Work, Travel, Stay: Inside India’s Growing Workation Culture And Where To Stay

Once confined to the occasional extended holiday, the idea of taking work on the road has reshaped how young Indians are choosing to travel. Increasingly, “workations” — blending work with stays in tourist destinations — are being used as a way to step away from urban burnout, make the most of hybrid work flexibility, and spend longer stretches in different cultures and landscapes.

The shift is no longer anecdotal. A comprehensive survey by Thrillophilia and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) found that 33 per cent of travellers now prefer working remotely amidst natural settings, underlining how workations have emerged as one of the defining post-pandemic travel trends.

In fact, in 2025, Sikkim became home to India’s first “digital nomad village.” Yakten, situated in the hills of the Pakyong district, typically attracts nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts keen on being among its breathtaking forests and lush vegetation. Now, the village hopes to draw a different type of crowd—one armed with laptops and phones. Read more about it here.

Why The Office No Longer Has Four Walls

Several factors are driving this shift:

Escaping Urban Burnout: Fast city life, long commutes, and stretched work hours in metros like Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Mumbai are driving young professionals to look for a break. Mountains in Himachal Pradesh and the beaches of Goa and Kerala offer cleaner air, slower days, and some much-needed breathing space.

Affordable Infrastructure: Improved broadband connectivity and the rise of backpacker stays have made long work stays easier and more affordable, with many spaces now geared towards remote workers.

Reclaiming Work-Life Balance: Rather than waiting for annual leave, many professionals now work full days and use evenings and weekends to explore, rest, or take in local surroundings.

Independence and Freedom: With more remote and hybrid roles—especially in tech and creative sectors—and the rise of gig work, location-based independence has become far more common, giving young Indians greater choice over where they stay and work.

Where To Find Workation Stays

Wilderness Home Jibhi, Tirthan Valley

Wilderness Home Jibhi is a quiet homestay in a river valley surrounded by deodar forests. It has found favour with remote workers looking for a slower mountain setting, where days feel less rushed, and the environment does most of the unwinding.

Why it Works as a Workation Stay

• Reliable connectivity: Wi-Fi is generally steady across the property, and there is power backup when the electricity goes out, so work does not get interrupted often.

• Work-friendly spaces: The balconies and dining areas are easy to settle into and work from comfortably through the day.

• Quiet environment: The setting remains largely peaceful, which makes it easier to stay focused on work.

• Host support: The host is around for assistance and can help organise local treks or nearby plans.

Practical Information

• Access: You have to walk a short stretch from the main road to reach the property, so it’s not difficult in distance, but it can feel a bit inconvenient if you are carrying heavy luggage or arriving late in the day. Once you’ve done it once, it becomes easier to manage.

• Nearby spots: Jibhi Market is close enough to walk to for basic needs or a quick wander, and the waterfall is also within easy reach for short visits. There are also simple riverside paths nearby where people usually step out for a break between work hours or in the evening.

• Weekend escapes: Jalori Pass and Serolsar Lake are both realistic weekend plans from here, and you don’t need much planning to make either trip work, which makes the stay convenient for longer workation schedules.

Address: Sainj - Ani - Banjar - Aut Rd, Jibhi, Bini, Himachal Pradesh 175123

AltSpace, Dharamshala

AltSpace Dharamshala is a co-living and co-working space in Khaniyara Valley, set against the Dhauladhar mountains. It is designed for remote workers and creators who want a structured work setup along with a relaxed mountain stay.

Why it Works as a Workation Stay

• Strong internet & backup: The space offers high-speed fibre internet (300Mbps+) with power backup, so work continues without frequent interruptions.

• Built for work: It has 24/7 access to desks, private cabins, meeting rooms, and ergonomic seating suited for long working hours.

• Work-first environment: The layout and overall setting are focused on productivity, with a steady flow of other remote professionals around.

• Community support: Regular shared activities and a resident community make it easier to settle in for longer stays.

Practical Information

• Accommodation: The property offers private, shared, and couple room options, so guests can choose depending on their budget and length of stay. Each room comes with an attached bathroom and a simple desk, which makes it easier to work without needing to rely only on the common areas.

• Meals: All stays include three home-style meals a day, usually served at fixed timings. There is also a shared pantry space where guests can make tea or coffee and pick up quick snacks during work breaks.

• Campus: The property is spread across a one-acre green campus with open seating areas, lounges, and common spaces. These are used throughout the day for casual work sessions, breaks, or simply spending time outside the room.

Address: Thehr, Khanyara, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176218

Website: https://www.altspaced.com/

The Hosteller, Jibhi

The Hosteller Jibhi is a riverside backpacker stay set in the Banjar Valley, built with local wood and pine in a way that blends into its mountain surroundings. It attracts a mix of travellers and remote workers who stay longer for the calm setting, steady routine, and easy access to nature.

Why it Works as a Workation Stay

• Work-friendly spaces: The common areas and in-house café are used as informal workspaces, with plenty of charging points and open mountain views that make long work hours easier.

• Connectivity: The Wi-Fi is free and generally fast enough for work, though power cuts can happen now and then in the hills, so a hotspot is useful to have around.

• Daily rhythm: Mornings and afternoons stay fairly quiet, while evenings usually shift into bonfires, games, or people just hanging out in the common areas.

• Community feel: There are often other remote workers staying here, so it feels easy to settle in without it getting too isolated.

Practical Information

• Rooms: You get a mix of private rooms and dorms here. The setup is simple—beds, storage space, and charging points nearby. Some rooms also open up to views of the river or the pine slopes.

• Facilities: There is a 24-hour reception, daily housekeeping, a small games area, and an in-house café that serves basic vegetarian food.

Address: Khasra Number 799, 13-1, Ani - Banjar - Aut Rd, Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh 175123

Website: https://www.thehosteller.com/hostels/the-hosteller-jibhi/

Zostel Munnar

Zostel Munnar sits inside a 100-acre cardamom and pepper estate in Pallivasal, surrounded by tea plantations and rolling hills. It is one of those stays that blends travel and work quite naturally, with unusual stay options like cave rooms and treehouses adding to the experience.

Why it Works as a Workation Stay

• Workspaces: There is a common workspace area with decent Wi-Fi where most people set up for the day.

• Connectivity: Internet is generally good enough for calls and regular work, but power cuts and drops can happen, so a backup dongle is often useful.

• Environment: The estate setting is quiet and spread out, which makes it easier to focus without the usual city noise.

• Social balance: The space also has a social side, with people mixing in the evenings over games, walks, or shared activities.

Practical Information

• Accommodation: You can stay in dorms or private rooms, along with more unusual options like cave rooms and treehouses. Many rooms also come with hill or plantation views.

• Facilities: The property has large common areas with hammocks, board games, a pool table, foosball, and both indoor and outdoor seating spots.

• Food: There is an in-house café that serves fresh meals, which is the main dining option since the property is a bit removed from town.

• Location: It is about 15–20 minutes from Munnar town and close to spots like Pallivasal Tea Estate, Pothamedu Viewpoint, and nearby waterfalls.

Address: 2nd Mile, Pallivasal, Munnar, Kerala 685565

Website: https://www.zostel.com/destination/munnar

Nature’s Art Homestay, Pushkar

Nature's Art Homestay Pushkar is a quiet, budget-friendly stay set on the edge of Pushkar’s countryside. Surrounded by open fields and views of the Aravalli hills, it offers a slower pace that works well for longer stays, especially for people mixing travel with remote work.

Why it Works as a Workation Stay

• Work setup: The property stays relatively quiet through the day, which makes it easier to focus without the usual noise of central Pushkar.

• Connectivity: High-speed Wi-Fi is available across the property and is generally reliable enough for calls and daily work.

• Spaces to unwind: The rooftop café and terrace areas double up as relaxed work or break spots, especially in the mornings and evenings.

• Easy rhythm: Days tend to follow a simple pattern—work, rest, and short breaks by the pool or terrace in between.

Practical Information

• Accommodation: The stay offers simple room options including budget rooms, air-conditioned rooms with better comfort, and a rooftop dorm-style setup for solo travellers or groups.

• Food & amenities: There is a small rooftop café on-site, and guests also have access to a shared kitchen if they prefer to cook their own meals. Basic housekeeping is provided during the stay.

• Location: The homestay is located just outside central Pushkar, within walking distance of places like Pushkar Lake, the Brahma Temple, and nearby local markets. It sits close enough to the town but far enough to avoid heavy tourist noise.

Address:

Website: https://www.homestaysofindia.com/rajasthan-pushkar-natures-art-homestay/

FAQs

Q1. What is a workation?
A workation is a travel style where people work remotely from a holiday destination while continuing their regular jobs.

Q2. Why is the workation trend growing in India?
Flexible hybrid jobs, better internet connectivity, and the desire to escape city burnout are driving the trend.

Q3. Who typically goes on workations?
Mostly young professionals in tech, creative fields, and freelance roles who can work remotely.

Q4. What makes a good workation stay?
Reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable workspaces, basic amenities, and access to nature or leisure activities.

Q5. Are workations expensive?
Not necessarily—options range from budget hostels and homestays to premium co-living spaces.