Travel inspiration of the day: 5 green getaways in India for a breath of fresh air

Sometimes, the best way to reset the mind is to pause, rethink, or just plan a trip. And if planning a trip seems a bit hectic, take our travel inspiration of the day. With winter embracing us, we are keen to visit those places where the air feels lighter, the skies look cleaner, and nature still dominates the horizon. And thanks to India’s varied options, it’s blessed with pockets of lush, unspoiled beauty. There are destinations where the mornings smell of dew, the afternoons glow in soft sunlight, and the evenings echo with birdsong instead of traffic. If anybody is craving a breath of fresh air and a dose of tranquillity, these six green getaways offer the perfect escape.

Munnar is one of the best places to start your vacation in South India. With its endless tea gardens, pleasant temperatures, and mist-draped valleys, this refreshing hill station will set the top for your vacation. Walking trails weave through plantations, forests, and waterfalls, each corner offering a deeper sense of calm. It’s one of those places where walking 10,000 steps will happen just like that (in case you are into counting steps). Further, Munnar’s pace is slow, steady, and ideal for anyone wanting to simply breathe.

Fondly called the “Scotland of India,” Coorg is another beauty that can be explored during the winters. Wrapped in emerald coffee plantations and thick forests, this place will offer you a welcoming break from the city chaos. Trekking to Tadiandamol Peak, drifting through coffee estates, or watching river mist rise over the Cauvery at Dubare will be enough to rejuvenate your soul and senses. And most importantly, Coorg is green, soothing, and perfect for travellers who love nature with a hint of adventure.

If there’s a place that celebrates nature with discipline, it’s Mawlynnong. Known as one of the cleanest villages in Asia, this Khasi settlement is surrounded by bamboo groves, waterfalls, and low-hanging clouds. Walking through the village feels like stepping into a living eco-model, with spotless pathways, flower-lined homes, and locals who treat the environment like a family member. A short trek to the Living Root Bridge nearby reveals the region’s centuries-old bond with nature.

Soft sunlight, slow village life, and fields stretching to the horizon define the charm of Ziro Valley. Surrounded by pine-clad hills and home to the Apatani tribe, this high-altitude valley is a sanctuary for travellers who prefer quiet green escapes. The air feels fresh and earthy, especially during early mornings when fog settles over the fields. Hikes to Kile Pakho or Hong Village trails offer calm, clean air and sweeping views that soothe the senses.

Wayanad’s charm lies in its combination of dense forests, paddy fields, and waterfalls that thunder to life during monsoon. From the wildlife-rich forests of Muthanga to the high-altitude views at Vythiri, every part of Wayanad feels lush and nurturing. The region’s quieter nature stays, bamboo cottages, and riverside camps make it an exceptional retreat for anyone seeking a long, deep breath amid greenery.