Clean Break
There's magic in the night, a sweet smell in the air, the eyes rest on pleasant sights - this April, we take you to the cleanest destinations in the country. As they say, take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.
Clean mantra Gokarna’s clean status is largely on account of it being a little off the beaten path. Despite the beach shacks and guest houses, it’s not overly commer cjaljsed either. Visitors will also notice that shopkeepers and shack owners are fastidious about keeping the place clean and litter-free.
Clean mantra Chandigarh has successfully tackled what was once a challenge — collecting the 370 tonnes of solid waste the city generates every day from the sectors. It also has an efficient and sufficiently large workforee cleaning the city’s streets. There’s a concerted effort by the authorities collaborating with the Energy and Resources Institute to make Chandigarh environment-friendly, which includes using natural construction material and lowering overall energy consumption.
Clean mantra Mysuru’s clean city status has much to do with how it has managed its sanitation. The authorities can take credit for an efficient door-to-door garbage collection system, recycling practices and for building individual, community and public toilets. Besides putting in place infrastructure, they’ve also managed to bring about essential behavioural changes amongst the public with an excellent communication strategy. Also, several NGOs in the city are dedicated to keeping Mysore clean and their initiatives enjoy public support and participation.
Make it a clean break this summer. Leave smog-veiled cities and litter-strewn beaches behind and head for India’s cleanest, least polluted places. While you go trekking, traipse through museums or soak in local culture at these destinations, you’ll also marvel at how they manage to be the bright spots in Swachh Bharat.
Mawlynnong
When the words ‘cleanest village’ and ‘India’ are uttered together you cannot but think of Mawlynnong. This little village — population 500 — in the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya earned the tag of ‘India’s Cleanest Village’ over a decade ago and still wears it proudly; its streets remain free of litter, its water sources pristine. Travellers go to Malynnong to see what appears to be a little miracle in a country struggling to stay clean. They come away having fallen under the spell of a picturesque little hamlet within easy reach of the famous living bridges and whose inhabitants, belonging to the Khasi tribe, preserve their ancient traditions and live in complete harmony with nature.
When the words ‘cleanest village’ and ‘India’ are uttered together you cannot but think of Mawlynnong. This little village — population 500 — in the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya earned the tag of ‘India’s Cleanest Village’ over a decade ago and still wears it proudly; its streets remain free of litter, its water sources pristine. Travellers go to Malynnong to see what appears to be a little miracle in a country struggling to stay clean. They come away having fallen under the spell of a picturesque little hamlet within easy reach of the famous living bridges and whose inhabitants, belonging to the Khasi tribe, preserve their ancient traditions and live in complete harmony with nature.
Clean mantra
Even if Mawlynnong’s clean ways only came to the notice of the rest of the country in 2003, its people have been practising them for a century and more. A cholera epidemic in a place that had no access to medical care prompted the village to scale up cleanliness and hygiene standards. In Mawlynnong, keeping the village clean is everyone’s business. Bamboo dustbins outside homes and along streets collect garbage that is composted. Even children know the cleanliness rules.
Spiti
Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley is breathtakingly beautiful, it’s also admirably clean. The rugged Himalayan terrain is snow-bound for more than half the year, but in mid-summer you can get an adrenaline rush from hiking, cycling, biking and camping in Spiti. It’s also the perfect place to breathe in the unpolluted Himalayan air and let go of all that stress. Challenging routes, ancient monasteries and unspoilt villages are all high points of a Spiti sojourn.
Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley is breathtakingly beautiful, it’s also admirably clean. The rugged Himalayan terrain is snow-bound for more than half the year, but in mid-summer you can get an adrenaline rush from hiking, cycling, biking and camping in Spiti. It’s also the perfect place to breathe in the unpolluted Himalayan air and let go of all that stress. Challenging routes, ancient monasteries and unspoilt villages are all high points of a Spiti sojourn.
Clean mantra
The fact that Spiti has only been attracting travellers since the early ‘90s could have much to do with how pristine it is. The locals have long had highly efficient waste management systems in place and sewage is turned into manure. The government and social enterprises have done award-winning work to keep Spiti clean. Stringent measures are in place in this fragile zone; for instance, vehicles are not allowed in the vicinity of Chandra Taal.
Landour
This summer, give much-done Mussoorie a miss. Head, instead, to Landour, a gorgeous Himalayan hamlet known for its clean, bracing air, colonial legacy and spectacular scenery. Landour is named after Llanddowror, a Welsh village, and it was here that the British set up a military sanatorium in the early 19th century after they arrived to intervene in the Gurkha conquest of Kumaon-Garhwal. Now, it’s all about gabled cottages with evocative Scottish, Welsh and Irish names, mountain walks and a quaint café or two.
This summer, give much-done Mussoorie a miss. Head, instead, to Landour, a gorgeous Himalayan hamlet known for its clean, bracing air, colonial legacy and spectacular scenery. Landour is named after Llanddowror, a Welsh village, and it was here that the British set up a military sanatorium in the early 19th century after they arrived to intervene in the Gurkha conquest of Kumaon-Garhwal. Now, it’s all about gabled cottages with evocative Scottish, Welsh and Irish names, mountain walks and a quaint café or two.
Clean mantra If the British. moving up from Dehradun, chose Landour to set up a sanatorium on account of its clean, crisp mountain air, the place has continued to keep pollution levels low. This is mainly because Landour belongs to the locals — writers and artists have made it home — and not to the tourists. Soak in the fresh air of the hills here.
GOKARNA
The small town of Gokarna on Karnataka’s northern coast is known for its temples and its long stretches of beach. Less touristy than Goa, these also happen to be some of the cleanest beaches in the country.
The small town of Gokarna on Karnataka’s northern coast is known for its temples and its long stretches of beach. Less touristy than Goa, these also happen to be some of the cleanest beaches in the country.
Once a backpacker haven, Gokarna is now attracting a more upscale crowd and families as well. With its laidback air, unspoiled beaches and Opportunities for swimming and surfing, Gokarna makes a great short break from both Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Clean mantra Gokarna’s clean status is largely on account of it being a little off the beaten path. Despite the beach shacks and guest houses, it’s not overly commer cjaljsed either. Visitors will also notice that shopkeepers and shack owners are fastidious about keeping the place clean and litter-free.
GANGTOK & PELLING
Gangtok is now the eighth cleanest city in India. But there are lots more reasons to go to the Sikkim capital. Cosmopolitan Gangtok has plenty for the traveller — from the natural splendours of Khangchendzonga, in whose shadow the city lies, to an array of interesting restaurants, plenty of shopping and a vibrant nightlife as well. Every May, Gangtok becomes the venue for the Sikkim Summer Festival. It encompasses flower shows — made vibrant by the orchids, rhododendrons and primulas Sikkim is famous for — cultural programmes, exhibitions and interesting competitions. Gangtok is also the hopping-off point for Pelling, which takes you within touching distance of Khangchendzonga.
Gangtok is now the eighth cleanest city in India. But there are lots more reasons to go to the Sikkim capital. Cosmopolitan Gangtok has plenty for the traveller — from the natural splendours of Khangchendzonga, in whose shadow the city lies, to an array of interesting restaurants, plenty of shopping and a vibrant nightlife as well. Every May, Gangtok becomes the venue for the Sikkim Summer Festival. It encompasses flower shows — made vibrant by the orchids, rhododendrons and primulas Sikkim is famous for — cultural programmes, exhibitions and interesting competitions. Gangtok is also the hopping-off point for Pelling, which takes you within touching distance of Khangchendzonga.
Clean mantra Gangtok manages a fine balance between its natural beauty and urban planning. The pollution control department is known for its efficiency and its initiatives such as banning plastic and the move towards zero garbage. Gangtok’s main thoroughfare, MG Road, is free of traffic and also sees no littering.
PUDUCHERRY
Visitors to Pondicherry or Puducherry, as it’s now known, don’t need the Urban Development Ministry’s Swachh Bharat rankings in which the Union Territory is at Number 23 to tell them it’s one of the cleanest places in South India. Pondy’s distinct French air is enhanced by the fact that its boulevards are litter-free, its promenade clean and its beachfront a showpiece. A fascinating colonial heritage and vibrant Tamil culture meld here, making it an utterly enjoyable destination, offering the prospects of exploring the architecture, beach time, spiritual activities or savouring some French cuisine.
Clean mantra Pondy earned its clean city label thanks to the sanitation and cleanliness standards here. The municipal authorities have managed to tackle solid waste and sewage management, roping in the public to adopt garbage segregation at source. To motivate the population to keep their localities clean, Lt Governor Kiran Bedi recently announced an award for the cleanest village.
Visitors to Pondicherry or Puducherry, as it’s now known, don’t need the Urban Development Ministry’s Swachh Bharat rankings in which the Union Territory is at Number 23 to tell them it’s one of the cleanest places in South India. Pondy’s distinct French air is enhanced by the fact that its boulevards are litter-free, its promenade clean and its beachfront a showpiece. A fascinating colonial heritage and vibrant Tamil culture meld here, making it an utterly enjoyable destination, offering the prospects of exploring the architecture, beach time, spiritual activities or savouring some French cuisine.
Clean mantra Pondy earned its clean city label thanks to the sanitation and cleanliness standards here. The municipal authorities have managed to tackle solid waste and sewage management, roping in the public to adopt garbage segregation at source. To motivate the population to keep their localities clean, Lt Governor Kiran Bedi recently announced an award for the cleanest village.
CHANDIGARH
Le Corbusier’s city, sprawling at the foothills of the Shivalik range, is best known for being India’s most planned city. All that planning has paid off, for Chandigarh has also been named India’s second cleanest city after Mysore. An easy getaway from Delhi, it makes for an excellent city break. Tidy streets, graceful buildings, sprawling parks and gardens, and a lake, plus a vibrant eating out and nightlife scene all add to Chandigarh’s appeal.
Le Corbusier’s city, sprawling at the foothills of the Shivalik range, is best known for being India’s most planned city. All that planning has paid off, for Chandigarh has also been named India’s second cleanest city after Mysore. An easy getaway from Delhi, it makes for an excellent city break. Tidy streets, graceful buildings, sprawling parks and gardens, and a lake, plus a vibrant eating out and nightlife scene all add to Chandigarh’s appeal.
Clean mantra Chandigarh has successfully tackled what was once a challenge — collecting the 370 tonnes of solid waste the city generates every day from the sectors. It also has an efficient and sufficiently large workforee cleaning the city’s streets. There’s a concerted effort by the authorities collaborating with the Energy and Resources Institute to make Chandigarh environment-friendly, which includes using natural construction material and lowering overall energy consumption.
BHUBANES WAR
Capital city Bhubaneswar is the gateway to Odisha’s many splendours, located at one corner of the famed triangle that includes Pun and Konark. It’s on our list of clean summer getaways because it has been named the cleanest city in eastern India. Bhubaneswar has its many attractions, including the temples and shrines known for their grand architecture, its monuments and parks. After taking in Bhubaneswar, you can head out to explore the state, a rich tapestry of natural beauty, architecture, art, crafts, culture and cuisine.
Capital city Bhubaneswar is the gateway to Odisha’s many splendours, located at one corner of the famed triangle that includes Pun and Konark. It’s on our list of clean summer getaways because it has been named the cleanest city in eastern India. Bhubaneswar has its many attractions, including the temples and shrines known for their grand architecture, its monuments and parks. After taking in Bhubaneswar, you can head out to explore the state, a rich tapestry of natural beauty, architecture, art, crafts, culture and cuisine.
Clean mantra Bhubaneswar’s coveted position as the cleanest city in eastern India can be attributed to sustained effort. Private agencies have been entrusted with collecting garbage in a majority of wards with solid waste management being closely monitored. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation not long ago developed an app, ‘My city my pride,’ and receives complaints from citizens through the app and within minutes a ward officer swings into action.
MYSURU
For two years in a ro the city with its royal associations has been named India’s cleanest city in the Swachh rankings. Once the capital of Mysore state, the city reveals its rich legacy in its lavish palaces, temples and other monuments. Mysuru, which keeps its many traditions alive, is also instantly associated with fine silk and sandalwood and is now a destination for the practice of ashtanga yoga. Plus, the prospect of eating masala dosa in its birthplace brings foodies here.
For two years in a ro the city with its royal associations has been named India’s cleanest city in the Swachh rankings. Once the capital of Mysore state, the city reveals its rich legacy in its lavish palaces, temples and other monuments. Mysuru, which keeps its many traditions alive, is also instantly associated with fine silk and sandalwood and is now a destination for the practice of ashtanga yoga. Plus, the prospect of eating masala dosa in its birthplace brings foodies here.
Clean mantra Mysuru’s clean city status has much to do with how it has managed its sanitation. The authorities can take credit for an efficient door-to-door garbage collection system, recycling practices and for building individual, community and public toilets. Besides putting in place infrastructure, they’ve also managed to bring about essential behavioural changes amongst the public with an excellent communication strategy. Also, several NGOs in the city are dedicated to keeping Mysore clean and their initiatives enjoy public support and participation.
GANDHINAGAR
The capital of Gujarat is not only a clean city, it’s also one of India’s greenest on account of its 32 lakh trees. Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati, Gandhinagar is famous for its Akshardham temple, museums and the Santa Udyan. It’s also the gateway to Bhuj, the capital of Kutch and a city rich in history and with a unique culture. It makes the perfect getaway for those who enjoy peeking into the past.
The capital of Gujarat is not only a clean city, it’s also one of India’s greenest on account of its 32 lakh trees. Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati, Gandhinagar is famous for its Akshardham temple, museums and the Santa Udyan. It’s also the gateway to Bhuj, the capital of Kutch and a city rich in history and with a unique culture. It makes the perfect getaway for those who enjoy peeking into the past.
Clean mantra Gandhinagar is a planned city, just like Chandigarh, and its massive tree cover is part of the plan. Both air and noise pollution are controlled, thanks to the trees, and that’s what makes Gandhinagar seem like a breath of fresh air. Government initiatives have also begun to emphasise the need to shift to solar power.
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