In this story 7 sections · 6 min
As winter approaches, Delhi NCR residents begin paying closer attention to air quality. Outdoor plans may change, evening walks may move indoors, and checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) may become part of the daily routine.
For families, the season can bring a practical question: is there a way to spend some of the year in a different setting without giving up the careers, schools and commitments that keep them connected to the city?
For some, a second home near Shimla offers that flexibility: a familiar place to return to, with mountain views, time outdoors and a change of pace. It is not a substitute for addressing air pollution or a medical solution, but it can give families another option for how they spend part of the year.
Delhi’s winter air: What the numbers say
Delhi’s pollution season can begin before November. In the first seven days of October 2026, the city’s average AQI was 171, the second-highest first-week average in the six years from 2021 to 2026. The highest in that period was 176 in 2023, according to an analysis of official data by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), reported by Press Trust of India (PTI) on 7 October 2026.
On India’s CPCB AQI scale, a score of 101–200 is classified as “moderate”; 201–300 is “poor”. AQI can change from day to day, and weather conditions, local emissions, and other factors all influence pollution levels.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies air pollution as a risk to respiratory and cardiovascular health and notes that children and older adults are among the groups more susceptible to its effects. A mountain residence should not be presented as a health treatment or as a guarantee of air quality. For buyers, the appeal is the wider lifestyle choice: a place to spend time away from the pace of the city.
A second home, not just another holiday
A hotel can make a short break memorable. A home offers a different kind of familiarity: a favourite chair, belongings already in place, a kitchen that feels your own and the freedom to shape the day without following a fixed itinerary.
For families, that can mean unhurried meals, children having more room to explore, grandparents enjoying a change of scene, and everyone having time together. Rather than replacing life in Delhi NCR, a second home can complement it, whether for longer holidays, seasonal stays, or occasional escapes throughout the year.
Why Naldehra, near Shimla?
Naldehra offers a mountain setting beyond Shimla’s busiest streets. Known for its cedar and deodar landscapes and its historic golf course, the area combines forested slopes with open views and a quieter pace.
Each season brings a different character: green hills during the monsoon, milder days in summer, and crisp winter mornings. As with any mountain destination, road conditions and weather can vary, so buyers should consider access and practical arrangements across the seasons.
Auramah Valley: Mountain living, thoughtfully managed
Located in Naldehra at approximately 6,300 feet, Auramah Valley is a luxury residential community spread across around 100 acres. It offers 3, 4, and 5 BHK residences in a setting shaped by forest, mountain views, and residential amenities.
Imagine a winter morning with mist over the valley, coffee on the balcony, and time for a walk beneath the cedars. The experience is designed around making the mountains feel like a place to return to, not simply a destination for a short stay.
At Auramah Valley, mountain living goes beyond beautiful residences and scenic surroundings. Our thoughtfully curated amenities bring together wellness, recreation, dining, and everyday convenience, creating a lifestyle where every generation can find something to enjoy.
Wellness & Relaxation: Residents can unwind at the heated indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi, or maintain their fitness routine at the fully equipped gym.
Sports & Recreation: From tennis and pickleball courts to a private theatre, snooker, and card room, the community offers opportunities for recreation, entertainment, and meaningful time together.
Dining & Social Spaces: Residents can enjoy distinctive dining experiences at Boca Mario and The Cedar, unwind at The Stable Bar, or spend relaxed evenings at the cigar lounge and club lounge.
Everyday Convenience: An on-site clinic, tuck shop, children's play areas, and concierge services add comfort and convenience to everyday life.
Beyond these lifestyle amenities, maintenance, housekeeping, and security services help make second-home ownership more convenient, even when residents are away.
Getting there: Road and helicopter connectivity
Auramah Valley is accessible by road from Delhi, with an approximate travel time of 8 to 8.5 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Travel times may vary during peak seasons and changing mountain weather.
For those seeking a more convenient way to reach the mountains, Auramah Valley also offers helicopter connectivity from Chandigarh, making travel to this exclusive mountain community more seamless.
What to consider before buying a mountain home
A second home is a significant purchase. Beyond the setting and amenities, buyers should review the residence's practical details and documentation. Useful questions include:
Q1: How reliable is road access during winter and periods of heavy rain?
Q2: What healthcare facilities are nearby, and what on-site support is available?
Q3: Who maintains, secures, and looks after the residence when the owner is away?
Q4: What ownership, RERA registration, and other permissions apply to the specific property?
Q5: How often will the family realistically use the home, and in which seasons?
Q6: What maintenance charges, club fees, and other recurring costs should be budgeted for?
At Auramah Valley, our residences offer freehold ownership, and the project is RERA-registered, providing buyers with greater clarity and confidence in their investment. Prospective homeowners are encouraged to review the relevant ownership documents, registration details, and applicable permissions with our team before making a purchase decision.
A place to return to
A home in the mountains is more than a weekend escape. It is where families come together, traditions take shape, and everyday moments become lasting memories.
At Auramah Valley, we bring this vision to life through thoughtfully designed residences, a welcoming community, and a lifestyle surrounded by the natural beauty of Naldehra.
Whether you are looking for a peaceful second home or a place to create lasting family memories, we invite you to discover a different way of living in the mountains.
