A clean city significantly enhances the appeal and experience of tourism. In India, various cities have excelled in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, making them ideal destinations for travelers. The Swachh Survekshan survey by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA) annually ranks cities based on cleanliness, and 2024’s survey highlights the top 20 cleanest cities in India. Let’s explore these pristine destinations.
List of the Top 20 Cleanest Cities in India 2024
1. Indore, Madhya Pradesh (India’s Cleanest City)
Indore has been crowned the cleanest city in India for seven consecutive years, thanks to its efficient waste segregation and management. Key attractions include Rajwada Palace, Lalbagh Palace, Central Museum, Sarafa Bazaar, and Chappan Dukan.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport
- By Train: Indore Junction
- By Road: Buses from Bhopal, Jaipur, New Delhi
2. Surat, Gujarat (2nd Cleanest City in India)
Surat, known for its textile and diamond industries, has achieved the status of the second cleanest city. Attractions include Ambaji Temple, Sardar Patel Museum, Dutch Garden, Dumas Beach, and Swaminarayan Temple.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Surat International Airport
- By Train: Surat Railway Station
- By Road: Connected to Vadodara, Ahmedabad, New Delhi
3. Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
Navi Mumbai has achieved cleanliness through effective waste management. Key attractions are Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Wonders Park, Pandavkada Falls, and ITC Park.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
- By Train: Navi Mumbai Railway Station
- By Road: Buses from Mumbai Central
4. Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh
Ambikapur, known as the “Temple Town of Chhattisgarh,” is renowned for its waste recycling practices. Visit Mahamaya Temple, Ramgarh, Tiger Point Waterfall, and Jogimara Caves.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi
- By Train: Ambikapur Railway Station
- By Road: Connected to Raipur, Bhilai, Durg
5. Mysore, Karnataka
Mysore, the “City of Palaces,” boasts proper waste segregation and management. Attractions include Mysore Palace, St. Philomena’s Church, Brindavan Gardens, Karanji Lake, and Mysore Zoo.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Mandakalli Airport
- By Train: Mysore Junction
- By Road: Buses from Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Salem
6. Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Vijayawada is known for its urban management practices. Key attractions are Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla, Undavalli Caves, Rajiv Gandhi Park, and Prakasam Barrage.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Vijayawada International Airport
- By Train: Vijayawada Junction
- By Road: Buses from nearby cities
7. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Ahmedabad, the “Manchester of India,” is recognized for effective waste disposal. Visit Teen Darwaza, Jhulta Minar, Swaminarayan Temple, ISKCON Temple, Vaishno Devi Temple, and Sabarmati Ashram.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
- By Train: Ahmedabad Junction
- By Road: Connected to Mumbai, Pune, Surat
8. New Delhi, Delhi
New Delhi, the capital city, has implemented various measures to curb air pollution. Attractions include Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, and Akshardham Temple.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport
- By Train: New Delhi Railway Station
- By Road: Connected to Jaipur, Agra, Shimla, Manali
9. Chandrapur, Maharashtra
Chandrapur is known for its clean surroundings and attractions like Shree Mahakali Temple, Jatpura Gate, Pathanpura Gate, Junona Lakes, and Tadoba-Andhari National Park.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur
- By Train: Chandrapur Railway Station
- By Road: Buses from Nagpur, Chennai, Hyderabad
10. Khargone, Madhya Pradesh
Khargone, another clean city in Madhya Pradesh, offers attractions like temples, palaces, and caves. Visit the Samadhi of Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa and Ajanta Caves.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore
- By Train: Khandwa Junction
- By Road: Buses from Indore, Burhanpur, Ujjain
11. Rajkot, Gujarat
Rajkot is a clean city with historical landmarks and parks. Attractions include Mahatma Gandhi Museum, ISKCON Temple, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Ishwariya Park, and Aji Dam.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Rajkot Airport
- By Train: Rajkot Railway Station
- By Road: Connected to nearby towns and cities
12. Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Tirupati, the abode of Lord Balaji, is known for its cleanliness. Attractions include Chandragiri Fort, Shri Venkateshwara Zoological Park, ISKCON Temple, and Talakona Waterfalls.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Tirupati International Airport
- By Train: Tirupati Railway Station
- By Road: Buses from Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad
13. Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
Jamshedpur, the “Steel City,” is maintained by Tata Steel. Attractions include Dimna Lake, Jubilee Park, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Tata Steel Zoological Park, and Hudco Lake.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi
- By Train: Tatanagar Junction
- By Road: Buses from Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneshwar
14. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal, the “City of Lakes,” is a popular tourist hub. Visit Upper Lake, Lower Lake, Van Vihar, Gohar Mahal, Shaukat Mahal, and Birla Museum.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Raja Bhoj International Airport
- By Train: Bhopal Junction
- By Road: Buses from Indore, Nagpur, Ujjain
15. Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Gandhinagar, known for its serene atmosphere, offers attractions like Akshardham Temple, Trimandir, Adalaj Step Well, Children’s Park, and Indroda Nature Park.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad
- By Train: Gandhinagar Railway Station
- By Road: Buses from Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad
16. Chandigarh
Chandigarh, the planned city, is known for its clean public utilities. Visit Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, ISKCON Chandigarh, and Government Museum and Art Gallery.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Chandigarh International Airport
- By Train: Chandigarh Junction
- By Road: Buses from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi
17. Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
Bilaspur, known for its aromatic rice, offers attractions like Deorani-Jethani Temple, Dindeshwari Devi Temple, Bubble Island, and Radhika Water Park.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Swami Vivekanand Airport, Raipur
- By Train: Bilaspur Junction
- By Road: Buses from Kolkata, Mumbai, Jabalpur
18. Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Ujjain, on the banks of the Shipra River, is a popular pilgrimage site. Visit Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Kal Bhairava Temple, Ram Mandir Ghat, and Kaliadeh Palace.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore
- By Train: Ujjain Junction
- By Road: Buses from Mumbai, Indore, Rajkot
19. Nashik, Maharashtra
Nashik, known for its vineyards, is also a clean city. Attractions include Trimbakeshwar Temple, Sula Vineyards, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, and Pandav Leni Caves.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Nashik Airport
- By Train: Nashik Road Railway Station
- By Road: Buses from Mumbai, Pune, Gujarat
20. Raigarh, Chhattisgarh
Raigarh, an industrial city, has popular attractions like Ram Jharna Waterfall, Singhanpur Caves, Balaji Temple, and Kamala Nehru Park.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur
- By Train: Raigarh Railway Station
- By Road: Buses from nearby towns and cities
When tourists visit these 20 cleanest cities in India, they leave with a positive impression, encouraging more tourism and boosting local economies. Have you visited any of these cities? Share your experiences in the comments below!