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Destinations Pre-Diwali Delhi: These Clean Air Getaways Can Be Your Escape From Poor AQI
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Pre-Diwali Delhi: These Clean Air Getaways Can Be Your Escape From Poor AQI

We’ve put together a list of five places that'll help you escape the poor AQI in Delhi & treat your lungs to unadulterated air this Diwali!

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By: Travel + Leisure Published: Nov 03, 2023 05:30 PM IST

Pre-Diwali Delhi: These Clean Air Getaways Can Be Your Escape From Poor AQI
Image Credit: Amit kg/Shutterstock

Almost a week ahead of Diwali, residents of Delhi woke up to an oppressive blanket of haze on Friday morning, when the Air Quality Index (AQI) officially crossed the ‘severe mark’, exceeding 400 on a scale with an upper limit of 500.

During winter, cold air traps vehicular emissions and construction dust. This year, farm fires in Punjab and Haryana have further exacerbated Delhi’s air pollution levels, yielding intolerable smog that has affected both visibility and respiration. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI in the severe range i.e., 401 to 500, can affect healthy people and gravely impact those with existing ailments. The nightmarish AQI reached 498 in Mundka (West Delhi), 496 in Bawana (North West Delhi), and 473 in Greater Noida, prompting some primary schools to remain shut.

aqi delhi
Image Credit: Memories Over Mocha/Shutterstock

Unfortunately, the AQI tends to deteriorate during the Diwali season, primarily owing to the uncontrolled bursting of crackers. However, we’ve put together a list of five places that you can escape to and treat your lungs to unadulterated air this Diwali!

Diwali 2023: Seek fresh air retreats away from Delhi’s ‘severe’ AQI

Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

delhi aqi
Image Credit: Sam Kapoor/Shutterstock

Head to the land of majestic mountains, fluttering prayer flags, tranquil monasteries, and piping hot thukpa! On your Diwali getaway to Dharamshala, be sure to visit the Gyuto Monastery, where you can meet monks, understand their culture, and meditate. To learn more about the history of the region, visit Kangra Fort, the rock-cut temples of Masrur, and Naddi Village. You can also partake in some adventure by para-gliding in Bir-Billing, camping around Kareri Lake, ziplining, and rock climbing. Additionally, the famed Triund Trek, spanning approximately 9 km, guarantees a soul-stirring experience.

How to reach:
By air: Kangra Airport is the nearest airport, approximately 13.2 km away.
By train: The nearest railway station is Pathankot Railway Station (Punjab), 88 km away.

Also read – What Makes Dharamshala A Hot Favourite Among Indian Travellers?

Book your stay at Radisson Blu Resort Dharamshala via Booking.com

Book your stay at Radisson Blu Resort Dharamshala via Agoda.com

Pondicherry

aqi delhi
Image Credit: Sylver_K/Shutterstock

Escape to the French colony of Pondicherry for some sun, song, and shopping. You can go backwater boating, enjoy overnight camping in treehouses, or luxuriate in a houseboat floating on playful waves. Tick a bucket-list experience by taking surfing lessons on Serenity Beach, or find inner peace at Shri Aurobindo Ashram. Be sure to witness Pondicherry’s epicurean excellence by visiting eateries like Tanto Pizzeria, La Creperie, Cafe Des Arts, and La Maison Rose. Elevate your trip by visiting the remarkable churches, learning pottery, enjoying yachting at the Promenade Beach, and hitting the beaches.

How to reach:
By air: Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport, 144.5 km away.
By train: The busiest railway station is Puducherry railway station.

Also Read – Best places to visit in Pondicherry

Book your stay at Palais De Mahe - CGH Earth via Booking.com

Book your stay at Palais De Mahe - CGH Earth via Agoda.com

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

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Image Credit: mrinalpal/Shutterstock

This Diwali, check into a rustic lodge in Mussoorie, the Queen of Hills. Indulge in wholesome outdoor adventures like river rafting, skywalking, ziplining, and paragliding. You can also spend a quiet morning boating on the serene Mussoorie Lake. Those who fancy trekking can embark on popular treks in the region like Bhadraj Temple trek, Har ki dun trek, Nag Tibba Summit, and Dodital trek. After a day of exploration, indulge in Mussoorie’s booming culinary scene, ruled by Garhwali and Tibetan flavours. Make sure to sample delicacies like thukpa, noodle soup, Jhangora ki kheer, Bal Mithai, and Malta juice, among others.

How to reach:
By air: Jolly Grant International Airport (Dehradun) is the nearest airport, 60 km away.
By train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station, 32.9 km away.

Also read – Picturesque Hill Stations In Uttarakhand For A Perfect Vacation

Book your stay at JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa via Booking.com

Book your stay at JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa via Agoda.com

Coonoor, Tamil Nadu

delhi aqi
Image Credit: Denis.Vostrikov/Shutterstock

From Kapoor and Sons (2016) to Main Tera Hero (2014) and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (2016), a host of Bollywood movies have been shot in the quaint town of Coonoor. It’s only fair to pay a visit to the scenic sanctuary on your Diwali holiday. Here, enjoy a family picnic at Sim’s Park, take a swim in Catherine Falls, and learn how to make cheese at Acres Wild. Undoubtedly a fairytale hill station, Coonoor lets you trek through endless tea gardens, sample goodies from local bakeries, and connect with your inner child on the Nilgiris Toy Train.

How to reach:
By air: Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest airport, 70.9 km away.
By train: The nearest railway station is Coimbatore Railway Station, 71.9 km away.

Also read – Exploring the Best of Coonoor – A first hand Guide

Book your stay at amã Stays & Trails - Werifesteria, Coonoor via Booking.com

Book your stay at amã Stays & Trails - Werifesteria, Coonoor via Agoda.com

Pushkar, Rajasthan

delhi aqi
Image Credit: kaetana/Shutterstock

Make it a Diwali to remember by embracing Pushkar’s vibrant cultural zest! At the centre of the town lies the Pushkar Sarovar (or Pushkar Lake), where grand aartis take place after nightfall. Visitors can seek blessings at the sacred temples of the city like The Savitri Temple and Pap Mochani Temple. If possible, stay until the annual Pushkar Camel Fair (November 20 to November 28, 2023) to witness hot air balloons paint the sky, matka tod competitions, camel parades, and dance performances, among other events.

How to reach:
By air: Jaipur International Airport is the nearest airport, 146.4 km away.
By train: The nearest railway station is Ajmer Railway Station, 14.9 km away.

Also read – Picturesque Hill Stations In Uttarakhand For A Perfect Vacation

Book your stay at The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa via Booking.com

Book your stay at The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa via Agoda.com

Average AQI in Delhi before and after Diwali

In 2022, Delhi’s pre-Diwali AQI stood at 259, which subsequently increased to 312 on the day after Diwali. The firecracker emissions pushed the PM2.5 concentration in most regions of Delhi to 550 micrograms per cubic metre. PM2.5 consists of tiny particles (2.5 micros or below in diameter) that can enter our respiratory tract, affecting the lungs and even entering our bloodstream.

Health risks associated with poor AQI in Delhi after Diwali

Prolonged exposure to contaminated air can result in various health issues, including acute respiratory infections, asthma, bronchitis, anaemia, allergies, and nausea. According to a study conducted by the World Health Organisation in 2018, pregnant women who are exposed to high degrees of air pollution may experience premature births and deliver low-weight infants.

Tips to stay indoors and avoid Delhi pollution during AQI spikes

If you find yourself in Delhi during a period of high AQI, especially after Diwali, it’s crucial to practice what we call “pollution hygiene” to protect yourself.

– Avoid strenuous outdoor exercises like running and using open-air gyms until the pollution reduces.
– Stock up on N95/99 masks and wear them before heading outdoors. The masks must fit you snugly.
– Introduce air-purifying plants like Aloe Vera, Ivy, and Spider Plants to your home interiors.
– Invest in an air purifier, especially if you have children or elderly family members at home.
– Inhale steam, ideally with a few drops of eucalyptus oil, every evening to keep your lungs healthy.
– Alter your diet to accommodate more Vitamin C, Magnesium, and Omega-3 fats.
– Stay hydrated to flush out toxins from the body.
– Invest in an Air Pollution Sensor to monitor the pollution levels inside your home.

(Main and Feature Image Credit: Amit kg/Shutterstock)

Related: In An Attempt To Save The Environment, Electric Seaplanes May Soon Become A Reality In Canada

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Why is air pollution a concern in Delhi after Diwali?
Harmful emissions from the large-scale bursting of firecrackers on Diwali contribute to the severity of AQI post-Diwali.

– Where can I travel to escape Delhi’s pollution after Diwali?
Some destinations that you can explore to escape Delhi’s pollution include Dharamshala, Mussoorie, Coonoor, Pondicherry, and Pushkar, among others.

– Can staying indoors in Delhi help reduce exposure to post-Diwali pollution?
Yes, practising safety measures like staying indoors, wearing an N95/99 mask when heading out, investing in an air purifier, and keeping yourself hydrated can help reduce the effect of pollution in Delhi.

– Are there any eco-friendly alternatives to traditional firecrackers for celebrating Diwali?
Some eco-friendly alternatives to firecrackers include balloon crackers, glowsticks, miniature flashlights, the Vuvuzela, paper poppers, and paper lanterns, among others.

Written By

Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure

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