Delhi’s air pollution is back on the radar once again as the national capital battles poor air quality ahead of winter. AQI (Air Quality Index) has crossed upper end of very poor category and several monitoring stations are reporting severe pollution so residents are looking for some respite from smoggy surroundings.
On November 5, 2026 Delhi’s overall AQI was recorded at 370 at 8 am but Jahangirpuri, Punjabi Bagh and Narela were in severe category with readings above 400.
With pollution still affecting everyday life, breaks in destinations with forests, mountains, rivers and natural landscapes can be refreshing change of environment.
From Madhya Pradesh’s sal forests to Karnataka’s coffee plantations and Odisha’s mangrove landscapes, here are eight beautiful places to consider for a nature-focused getaway.
1. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha National Park is a great destination for travellers who want forests, wildlife and peaceful natural surroundings. Madhya Pradesh has this national park which has extensive sal and bamboo forests, open meadows and rich biodiversity.
The reserve is famous for its Bengal tigers and barasingha (swamp deer). Safari zones are marked out and visitors can visit these areas and experience the wildlife of the region on organised jeep safaris.
The forest landscapes around Kanha offer a respite from crowded urban areas so wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts would find Kanha an attractive destination.
Best time to visit: October to June.
Things to do: Wildlife safaris, birdwatching, nature photography and forest walks.
2. Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha
If coastal ecosystems and unique natural landscapes are what you’re after then Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha is a different kind of escape.
The destination is famous for its extensive mangrove forests, winding waterways and wildlife. It is also an important habitat of saltwater crocodiles and several species of migratory birds.
Visitors can explore the mangrove ecosystem through authorised boat trips and see the biodiversity of the region.
Unlike hill station holidays Bhitarkanika is an opportunity to experience India’s coastal wilderness and one of its own ecological landscapes.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Things to do: Boat rides, birdwatching, wildlife watching and mangrove exploring.
3. Coorg, Karnataka
Often called the Scotland of India Coorg is famous for coffee plantations, mist-covered hills, waterfalls and peaceful countryside.
It is in Karnataka’s Western Ghats and attracts visitors who want nature, drives and relaxing holidays.
Coffee estates can be visited, Abbey Falls can be seen, viewpoints around Madikeri can be enjoyed and forest landscapes in the surrounding area discovered.
Coorg is also famous for homestays and plantation retreats so it’s family friendly, couples friendly and solo traveller friendly.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Things to do: Coffee plantation tours, waterfall visits, nature walks, photography and exploring local cuisine.
4. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh is located along the banks of Ganga River and provides spirituality, adventure and natural beauty all in one place.
Surrounded by the foothills of Himalayas, it is a destination favoured by travellers seeking river experiences, retreats and outdoor activities.
Visitors can attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, cafes around Tapovan, waterfalls near by and river rafting when conditions are right for it.
Rishikesh also has yoga and wellness retreats for people who want to take a break from their daily routine.
Best time to visit: September to November and February to April.
Things to do: River rafting, yoga meditation Ganga Aarti riverside cafes etc.
5. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
Lansdowne is a quiet hill station in Uttarakhand. Pine covered hills, colonial architecture and peaceful surroundings make Lansdowne a popular destination.
Lansdowne is not one of the more crowded Himalayan destinations, but it’s a slower travel experience with scenic viewpoints and forest trails.
Visitors can go to Bhulla Lake, Tip-in-Top viewpoint and see surrounding landscapes.
The destination is perfect for people who like quiet holidays rather than busy tourist attractions.
Best time to visit: March to November.
Things to do: Nature walks, photography, boating in Bhulla Lake and local viewpoints.
6. Nainital, Uttarakhand
Nainital is one of Uttarakhand’s most popular hill stations known for its picturesque lake, mountains surrounding it and pleasant natural scenery.
The town is centred on Naini Lake where boating and Mall Road are popular activities for visitors.
Travelers can also visit Snow View Point, Naina Devi Temple and nearby viewpoints to get a panoramic view of Himalayan range.
Nainital sees a lot of tourist traffic in the holidays so quieter accommodation around the region can be more relaxing.
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.
Things to do: Boating, sightseeing, nature photography, shopping and lakes near by.
7. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Dharamshala is a beautiful Himalayan town with mountain views, Tibetan culture, monasteries and peaceful atmosphere.
Located in Himachal Pradesh, the town provides access to McLeod Ganj (Tibetan monasteries, cafes and cultural attractions).
There is the Dalai Lama Temple complex, Bhagsu Waterfall and views of Dhauladhar mountain range.
For those who like to get outdoors there are also trails nearby for trekking and nature walks.
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.
Things to do: Visit monasteries, McLeod Ganj sightseeing, trekking, photography.
8. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
The Queen of Hills, Mussoorie is another popular destination for travellers who want to see the Himalayan scenery.
The hill station has panoramic mountain views, waterfalls, walking trails and colonial-era attractions.
Mall Road is to be walked on; Kempty Falls can be seen; Lal Tibba views can be enjoyed from there and walks can be done along Camel’s Back Road.
Its natural attractions, accommodation facilities and accessibility make Mussoorie a good choice for short holidays.
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.
Things to do: Mountain sightseeing, nature walks, waterfall visits, shopping and photography.
Can Travelling Away From Delhi Help You Escape Air Pollution?
Going away from Delhi can be a change of environment (particularly if you choose destinations surrounded by forests, mountains and open spaces). But cleaner air cannot be guaranteed just by travelling to hill station or wildlife destination.
Air quality varies with weather, local emissions, traffic, forest fires and seasonal pollution patterns. Travellers should check real-time AQI readings for their destination before planning their trip.
It’s also worth remembering that a short holiday doesn’t protect you from the health risks of prolonged exposure to air pollution.
An AQI between 301 and 400 is very poor according to India’s National Air Quality Index classification; readings between 401 and 500 are severe.
Delhi continues to be plagued by poor air quality so destinations with forests, rivers, mountains and quieter surroundings can be a way out of the city’s busy environment.
Whether it’s a wildlife holiday in Kanha, coffee plantation stay in Coorg or mountain retreat in Uttarakhand – these destinations offer different ways to reconnect with nature.
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