Where to head for a cool Workcation after the travel restrictions are lifted?

Workcations are a quick getaway in the guise of work. Pictures from workcations of a laptop against a scenic backdrop and a steaming cup of coffee are much envied on social media. Employees can’t stop gushing about workcations, hoping to be the one chosen for the next trip.

With the onset of the pandemic, workcations have become a distant dream. Employers would rather have you stay safe at home than even come to the office. But, if you think about it, work-from-home allows you to work from anywhere in the world, then why must you be stuck at home? Your next vacation could be your workcation!

Here are a few recommendations for your next workcation if you’re lucky enough to secure a negative Covid report once the lockdown eases :

#1- Saputara

Saputara is a hill town along the Maharashtra-Gujarat border. Blessed by Mother Nature herself, Sapurata has spectacular waterfalls, majestic gardens, a cool climate, and oodles of attraction that lure tourists from all parts of the world.

The best months to visit this beautiful hill town are in the winter months of October to February or July to September for those who love monsoons and March to June for people who enjoy it bright and sunny.

If you find yourselves in Saputara, there are breathtakingly beautiful places to visit in your vicinities, such as the Gira Waterfalls that look picturesque after the monsoons or Waghai Botanical Garden which is home to a variety of exotic plants. There’s also the Rose Garden that houses a variety of roses for anthophilous.

The weariness of city life disappears as you envelope yourself amidst thick forest covers. The magnificent mountains are sure to put you in a trance and the river shimmering as it bathes in the golden glow of the sun will mesmerize you. Hills around Saputara are replete, starting with the Don Hills to the Governor’s Hill nestled in the Sahyadri range.

The Artist Village allows visitors to interact with the local community and purchase exquisite art made by them. A little away from the lake are the ruins of Hatgadh fort built by Maratha ruler Shivaji which now stands in isolation and serenity.

The Townview point, with its panoramic view of the city, makes you gasp at the vastness of it and the sunrise and sunset points exhibit the sun in all its brilliance.

#2- Nasik

Be it places of religious and historic significance or its 22 wineries, Nasik has no boundaries to how much you can explore. Situated on the western edge of the volcanic Deccan Plateau at the bend of the Godavari River, the city houses three historic forts that stood guard to the city. 

Nasik is also an important pilgrimage point for devout Hindus who visit the city to take a dip in the holy Ramkund tank that is believed to be the place where Lord Rama bathed while during his stay in Nasik according to the epic Ramayana. The city hosts Maha Kumbh, one of the largest gatherings in the world, where millions come to see the five sacred banyan trees and innumerable shrines.

The best time to visit Nasik is in the months from October to March.

You can begin your trip by paying homage to Ramkund, the sacred bathing ghat surrounded by myths and folklore. After Ramkund, you can retreat further into nature at the Dughsagar Falls also known as the Someshwar Falls. Dudheshwar Falls stands true to its name which means ‘Sea of Milk’. The white, foamy, frothy water trickling down indeed looks like milk oozing out of the hills.

Gangaram Dam is also a popular tourist location for its conventional architecture made of stones, clay, mud, and sand. The lush green garden near the dam set amidst the captivating landscape is the perfect spot to hang out and click great pictures.

The Durgawadi Falls is yet another site to marvel at. The falls mesmerize you as it cascades down the hill producing a feeling of oneness with nature.

Nasik is home to the holy pilgrimage site of Shri Trimbakreshwar. The centerpiece, a linga representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra, bears a crown of precious jewels, displayed briefly once a week. The central pool that flows into the river is surrounded by arched verandas, where families of worshippers wait to cleanse themselves in the holy water.

Lastly, Nasik is famous for its vineyards, namely Sula and Vallone. Sula Vineyard dating back to 1999 is the first winery to be established in the city. It welcomes visitors for wine tasting and exploring the property.

Vallone Vineyards, established in 2009, is India’s first boutique winery producing premium French-style wines. The location of the vineyard overlooking the Mukhne Lake with a delightful view of the Kavnai Peak makes it ideal for wine tourism.

#3- Igatpuri

The scenic hill town of Igatpuri attracts visitors with greenery that stretches across a vast expanse and pleasant climate. Igatpuri is also known for its Vipassana meditation center where people come from various respects of life.

The best months to visit Igatpuri are June to September and November to March.

If you’re in Igatpuri, you cannot miss Kalsubai Peak which is also known as the Everest of Maharashtra due to its height. The highest peak of the Sahyadri range offers a spectacular view of the Bhandardara mountains. 

The next place you should visit in Igatpuri is the Tringalwadi Fort. Located 3000 feet above sea level and behind the Gantandevi Temple, the Fort is a majestic piece of architecture standing amidst a scenic bliss. A lake beside the Fort with a temple of Lord Hanuman attracts visitors alike.

With meditation gaining popularity, especially in the West, the Vipassana meditation center has become a place of retreat for many. The center with an astonishing golden pagoda at the entrance serves as a treat to the eyes as well. 

With flourishing vegetation and beautiful rock formations, the fertile lands around Bhatsa River Valley come alive during the monsoon with misty fog and waterfalls. Around Bhatsa Valley, is the Camel Valley, famous for the five waterfalls that emerge from a single source.

Overlooking the Kalusbai, Dhakoba, and Naneghat peaks stand the Kulanggad Fort which still has remnants of rooms that look like storerooms. To ascend to the fort, one has to climb up the stairs carved into the rocks.

Known as Maharashtra’s Grand Canyon, the Sadhan Valley is the amalgamation of a valley and a canyon. A challenging and thrilling trek, this place is not for the faint-hearted. If you’re in Igatpuri just to rejoice and refresh, the Vihigaon waterfalls are an excellent place to visit to enjoy the timeless beauty of nature.

So what are you waiting for? Pack em’ bags already!