New Delhi: January often feels like a reset month. Suitcases return to shelves, office inboxes refill, and routines slowly settle back in. What refuses to settle is the air quality. Across major Indian cities, AQI levels remain stubbornly high, turning morning walks, open windows, and even deep breaths into cautious choices. The festive season is here, but grey skies linger. Relief lies beyond city limits, in smaller escapes where winter feels crisp, and the air finally feels clean again for travellers today.
January travel becomes less about sightseeing and more about breathing freely. Hill towns and high-altitude landscapes offer visibility that stretches for miles, pine-scented mornings, and quieter days outdoors. These destinations balance winter beauty with healthier air, making them ideal for short breaks, longer stays, and slow exploration without pollution-driven fatigue during the peak winter travel season across India today.
January travel destinations offering clean air
1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
AQI: 55
Manali currently records one of the lowest AQI levels in the country, making January an excellent time to visit. Mornings feel sharp and clean, ideal for quiet walks along the Beas River or through Old Manali before tourist traffic builds up. Snow-dusted villages and clear mountain views define the experience.
Places to explore
- Solang Valley: Popular for skiing, snowboarding, and snow play amid dramatic winter scenery.
- Gulaba: Heavy snowfall and wide-open views near Rohtang.
- Old Manali: Calm lanes, cafes, and a relaxed winter rhythm.
- Mall Road: Evening walks, shopping, and local Himachali food.
- Hidimba Devi Temple: Cedar forests and wooden architecture under snow.
- Vashisht village and hot springs: Ancient temples and warm sulphur baths.
- Jogini Falls: Snowy trek leading to a striking winter waterfall.
- Naggar Castle: Historic structure with sweeping Kullu valley views.
2. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
AQI: 60
With AQI levels staying comfortably low in January, Ooty offers a southern winter escape with fresh air and soft sunlight. Cool temperatures, misty mornings, and open landscapes make it easy to spend long hours outdoors.
Places to explore
- Doddabetta Peak: The highest point in the Nilgiris with valley views and drifting fog.
- Avalanche Lake and Emerald Lake: Quiet, mist-covered lakes surrounded by forests.
- Pykara Lake and waterfall: Boating and scenic viewpoints.
- Dolphin’s Nose: Cliff-edge views over deep valleys.
Other experiences
Government Botanical Garden, Government Rose Garden, Nilgiri Mountain Railway Toy Train, Ooty Lake, tea plantations and factories, Mudumalai National Park, Tribal Museum, St Stephen’s Church.
3. Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
AQI: 68
Dharamshala offers steady air quality and a slower pace in January. Surrounded by the Dhauladhars, the region blends spiritual calm with winter landscapes, making it ideal for mindful travel.
Places to explore
- McLeod Ganj: Tibetan culture, cafes, monasteries, and mountain views.
- Namgyal Monastery: Dalai Lama’s monastery and peaceful spaces.
- Triund: Snow-friendly trek with wide Himalayan panoramas.
- Kangra Fort: History paired with open landscapes.
- Bhagsunag Falls and temple: Winter charm with partial ice formations.
- St John in the Wilderness Church: Quiet church among pine trees.
- Dal Lake: Small, calm winter lake.
- Norbulingka Institute: Tibetan arts and crafts centre.
4. Landour, Uttarakhand
AQI: 69
Landour encourages slow walking and quiet observation. January keeps the town calm, with crisp air and uninterrupted views. Its colonial-era layout feels best explored on foot.
Places to explore
- Lal Tibba: The highest viewpoint with Himalayan peaks.
- Sister’s Bazaar: Historic market and local favourites.
- Char Dukan: Old-world cafés and winter comfort food.
- Kellogg Memorial Church: Gothic architecture in peaceful surroundings.
- Rokeby Manor: Heritage landmark with colonial charm.
- Jabarkhet Nature Reserve: Known for Winterline sightings during colder months.
5. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
AQI: 71
January in Kodaikanal still allows long outdoor hours, thanks to stable air quality and cool weather. The hill town balances greenery with mist-covered viewpoints.
Places to explore
- Kodaikanal Lake: Boating and lakeside walks.
- Coaker’s Walk: Valley views wrapped in winter mist.
- Pine Forest: Quiet trails and photo-friendly spaces.
- Pillar Rocks: Dramatic granite formations.
- Dolphin’s Nose: Panoramic hill views.
- Guna Caves: Atmospheric viewpoints near deep caves.
- Berijam Lake: Forest lake requiring permits.
- Bryant Park: Seasonal blooms and calm walks.
January travel feels lighter when clean air becomes part of the journey. These destinations offer a rare mix of winter beauty and breathable spaces, making them ideal escapes during a season when clarity matters most.