Sometimes, work doesn’t seem to leave us. With deadlines to meet, presentations to prepare, and reports to file, the idea of vacation slowly drifts away. Work and a vacation might feel like two separate entities altogether, but what if we tell you that there’s an option to combine the two? Yes! You read that right. A workation makes this completely possible. You no longer have to miss out on the adventures of life just because of work. Everything should have a balance, as Mr. Miyagi from the Karate Kid would say, “Lesson for whole life! Whole life has a balance, everything be better.”
A workation establishes that balance between work life and personal time, and many companies have realized the importance of one. Many hotels and hostels have upgraded their spaces and have been providing amenities so that working travelers can work better. With a workation, there’s a change of space, and that positively affects the working productivity of an individual. When one breathes in the air of a new city, there’s a feeling of rejuvenation. This helps to think more proactively and get those creative juices running.
Do you think a workation is long overdue? Then read our article on some of the best workation destinations in India. You might find some inspiration to plan a trip, too!
4 Best Workation Destinations In India
1. Goa
When you finally decide to go on a workation, one aspect that might bug you is the budget. You would want to work in a destination that’s not too hard on your pockets. And there are a few places like Goa that are budget-friendly, at the same time, filled with numerous things to do. That’s what makes it one of the best workation destinations in India.
Goa is known for its pleasant waves and sandy shores. In truth, there’s nothing more relaxing than working in an environment overlooking the sea. The blue waters, the clear sky, and the green palms are perfect for those who want a change in their daily routine. Thankfully, Goa offers all of that. Upon reaching the state, you’ll find a lot of the Portuguese influence embossed in its structures. Along with that sight, Goan cuisine is something you need to try out. After a morning of intense meetings, you can treat yourself to some Goan prawn curry or pork vindaloo.
Best Time To Visit Goa
Winter (November – March) is a great time to visit Goa. It’s peak season during this time, and the climate is just perfect if you want to explore the state. The temperature is between 23⁰C and 30⁰C during these months, so maybe you can pack a light sweater to combat the chill breeze. You wouldn’t ideally need anything more than that. Also, Goa’s nightlife is the most active during these months, so if you want to party hard after a day’s worth of work, then this is the season to do so.
Hotels And Resorts In Goa For Your Workation
- Phoenix Park Inn By Radisson, Candolim
- Ginger, Panjim
- Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort, Cavelossim
- Fairfield by Marriott, Anjuna
Must-See Places In Goa During Your Workation
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the tomb of one of Goa’s most revered saints, St. Francis Xavier. The architecture and the carvings on the walls are a sight to behold.
Divar Island: It’s a small place separated from Goa’s hustle and bustle. This haven can be reached only by ferry via Old Goa. A perfect place to experience tranquility if you’ve had a long day.
Fort Aguada: Constructed by the Portuguese during the 17th century, this well-renowned fort overlooks the Arabian Sea. Just near it, you’ll find Sinquerim Beach, which is home to many shacks and restaurants. What makes this place a must-visit is that it contains a four-story lighthouse. This is the ideal place to enjoy a sunset.
Things To Do In Goa
Goa has a plethora of beaches to explore, and nearly every one of them has water adventure sports. Some of the most famous ones for that are Calangute Beach, Baga, Palolem, and Benaulim. You can go clubbing at Sinq, Showbar, or even Soho to beat the Monday blues. Also, if you’re feeling lucky, you can visit Casino Pride, Deltin Royale, or Deltin Jaqk.
2. Varkala
Varkala is a quaint village that’s tucked deep within God’s Own Country, Kerala. This little pocket of beauty is home to numerous sightseeing places, along with a wide variety of beaches. So, you’ll never run out of things to do before or after you start working. Also, you’ll see a wide variety of temples scattered over its green lands, and it’s also home to one of Kerala’s oldest Hindu pilgrimage sites. Want to indulge in a bit of devotion? Then visit the Varkala Sri Janardanaswamy Temple or the Varkala Veda Temple.
Best Time To Visit Varkala
Summers in Varkala (March-May) can get a bit too harsh as daytime temperatures range between 23°C to 43°C. If you’re game for such temperatures, then you can enjoy a day out on the beach or sip a cool beverage in one of the beach shacks. If you want to explore Varkala’s offerings comfortably, then you should try visiting during winter. Temperatures average between 13°C to 33°C, making it favorable for one to sightsee and relax.
Hotels And Resorts In Varkala For Your Workation
- Nebo Hotel, Aaliyirakkam Beach
- Clafouti Beach Resort, Varkala Beach
- Gateway Varkala – IHCL SeleQtions, Mundayil Road
- Happy Buddha Homestay, Kurakkanni
Must-See Places In Varkala During Your Workation
Papanasham/Varkala Beach: Many from far and near visit this beach to purge their sins, as the literal translation of Papanasham means destroyer of sins. If you want to feel a bit more connected to God, then you need to visit this beach. From a geological standpoint, this beach has a vast array of cliffs surrounding its sands. And near these cliffs are many spas and jet skis. This is why many tourists prefer sunbathing and swimming at this location.
Anjengo Lighthouse: This lighthouse, located a few miles from Varkala Beach, was built by the British Raj in the 17th century. This monument boasts 11 floors and approximately 2,000 steps to reach the top, but, truth be told, it’s completely worth it. The view of the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea from such a height is a surreal experience altogether.
Kappil Pozhi: This is a picturesque lake surrounded by a cluster of palms. You can enjoy the view by standing on the bridge across the lake or renting a boat for a more personal feel. This gem is located just around 4 miles from Varkala Beach.
Things To Do In Varkala
Before facing the horrors of the day, a piping cup of coffee helps. And there’s no better place than the Coffee Temple, which serves its most revered cardamom coffee and Indian Mexican cuisine. If you want to indulge in a bit of yoga to calm your nerves, then you’re in luck. Varkala has a wide variety of yoga studios and ashrams that welcome locals and tourists alike.
3. Udaipur
The “Lake City of India” has a lot to offer, making it one of the best workation destinations in India. What makes this city so charming is that it’s filled with historic monuments, culturally rich palaces, and immaculate forts, not to mention the spotless lakes as well. Some of these palaces are converted into luxury hotels or have been left in their natural state. The opportunities to sightsee this grand city are endless, and just by roaming its streets, you’ll feel an immense sense of royalty. So don’t forget to include this beautiful city on your list of best workation destinations in India.
Best Time To Visit Udaipur
The winters (October till mid-March) might be a favorable time for this city, but the monsoons are a better season to experience the “City Of Lakes.” It doesn’t rain as much as in other cities, but when it does, the brimming lakes are a sight to see. Also, you might even catch a few deals and discounts on hotels since the monsoons are Udaipur’s off-season, and this will help in reducing costs.
Hotels And Resorts In Udaipur For Your Workation
- The Ananta, Bujra fort
- Dasmaya Resort, Kaya
- Oriental Palace Resorts, Shakti Nagar
- Amantra Shilpi Resort & Spa, Shilpgram
Must-See Places In Udaipur During Your Workation
City Palace: This place is considered Rajasthan’s largest complex, built on the river banks of Lake Pichola. Built in 1559, this palace was once a symbol of power where the Maharanas lived in its royal chambers. Now, its gardens, courtyards, pavilions, terraces, and rooms are left for the public’s viewing pleasure.
Bada Mahal: This “bada” structure dates back to the 17th century. Its pillars finished with the finest Mughal design was once the men’s section of the City Palace. Just stroll in its royal corridors, massive rooms, and attractive fountains to feel a sense of royalty within you.
Nehru Garden: If you want to see Udaipur’s green side, to all this royalty, then you need to visit the magnificent Nehru Garden. It’s an island that’s constructed in the middle of Fateh Sagar Lake. The star attraction is the floating restaurant among the various distinct water fountains of the garden.
Things To Do In Udaipur
Udaipur has a lot to offer. Sunsets at Jaisamand Lake are a real delight. Being the second-largest artificial lake in India, this water body stretches as far as 100 sq. km and is bordered by the Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary. So, if you want an evening of peace and serenity, then you know the place to visit. You can also peddle your way around Lake Pichola if you desire some form of physical activity.
4. Coorg
Coorg needs no introduction, and it’s hands down one of the best workation destinations in India. Famously known as the “Scotland Of India”, people flock to this little part of Karnataka to experience immense serenity in its soothing coffee plantations and idyllic climate. The traffic is not heavy, and it’s one of the parts of India that isn’t very polluted. Do you need more reasons to plan a workation at Coorg? In addition, you can enjoy breathtaking views of its pristine waterfalls, rising mountains, and immense wildlife.
Best Time To Visit Coorg
Coorg is a year-round destination, that’s the best part about this quaint hill station. Its average temperature throughout the year ranges between 16°C to 22°C, so the area is cool generally. October to March is a preferred time to visit Coorg because many outdoor activities are organized during those months, including the many funfairs and cultural events.
Hotels And Resorts In Coorg For Your Workation
- Coorg Jungle Camp Backwater Resort, Herur
- KSTDC Hotel Mayura Valley View, Madikeri
- Heights Farm Stay, Mekeri
- The Capitol Village Resort, Kadagadal
Must-See Places In Coorg During Your Workation
Abbey Falls: This magnificent tourist attraction is situated in a quaint village called Madikeri in Coorg. The falls are from a height of 70 m and are surrounded by coffee plantations and spice gardens. These falls form part of the River Kaveri and during the monsoons, the gushing rush of the waterfall will make you stand in awe of mother nature’s sounds.
Golden Temple Monastery: If you want to learn a bit about Tibetan culture and architecture, then plan a visit to this 40-foot structure. This landmark holds a significant place in the Tibetan community, as it’s the world’s largest center of teaching Tibetan Buddhism. You’ll find paintings of Gods relating to Tibetan mythology and huge red doors. If you stand in its corridors, you will overlook large lawns. This will make you even calmer and more relaxed.
Nagarhole National Park: To experience Coorg’s unique flora and fauna, you need to plan a day at Nagarhole National Park. It’s home to various species of animals and preserves a variety of rare birds too.
Things To Do In Coorg
Coorg is best experienced on foot, and that’s why the place has numerous treks. Kopatty, Tadiandamol Peak, Kumara Parvatha, and Pushpagiri are some most prominent treks of Coorg. Also, adventure sports have to be tried out in this town. From quad biking and microlight flying to river rafting and waterfall rappelling, Coorg is considered one of India’s best adventure sports destinations.
FAQs
How Much Does A Workation Cost In India?
A workation can cost around INR 10,000 to even INR 2 Lakh per month (on the higher side). Do keep in mind that your final costs would largely depend on your destination and the timing of your trip. That’s why it’s important to plan financially beforehand. However, you can always reduce costs by finding cheaper alternatives.
How Long Should I Go On A Workation?
If you want to develop a good feel of the destination and experience what a work-life balance should feel like, then stay for at least a week. You can even extend your stay to 14 days or more if you need more time to sightsee and experience much of the place’s offerings.
Is Udaipur Safe?
Udaipur’s streets are completely safe to walk on. However, avoid areas that look shady or are dimly lit. Use your intuition always.
How Do I Get From Varkala Beach To The Railway Station?
Your best bet is the Varkala-Sivagiri Railway Station, which is just 2 km away from Varkala.
Which Language Is Spoken In Goa?
Konkani is the native language spoken in Goa, but many Goans do speak English, Marathi, and Hindi. So, there’s a minimum language barrier in Goa, and you won’t have to think twice about not knowing the native language.
Can I Work From Goa?
Goa; with its open beaches and adorable hostels, makes a perfect place for a workstation. Just make sure that the place of your stay has fast wifi and a good internet connection and you will be good.
How Do You Do Workation?
Workation simply means taking your work along with you on a vacation. Instead of working from home, you will be working from your choice of place. This offers a good opportunity to have a change of place while maintaining the work-life balance.
Is Sikkim Good For Workation?
Sikkim is a great choice for a workation. There are plenty of homestays offering short and long-term stay with good wifi and amenities. You will be away from the crowd of the cities and enjoy the peace and quiet while working.
