Workcations And Top 10 Destinations India

Have you been on a working holiday? Yes, you read it right. Workcations or work combined with a holiday is the rising trend in the workforce across the globe now. Welcome to the generation of digital nomads. It is the best bonus you can ever get if you love traveling while working. All you need is your laptop, a data connection, and you! 

Workcations provide an opportunity to combine work and leisure, leading to increased productivity, better work-life balance, networking opportunities, skill development, and reduced stress levels.

You can be in any part of the globe and continue to meet deadlines. However, in the last two years, businesses have also noticed rising productivity of employees despite working remotely. Remote work began during the pandemic and is continuing even now. So once various countries opened up to tourists and locals after the pandemic, some travelholics, aka travel nomads, chose this as an opportunity to travel and work. It became a double bonus because they got to work and enjoy some leisure time – a refreshing change of scenery for employees. This is one reason why many companies began switching to remote mode. Some even went hybrid (a mix of remote and working in the office) because they found work productivity improving and conserving office resources.

So, are you a travelholic? You heard that word right—a term for people who love traveling and take off whenever time permits. If you are a travelholic, you will always have a browser window showing maps and new locations on your laptop. Another window will also show searches for a cheap flight and train tickets. After being holed up at home for almost two years during the pandemic, tourism has revived in most parts of the country. 

Workplaces have opened up, and bosses slowly recall their employees in hybrid mode. Thanks to the hybrid work model, people can work from anywhere. This has spelled good news for all travelholics. They can now pick their favourite destinations and work from anywhere with a decent internet connection and a laptop. Deadlines can be the same except for a change in scenery.

Gone are when people needed to report daily to their bosses in person. People can now pick co-working spaces or go on a holiday and still work in leisure. As long as deadlines and productivity are met, you can travel anywhere.

tips for those who want to try a Workcation

1. Early Travel Planning
Plan well in advance. When you pack your bags and move to a different location, especially for work, you must also have a working map. For instance, planning the work, scheduling realistic deadlines according to the time you stay there, and planning a pleasurable time off work. In addition, do enough research on the place you go to. Preferably go to a familiar location where you already have been earlier to save time on R&D!

2. Choose A Budget Boarding
Wherever you go, the accommodation must be comfortable. Choose service apartments (if need be) or a budget hotel (depending on your pocket and the time you intend to stay). If you need to stay longer, an internet-friendly destination must be preferred - a boarding with good Wi-Fi. Also, make sure eateries are easily accessible so that you don’t spend too much time away from work.

3. Set Precise, Realistic Work Schedules 
If you are a freelancer, do make sure you set realistic deadlines for yourself. If you are working for someone, mention realistic deadlines that you can meet, including the time off work.

4. Creating A Comfortable Workspace
Once you have the working blueprint and finalize your location and accommodation, create a well-lit workspace. Then, visualize yourself in that space and accordingly set it up.

5. All Work And No play Leaves One Dull!
It is time to explore your inner self if this is a solo workcation. Even with friends, look for mini treks near your location or local cafes where you can lounge without work. Sample local cuisine, or enjoy your favorite treats if it is a familiar location.

6. Start A Self-Care Routine
Follow a new skincare or hair care routine for yourself. Pampering yourself is equally important. Since you are off the office routine, you can relax and indulge yourself. It is essential irrespective of gender!

Top 10 Workcation destinations in India 2023

1. Goa

Goa offers an ideal combination of natural beauty, good weather, connectivity, affordability, culture, and infrastructure, making it a popular workcation destination for digital nomads and remote workers. 

  1. Scenic Beauty:
    Goa is known for its beautiful beaches, lush green forests, and serene backwaters. This natural beauty makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads and remote workers who want to work in a peaceful and inspiring environment.
  2. Great Weather:
    Goa has a tropical climate, which means it enjoys warm weather throughout the year. It is an excellent place for people who want to escape the cold winter months in other parts of the world.
  3. Good Connectivity:
    Goa is well-connected by air, road, and rail to major cities in India and other parts of the world. It makes it easy for people to travel to and from Goa for work.
  4. Affordable Living Costs:
    Compared to other popular workcation destinations worldwide, Goa is relatively inexpensive. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all reasonably priced, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads and remote workers on a budget.
  5. Vibrant Culture:
    Goa has a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, seen in its architecture, food, and festivals. It makes it an exciting and culturally rich place to work and live.
  6. Growing Startup Scene:
    In recent years, Goa has become a hub for startups in India. It has led to the development of coworking spaces and other amenities that cater to the needs of digital nomads and remote workers.

2. Dharamshala

Nestled in Himachal Pradesh, this quaint little town – a potpourri of residents and tourists from all cultures, can be one of the serene locations for working. Strung by Buddhist shrines, cafes, and local markets, it is a great place to relax and work. Look for homestays if you are looking for a longer time. Else there are great options for budget hotels too. Dharamshala offers an ideal combination of natural beauty, good weather, connectivity, affordability, culture, and infrastructure, making it a popular workcation destination for digital nomads and remote workers. 

  1. Scenic Beauty:
    Dharamshala is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and is surrounded by lush green forests, snow-capped mountains, and pristine waterfalls. This natural beauty makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads and remote workers who want to work in a peaceful and inspiring environment.
  2. Pleasant Weather:
    Dharamshala has a moderate climate throughout the year, which makes it a great place to work and live. It is prevalent among people who want to escape the scorching heat of the plains during the summer months.
  3. Good Connectivity:
    Dharamshala is well-connected by road and air to major cities in India. The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport, about 13 km from Dharamshala. It makes it easy for people to travel to and from Dharamshala for work.
  4. Affordable Living Costs:
    Compared to other popular workcation destinations around the world, Dharamshala is relatively affordable. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all reasonably priced, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads and remote workers on a budget.
  5. Spiritual and Cultural Hub:
    Dharamshala is home to several Buddhist monasteries, including the Dalai Lama’s residence. This makes it a popular destination among people interested in spirituality and wanting to learn more about Buddhist culture.
  6. Growing Startup Scene:
    Dharamshala has emerged as a startup hub in India. This has led to the development of coworking spaces and other amenities that cater to the needs of digital nomads and remote workers.

3. Rishikesh

Another hilly destination in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand is a popular holy town. The town is famous for river rafting, cafes, and restaurants. You can get suitable co-working spaces there. Rishikesh offers an ideal combination of spirituality, natural beauty, adventure, connectivity, affordability, culture, and infrastructure, making it a popular workcation destination for digital nomads and remote workers.

  1. Spiritual and Yoga Hub:
    Rishikesh is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and is home to several ashrams and yoga schools. This makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads and remote workers interested in spirituality, meditation, and yoga.
  2. Scenic Beauty:
    Rishikesh is situated on the river Ganges’s banks and surrounded by lush green forests and mountains. This natural beauty makes it an attractive destination for people who want to work in a peaceful and inspiring environment.
  3. Good Connectivity:
    Rishikesh is well-connected by road and rail to major cities in India. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 35 km from Rishikesh. This makes it easy for people to travel to and from Rishikesh for work.
  4. Affordable Living Costs:
    Compared to other popular workcation destinations worldwide, Rishikesh is relatively affordable. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all reasonably priced, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads and remote workers on a budget.
  5. Adventure Sports:
    Rishikesh is known for its adventure sports, including white water rafting, bungee jumping, and zip-lining. This makes it an attractive destination for people who want to take a break from work and indulge in some outdoor activities.
  6. Growing Startup Scene:
    In recent years, Rishikesh has emerged as a startup hub in India. This has led to the development of coworking spaces and other amenities that cater to the needs of digital nomads and remote workers.

4. Udaipur

This city of lakes and palaces in Rajasthan is another place recommended for a workcation. This popular tourist destination has suitable co-working spaces and areas to relax. Slow evening walks along the lake can be a bonus after a hard day at work. Avoid the summers, though, for a vacation or a workcation. Udaipur offers an ideal combination of cultural and historical significance, natural beauty, connectivity, affordability, cuisine, and hospitality, making it a popular workcation destination for digital nomads and remote workers.

  1. Cultural and Historical Significance:
    Udaipur is known as the “City of Lakes” and is home to several palaces, forts, and temples of historical and cultural significance. This makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads and remote workers interested in history, culture, and architecture.
  2. Scenic Beauty:
    Udaipur is situated in the Aravalli Range and is surrounded by lush green forests, hills, and lakes. This natural beauty makes it an attractive destination for people who want to work in a peaceful and inspiring environment.
  3. Good Connectivity:
    Udaipur is well-connected by air, road, and rail to major cities in India. This makes it easy for people to travel to and from Udaipur for work.
  4. Affordable Living Costs:
    Compared to other popular workcation destinations worldwide, Udaipur is relatively affordable. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all reasonably priced, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads and remote workers on a budget.
  5. Growing Startup Scene:
    In recent years, Udaipur has emerged as a startup hub in India. This has led to the development of coworking spaces and other amenities that cater to the needs of digital nomads and remote workers.
  6. Cuisine and Hospitality:
    Udaipur is known for its rich, diverse cuisine and warm hospitality. This makes it an attractive destination for people who want to explore different culinary traditions and experience the warmth and friendliness of the local people.

5. Varkala

A beautiful beach destination in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Varkala, is highly recommended for working and holidaying. One of the top tourist destinations, it has the perfect recipe for a workcation – resorts, cafes, and local markets. Varkala offers an ideal combination of a beach destination, connectivity, Ayurveda and wellness, affordability, local culture and cuisine, and infrastructure, making it a popular workcation destination for digital nomads and remote workers.

  1. Beach Destination:
    Varkala is known for its pristine beaches and scenic beauty. This makes it an attractive destination for people who want to work in a relaxed and peaceful environment.
  2. Good Connectivity:
    Varkala is well-connected by air, road, and rail to major cities in India. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, about 50 km from Varkala. This makes it easy for people to travel to and from Varkala for work.
  3. Ayurveda and Wellness:
    Varkala has several Ayurvedic clinics and wellness centers. This makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads and remote workers interested in holistic healing and wellness practices.
  4. Growing Startup Scene:
    As an emerging startup hub in India, Varkala has led to the development of coworking spaces and other amenities that cater to the needs of digital nomads and remote workers.
  5. Affordable Living Costs:
    Compared to other popular workcation destinations worldwide, Varkala is relatively affordable. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all reasonably priced, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads and remote workers on a budget.
  6. Local Culture and Cuisine:
    Varkala is known for its rich and diverse local culture and cuisine. This makes it an attractive destination for people who want to experience different culinary traditions and learn about the local customs and traditions.

6. Pondicherry 

Beaches, Auroville, markets, cafes, and French colony are the words on search in Google whenever you look for this quaint town in Tamil Nadu—also known as Puducherry, and this may be your perfect getaway for work. Sample local cuisine and take long walks on the beach when you get off work. Pondicherry offers an ideal combination of French heritage, natural beauty, connectivity, affordability, yoga and meditation, and infrastructure, making it a popular workcation destination for digital nomads and remote workers.

  1. French Heritage:
    Pondicherry was a French colony until 1954 and had a distinct French influence in its architecture, cuisine, and culture. This makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads and remote workers interested in history, culture, and architecture.
  2. Good Connectivity:
    Pondicherry is well-connected by air, road, and rail to major cities in India. The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, about 135 km from Pondicherry. This makes it easy for people to travel to and from Pondicherry for work.
  3. Affordable Living Costs:
    Compared to other popular workcation destinations worldwide, Pondicherry is relatively affordable. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all reasonably priced, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads and remote workers on a budget.
  4. Beaches and Natural Beauty:
    Pondicherry is on the Bay of Bengal and is home to several beaches and scenic spots. This natural beauty makes it an attractive destination for people who want to work in a peaceful and inspiring environment.
  5. Growing Startup Scene:
    In recent years, Pondicherry has emerged as a hub for startups in India. This has led to the development of coworking spaces and other amenities that cater to the needs of digital nomads and remote workers.
  6. Yoga and Meditation:
    Pondicherry is home to several yoga and meditation centers. This makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads and remote workers interested in wellness practices and meditation.

7. Munnar

If you love cooler climes, you can go to Munnar. It is a popular hill station in the Western Ghats in Kerala—a perfect summer getaway for working away from boring office settings. Cool climes, scenic tea and coffee plantations, a hot cuppa of your favourite beverage, and a cozy workstation are all you need for a fantastic workcation. 

Munnar offers scenic beauty, mild climate, adventure sports, Ayurveda and wellness, affordability, and infrastructure, making it a popular workcation destination for digital nomads and remote workers.

  1. Scenic Beauty:
    Munnar is known for its picturesque landscapes, tea plantations, and lush greenery. This makes it an attractive destination for people who want to work in a calm and inspiring environment.
  2. Good Connectivity:
    Munnar is well-connected by road to major cities in South India. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is about 110 km from Munnar. This makes it easy for people to travel to and from Munnar for work.
  3. Mild Climate:
    Munnar has a pleasant climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. This makes it an ideal destination for people who want to escape the hot and humid climate of the cities.
  4. Adventure Sports:
    Munnar offers adventure sports like trekking, camping, and rock climbing. This makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads and remote workers who want to engage in outdoor activities.
  5. Ayurveda and Wellness:
    Munnar has several Ayurvedic clinics and wellness centers. This makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads and remote workers interested in holistic healing and wellness practices.
  6. Affordable Living Costs:
    Compared to other popular workcation destinations worldwide, Munnar is relatively affordable. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all reasonably priced, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads and remote workers on a budget.

8. Manali

If you want to explore hill stations in north India, you must visit this one. Located in Himachal Pradesh, this cute hill station is conducive for undisturbed work while exploring local cultures and cuisines. You can take the weekend off and even trek to nearby hills if you are a trekking enthusiast. There are small cafes too. Do watch out for bikers. It is one of their favourite biking routes as well. Manali offers scenic beauty, adventure sports, a mild climate, yoga and meditation, affordability, and infrastructure, making it a popular workcation destination for digital nomads and remote workers.

  1. Scenic Beauty:
    Manali is known for its beautiful landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and picturesque views. This makes it an attractive destination for people who want to work in a serene and inspiring environment.
  2. Adventure Sports:
    Manali offers several adventure sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, trekking, and paragliding. This makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads and remote workers who want to engage in outdoor activities.
  3. Good Connectivity:
    Manali is well-connected by road and air to major cities in India. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, which is about 50 km from Manali. This makes it easy for people to travel to and from Manali for work.
  4. Mild Climate:
    Manali has a pleasant climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. This makes it an ideal destination for people who want to escape the heat of the cities.
  5. Yoga and Meditation:
    Manali is home to several yoga and meditation centers. This makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads and remote workers interested in wellness practices and meditation.
  6. Affordable Living Costs:
    Compared to other popular workcation destinations worldwide, Manali is relatively affordable. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all reasonably priced, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads and remote workers on a budget.

9. Shillong

Called the “Scotland of the East,” this beautiful hill station in Meghalaya northeast is famous for its tea plantations and varieties. Most people take a break to go there to attend concerts and music festivals. Many rock bands come there to perform—a great place to unwind and work. Shillong offers an ideal combination of scenic beauty, culture and heritage, music scene, affordability, and infrastructure, making it a popular workcation destination for digital nomads and remote workers.

  1. Scenic Beauty:
    Shillong is known for its natural beauty, rolling hills, waterfalls, and picturesque views. This makes it an attractive destination for people who want to work in a calm and inspiring environment.
  2. Good Connectivity:
    Shillong is well-connected by road and air to major cities in India. The nearest airport is Shillong Airport, about 30 km from Shillong. This makes it easy for people to travel to and from Shillong for work.
  3. Mild Climate:
    Shillong has a moderate climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. This makes it an ideal destination for people who want to escape the heat and humidity of the cities.
  4. Culture and Heritage:
    Shillong has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several museums and historical sites. This makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads and remote workers interested in history and culture.
  5. Music Scene:
    Shillong is known for its vibrant music scene and is often called the “rock capital” of India. This makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads and remote workers interested in music and nightlife.
  6. Affordability:
    Compared to other popular workcation destinations worldwide, Shillong is relatively affordable. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all reasonably priced, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads and remote workers on a budget.

10. Alibaug

This last destination is one of Mumbai’s best weekend getaways. Surrounded by the sea, Alibaug (formerly known as Kolaba and has a fort with the same name) can be easily added to your workcation destination lists. With a peaceful ambiance and work-cum-leisure time, Alibaug has some of the best beaches. Alibaug offers an ideal combination of proximity to Mumbai, beaches and nature, historical and cultural attractions, affordability, and wellness activities, making it a popular workcation destination for digital nomads and remote workers.

  1. Proximity to Mumbai: 
    Alibaug is located just a few hours away from Mumbai, making it an ideal weekend getaway for people living in Mumbai. This also makes it a popular destination for people who want to work and live near Mumbai but in a more peaceful and scenic environment. 
  2. Beaches and Nature:
    Alibaug is known for its beautiful beaches and natural scenery. This makes it an attractive destination for people who want to work in a calm and inspiring environment.
  3. Good Connectivity:
    Alibaug is well-connected by road and ferry to Mumbai. The nearest airport is Mumbai Airport, about 100 km from Alibaug. It is a little far, but connectivity makes it easy for people to travel to and from Alibaug for work.
  4. Historical and Cultural Attractions:
    Alibaug has several historical and cultural attractions, such as forts, temples, and museums. This makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads and remote workers interested in history and culture.
  5. Affordability:
    Compared to popular workcation destinations worldwide, Alibaug is relatively affordable. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all reasonably priced, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads and remote workers on a budget.
  6. Wellness Activities:
    Alibaug is home to several wellness centers and spas, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads and remote workers interested in wellness practices such as yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda.

So, take a break from your stationery routine, take off to an exciting destination, meet new people, get inspired, and go on an offbeat work path!

She is a quirky writer/photographer/closet poet and singer who has traversed a non-conventional path. As a former entertainment journalist who has worked in print and online media for a decade, Priya loves talking to people and writing their unspoken stories. She is a single parent of a 7-year-old son settled in Tamil Nadu and a Content Consultant/ Communications-PR Manager. She is also an informal mentor to parents in her local parenting network. She dreams of being an author of a book and maybe the scriptwriter of a film someday!

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