After a few days of the air quality remaining in the "severe" category, the national capital's AQI has come down to the "very poor" category today, however, the exposure to the air remains harmful for you, Delhiites. While schools have been closed and a few offices have also declared the 'Work From Home' mode of work in light of the current situation, it has also become extremely difficult to step out of the home and breathe in the air. However, you still have the option to breathe the fresh air and live in a clean environment, at least for some time. Here, we are talking about a few places that you can visit to escape the hazardous air of Delhi.
Srinagar, Kashmir
Closer to Delhi, you can plan for the capital of Kashmir, Srinagar for its beautiful season which has already arrived. Yes, we are talking about the beautiful Autumn in Kashmir that has already made the Chenar trees shed their leaves, filling the entire aura with orange hues. Take a quick vacation here and don't forget to visit the Mughal Gardens here which house the best views of the season. As of now, the AQI of this place is between 40 to 50, making it a perfect destination for you to let your body and mind revive.
Gangtok, Sikkim
With the temperature in Gangtok ranges between 10.4°C to 17.3°C and with nearly 11 hours of sunlight in Gangtok right now, you can surely visit Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The pleasant weather here will help you rekindle the calmness within the environment and you would like it the most if you visited the Teesta River and took a glimpse of the mountainous landscape. Moreover, you can also visit Lachung and Lachen, the valleys that offer scenes of snow-kissed ranges amidst the beauty. Enjoy the "Moderate" AQI here and soak in the hilly breeze!
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
If not Sikkim, you can also visit another Northeastern treasure, Tawang. November makes it an amazing time to visit here for a lot of reasons as the season is often moderate here around this time. Along with visiting the monasteries here, you might also get a chance to be part of the popular Tawang festival, which is celebrated to give an ode to the cultural heritage with music, dance, and various traditional crafts. Apart from that, it is this time that the vibrant colours can be seen in the capital city with the trees turning golden and orange. Don't miss visiting Sangestar Lake, for its snowcapped mountains, and coniferous trees. Currently in "Good" air quality, the place is surely going to make you crave more such scenes!
Kausani, Uttarakhand
While you can visit Kausani in other seasons also, this is the place that helps you escape both, pollution and population! With less number of tourists at the place, Kausani also has clear skies currently that give you unobstructed glimpses of the Himalayas. If you are an adventure seeker, Kausani also offers various outdoor activities during this time like trekking, nature walks, river rafting, and more! At an elevation of nearly 1890 meters above sea level, all you can expect is a clear sky, soothing breeze, and beautiful scenery. Currently, the place has a "Satisfactory" AQI here.
Munsiyari, Uttarakhand
From the smog to the vibrant shades of amber, russet, and ochre, that too, amidst the backdrop of snow-capped Himalayas! Yes, such can be the transition for you from Delhi to Munsiyari! If you are a nature lover, this is the time for you to enjoy the golden hour at this hill station in Uttarakhand. Taking some time out from your work, you can also be part of various local festivals here as Autumn is the time for them to celebrate many of them. However, if you have the thrilling side on, go for the Johar Valley trails, and also take the breathtaking views of Panchachuli peaks. Ranging between "Moderate" to "Satisfactory" air quality levels, you can breathe in the pure air here in the open!
Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
Kasol might be a popular place for tourists but it surely serves the purpose when it comes to enjoying the weather and the clear sky here, in November! Make sure you keep yourself ready for a trek to Kheerganga for snow-cladded peaks. However, you can also take a dip in hot springs at Manikaran, and move around the Parvati river. For all food lovers, this is your time to also explore Israeli cuisine since it is a part of the cultural experience here and finds its roots in the Israeli settlements in Kasol. With the "Moderate" air quality, just let yourself loose in the beauty of nature here!
Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
In the less crowded Tirthan Valley right now, it is time for you to enjoy the serenity of the place and the charisma of the snowfall! Yes, you might be lucky to see the snowfall here in November. Along with the sightseeing, you can also check out for the outdoor activities and explore the thrilling activities. Don't forget to visit the popular attraction like Bahu Lake located in the Bahu Village that offers views of the Great Himalayan National Park.