How to Build a Remote Work Routine in India
Working remotely from India can be a dream come true — colorful cities, peaceful mountains, delicious food, and warm people. But to truly enjoy it, you need a good remote work routine. Here's how to stay productive and still enjoy the beauty and culture of India.
Working from a cafe with Himalayan views? Yes, please!
1. Start Your Day with a Morning Routine
A strong morning routine sets the tone for the rest of your day. Wake up early, drink chai or coffee, stretch, and write down 3 goals for the day. This helps create structure even in a new place.
Morning routines also help your body adapt to local time zones faster, which is important if you’ve just arrived from another country. You could also include meditation or yoga, both of which are widely practiced and easily accessible across India.
Tip: Many cities like Dharamshala, Rishikesh, and Goa have peaceful mornings perfect for a fresh start.
2. Choose the Right Place to Stay
Your work environment matters. Look for coworking spaces, quiet homestays, or digital nomad-friendly cafes with strong Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. Check online reviews to ensure the internet speed is reliable and the atmosphere is conducive to work.
Places like Dharamshala, Manali, Bangalore, Udaipur, and Goa are popular among remote workers due to their unique mix of affordability, beauty, and infrastructure.
AltSpace in Dharamshala is one of the most loved spots for remote workers and creators — surrounded by nature, it offers fast internet, a strong community, and peaceful vibes. The space blends professional infrastructure with mountain calm, making it ideal for deep work and relaxation.
Find spaces that are calm and inspiring.
3. Set Clear Work Hours
When working across time zones or juggling multiple projects, it's easy to lose track of time. Set clear working hours that match your most productive times and stick to them. This helps you build consistency and avoid burnout.
You might choose to work early mornings and take long afternoon breaks, or work in the evenings if your clients or team are in Western time zones. Once your hours are set, communicate them clearly to colleagues and clients.
Keep your evenings free for local exploration — take a walk, enjoy some food, visit the markets, or catch some live music. This balance keeps your mental energy high.
4. Take Breaks and Go Outside
Don’t stay indoors all day. Use your breaks to step outside — whether it’s a walk through a local market, sipping chai at a roadside stall, or watching the sunset from a hilltop.
Breaks help prevent fatigue, reduce screen time, and spark creativity. Many Indian towns are walkable and filled with life, offering new sights, sounds, and smells at every turn. This is your chance to soak in the culture without needing a full day off.
Even a short break to try a street snack or chat with locals can refresh your mind and bring surprising joy.
5. Stay Connected with a Community
Working alone can feel lonely after a while. That’s why it’s important to be part of a remote work community. Join online groups, attend meetups, or live in community coliving spaces where others are also working remotely.
AltSpace in Dharamshala offers just that — a vibrant mix of creators, entrepreneurs, and remote workers who share meals, ideas, and experiences. These kinds of communities make it easy to form friendships and collaborations, even far from home.
Being part of a community keeps you inspired.
6. Respect Local Culture and Pace
India moves at its own rhythm. Things might not always go as planned — power cuts, traffic jams, or spontaneous local celebrations can surprise you. The key is to stay flexible and open-minded.
Make time to experience the local culture. Participate in festivals, try regional foods, visit temples, or take a yoga or cooking class. These experiences help you understand the place deeply and feel more grounded during your stay.
Adapting to the local pace makes your experience richer, more relaxed, and more authentic.
7. Have Weekend Adventures
India is full of weekend travel opportunities. Whether you're based in the hills, a coastal town, or a heritage city, there's always somewhere nearby worth exploring.
If you're in the north, head to the mountains of Himachal or Uttarakhand. In the south, explore beaches in Kerala or the ruins of Hampi. Short, 2-3 day trips allow you to reset and return to work with fresh energy.
Always check travel time and weather to avoid spending most of your weekend in transit.
8. Use Local Services and Apps
India has an impressive number of local apps that make life easier. Use Zomato or Swiggy for food delivery, Ola or Uber for rides, and apps like UrbanClap for cleaning or salon services.
Google Maps and Paytm/Google Pay will also come in handy for navigation and cashless payments.
These services save you time and reduce the stress of daily chores so you can focus on work and exploration.
9. Reflect and Adjust
Take time every week to reflect on how your routine is working. Are you feeling productive? Are you enjoying your free time? What could be improved?
Journaling or using habit tracker apps can help you stay mindful and tweak your routine based on what you need — more sleep, better focus hours, or even less screen time.
Being intentional with your routine helps you make the most of your remote work experience in India without feeling overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts
India is a colorful, spiritual, and vibrant place to work remotely. With the right routine, you can stay productive while living your best life. Make room for work, fun, and deep cultural experiences.
Take it one day at a time. Stay curious, be kind to yourself, and allow India to surprise and inspire you.
Start slow, stay flexible, and enjoy every moment.