When planning your next trip, air quality can be just as important as sightseeing. For travellers who want to breathe easier without compromising on adventure, destinations with air quality index between 50–100 offer an ideal balance. This “satisfactory” range ensures the environment is clean enough for everyday life, while still presenting the charm and vibrancy of India’s lesser-known or offbeat locales.
Here are 10 Indian places where the air is moderate, the scenery is rich, and the travel experience feels refreshingly soothing.
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1. Darjeeling
Darjeeling's air is currently in the moderate range. This makes it a refreshing pick for travellers who are seeking mountain air and panoramic vistas. You can start with a sunrise visit to Tiger Hill for sublime views of the Kanchenjunga massif, then wander to the emerald tea gardens. Ride the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or the "Toy Train" on a short stretch for classic colonial charm. The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute are great for families, both give insight into Himalayan wildlife and mountaineering history. Walk the peaceful Japanese Peace Pagoda or hike short trails around Observatory Hill to soak in the crisp mountain air.
2. Manali
Manali offers a mountain getaway with fresh air and abundant outdoor options. The current AQI readings place it in the moderate band. Explore Old Manali's cafes and boutique shops before heading to the Mall Road for local handicrafts. The Solang Valley and Rohtang are adventure hubs for paragliding, zorbing, and snow activities in winter months. Visit nearby Naggar Castle for art and architecture and walk the riverside trails along the Beas. For a cultural angle, stop at the Hadimba Temple set amid cedar forests and don’t miss local apple orchards in nearby Kullu for seasonal picking.
3. Gangtok
Gangtok currently records moderate air quality. It's an appealing prospect for travellers seeking a Himalayan capital with easy access to high-altitude scenery. During your time here, you can stroll MG Marg's pedestrianised stretch of cafes, local handicrafts, and views across the Teesta valley. Take the ropeway for an aerial view of the town and head to the Enchey Monastery and Rumtek Monastery to experience Sikkim’s spiritual traditions. Adventure seekers can book day treks, river rafting on the Teesta, or wildlife spotting at Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary.
4. Shimla
Shimla’s air quality is presently moderate, giving visitors a pleasant reason to explore the hill capital’s heritage streets and surrounding forest trails. Begin at the Ridge and Christ Church, then stroll Mall Road for period buildings, bakeries and handicraft stores. Take the heritage Kalka–Shimla toy train for scenic views or head out for nature trails in the Glen and Jakhu Hill. Day trips to Kufri offer easy hikes and pony rides, while eco-seekers can explore the nearby Himalayan Nature Park. Shimla also hosts lively weekend markets where you’ll find woollens and handcrafted souvenirs.
5. Ooty
Ooty is reporting moderate AQI, making it a peaceful southern hill station for nature lovers and families. ake a boat ride on Ooty Lake and then visit the Government Botanical Gardens for horticultural splendour and rare plants. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway offers iconic steam-train journeys with sweeping views. For tea culture, visit nearby tea estates and factories to learn about Nilgiri blends and enjoy tastings. Nature trails around Doddabetta Peak and the Pine Forest are excellent for morning walks and birdwatching. Ooty’s blend of colonial charm, cool climate and tea-terraced hills is perfect for a relaxing escape.
6. Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal’s AQI sits comfortably in the moderate bracket. This makes it a restful retreat for nature walks. Whenever you visit this destination, do spend your time at Kodaikanal Lake. Visit Coaker’s Walk for dramatic valley vistas, then head to Bryant Park for colourful floral displays. Treks to Pillar Rocks and Dolphin’s Nose reward walkers with dramatic cliff-edge views. Night skies here are often clear, so stargazing is a real treat. Kodaikanal’s cool air and compact town centre make it a soothing escape.
7. Munnar
Munnar in Kerala has an AQI of near the moderate threshold. It's definitely one of the top destinations people should consider visiting. Explore the dramatic tea estates, book a tea-plantation tour and walk the rolling slopes for picture-perfect panoramas. Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr, has excellent short treks. You can also visit Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point. They are family favourites for boat rides and scenic photography. Munnar’s temperate climate supports cafes serving locally grown produce and Kerala specialty dishes.
8. Kochi
Kochi currently shows moderate air quality. It's a delightful coastal gateway for cultural explorers and food-loving travellers. Wander Fort Kochi’s colonial streets to see Chinese fishing nets, spice markets and heritage homes. During your visit here, don't miss the Dutch Palace and Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry. Book a short backwater cruise or a traditional houseboat trip from nearby Alleppey for a full-day immersion in Kerala’s watery landscapes. Foodies will relish seafood, appam and stew, plus an energetic café scene in Fort Kochi for brunch and coffees. Kochi blends cultural depth with seaside calm, making it a compact, enriching stop.
9. Rishikesh
Rishikesh’s AQI is presently in the moderate range. This makes it an inviting base for yoga, rafting and nearby hill walks. Start with an early-morning yoga session on the Ganges ghats, then stroll Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula for temples, cafés and yoga centres. For adrenaline, book white-water rafting on the Ganges. Day trips to nearby Neelkanth Mahadev Temple or Rajaji National Park for wildlife safaris broaden the experience. You can also stop by here for a short-wellness retreat and enjoy Ayurvedic treatments and sound-healing sessions.
10. Aizwal
Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, reports a moderate AQI. Nestled amid ridged hills, Aizawl offers a peaceful city experience with local culture and sweeping viewpoints. Visit Durtlang Hills for panoramic cityscapes, the Mizoram State Museum to dive deep into the region’s tribal heritage, and Solomon’s Temple for spiritual serenity. For witnessing sunsets and sunrises, you can stop by Lalsavunga Park or Hlimen View Point. The Mizo cuisine, which blends tribal flavours and northeast staples, is a treat here. The compact layout of Aizawl makes it easy to explore on foot or by bike.