Shimla, Dec. 20 -- As air quality continues to deteriorate across Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, the hill towns of Himachal Pradesh are fast emerging as a preferred destination for tourists seeking clean air, clear skies and a healthier environment.

With severe air pollution gripping large parts of north India, tourists are increasingly heading to the hills, attracted by pleasant weather, scenic valleys and significantly better Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. The influx of visitors has become particularly noticeable on weekends, as people look for respite from smog and hazardous pollution levels back home.

Randeep Singh, a tourist from Uttar Pradesh, told ANI that the weather is pleasant here.

"The weather here is very good, neit...