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Diwali brings a feeling of joy, light and renewal, but the days that follow tell a different story. In recent years, major metropolises across the country have been shrouded in dense smog, with the AQI (air quality index) often reaching the ‘very poor’ or ‘severe’ category. In the last 24 hours, the AQI in Delhi remained in the ‘very poor’ category, marking another year of deterioration in air quality.
The combined effects of firecrackers, stagnant winter air and vehicle emissions turn the festivities into a nightmare. “The tiny particles (PM2.5 and PM10) present in the smog penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and permanent tissue damage. Over time, this reduces the amount of oxygen, leading to fatigue and weakened immunity,” says Dr Neetu Jain, senior pulmonologist, PSRI Hospital. “Every year after Diwali, the celebrations end and the sadness begins,” says Delhi-based environmental activist Gauri Gupta. “The air is no longer breathable. It’s about our collective health rather than just pollution,” she adds.
The solution lies in a simple change: walking away. From rustic farms to tranquil rivers, these getaways offer much lower AQI levels than Delhi and other metros, where you can recharge your lungs and clear your mind. Dr. Neetu Jain says, “Even spending a few days in a natural environment can make a remarkable difference. People often report easier breathing, less coughing and better sleep. While such holidays may not permanently reverse the damage, they provide much-needed respite and aid in respiratory improvement.”
forest bathing
Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is the Japanese practice of immersing oneself in nature with conscious intention. “Our forest bathing walks ask participants to engage all their senses,” says Nupur Lidbid from Trove Experiences, which runs these experiences in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and Bengaluru.
Consider visiting the Forest Healing Center in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand (AQI: 68; nearest airport: Pantnagar) or Agumbe in Karnataka (AQI: 50; nearest airport: Mangalore). These places are ideal to escape pollution in metro cities.
land snorkelling
‘Land snorkeling’, coined by artists Clyde Espvig and Carol Guzman, describes walking slowly among nature and paying attention to every detail. “You move at a snail’s pace and let the landscape reveal itself. Suddenly, you start paying attention to the patterns on a leaf, the sounds of insects and the way the light changes between the trees,” says Farviza Zakaria, who discovered land snorkeling during a trip to Pondicherry last year.
Ideal locations include the coastal avenues of Pondicherry (AQI: 27; nearest airport: Puducherry or Chennai), the coffee estates of Coorg (AQI: 25; nearest airport: Mangalore), and the Aravali foothills near Udaipur (AQI: 85; nearest airport: Maharana Pratap Airport).
the river runs
River therapy is a gentle, meditative walk along streams or rivers and is gaining popularity as a form of mindfulness. Akansha Komal from Ailyak (Himachal Pradesh), which offers staycations and river walking experiences, says, “You walk along the stream, or in it when the stream is low, through pine forests, over moss-covered stones. The light changes, the water murmurs, and you just… follow.”
Approximately Rs. With a base price of Rs. 2,000, providers offer customized quotes based on add-ons like riverside picnic. Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh (AQI: 40; nearest airport: Bhuntar) and small streams of Indus River in Ladakh (AQI: 68; nearest airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochi) are some of the places known for river trips in India.
form remains
Farm stays let you live the rhythm of a farm through guided treks, picking fresh vegetables, feeding the animals and exploring edible forests. Harsh Sonawala, co-founder of India Someday, which helps travelers get the true farm stay experience, says, “A farm stay is about rediscovering rural life. You slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the land and yourself.”
Customized stays can range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 11,000 per night. Two such options to consider are The Goat Village in Nagatibba, Uttarakhand (AQI: 60; nearest airport: Jolly Grant) and Phillipkutty Farm in Kerala (AQI: 32; nearest airport: Cochin) both offering clean air, slow-paced living and a break from the urban grind.
Filed by Jatan Kalra
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