India’s Best and Worst Cities for Sleep: Ranked by Noise Pollution

In as vibrant and densely populated a country as India, silence and quietude are luxury goods—particularly at night. Noise pollution at night due mainly to traffic, construction work, and nightlife has a direct impact on the sleep quality. Based on recent studies and data provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), below are the India’s Best and Worst Cities for Sleep in India based on nighttime noise levels ranking.

India’s Best and Worst Cities for Sleep:

Worst Sleep Cities: Endless Hum and Restless Nights
1. Mumbai, Maharashtra
It’s commonly referred to as the “City of Dreams,” but Mumbai barely sleeps. At levels above 75 dB in areas like Bandra and Dadar, incessant honking, nightlife, and construction make it the noisiest city in India especially bad for sleep.

2. Delhi
New Delhi suffers from round-the-clock noise pollution caused by a mix of traffic, factory complexes, and continuous infrastructure work. Karol Bagh and Lajpat Nagar are some of the numerous places that are continuously monitored with noise levels far exceeding the 55 dB allowed limit late in the night.

3. Kolkata, West Bengal
Though culturally rich, Kolkata is marred by excessive noise from unchecked public festivities, vehicle horns, and bursting firecrackers during festivals—especially in places like Gariahat and Howrah.

Best Cities for Sleep: Urban Peace and Quiet Nights
1. Mysuru, Karnataka
India’s one of the cleanest and quietest city, Mysuru has evenly low levels of nighttime noise. Its meticulously planned roads, greenery, and low nightlife are reasons to sleep peacefully.

2. Chandigarh
With disciplined traffic, tight silence zone regulation, and a healthy mix of greenery, Chandigarh offers peaceful nights and remains well below the national noise ceiling.

3. Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Being in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun enjoys cleaner air and decreased decibel levels compared to large metros. Its residential areas are quiet even late in the evening, conducive to sound sleep.

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