Places to Travel Without Pushing Your Office Deadlines

A Pew Research Center survey discovered that after the pandemic is over at least 54% of U.S. employees’ preferred remote working.

Even 6 in 10 managers were ready to let their employees to work digitally more frequently than before Pandemic according to a Gallup report.

A new trend, working from the mountains is gaining huge popularity after the pandemic. Yes remote working is in, and workation is one of the most preferred forms of remote working today! They come with great benefits…

Away from hustle bustle of city, heat, crowded roads and traffic your nerves are stress-free creating a conducive environment for work very near a place of leisure sans commutation
You get fresh air and the natural environs will keep you healthy. They also enhance productivity.
Most workations have economical accommodation and co-working space. Wi-Fi and other additional expenses are shared. They are hence affordable to even employees with a tight budget.

The value of work away from home is appreciated for certain businesses which go through seasonal periods of low activity and high activity.
Moreover, you can keep the promise of family vacation complying to office deadlines simultaneously.

However there are some cons

There is no clear demarcation between work and leisure
Work output may be below par due to lack of certain facilities available only at physical work space.

However, the pros outweigh the cons. Work from the Mountains is an exciting option to realize this trend…

There are some really great workations up in the valleys located in the Himalayas…

What to Look for In These Locations?

Natural environs
The location should be away from the city’s hustle bustles with some peace and quiet, lots of greenery and fresh air.

Weather
You need to pack your baggage based on the weather conditions
Check if your body can adjust to climate well and you do not have any other health issues which may flare due to the extreme weather in the workation.

Phone/Internet connection

Stable internet connection without hiccups otherwise work will be affected.
You could always portable routers in case that is convenient.

Food and grocery shops

Workation involves staying for more than 2-3 days. Eating-out everyday during this period is not feasible. Workations with kitchen and other facilities would be a great advantage.

it will a great help if you can find grocery stores in proximity of your workation.

Also look for prompt delivery service close by. The mountains are usually cut off from civilization and if your formal work requires you to collect and send physical products that you will need a good courier service nearby else you will lose precious time in the process.

Transportation
To move around the place some car, buses or taxi services travelling around for leisure or buying necessities.

Local attractions
Routine work may become monotonous. If the workations has some local attractions such as religious places or places of adventure or entertainment, then it is worth considering for the next workations trip.

Budget
Most important is it should fit into your budget. If your company offers an allowance, the price should fit in.

Here are some of the perfect cities/towns that match all the above requirements. So yes, you can pack your bags and book your tickets to reach these work+vacation locations at the earliest

Manali

Manali is perhaps the most popular honeymoon and backpacking destination in India. It is also becoming an ideal workation of late. The ideal time to come up here would be between April to June in summer and December to February in winter.

Workation option – Twokuul.com

Twokuul is 2 acre space 6 properties that offer cozy workstation with modern amenities right in the middle of nature very close to Manali.

They have six properties

A Cube Cottage The triple A cottages brings the outside views inside making you one with nature.
Bhagirath Villa – aesthetic luxury in wood and stone
Homestay studio – 4 guests
Rustic cottage
Glamping pods
TwoKull 2 pods with café

Why all Twokull properties can work for you:

Peace and quiet with uninterrupted WI-FI and power supply
Walks on banks of Beas river nearby to shoo away monotony
Minimalist modern infrastructure
Economical
Common Workstation,
Kitchen attached other amenities like microwave other facilities include bed, gym, play area, and more Hammock, outdoor furniture TV and Table Tennis table for entertainment
Safe even for single travelling woman
verified on airbnb with average rating 5*
4 kms from Kullu 35kms from Manali
Friendly and most helpful host.
Pets allowed
Free parking
Even a team can be hosted and accommodated within 6 prosperities based on advance bookings.
Open space for fire pit outdoor furniture

Other workations spots

Lagom Homestay, Jagatsukh
Ride Inn
The Red House

Leisure times at Manali

When you are free from work, check out these options in Manali:

Adventure sports – Zorbing especially in Solang valley, snowboarding, skiing, cycling
Spiritual pursuits – Hidimba temple,Gauri Shankar, Manikaran Gurudwara hotspring sulphur bath as well, monasteries, Manu temple,
Vashisht hot water spring
Jogini falls, Rozy falls, Jana falls, Rahala falls
Museum of Himachal Pradesh culture and folk art
Food hopping
Trekking – Bhirgu lake, Beas kund
Road trip to Rohtang pass – 51 kms
Tibetan monastery and local handicrafts near monasteries

How to reach Manali

By Air

Delhi and Chandigarh are the nearest airports. You can take pre-paid taxi to Manali from these locations

By Train

Nearest railhead is Kalka railway station or Chandigarh railway station

By Bus

You can travel by taxis, cars or state run buses to Manali.

Dharamshala

Dharamshala is situated in Kangra Distrct, Himachal Pradesh. It is home to the Buddhist leader in exile – Dalai Lama. It is a centre for peace, meditation and also one to imbibe the rich Buddhist culture. There are of course many spots where you can pursue your official duties too…

Workation option 1. Hostel Backpackers Inn

It has budget rooms for backpackers. It also has private rooms, even bunk bed dorms, at budget costs. This hostel has all amenities such as Internet connectivity to help you work without interruption. There is a terrace for relaxing and playing board games. A natural pool nearby acts as a natural cooler to keep you relaxed when free from your official duties.

Workation option 2. A Frame Cosy Wooden Hut

This is a rather a romantic stay with wooden furnishing, within a city but gives the impression of being in the jungle. Car hires are available and so are meditation classes and massage centres. A lovely sit-out can be used for leisure as well as work. Other amenities available include uninterrupted Internet 24 hours a day.

Few more spots in Dharmshala with uninterrupted Internet facility and other favorable amenities are

Taroh – Cozy Comfortable Place
Annie’s Home-Stay
Nandini’s furnished attic & 1BHK
The VOID-Top Workation
Flyaway Hostel

Places you can visit in leisure times:

Dalai lama in exile
Local markets
Trejjubg – Triund Trekking snow

Best season to visit : September to March

How to Reach

By Air

Gaggal Airport is the nearest airport is about 13 kms.

By Rail

Pathankot is the nearest rail head about 80 kms away. You can reach Dharmashala from here by taxi or bus.

By Road

Dharmshala is connected to all the major cities in the state of Himachal Pradesh. There are regular luxury, sleeper and Volvo buses that you can take to reach here from Chandigarh, Jalandhar and Amritsar as well.

Bir

Bir is the Paragliding capital of India and situated in Himachal Pradesh. It has many Buddhist monasteries too that attract many tourists and believers.

Place to stay for your workations are

Zostel
New Beas View homestay
Youth hostels with high uninterrupted Internet speeds
Nirvana Village retreat

Weekend leisure activities

Para Gliding
Bicycle rides
Toy train rides
Café hopping

Best time to visit: is Summer from March to June

How to Reach :

By Air

Kangra is the nearest Airport about 68 kms away.

By Train

Pathankot station is the nearest broad gauge railway station about 143 kms away from Bir. Ahju is the nearest railhead some 3 kms away.

By Bus

You can take an overnight Bus to Bir from Delhi.

Tirthan Valley

It is located in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It gets its name from the Trithan river that originates in Hanskund, a snomy peak in the Himalayas. Here are some places to stay and work from.

Workation 1 : Brown Dipper House

It is located on banks of Trithan river. There are 5 clean bedroom providing glamorous glimpses of the mountains. Sitouts, bonfire area and other amenities make it perfect for a perfect workation. After work hours you can go fishing, chat with the owner next door, order food and spend time with your family on aTrithan valley trek or around a bonfire.

Workation 2 : Sneha HomeStay

The hosts stay in the ground floor and have 2 top floors for guests with attached balconies. This homestay is very close to the river and you can walk on its banks during your work breaks.

Workation 3 : Devth Farm Cottages

This farm house is in a quaint village called Chamni and has six rooms spread across an acre of land. The French windows bring in gorgeous views of the valley and the mountains beyond. Fresh pear and clean ground water keep you refreshed at all times. You can keep your kids busy while you are working through the numerous activities available for them at the cottage.

Some more sights and highlights to enjoy during work breaks are :

Tritha is a place for wildlife watching, trekking and imbibing local culture.
Adventure – river crossing using safety harness and slides
Serloskar lake a clean and clear waterbody
Village hopping – Nagini, Gushaini, Banjar and Shoja.
Trek to Prashar lake

Best time to visit : March to June.

How to Reach

By Air

Bhuntar airport is 48 kms away from Tirthan valley.

By Rail

The nearest railheads are Ambala and Kiratpur which are well connected to major cities of India. From these railway stations you take cabs going towards the valley

By Road

The Himachal Pradesh Tourist Development Corporation has regular bus services to from states like Punjab and Haryana and Delhi to Aut. From Aut hire cabs to reach the valley. You can also come via Jalori Pass and Shoja on road.

Mussoorie

Mussoorie, known as the Queen of Hills, is one of the most popular Indian hill stations in the district of Dehradun in Uttarkhand. There may be many attractions for a tourist here, but there are as many places where you can also work. Check out the list below.

Workation 1 – MiCasaSuCasa

This property offers Private rooms at the ground level and attic. 5 guests can be accommodated in 2 bedrooms each with 2 beds and a private bathroom. Ample workspace allows you to concentrate on the job at hand. The host Alok ensures you are comfortable and your needs are looked after. The cottage is 100m uphill and you need to climb downhill to reach a motorable road. The views of the Doon valley are a feast to the eyes. Kitchen amenities, WiFi and other facilities are top class.

Workation 2 The Dragonfly At Doon

Panoramic views, lush greenery, Speedy Wi-Fi and many other amenities offered at The Dragonfly at Doon makes it irresistible for people looking for workations in Mussorie. The large Bay windows let the mild sunlight into the rooms. This lighting brings the much needed energy to work effectively.

When you are free you can check on these Mussorie attractions:

Kempty falls – situated at a height of 1,364m, this spot is great for picnics and bathing at the pool below
Lal Tibba – is the highest view point here at Mussorie at an altitude of 2,275 metres. It is a vantage point to view big peaks like Kedarnath, Badrinath and Bandarpunch if the weather is good. You can also use a Telescope to get a better view of these peaks.
Happy Valley is a Tibetan settlement and you can observe their culture up close. Top view points, Tibetan cuisine and souvenirs shopping will keep you busy here.
Camel back road is shaped like camel hump stretches 3-4 kilometers. It is spot Photographers love and it displays amazing views of other mountains and valleys nearby
Gun Hill has some adventure activities such as rope lined up. Sunrise/sunsets here are not to be missed.
Mussorie lake created by waterfall is a crowd puller and people enjoy picnic, paddle boat ride and amazing environs here
You can also go on Trekking and pony rides to enjoy your leisure in Mussorie

Best time to visit

Spring and summer are best times to visit here from March until June.

How to Reach

Mussorie is connected to all the big cities in India by air, road and rail through Dehradun which is 60 kms away.

By Air

The nearest airport to Mussorie is the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun.

By Rail

The nearest rail head is Dehradun Railway station.

By Bus

Mussorie is connected to Delhi and various other hill stations through the Mussoorie-Chamba Highway.

Almora

It is a cantonment hill station located in Uttarkhand and is uniquely shaped in form of a horse shoe. Two important rivers Koshi and Suyal flow through this town. It has been visited by several famous personalities like Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda.

Homestays and hostels abound here

Itmenaan Estate in the Himalayas

The Himalayan woods executive private room with lots of open spaces located near Kesar Devi temple

Sukoon Homestay Almora

Shantiniketan – economical – wifi, co working cabin, run by 2 sisters

Free time

Almora has lot of colonial vibes to it.
It is also a pilgrimage centres with temples such as Jageshwer temple(Jyotirling), Katarmal Sun Temple, Kasar Devi Temple and Chitai Temple.
Ranikhet is 50 kms away. It is a lovely cantonment where you can see the cantonment way of life. A museum exhibits weapons, photos and other memorabilia of Kumaon regiment of Indian army. You can also have grand views of Nanda Devi here. Trekking golf and other activities will keep you super busy in Ranikhet.

When to Visit: April to June and September to November.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport Pantanagar is about 115kms away.

By Rail

The Kathgodam railway station is 83 kms from Almora.

By Road

Almora is connected to major cities in the North India by road.

Nainital

It is an alluring Hill station with picture perfect landscape located at an altitude of 2000m. Nainital means Lake district and city gets its name from the Naini lake located in the centre of the town that is surrounded by seven alluring hills – Ayarpata, Handibandi, Naina, Deopata, Sher-ka-Danda. Alma and Lariya Kanta.

The underlying colonial vibes here dates back to the time when it was the summer capital of the United provinces of India. If you want to visit Nainital but also have to perform office duties than here are some special options for you…

Workation option 1. Mystic Mukteshwar Lodge

This homestay has idyllic surroundings with cute bird houses that attract great number of birds in the morning. The amazing host cooks delicious meals adding to the allure of this lodge. This lodge also allows pets to stay with you.

Workation option 2.Geeli Mitti Farms Resort, Pangot

This resort is some 7 kms away from Nainital city centre. This resort offers free and uninterrupted wifi along with other reception and entertainment services. You have room service as well as grocery delivery in case you want to cook food yourself.

After work activities

Some leisure activities you can indulge in here are Hiking, horse riding, visiting art galleries, walking tours, themed dinners and more.

Naini lake – enjoy cool boat rides here
Eco Cave gardens – interlocked cave that would create excitement in kids
Nainital zoo – this one for children to appreciate wild animals
Mukteshwar Temple and Naini devi temple for devout
Nainital Ropeway – get 360 degress of the city from above.

Best time to Visit – March to June when the summer spring season begins

How to Reach

By Air

Patnnagar airport is the nearest airport to Nainital. It is 70 kms away and has direct flights from New Delhi.

By Rail

Kathgodam railway station is the best rail head that you can book to reach Nainital which is 23 kms away.This station has regular trains from New Delhi, Agra, LUcknow and Kolkata.

By Road

There are numerous buses plying between Delhi and Nainital. Bus services also connect this city with Kathgodam.

Rishikesh

While Rishikesh is one of the holiest places for Hindus, it is also known as the adventure capital of India. Located in the southwestern part of Uttarkhand state is also called the Gateway to Garhwal Mountains. Another sobriquet this city goes by is “the Yoga capital of the world”

There are both luxurious and budget friendly workations that you can discover in Rishikesh…

Founders Home by I-Create – has 5 star reviews with uninterrupted wi-fi, outdoor pool, fitness centre, rooftop terrace and many more amenities
Atali Ganga is an award winning hotel, lovely cottages for the whole family. It is a luxurious yet responsibly residence for your vacation.
Bunk station is a hostel that is perfect for people searching for budget workations. They provide yummy breakfast, the fastest Internet connection and a serene environment for working.

What to do during your work breaks in Rishikesh…

Adventure:
Rafting,
Camping,
Hot air ballooning
Flying fox
cliff jumping
kayaking
Giant swing

Pilgrimage:

Laxmi Jhula
Rishikund
Ram Jhula
Ganga aarti in Trveni ghat
Tera Manzil temple
Shivpuri

Yoga

Visit Beatles ashram
Attend yoga classes in one of the centres in the city

Best time to visit – September to March

Please note:

May to October there are numerous pilgrims visiting chardam. Winter and spring are both agreeable climate for your stay here.
Rafting is in March and also time for famous Yoga festival.

How to reach

By air

Jolly grant airport is 35 kms away

By Train

Nearest railhead by 25 kms is Haridwar connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow and Varanasi

By Road

This city is located on Highway 58. You will easily get buses and taxis from major cities in Uttarkhand and north Indian states to Rishikesh. Both luxury and normal buses available here.

Footnote

All the above places are unique. Some attributes however are common. All of them offer gorgeous views of the valleys and hills surrounding them. The greenery, fresh air, fresh food and peaceful environs are perfect for your work.

It is difficult to decide amongst them but you could try any one spot for a start.

Because, you need not decide between work and leisure anymore when you can choose both! Opt any of the above places and live a short life of perfection in the Mountains!

Blog by Kalpana