Top 7 Indian cities with AQI under 50 (where to breath clean air in 2025)

Air pollution these days has become a real challenge in India, especially in North India. Breathing clean air has become a luxury in megacities such as Delhi, Ghaziabad and Noida. These places are frequently recording hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) levels these days. To give you an idea, AQI below 50 is the threshold for the “Good” category on the AQI scale. But these cities have surpassed this threshold and reached nearly 400.

Given the current pollution situation, doctors are suggesting people to stay indoors or leave the city for some time. But go where? So here are the top 10 places in India (smaller cities and hill towns) which are enjoying clean air, with AQI mostly remaining below 50. Which means fresh air and healthier living conditions and a better quality of life.

A look:

Munnar in Kerala is a pretty hill station noted for its tea gardens and misty hills. The place has limited industrial activity which contributes to consistently low AQI readings. The AQI here often read below 50 throughout the year.

Also known as the “Coffee Capital of India,” Coorg is all about clean air, beautiful forests and miles of coffee plantations. These natural features act as green lungs and replenishing oxygen. Coorg’s sparse traffic and lack of heavy industry help keep pollution levels unusually low.

Aizawl is the beautiful capital of Mizoram. Set on pine-covered hills, the city has minimal vehicular traffic and large forest cover. It allows the inflow of clean and fresh air throughout the year. These natural advantages consistently place Aizawl’s AQI in the good range.

Coonoor is a scenic and peaceful town in the Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu. The place is a lot quieter and way too greener than some of its neighbours. Its tea estates, cool climate, and high elevation promote excellent air quality, with AQI values often below 50.

Shillong, also known as the “Scotland of the East,” is home to some stunning hills, and waterfalls. Because of frequent rainfall, and other climatic factors, the place remains pollution free. Shillong is among the top destinations for nature lovers.

Kinnaur is a secluded district in Himachal Pradesh which is all about snow-covered mountains and apple orchards, and sparse population to create one of India’s least polluted environments.

Gokarna is a beautiful coastal town which enjoys AQI below 50. Here sea breezes play a major role in maintaining air quality. The limited traffic and clean ocean air flowing inland maintain the AQI.