Delhi’s Severe AQI Drives Up to Forty per cent Surge in Clean-Air Getaway Bookings

Urban Travellers Seek Clean-Air Escapes

Over the last few weeks, India's metros, especially Delhi, have watched a familiar seasonal crisis unfold: plunging air quality and a thick blanket of smog that makes even the simplest outdoor activities an effort. But even as pollution levels continue to choke the cities, travel platforms are noticing a sharp uptick in last-minute getaway bookings. For many, the only real antidote to the worsening AQI seems to be an impromptu escape to the hills or the coast.

In cities like Delhi, last-minute travel has spiked sharply, with travellers looking to flee the toxic haze in search of cleaner, greener surroundings. As the Air Quality Index touches “Severe” levels across the National Capital Region, weekend getaways to Himachal Pradesh (Manali, Kasol, Bir) and Uttarakhand (Rishikesh, Nainital, Mukteshwar) have seen a 35–40% jump in searches in just the past two weeks. Similarly, coastal escapes like Goa, Gokarna, and Varkala are gaining traction among those wanting to swap grey skies for blue horizons.

Trend seen amongst all traveller groups

What is pushing this trend suddenly is not just the urge to travel but a greater need for self-preservation and wellness. The fatigue of pollution has led urban professionals and families to seek experiences that help them detox, both mentally and physically. People are seeking calmness, open space, and nature-centric stays that would help rejuvenate them.

Interestingly, this trend is not limited to solo travellers; families and corporate groups are also planning impromptu trips to escape the smog. There is a clear shift towards wellness-oriented and nature-centric experiences, places that promise serenity, open spaces, and a much-needed break from urban chaos.  The demand surge reaffirms how travel is becoming a form of self-care for many city dwellers, and WanderOn is curating flexible, short-duration packages that help them unwind without much planning.

Common travel destinations

Rajasthan accounts for nearly 50% of travel bookings in the industry, emerging as the top choice for travellers escaping Delhi’s smog. Jaipur is leading with around 19% bookings, followed by Udaipur at 11% and Jodhpur at around 5%. Many travellers are looking for heritage stays and courtyard-style properties. Hill stations are also witnessing strong demand, with Uttarakhand accounting for 31% of bookings. Other popular destinations, such as Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Jim Corbett, are drawing visitors seeking yoga retreats and spa-centric experiences. Himachal Pradesh also saw strong weekend demand, particularly for Shimla, Kasauli, and Dharamshala-Palampur.

People are also looking at international destinations in Asian countries like Bali, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, to name a few.

The New Seasonal Trend

The new trend of travelling to other cities during the smog and higher AQI season is likely to become common in metro cities in the years to come. While destinations in the north and west of India benefit from this sudden influx, it also brings into sharp focus a reality that is increasingly growing. For many Indians, travel is not only about leisure but is also fast becoming a coping mechanism against the challenges of urban living. The travel industry will see demand increase by 15-20% each year (over the next 2-3 years) due to deteriorating climatic conditions during these months. 

With cities struggling to cope with recurring air quality crises, travel platforms and hospitality providers are working quickly to offer short, impromptu, and wellness-focused itineraries. The message is clear from travellers- when the air turns toxic, escape becomes vital.