10 small towns to escape your city's pollution

Delhi is reeling with extremely bad air quality, so much so that schools are being shut because of the thick smog over the city. Despite the attempt towards a developed India, it is ironical that the capital itself is losing its charm as an ideal city to live in.

The air pollution (PM2.5) is 14 times higher than the acceptable measurements.

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The city is under heavy pollution since three days in a row, reaching levels of over 900 (PM2.5) in a few places. The rest of the country has no respite either. Mumbai's air is suffering with a bad score of 500 (PM2.5), which is way above the safe zone.

Though most Indian major cities are suffering with high pollution, there are a few small towns that are capable of providing respite.

Here's a list of cities that can still provide the much needed fresh air:

Nashik:

A city in Maharashtra, Nashik is popular for its vineyards. The city is in close proximity with major cities like Pune and Mumbai but still manages to keep control on the air pollution mainly because of thier relatively small population and vast green cover.

Ooty:

Ooty is a serene and calm town located in the state of Tamil Nadu. Most millennials will remember it from old Bollywood movies and songs. The town is 80 kms north of Coimbatore.

Manali:

Manali is a popular tourist spot among north Indians. The city offers a escape from the big city hustle bustle. The city has plush green environment which makes it a good city to walk around rather than in a vehicle. The Parvati Valley is a popular trek among backpackers.

Kasol:

Fourteen hours from Delhi, via road, the city not only offers respite to your lungs but also, to your eyes. The city is situated in a valley surrounded with all-green mountains in the summers. With a flurry of cafes and eating joints, you won't miss your big-city lifestyles.

Puducherry:

A French settlement till the year 1954, the city has a strong character that still lives in the city's unique architecture. Puducherry is a Union Territory bounded by the southeastern Tamil Nadu state. The relatively low population gives an ample breathing space to a metro-resident.

Rishikesh:

Rishikesh is located in the state of Uttarakhand. Though the city is located within the Dehradun district, it has better air quality due to superior altitude and a much lesser populace. An overnight journey from Delhi will take you to the city of Ganga.

Kodagu/Coorg:

Coorg was a separate administrative state till the year 1956 after which it was absorbed in the Mysore state. It has the least population of a district in the state of Karnataka.  

Shillong:

Situated in the North Eastern state Meghalaya, Shillong is a haven for music lovers and is a great escape from big cities.  The Lady Hydari Park is centrally located and is one of the biggest attraction for nature lovers. A  deer park within the premises of the park adds to the beauty of the place.

Agartala:

Named after a tree called Agarwood, Agartala relishes nature. The city has a pleasant climate throughout the year with heavy rainfalls during monsoon. The city is situated along the River Haora and has a rich history to compliment the beauty of the town.

Munnar:

A hill-lovers paradise, Munnar lies in the state of Kerala and is an excellent place to take a break before hitting the same old monotonous routine. The city also has a stone Christ Church, built by the British in 1910.