India's incredible diversity, varied landscapes, and colourful history make it a fascinating tourist destination. But not only intrepid globetrotters seeking cultural and spiritual experiences visit this South Asian nation. The country is slowly but steadily becoming a favourite among digital nomads.
The low cost of living is one of the reasons digital nomads choose India. The abundance of fully furnished but inexpensive co-living spaces specifically designed for remote workers is another. In addition, India is exceptionally well-adapted to new technology. There's IT support whenever you require it. Wi-Fi is widely available, moderately fast, and reliable, especially in big cities.
One of the best things about being a digital nomad is you can work while on the move and see as many local attractions as you desire. As a tourist hotspot, India boasts a plethora of breathtaking sights and hidden gems. Its extensive transportation network makes visiting just about anywhere possible, though travelling to some locations can be challenging.
India is a fabulous home for digital nomads. But not all parts of the country are suitable for remote work. Some areas may have power cuts and blackouts due to electricity shortages. Internet connectivity is often poor and unreliable outside big cities. Finding a quiet work spot can be difficult as most places are overcrowded.
Still, the pros of working remotely in India outnumber the cons. Think of the affordability, sightseeing opportunities, extensive accommodation options, enriching encounters, and the food. The trick is to pick the right location. And with a country as vast as India, you will definitely find one that fits your needs. To help you decide, here are the 12 best places in India for digital nomads.
1. Bengaluru
Widely regarded by locals as the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru (aka Bangalore) is a haven for digital nomads. Vast and highly urbanized, Bengaluru has modern infrastructure and a fast and reliable internet connection. There is a wide range of co-working spaces, nomad-friendly cafés, and even professional assistance should you need it. The district of Whitefield is the primary tech hub in the city, where many digital nomads and ex-pats reside, work, and hang out. Koramangala and Indiranagar are well-known business, shopping, residence, and nightlife areas.
Bengaluru is rife with historical and cultural attractions, full of impressive architecture, nature parks, museums, and a phenomenal culinary scene. The Tudor-style Bangalore Palace is one of the main draws for tourists. Other highlights include the Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, the Government Museum, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, Bull Temple, and the National Gallery of Modern Art. If you're looking for somewhere quiet, head to Ulsoor Lake, a serene hideaway in the heart of the bustling city.
Bengaluru has a tropical climate, with mild summers and less heavy monsoons. You can get around the city using ride-hailing apps such as Ola and Uber. The food is typically rice-based, spicy, and mixed with various robust flavours.
Coworking Spaces
You'll never be short of fully-equipped and well-appointed coworking spaces in Bengaluru. These include Bunchworks, CoWrks New Indiranagar, ClayWorks Mini Forest and GoodWorks.
2. Hyderabad
Hyderabad is the largest and most populated city in the state of Telangana. This bustling IT hub is home to thousands of tech companies, including giants such as Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. It is also a centre of trade, commerce, and manufacturing, with cigarettes, textiles, and pharmaceuticals as its chief products.
As a high-tech city, Hyderabad is one of the safest and friendliest places in India for digital nomads. It is also one of the first cities in the world to have 1 Gbps internet speed. Its most attractive feature, however, is its affordable cost of living which ranges between $627 to $825 a month. Accommodations ($75 to $167 a month) and coworking space rent ($50 to $150 per month) will probably take the bulk of your expenses.
The weather in Hyderabad is hot and dry, sometimes reaching a maximum of 49 °C. The temperature drops slightly during the monsoons, which start from the end of June to early October. When the weather is pleasant, try to see some of the city's most iconic landmarks, such as the Charminar, the Golkonda Fort, the Grand Tombs, and its many palaces and bazaars.
Coworking Spaces
Hyderabad is never short of well-equipped coworking spaces that cater to the needs of digital nomads, whether they are working on a monthly or hourly basis. Among the best are Regus, Innov8, CoWrks Skyview, and Nano Space.
3. Mumbai
Captivating, cosmopolitan, and charmingly chaotic, Mumbai is India's largest city and financial capital. Dubbed the City of Dreams, it has the most millionaires and billionaires among all Indian cities. But it is best known as the heart of Bollywood, the country's film industry. Mumbai may not be as tech-savvy as Bangalore or Hyderabad, but it is among the world's fastest-growing start-up hubs. With its world-class restaurants, trendy bars, and varied entertainment, it is one of the best places in India for digital nomads seeking a vibrant nightlife and an active social life.
Mumbai is about 82 percent cheaper than New York and 72 percent cheaper than London. The average cost of living in Mumbai is around $1734 per month. Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is between $450 to $588, while a coworking lease is approximately $75 for a hot desk, $115 for a fixed desk, and $255 for a private office. Mumbai also has a lot of neighbourhood cafés that are conducive to remote working.
Located on the southwestern coast of India, Mumbai enjoys a tropical climate. It is a popular tourist destination, boasting three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Elephanta Caves, and a collection of 19th and 20th century Victorian and Art Deco buildings. Thanks to its lively social scene, you will likely run into other digital nomads during your stay in the city.
Coworking Spaces
Mumbai is home to several coworking spaces with modern facilities and dependable internet connections. Among the best are Workafella, Divinehub, The Boardroom, and WorkCampus.
4. Delhi
The Indian capital is the perfect blend of the old and new. Here fancy restaurants, posh shopping centres, and cutting-edge tech parks mix with traditional bazaars, ancient forts, stunning temples, and historical landmarks. As India's main transport, commercial, cultural and political hub, Delhi is easily the busiest of all cities in the country. If you want to truly experience diversity and don't mind the hustle, noise, and traffic of a sprawling metropolitan, Delhi is the perfect base for you.
Surprisingly, Delhi is cheaper than Mumbai, with an average cost of living of $946. Prepare to shell out around $214 for a one-bedroom studio apartment and $88 per month for coworking space. You can get a meal for $2.51 at a medium-range restaurant and $0.84 for coffee. In addition, Delhi has a decent internet speed, with an average of 12 Mbps. It also has plenty of coffee shops that make suitable workspaces for digital nomads, though some may require a working local phone number to access their WiFi.
Located in the northern part of India, Delhi is notorious for its extreme weather, with dry spells that can go as high as 52°C and chilly winters that can drop to as low as 7°C. But the city's phenomenal food scene is enough to make up for its erratic climate.
Coworking Spaces
A highly-urbanized area, Delhi offers digital nomads a wide range of coworking space options. These include Avanta Business Centre, Hustle Cowork, Daftar Cowork, and Awfis Connaught Place.
5. Goa
Ocean views from your office desk? You can soak up the sun, sand, and sea without missing out on work. Goa is known for its lovely weather, great food, and a vast coastline dotted with sandy coves. Where there are beautiful beaches, there's bound to be booze and boisterous fun, and this is how Goa became the party capital of India.
North Goa is perfect for digital nomads who want to combine business with a little (or a lot) of party time thrown in. It also makes a fantastic base for adventurers seeking adrenaline-fueled watersports in their free time. But if you prefer peace and solitude, head to South Goa for its secluded beaches, scenic drives, and untouched natural beauty. Whether you choose north or south, you will be amazed by the low cost of living, which ranges between $750 to $850 per month. Some of the best places to stay in Goa for digital nomads are the bohemian village of Anjuna, the picturesque Parra, the Portuguese-influenced Panaji, the hippie-inspired Arambol, and the palm-fringed Palolem.
If there is one downside to working remotely in Goa, it's the unreliable internet connectivity, especially in more secluded areas. There are also power cuts that often last for hours. But as more digital nomads arrive in the state, a number of coworking spaces have cropped up, particularly in the northern area. You can sidestep slow internet speed and blackouts by using a coworking space. There are also work-friendly cafés suitable for those seeking a quiet spot for only a day or a few hours. If you'd rather stay at home, you can use data plans for some reasonably reliable internet access for less than $10 a month.
Coworking Spaces
For hassle-free internet access and cutting-edge facilities, check out these coworking spaces in Goa: The Cove Goa, 91Springboard, NomadGao, and Clay.
6. Pune
About 91 miles from Mumbai, less than a four-hour drive away, lies the smaller and quieter but richly cultural and historical city of Pune. From 1674 to 1818, it was the home of Peshwas, the old prime ministers of the Maratha Empire. Over the years, Pune has become a vital industrial and financial hub, focusing on automobile manufacturing and software development. However, its most prestigious designation is the ‘Oxford and Cambridge of India' due to its many colleges and universities.
Like in other parts of India, the living cost in Pune is very affordable. As a digital nomad, you can live a semi-luxurious lifestyle in the city for as low as $755 a month. Internet connection is relatively fast, reliable, and cheap. Additionally, Pune has a lot of coworking spaces equipped with modern facilities to assist remote workers. Getting around is easy, and transportation is inexpensive. There are also excellent residential projects and accommodations in high-end neighbourhoods such as Koregaon Park, Kothrud Baag, Viman Nagar, Hinjewadi, and Deccan.
Coworking Spaces
Pune is home to several well-known coworking spaces, where you can work and interact with other digital nomads. Some of these offer spectacular views of city and charge as low as $5 a day. Check out Friyey Space, Cowerkz, Anchor Coworking, and Inscape.
7. Nagpur
Lying along the Nag River, Nagpur is widely considered the cleanest, second greenest, and most livable city in India. Apart from being a vital commercial and political centre, it is famous throughout the country as the Orange City due to the variety of citrus fruits cultivated in the region. Nagpur is home to traditional industries that manufacture handicrafts, exquisite fabrics, paper, ceramics, glass, and refrigerators. Over the years, however, it's slowly expanding as a tech hub, attracting digital nomads from all corners of the globe.
If you're looking for a less bustling base, Nagpur offers attractive options, including well-appointed coworking spaces and trendy cafés with dependable internet connectivity. Like the rest of the country, the cost of living is low, around $665 a month. Coworking membership is about $63, while rent for a one-bedroom studio apartment in the city centre ranges from $69 to $167 monthly. You can buy a filling and delicious meal at a mid-range restaurant for $1.76.
Coworking Spaces
It's easy to find coworking spaces in Nagpur. The tricky part is finding one that suits your needs as a digital nomad. Some of the best places to work remotely are Working Avenue, Eureka Coworking, Cube Space, and Bootstart CoWork.
8. Hubli
The historic city of Hubli may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the best places in India for digital nomads. But this commercial and industrial hub has so much to offer, especially if you want a tranquil but modern landscape. You can live comfortably in Hubli for only $719 a month. The internet service is decent and affordable, while transportation is efficient. One downside, however, is there aren't many coworking space options. Still, you can find trendy cafés fit for remote work.
In your free time, visit the city's attractions such as the ancient Chandramouleshwara Temple, Unkal Lake, the Utsav Rock Garden, and Nrupatunga Betta hill, from where you can enjoy lovely sunsets and city views.
Coworking Spaces
Hubli doesn't have a lot of coworking space options, but it has The Coworking Spaces, which provides modern facilities for digital nomads. There are also work-friendly coffee shops where you can find a quiet spot and a fast internet connection.
9. Mysore
If you want to escape the hectic lifestyle of India's big cities, head to Mysore. This quaint city is the cultural capital of the Karnataka state, and rightly so. It is home to heritage landmarks, such as the majestic Mysore Palace, the centuries-old Devaraja Market, and the enchanting Sri Chamundeshwari Temple on the peak of Chamundi Hills. The city celebrates the Dasara Festival every October, drawing thousands of local and foreign visitors.
Mysore may not be as glamorous as Mumbai or as modern as Delhi, but it is just as fascinating. Better yet, it is more organized, greener, and safer. It is also cheaper, with an average cost of living of $815 a month. Unlike other small cities, Mysore has excellent coworking spaces and cafés with reliable WiFi.
Coworking Spaces
You'll find excellent working space at SproutBox Mysore, K-tech Innovation Hub, Wekreatespace, and Myofficespace.
10. Agra
Agra sits on the bank of the Yamuna River in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. It is best known as the home of the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the most easily recognizable landmarks in the world. However, this incredible monument is just one of the city's many gems. There's the awe-inspiring Agra Fort, the ancient sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, the lush Mehtab Bagh, the elaborate Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb, and the vibrant Kinari Bazaar.
Agra is not as technologically advanced as Bangalore or Hyderabad. But it is one of the best places in India for digital nomads who want to delve into the country's rich history and unique architecture. As expected, the cost of living is affordable, ranging between $825 to $959 a month. Internet connection is moderately fast, with an average speed of 10 to 12 Mbps.
Coworking Spaces
Unfortunately, Agra has very limited workstations for remote workers. Space n Mugs is the city's first coworking space. It also doubles as a café. The city, however, has a few coffee shops that provide good internet connections.
11. Jaipur
Popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur boasts elaborate forts and magnificent palaces tinted in a bright pink hue. Like Agra, Jaipur is more of a tourist destination and less of an IT hub. It doesn't mean Jaipur isn't cut out for digital nomads, as it does have a thriving tech industry. But if you're looking for a less expensive alternative to India's bigger tech cities, Jaipur makes a perfect and exotic hideaway.
Jaipur is one of the cheapest places to live and work in India. You can have a comfortable lifestyle in the city for as low as $661 a month. Internet connection is relatively fast, with an average download speed of 12 Mbps for mobiles and 48 Mbps for fixed broadband.
Coworking Spaces
Jaipur attracts thousands of travellers annually, including digital nomads and remote workers. Because of this, it has several coworking spaces. Some of the top ones are WaveX Cowork, Cowork'in Jaipur, Collabo Corner, and MrCowork.
12. Varanasi
Regarded as the nation's spiritual capital, Varanasi is one of the most intriguing places in India for digital nomads. Every year, it draws thousands of pilgrims, who bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River or worship at sunset and sunrise ceremonies. This 3000-year-old city is home to approximately 23,000 temples, including the golden Kashi Vishwanath and Durga, famous for its monkeys living in the nearby trees. Silk production, carpet weaving, and tourism are the top industries in Varanasi, but it is taking small steps towards developing a tech sector.
The best thing about staying in Varanasi as a digital nomad is the affordable cost of living. You'll get by with $807 a month. The city is also ideal for experiencing India's unique cultural and spiritual offerings.
Coworking Spaces
There are barely any coworking spaces in Varanasi, but it has plenty of work-friendly coffee shops that provide fast and free internet connections. Check out The Place Ngo Outlet Cafe, Café Café Varanasi, Namo Café, and Flavours Café.
