As work from home has become the new normal, millennials are trudging towards adding some exciting flavours into their work life. Therefore workation which typically means working while being on a vacation amidst panoramic and calm places has started to gain momentum. People are now looking forward to spending a peaceful time vacationing while continuing to stay productive at the same time.
Working alongside having a vacation stirs the imagination of so many wish list ideas. Working while sitting at the front of the beach or soaking in the breathtaking views of the mountain peaks while sipping on a hot cup of coffee has become the new code for stable work life.
Here in this post, we have curated a list of the best workation destinations in India and the most amazing resorts where you can spend your time relaxing along with enjoying spectacular views. All the resorts recommended in this post consists of free Wi-Fi facilities, therefore, ensuring a smooth workation for their guests.
1. Shillong, Meghalaya
Nestled amidst pine trees, lush greenery and spellbinding waterfalls lie the state of Meghalaya in the North-Eastern part of India. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya is also often referred to as the “Scotland of the East”. When the rest of India struggles to somehow pass days under the scorching heat during summer, Shillong enjoys a mild tropical climate, therefore, making it a sought after vacation destination.
Meghalaya receives a lot of rainfall and therefore in Shillong, there are many waterfalls, clear water lakes, beautiful parks for taking long walks and vast stretching golf courses. Shillong is also the music capital of India and many musical events keep happening throughout the year.
Must-See Places and Activities To Do- visit Ward’s Lake, Don Bosco Museum, Lady Hydari Park, Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Police Bazar, Shillong Peak, Mawphlang, Mawlynnong village (the cleanest village in Asia), Mawsynram (wettest place on Earth), Nohsngithiang Falls and Living root bridge in Cherrapunjee. Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills and Dawki.
Where To Stay?- Ri Kynjai- Serenity by The Lake is a luxury spa resort that overlooks the serene Umiam Lake situated 2.5 km away. The resort consists of traditional cottages with fitted sofas inspired from Khasi architecture.
The cottages have upturned boat-shaped roofs infused with a modern touch. Every room is provided with a fireplace. They have in house arrangements for travellers who want to indulge in trekking and also provide spa treatments.
2. Masinagudi, Tamil Nadu
The main aspect of a workation is to transport yourself to a tranquil and calm place straight out of the busy cities. Masinagudi is one such destination that ensures to tick off all the checklist points for a successful workation.
Masinagudi is located in the state of Karnataka and is only 30 km away from the famous holiday destination, Ooty. This hill station situated amidst the Nilgiri hills is an emblem of peace. You can reach Masinagudi by hiring a vehicle from Mysore or Coimbatore.
Must-See Places and Activities To Do- visit Maravakandy Dam, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Moyar river. You can also enjoy an exceptional jungle safari in a jeep or on an elephant at the national parks.
Masinagudi hosts a wide variety of birds whose echoes you will be able to hear throughout the day, therefore, making it a remarkable place for watching birds.
Where To Stay? Jungle Hut is located at the base of the Nilgiri mountain range and spans 20 acres. The rooms at this resort come with a balcony from where the guests can enjoy spectacular views of Masinagudi.
The ingredients used in the food served at the restaurants is produced at the resort’s own garden. They also have a free Wi-Fi facility and there are coffee makers in each room. It is a great place for spending a relaxing time, trekking and bird watching.
3. Varkala, Kerala
A trip to Varkala opens doors to so many wonders that nature has given us. A small coastal town in the south of Kerala has beautiful beaches, hills, lakes, waterfalls, springs and whatnot.
The unique striking feature of the most visited Varkala beach at Varkala town is the 15 meters high ‘Northern Cliff’. The entire town has a very vibrant hippie culture where everyone is found to enjoy great music and delectable seafood at the shacks near the beach.
Must-See Places and Activities To Do- visit Varkala beach, Kappil beach, Ponnumthuruthu Island, Kilimanoor Palace, Varkala Lighthouse, Anjengo Fort and LightHouse.
There are many temples like Jardana Swami temple and Dakshin Kashi which you can visit. Kerala’s saint Sree Narayana Guru’s samadhi is also at Varkala. You can also try water sports at the beaches.
Where To Stay? Deshadan Cliff & Beach Resort is located at Kurakkanni cliff that faces the Varkala beach. This resort is full of amenities with rooms in the shape of beautiful cottages from where you can directly view the pool. The pool also consists of a spa bath and there is a traditional Indian spa present at the resort.
For a smooth workation stay there is free wifi and shuttles to the airport are available. The resort has a smaller number of rooms ensuring personalised services and privacy.
4. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling is a hill station in West Bengal and is also known as “The Queen of the Hills”. This hill station in the eastern part of India has many amazing surprises waiting for a nature lover.
The sights of 86 tea estates which produce the famous ‘Darjeeling Tea’ and the woman plucking the tea leaves in the lush green tea plantations is one of the unique features of Darjeeling hill station.
The meandering toy train rides, the view of the Kanchenjunga peak and Mount Everest from Tiger Hill, the local Tibetan cuisine and the colonial architecture of the place attracts travellers every year for the perfect weekend getaway.
Must-See Places and Activities To Do- trek to Sandakphu, indulge in river rafting in Teesta, view the tea plantations, ride the toy train and ropeway cable car, visit the different monasteries, watch the sunrise and sunset at Tiger Hill and visit India’s largest high altitude zoo.
Where To Stay? Mayfair Darjeeling was once the summerhouse of Maharaja of Nazarganj and is located opposite the Governor’s House. This resort is amongst the favourite of many travellers who seek to spend a quiet and calm time at the lap of nature.
There are fireplaces in each room, tea boutique and spa amenities. The sunset and sunrise view from the patio of the rooms is stellar and instils the desire in tourists to come back again and again.
5. Bir, Himachal Pradesh
A traveller’s dream destination, Bir stands out amongst the top choices for workation places for its lush green, calm surroundings and options for adventure activities. Bir is one of the top paragliding sites in India and is a cultural hub of the Bir Tibetan colony which was founded during the early 1960s.
Work from this destination in Himachal Pradesh is full of adventure, soul-refreshing moments thereby making your workday even more exciting.
Must-do Activities – Apart from paragliding you can opt for many hiking trails like hiking to Gunehar River Pool and Bangoru waterfalls. Take a tour of the Tibetan colony, visit the Sharbaling monastery and Drukpa Kagyu monastery. Meditate at Chokling monastery, go mountain biking in the forests of Bir and also you can get involved in voluntary activities at Dharmalaya.
Where To Stay? AMY Yoga House is a guesthouse in Bir where all rooms have a veranda overlooking a garden. They have rooms with private bathrooms and a restaurant that offers Asian cuisine. They also provide bike rental options as the place is famous for biking.
6. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Set on the foothills of Dhauladhar range, Dharamshala is home to Dalai Lama, the Buddhist leader. The city offers mesmerizing views of snowy Himalayan peaks, deodar and pine forests. Dharamshala city is famous for its snow line view which is more easily seen here than from any other hill station in India.
There is a vibrant Tibetan culture in Dharamshala due to the large number of Tibetan settlements. You will get to see prayer flags and beautiful monasteries adorning the city which adds to the serenity of the city.
Also while visiting Dharamshala do not forget to taste the amazing Tibetan food at various restaurants and cafes serving Tibetan cuisine.
Must-See Places and Activities To Do- trek to Triund and Bhagsu, visit Gyuto Monastery, Dalai Lama Temple and Dharamshala cricket stadium. You can enjoy boating at Dal Lake. Nearby attractions in Dharamshala are Mcleodganj, Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Kasol and Kangra.
Where To Stay? Prakriti Aalay is one of the most sought after resorts in Dharamshala. The resort offers charming mountain views from the windows of the comfortable rooms. The resort takes good care of sanitization and also ensures that its staff maintains optimum cleanliness.
This resort is perfect for a peaceful workation in the mountains because of the amenities, comfort, and spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks.
7. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
A small town in Dehradun, Mussoorie is known as the “Queen of Hills” for its charming and mesmerising views of the Shivalik mountain ranges in the south, spectacular snow ranges in the northeast and the overlooking Doon valley.
Mussoorie was the summer capital during the British era. This colonial hill station is a nature lover’s paradise and quite a loved place among honeymooners, people looking for a weekend getaway and now for workations.
Mussoorie is also set to become one of the favourite workation destinations for its old-world charm, tranquil views and calm atmosphere. This hill station is located 35 km from Dehradun and situated at a height of 2,005 above sea level.
Must-See Places and Activities To Do- view the British remnants that can be seen in the architecture of the hotels and churches, take a stroll at The Mall which is a boulevard of eateries and shops. Try out the cable car ropeway ride at Gun Hill which is the second-highest peak in Mussoorie and visit the adjacent hill stations of Jharipani, Barlowganj and Landour. Adventure sports lovers can also engage in trekking, mountain climbing, etc.
Where To Stay?– Sterling Resort in Mussoorie is situated at the tip of a cliff from where you can enjoy the panoramic views of Doon valley, especially during the night when the whole valley comes alive with glimmering lights.
The location of this resort is such that you can view the winter line and clouds floating past your window as you break away from your work occasionally.
8. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Kullu, also known as the “Valley of Gods” is located amidst the majestic Himalayas and the serene Beas river. A favourite destination amongst filmmakers, Kullu consists of clusters of valleys, snow-capped mountains, apple orchards and tall deodar and pine tree jungles.
Apart from the picturesque views at Kullu, it also attracts adventure seekers for memorable trekking, river rafting, hiking, paragliding and mountaineering experiences.
Kullu is a perfect getaway for a memorable and comfortable workation retreat where you can spend time working while sipping on a cup of hot coffee and staring at the lovely snow-capped mountains.
Must-See Places and Activities To Do– Trekking beyond Rohtang Pass in Spiti valley, Lahaul and Zanskar. Take a dip in the hot springs of Kheerganga and visit the Great Himalayan National Park. Famous temples like Raghunath Temple and Bijli Mahadev Temple are also among the must-visit places here.
Where To Stay?- Apple Valley Resort in Kullu is located by the side of the river Beas with views of the Himalayas. It consists of comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool and arrangements for a plethora of activities that will help you spend a nice time refreshing your soul after a day full of work.
There are also tea and coffee makers in each room. Free wifi zones are available to ensure smooth progress in your work.
9. Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg is a popular coffee producing hill station in India and is famously known as “The Scotland of India”, named by Britishers and as the Kashmir of South India by the people of India.
The official name for Coorg is “Kodagu” and is a favourite among nature lovers for the aromatic coffee plantations that span across major parts of the landscape along with dense forests. Coorg has three administrative divisions namely, Madikeri, Virajpet and Somwarpe where Madikeri is the headquarters of Coorg and also it is the point from where you will get all the transportations that will take you around various places in Coorg.
Must-See Places and Activities To Do – enjoy an exciting elephant ride at Dubare Elephant Camp, enjoy river rafting at Barapole river, take a tour of the Abbey Falls, trek to Chettalli waterfalls, visit the Namdroling Monastery and Madikeri Fort. Enjoy the authentic Coorg cuisine and witness the natural beauty of Coorg at Raja’s Seat.
Where To Stay? The Tamara Coorg is a luxury resort nestled in the heart of the hills in Coorg and is built on a treehouse concept. The structure is built in a way so that it doesn’t cause any harm to nature.
Also read: Top 25 Famous Food Items of the Karnataka Cuisine
The most attractive aspect about staying at this resort is the breathtaking view, the silence of the hills and the musical chirps of the birds when you wake up in the morning. All these aspects will give you the right ambience and feel that you require to go on with your work productively amidst nature.
10. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
The hippie vibe at Kasol sets the right tone to work alongside having the best time of your life amidst the lap of the exotic mountains. The whole place reverberates a chilled-out yet productive vibe.
In recent years “The Amsterdam of India” or “The mini Israel of India” has been increasingly gaining popularity among backpackers, trekkers and nature seekers.
The cultural charm of Kasol resides in the tiny hamlet called Malana where the people often avoid interacting with outsiders as they claim themselves descendants of the Aryan race.
Many Israeli people also reside here and therefore you can enjoy the taste of the palatable Israeli cuisine along with other traditional local dishes.
Must-See Places and Activities To Do- trekking to Kheerganga, Sar Pass, Village of Chalal and Pin Parvati Pass. Try out the Israeli cuisine, enjoy a stroll along the Parvati river, visit the picturesque villages of Tosh and Malana. Also do not miss camping under the skies at Kabila, besides Mahadev River and at Parvati Woods.
Where To Stay? Kasol Heights is a leisure resort situated away from the humdrum of crowds. To reach the resort you need to trek 1 km from Manikeran. River Brahma Ganga passes by the resort whose view makes the stay more calming.
The camps are made of bamboo and then covered with concrete walls. There is an in-house cafe named cafe Baba Shivaay which serves amazing dishes.
Also Read: Kheerganga Trek: Low on Budget, High on Adventure
11. Udaipur, Rajasthan
The “City of Lakes” is nestled amidst the beautiful Aravalli Hills and is surrounded by four lakes. Other popular names of Udaipur are “Venice of the East” and “Jewel of Mewar”.
The architectural grandeur of the city is marked by breathtaking monuments, palaces and temples. The beautiful lakes and the other serene water bodies showcase the natural beauty of Udaipur. A boat ride at Lake Pichola with the view of the stunning City Palace, Lake Garden Palace and Lake Palace at its banks is sure to leave you mesmerized.
Must-See Places and Activities To Do- take a boat ride at Lake Pichola, visit City Palace, Lake Garden Palace and Lake Palace. Take a tour of Bagore Ki Haveli and Saheliyon Ki Bari. Visit Kumbhalgarh Fort, Nathdwara and Jagdish Temple.
Where To Stay? Aravali Silence Lakend Resorts & Adventures is quite a unique resort than many others on this list or in Udaipur. Guests here stay in natural canvas tents that host all the amenities guests would need.
The tents have a large shower area, a beautiful living room and a veranda that provides exclusive views of the lake and the jungle. For safety, there are mosquito nets in each tent so that you can enjoy your working and relaxing times in a smooth manner.
12. Alleppey, Kerala
The beauty of the backwaters in Alleppey or Alappuzha struck Lord Curzon and hence he named it “Venice of the East.” This city in South India will grasp your attention for many days along its interlinking canals, lagoons and beaches.
A houseboat cruise through the serene backwaters in Alleppey is the most common way to view the natural beauty and the local way of life at this place. The traditional snake boat race takes place during the months of August and September at the Alleppey beach which is a must-watch if you plan to visit during these months.
Must-See Places and Activities To Do- Go for houseboat cruising in the backwaters, enjoy the sunset at Alleppey beach and Marari beach, visit Vembanad Lake and paddy fields at Kuttanad, taste the local cuisine and the authentic toddy drink (palm wine).
There are also many famous temples and churches located in Alleppey like Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Sree Nagaraja Temple and St. Andrew’s Basilica Arthunkal Church which you can plan to visit.
Where To Stay? Baywatch Beach Resort is located near Alleppey beach and is a beach facing resort. It is located near Alleppey Bus Station, Alleppey Railway Station and Cochin International Airport. It is a wonderful place to stay for people looking for an ideal workation as the resort offers beautiful sea view rooms, a garden and free Wi-Fi access.
13. Panchgani & Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Panchgani in Maharashtra derives its name from the five hills of the Sahyadri mountains that surround the valley. It is well known as “The Table Land” which is a huge volcanic plateau. The view at Panchgani comprises hills at one side and the coastal plains at the other side. The hill station offers scenic views from its various sunset and sunrise points like the famous Sydney point and Bombay Point.
Panchgani is also famous for its strawberries produced at many strawberry gardens sprawling the hill station therefore also deriving the name ‘Strawberry Garden of India’. The most preferred time to plan a trip to Panchgani is during the spring season in India which is during the months of February and March.
Mahabaleshwar is another famous hill station in Maharashtra located 19 km from Panchgani. Both Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are referred to as twin cities. During the British colonial rule in India, these two cities were preferred summer resorts and therefore there are many architectural remains dating back to those times here.
Must-See Places and Activities To Do- visit famous viewpoints at Panchgani like Kate’s point, Sydney Point, Parsi Point and Bombay Point. Climb up to the Table Land, indulge in Paragliding at Panshet, Bhandardara and Chikhaldara.
Enjoy boating activities at Dhom Dam built over the Krishna River, shop for some fresh strawberries at the markets, explore the Rajpuri caves and give your eyes a treat by visiting Bhilar falls.
In Mahabaleshwar, the main attractions are Elephant’s Head Point, Venna Lake, Elphinstone Point famous for its view of the Pratapgad Fort, Dhobi waterfalls, Chinaman’s falls, Lingmala falls and Wilson Point which is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar and is famous for its sunrise views. You can also enjoy a trek to Arthur’s Seat and Koyna valley
Where To Stay? Bella Vista Resort, Mahabaleshwar offers incredible views of Lingmala valley, Wilson Point and the five hills surrounding Panchgani. The entire resort is surrounded by greens providing the guests with a calm and peaceful ambience. Attractions like Lingmala Falls and Veena Lake are located only 2 and 3 km away.
The staff here are very proactive and take care of the most minute details of the guests. A dip in their swimming pool amidst all the greenery will help you relax after a long working day. There are facilities for indoor games and also Wi-Fi is free. A great way of spending time is by stargazing at night or by bird watching when the birds visit the premises.
Also Read: Exploring Maharashtra by Renting a Campervan
14. Munnar, Kerala
Dotted tea estates, wild sanctuaries, tranquil valleys and misty peaks mark the features of Munnar in the state of Kerala. The tea town received its name as Munnar as a result of its location at the merging point of three rivers Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala rivers. Munnar was once a favoured summer destination for the British rulers.
The pleasant weather at Munnar attracts honeymooners, nature lovers, trekkers and people looking out to spend a peaceful time away from the city. Munnar is located in the South Western Ghats of Kerala and near to both Kochi and Coimbatore. The whole town has an exotic aroma of tea plantations and different spices like ginger, clove, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, etc.
Must-See Places and Activities To Do- enjoy a wildlife safari at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, visit Kolukkumalai tea estate and Sevenmallay tea estate, view the lovely Chinnakanal waterfalls, Cheeyappara waterfalls and enjoy Shikhara ride at Kundala Lake.
To get a beautiful view of the Western Ghats heads towards Top Station which is the highest point in Munnar. Click some instaworthy pictures at Photo Point and shout out your name at Echo Point. Do not forget to taste the delectable local cuisine. If you are an adventure lover then try trekking at Eravikulam National Park and Verdant Woods.
Where To Stay?- The Tall Trees is an excellent choice for staying in Munnar for people seeking to enjoy a workation sitting at their private room balconies overlooking panoramic views of numerous tall trees under which this resort has been built. It is an ideal place for trekkers, honeymooners and privacy seekers.
The sounds of the nearby birds amidst the tall trees, sunlight peeping through the leaves and the silence penetrating the soul are all elements that rejuvenate guests at The Tall Trees. There are 26 cottages at this resort and all amenities imaginable along with choices for trekking and hiking excursions.
15. Lonavala & Khandala, Maharashtra
Lonavala and Khandala are the most visited hill stations in Maharashtra. It is located in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats and has in store lots of waterfalls, lakes and hills where tourists usually enjoy trekking, camping and other adventure sports. The best time to visit these twin cities is during the monsoon. Any resident of Mumbai has definitely visited Lonavala or wants to visit it sometime.
The view while sipping on a cup of tea at Tiger Point while driving to Lonavala is a must-do. Other than that there are many more attractions in Lonavala and Khandala which will keep you busy during your weekend getaway and also at the same time refreshes you to the core.
Must-See Places and Activities To Do- view the Western Ghats from Tiger’s Leap, head towards Rajmachi Fort for some breathtaking sceneries and visit Koyarigarh fort to view the amazing Sahyadri peaks at Aamby Valley.
Other places which you can visit are Bhaja Caves, Lohagad Fort, Amrutanjan Point, Visapur Fort, Tikona Fort, Reverse Waterfalls, Sausage Hills, Kune Waterfalls, Kataldhar Waterfalls and Duke’s Nose. For adventure lovers we recommend bungee jumping at Lonavala and trekking to Bhimashankar.
Where To Stay?- The Dukes Retreat is one of the most preferred resorts in Khandala. It offers mesmerizing views of the Western Ghats and is surrounded by lush green forests and waterfalls. Each room provides views of the mountains through its large windows which stretch from the floors up to the ceilings. Wellness treatments are available at their in house spa. The resort is located on the Old Pune-Mumbai highway making it a conveniently accessible place.
Feature Image Credit- C Boarding Group
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This is a fantastic piece. Really informative and delightful pictures. I’d like to go there NOW! Wonderful! Katie
Thank you so much for reading and also for such a lovely appreciation. When things get better do plan a workation to any of these destinations. We are sure that you will truly love it.
I know that I will! Thanks so much. Katie
it is exhausting to watch so much beauty, I wish I had wings and could fly there without delay
We can understand how it feels. The idea of working in such wonderful environments is so much attracting, it really becomes very hard to resist or even to wait for a long time.
The places are breathtaking. The risk point is travelling from destination to destination during pandemic.
Yes. Though the flights are taking care of all the safety protocols by providing masks, face shields and santizers and all these resorts mentioned are adhering by all the sanitisation guidelines, we would recommend may be planning a workation during the later part of 2021 so that the circumstances get a little better for traveling.
I want to be in every one of those places. Right now. All at the same time.
Thanks for reading. Though its a very tough wish but I hope that you find a place somewhere in the world which brings you the joy that all these places together would bring.
So stunning…. so very stunning… I have always dreamt of going to India…. what a fantastic post… hard to choose which place to go…. Kasal looks much like my present home (southwestern Canada) but maybe I will take Varkala or… Valley of the Gods (Kullu). :)) The swimming possibilities look divine… 💛
Also, what a team; sublime. Happy workationing 😚🙏
Thank u so much Lia for these lovely words. We hope you spend a lovely time workationing in some of these places soon and also meet lovely new people along the way.
Beautiful places, stunning views, very informative. Greta post. Thanks!
Thanks for reading Jyothi and for such a lovely appreciation.
My pleasure!