Make Remote Working A Fulfilling Experience By Driving To These Places

In a post pandemic, remote working has become a norm that many organisations have embraced. While a lot of us already used to working from home, it is equally important that we still make time for things we really love, holidays and travel being a few of those. So, with employers giving you the option to work out of the office, why restrict yourself to just your home?

The business world may call it ‘WFH – work from home’, but you can try out ‘WFA – work from anywhere! This way, you no longer have to wait for holidays to go on a vacation; instead, you can enjoy a whole workation week. So, if you’re looking to swap your work desk for something more scenic, here a few offbeat destinations you can consider.

Phawngpui, Mizoram

Towering at 2,157 metres and overlooking the crystal blue waters of Chhimtuipui River, Phawngpui or Blue Mountain is the perfect antidote to office blues. Skyrocket your productivity by booking a stay in a guest house in Aizwal, which is blessed with pleasant weather all year round and head out to Phawngpui. The region is home to rich flora and fauna, where encountering rare species like Hume’s pheasant, Blyth’s tragopan, leopards, and Asiatic black bear is common. A carpet of orchids and rhododendrons bless this quaint town with postcard-worthy views that will stay with you long after you’ve returned. And, if you love trekking, conquer the highest mountain peak in the state during your weekend break.

Reaching the base camp of Phawngpui at Sangau is an eight-hour drive from Aizwal. The drive is quite tricky in these terrains considering the altitude. But your capable Ford Endeavour and its features like Terrain Management System, Hill Launch Assist and Hill Descent Control will help you comfortably and safely traverse the hilly roads. Additionally, it offers plenty of boot space to pack up your office essentials and enjoy your work with a view.

Dharchula, Uttarakhand

Take a sneak peek into the rich display of Kumaoni and Bhotiya culture in the scenic town of Dharchula. Majorly known as a stopover enroute to Kailash Mansarovar and Chhota Kailash Yatra, this town’s beauty is replete with rich wildlife and exquisite flora. With good internet connectivity and even better views, there are plenty of accommodation options in Dharchula, such as hostels, lodges and homestays where you can take your Zoom calls in peace. To clear your head on a hectic workday, a ready remedy is a stroll amidst the lush pastures and gushing river. And what better sight to turn away from excel sheets than the pristine Panchuli Peaks that make a special appearance when the sky is clear.

Several famous tourist attractions such as Mansarovar Lake, Chikrila Dam, and Om Parvat are at a stone’s throw away from Dharchula. This way you can start each day with a new view! Hopping from one location to the other will be a tad easier with the touchscreen navigation system in your Ford Freestyle. And its Active Rollover Prevention and Electronic Stability Control will make it safer to set out on winding lanes and hilly terrain.

Hukitola Island, Odisha

The untouched serenity and historic appeal of Hukitola Island is the perfect cure for a mid-day slump. Get a head start on your weekend by checking-in at a hotel in Kendrapara, a town close to Hukitola and schedule a visit to the island, which is only operational for day visits. The island is laden with dense mangrove trees and is home to several peculiar birds. The gothic arches of its rice storage buildings and a windmill that offers an encompassing view of The False Point lighthouse will leave an everlasting impression on you. As it is still off most tourist radars, Hukitola boasts the bluest skies, which are bound to get your creative juices flowing for a productive work week.

Travel tip: It is recommended to reach the island by eight in the morning as it is mandatory to get permission from the Forest Department.

Poombarai, Tamil Nadu

Nestled amidst terraced fields and lushness, Poombarai is as tranquil as it is enchanting and is aptly considered the best-kept secret of Kodaikanal. Encircled by mountains and never-ending greenery, a string of colourful houses greet you when you step foot in this dainty hamlet. Apart from visiting the temple and view-points, travellers can enjoy locally grown produce and relish a farm to fork meal. As it is still an up and coming tourist spot, you have to take a U-turn to Kodaikanal, which has plenty of hotels and homestay options that promise good WiFi.

While driving through the serpentine turns of the Western Ghats, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) in your Ford EcoSport will enable you to maintain a firm grip and ensure a smooth climb up the hills.

The concept of remote working is a blessing in disguise as it allows you to make the most of your day. And if you are a traveller or just looking to get out of your comfort zone, try the digital nomad lifestyle. Besides having new scenery to look at when you take your eyes off your laptop, you’ll also meet interesting people along the way. In the end, it’s your experiences and adventurous tales that get etched in your memory and not your work projects. So, start chasing destinations and let work happen alongside.