Balancing Work and Exploration: Top Things to Do While Remote Working in India
Working remotely from beautiful places in India sounds perfect, right? But when you're always on your laptop, it's easy to forget to explore what’s around you. Many people struggle to find the right balance between work and travel.
The good news is, it’s possible to stay productive and still enjoy everything India has to offer — the mountains, beaches, rivers, culture, and peace. Whether you’re in a quiet mountain town or a busy beach village, here are some great ideas to help you enjoy your time while working remotely in India.
1. Go for a Walk or Hike in Himachal Pradesh
If you're working from somewhere like Dharamshala or Manali, you’re already surrounded by nature. Take short hikes during your break or on weekends. It helps you clear your mind and feel refreshed.
Some nice and easy trails include the Triund Trek near Dharamshala, Jogini Falls in Manali, or a peaceful walk around Parashar Lake.
Hiking in Himachal is a good way to balance your screen time with real time in nature. Many remote workers choose places like Dharamshala for this reason. There’s even a coliving space there called AltSpace, where people work and explore the mountains together.
2. Spend Time on the Beaches of Goa
After a long day of calls and emails, walking barefoot on a beach can really help you unwind. Goa is one of the most popular spots for remote workers in India. It’s got everything — good cafes with Wi-Fi, coworking spaces, and of course, the sea.
In North Goa, places like Anjuna and Morjim are a bit livelier. If you want peace and quiet, South Goa has calm beaches like Agonda and Palolem.
Goa is a great place for digital nomads in India who want both productivity and relaxation. You can work during the day, and explore in the evenings or weekends.
3. Try Yoga and Meditation in Rishikesh
If you’re feeling stressed or mentally tired, yoga can really help. Rishikesh is known as the yoga capital of the world. It’s a calm place by the river where you can find yoga classes, meditation centers, or even just quiet spots to sit and breathe.
Doing yoga in Rishikesh, even just once a day, can improve your focus, help with your posture, and make you feel more balanced while working remotely.
4. Discover Art and Culture in Rajasthan
On weekends or during a break, visiting places like Jaipur, Udaipur, or Jaisalmer can be a great way to experience something different. These cities in Rajasthan are full of forts, palaces, lakes, and markets.
Exploring culture gives your mind a break from screens and helps you feel more connected to where you are. Many remote workers plan short trips to Rajasthan while working from cities like Delhi or Jaipur itself.
5. Visit the Backwaters of Kerala
If you’re based in South India, don’t miss the peaceful backwaters of Kerala. Places like Alleppey and Kumarakom offer boat rides through green canals and quiet villages. You can even stay in a houseboat for a day or two after a busy workweek.
Kerala has a slow, calm rhythm that’s great for rest and recovery. It’s a nice contrast to the fast pace of work calls and deadlines.
How to Balance Work and Exploration While Working Remotely
Now that you know where to go, here are a few simple tips to help you enjoy your travel without falling behind on work:
- Plan your week in advance
Make a rough schedule that includes both work and fun. Block out time for focused work and also time for exploring.
- Do your deep work when you're most productive
For many people, mornings are better for concentration. If you finish your work early, you have more time to enjoy the place you’re in.
- Use coworking spaces or work-friendly cafes
A good space helps you focus. Try places like AltSpace in Dharamshala or cafes in Goa with strong Wi-Fi.
- Don’t plan too much
It’s tempting to travel every weekend, but rest is also important. Sometimes, staying in and reading a book can be the best way to recharge.
- Keep a journal or photo diary
Writing or taking photos of your day helps you remember your journey and stay grounded.
Final Thoughts
Working remotely in India gives you the chance to see some of the most beautiful and inspiring places in the world. But to really enjoy it, you need to find your rhythm — a mix of work and play.
Try hiking in Himachal, enjoy yoga in Rishikesh, walk on a beach in Goa, explore the forts of Rajasthan, or float in the backwaters of Kerala. There’s no perfect routine, but when you listen to your body and stay curious, you’ll find the balance that works for you.
India is full of experiences. Don’t just work from here — live here too.