The once-clear boundary between work and travel has been delightfully blurred. In an era of Zoom meetings and remote log-ins, more people are swapping city skylines for mountain silhouettes. And as June scorches the plains, the cool hills become more than just a vacation, they become temporary offices with a view.
Welcome to the era of workations, where productivity meets peace, and spreadsheets are balanced with sunrises. Whether you’re a freelancer, digital nomad, or remote employee looking to escape the summer heat without skipping work, India’s hills offer some ideal options. From the serene trails of Dharamkot to the coffee-scented air of Coorg, this article explores the best places to set up your laptop in June and live the mountain life without losing connection.
Why Work from the Hills in June?
June offers the perfect blend of moderate weather, post-summer bloom, and off-peak travel to most hill stations. While the metros face rising temperatures and monsoon chaos, the hills remain calm, green, and incredibly inviting. Here’s why June is an excellent time to head for a workation:
- Stable Internet: Popular hill towns now offer reliable Wi-Fi, fiber connections, and mobile data coverage.
- Affordable Long Stays: Homestays and boutique resorts offer monthly discounts and co-working options.
- Creative Boost: The blend of solitude, natural beauty, and slower pace fuels clarity and inspiration.
- Balanced Lifestyle: Begin your day with a nature walk, work with a view, and end it under starlit skies.
Now, let’s explore four top destinations that have emerged as India’s favorite work-from-hill retreats in June.
1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh: Work Where the Mountains Whisper
Perched along the Beas River and shadowed by snow-capped peaks, Manali is a timeless favorite. But beyond its tourist buzz lies Old Manali, a quiet, forest-laced haven where cafes double as workspaces and apple orchards flank guesthouses.
Why Manali Works for Workation
- Fiber optic internet and growing digital infrastructure
- Plenty of cafés with power outlets, strong Wi-Fi, and scenic views
- A thriving community of digital nomads and creators
Where to Stay
- Zostel, Old Manali: With cozy dorms, private rooms, a café, and community vibe.
- The Johnson’s Café & Hotel: Ideal for comfort, luxury, and work-life balance.
- Workation.in Properties: Tailored accommodations with high-speed internet and workspaces.
Off-Work Activities
- Take morning walks to Hadimba Temple or Jogini Falls
- Café-hop in Old Manali for fresh bakes and Himalayan views
- Drive to Solang Valley or Atal Tunnel on weekends for a quick getaway
2. Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh: Quiet Forests and Mindful Living
If Manali feels too mainstream, Dharamkot, just above McLeod Ganj, is where you go to breathe. Set among dense cedar forests, this laid-back village offers peace, clean air, and a unique blend of spiritual calm and café culture.
Why Dharamkot is Ideal
- Fewer tourists, more tranquility, perfect for deep focus
- Affordable long-stay hostels, yoga retreats, and rustic cottages
- A community that values slow living, organic food, and mindfulness
Top Spots for Work
- Alt Life Dharamkot: Offers co-working space, dorms, private rooms, and a panoramic work café.
- The Bunker Hostel: Vibrant work-friendly hostel popular among long-term travelers.
- The Circle Café: Great internet and the best banana bread in town.
Off-Work Activities
- Hike to Triund or Galludhar Viewpoint for weekend detox
- Attend meditation or Vipassana retreats
- Explore Tibetan culture in nearby McLeod Ganj
3. Landour, Uttarakhand: Colonial Calm and Creative Inspiration
Above the bustling town of Mussoorie lies Landour, a charming, old-world hamlet that moves to the rhythm of rustling pines and vintage architecture. This is where writers, musicians, and thinkers come to retreat, and now, remote workers too.
What Makes Landour Special
- Peaceful, pollution-free environment
- Consistent mobile data and decent Wi-Fi in key homestays
- Literary charm, Ruskin Bond still calls it home
Where to Settle In
- La Villa Bethany: A homestay run by a warm couple offering extended-stay comfort.
- Ivy Bank Guesthouse: Quiet, classic, and perfect for focused work.
- Rokeby Manor: For those looking to splurge on a heritage workation.
What to Do After Work
- Walk the Landour Loop every evening, silent, scenic, soul-soothing
- Visit Char Dukan for pancakes and conversations
- Browse the iconic Cambridge Book Depot or write from Prakash’s Café
4. Coorg, Karnataka: Coffee Plantations and Tropical Tranquility
If the Himalayas aren’t calling, maybe the Western Ghats are. Coorg (Kodagu) offers a very different workation vibe, lush plantations, chirping cicadas, and air infused with the aroma of fresh coffee.
Why Coorg in June?
- June is lush and vibrant, right before the heavier monsoons
- Temperature hovers around 20–25°C, ideal for comfort
- South India’s best bet for peaceful long stays and remote working
Stay and Work Options
- Evolve Back Resorts: Premium, peaceful, and fully equipped for working guests
- Aurika Coorg by Lemon Tree: Excellent connectivity and luxurious ambience
- Backpacker Hostels in Madikeri: Affordable and connected
Things to Do Post Work
- Visit Raja’s Seat for breathtaking sunset views
- Take guided coffee estate walks
- Explore nearby Abbey Falls, Talacauvery, and Bylakuppe Monastery
Other Honourable Mentions for June Workations
- Kausani, Uttarakhand – Known as “Switzerland of India,” great for mountain views and fiber connectivity.
- Yercaud, Tamil Nadu – A peaceful, less-commercial hill station in the Shevaroy Hills.
- Kasol, Himachal Pradesh – For solo workers who like a more bohemian vibe, though internet can vary.
- Pelling, Sikkim – Misty mornings, mountain views, and growing digital infrastructure.
What to Pack for a Hill Workation in June
- Laptop & Charging Essentials: With surge protectors and power banks
- Wi-Fi Dongle or SIM Card: Jio and Airtel offer good coverage in most locations
- Rain Gear: Light monsoon may begin by late June, carry waterproof shoes and jackets
- Comfortable Clothing: Light layers for the day, warm for evening
- Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Bug Spray: Hill stations can be deceivingly sunny
How to Plan a Productive Hill Workation
- Choose Accommodations Wisely
Always confirm internet speed, power backup, and desk availability before booking. - Set a Flexible Work Schedule
Try early morning or evening work blocks to enjoy your surroundings during the day. - Take Digital Detox Days
Plan 1–2 days a week for hikes, reading, or slow travel without devices. - Respect Local Communities
Choose eco-stays, shop local, and avoid disturbing natural environments with over-tourism. - Check Weather and Connectivity Updates
Stay informed of monsoon patterns and carry offline maps if venturing into remote areas.
The modern traveler doesn’t always seek to escape work, they want to redefine it. A June workation in the hills offers that perfect in-between, where emails are answered with birdsong in the background, and meetings happen with mountain views.
Whether it’s the spiritual hush of Dharamkot, the literary charm of Landour, the adventurous appeal of Manali, or the earthy richness of Coorg, these destinations allow you to thrive professionally while reconnecting with nature and self.
As you sip your morning coffee with the clouds rolling below, you realize: this isn’t a break from life, it’s the beginning of a more balanced one.
