Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Want to open your laptop amid lush greenery and misty hills? The Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) is offering professionals and work-from-home employees an opportunity to work from the heart of the forest.

The ‘workation’ initiative has been launched at Gavi and Suryanelli under the supervision of the Forest Department. The concept combines ‘work’ and ‘vacation’, allowing visitors to stay in the forest while continuing with their professional commitments.

High-speed Wi-Fi and cafeteria facilities have been arranged at the locations, while guests can also take a break from work to go trekking through the forest.

A three-day package, including accommodation, food and trekking, costs Rs 14,000. A room can accommodate two people. Four rooms have been prepared in the first phase.

Gavi: A getaway in the lap of the forest

Gavi, in Pathanamthitta district, is a forested area within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, located at an altitude of around 1,036 metres above sea level.

It is around 28 km from Kumily and 14 km from Vandiperiyar. Temperatures range from around 15-17 degrees Celsius to 24-27 degrees Celsius.

Suryanelli: Where tea plantations meet the mist

Suryanelli is a highland village in Chinnakanal panchayat in Idukki district, around 25 km from Munnar.

It serves as the gateway to Kolukkumalai, home to one of the world’s highest tea plantations. The sunrise at Kolukkumalai and the Anayirankal Dam are among the major attractions in the area.

Workation goes global

Japan: In 2020, Japan’s Environment Ministry launched an initiative to provide Wi-Fi and workspaces at national parks and hot spring destinations.

Barbados: The country introduced its ‘Welcome Stamp’ in 2020, allowing foreign nationals to stay and work remotely for up to a year.

Estonia: It was among the first countries to introduce a ‘Digital Nomad Visa’.

Indonesia (Bali): Bali has emerged as a popular destination for remote workers, with Indonesia offering a dedicated visa for digital nomads. According to the 2026 Passportivity Digital Nomad Visa Index, 48 countries offer such visas. New Zealand, Dominica, Malta, Australia and Malaysia are among those listed at the top.