratory nightmare. "The tiny particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in smog penetrates deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and permanent tissue damage. Over time, this reduces oxygen intake, leading to fatigue and weakened immunity," shares Dr Neetu Jain, Senior Pulmonologist at PSRI Hospital. "Every year after Diwali, the celebration ends, and the suffering begins," says Gauri Gupta, an environmental activist from Delhi. "The air becomes unbreathable. It's about our collective health instead of just pollution," she adds.
The solution lies in a simple shift: getting away. From rustic farms to silent rivers, these getaways offer significantly lower AQI levels than Delhi and other metros, where you can recharge your lungs and clear your mind. "Even a few days in a natural environment can make a noticeable difference. People often report easier breathing, reduced coughing, and better sleep. While such getaways cannot permanently reverse damage, they provide much-needed relief and support respiratory recovery," adds Dr Neetu Jain.
Consider heading to the Forest Healing Centre in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand (AQI: 68; nearest airport: Pantnagar) or Agumbe in Karnataka (AQI: 50; nearest airport: Mangalore) These spots are ideal to escape the pollution in metro cities.
Ideal spots include Pondicherry's coastal trails (AQI: 27; nearest airport: Puducherry or Chennai), Coorg's coffee estates (AQI: 25; nearest airport: Mangalore), and the Aravalli foothills near Udaipur (AQI: 85; nearest airport: Maharana Pratap Airport)
With a base price of around Rs. 2,000, providers offer customised quotes based on add-ons like a riverside picnic. Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh (AQI: 40; nearest airport: Bhuntar) and the Indus River's smaller streams in Ladakh (AQI: 68; nearest airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee) are some spots known for river walks in India.
Customised stays can range from Rs.5,000- Rs.11,000 per night. Two such options to consider are The Goat Village in Nagtibba, Uttarakhand (AQI: 60; nearest airport: Jolly Grant) and Philipkutty's Farm in Kerala (AQI: 32; nearest airport: Cochin) both offering clean air, slow living, and time off from the urban grind.