Forget Bali & Goa—Northeast India is the Digital Nomad Rising Star !
With its affordable lifestyle, fast internet, stunning scenery, and serene atmosphere, Northeast India is slowly turning into the next destination for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads. If you’re fed up with busy coworking spaces and expensive cafes, here‘s why you should bring your laptop and move to India‘s secret paradise.
Why Northeast India? The Digital Nomad Advantage
1. Affordable Living (Without Sacrificing Quality)
- Budget-friendly rent: A cozy homestay or Airbnb in Shillong, Guwahati, or Gangtok costs ₹8,000–15,000/month (as opposed to ₹25,000+ in Bengaluru or Goa).
- Food & transport: Eating at a local restaurant costs ₹100–200, and traveling between states is affordable.
- Co-working spaces: New hotspots such as The Hub (Shillong), Cocoon (Guwahati), and TNT (Kohima) provide excellent workspaces at ₹5,000–10,000/month.
2. Fast and Stable Internet (Yes, Even in the Hills!)
- Places like Guwahati, Shillong, and Aizawl get Jio/Airtel 4G at speeds of 30–50 Mbps.
- Numerous cafes and homestays have Wi-Fi strong enough for Zoom calls & uploads.
3. Serene & Inspiring Working Environment
- Picture yourself working with vistas of tea plantations (Assam), foggy hills (Meghalaya), or calm lakes (Manipur).
- In contrast to touristy locations, Northeast India has fewer distractions and a more relaxed, productive pace.
4. Adventure & Culture on Your Breaks
- Hike to living root bridges (Meghalaya) at weekends.
- Visit the Hornbill Festival (Nagaland) or Ziro Music Festival (Arunachal).
- Discover secluded waterfalls, Buddhist monasteries, and tribal villages.
5. Growing Digital Nomad Community
- Facebook groups such as “Digital Nomads Northeast India” and “Remote Workers Shillong” are emerging.
- More homestays and hostels are welcoming long-term remote workers
Best Digital Nomad Spots in Northeast India
1. Shillong, Meghalaya – The ‘Scotland of the East‘
- Why? Chilly climate, good internet, lively café culture.
- Must-visit workspots: Café Shillong, The Hub Co-working.
2. Guwahati, Assam – The Urban Hub
- Why? Best connectivity (airport, trains), low cost of living.
- Must-visit workspots: Cocoon Coworking, Brahmaputra riverside cafes.
3. Gangtok, Sikkim – Himalayan Serenity
- Why? Clean, peaceful, with mountain views.
- Must-visit workspots: The Local Café, coworking spaces in MG Marg.
4. Aizawl, Mizoram – The Offbeat Choice
- Why? Super safe, English-speaking locals, unique culture.
- Must-visit workspots: Zote’s Café, local libraries.
5. Kohima, Nagaland – For Culture Lovers
- Why? Tribal heritage, Hornbill Festival, slow-living vibe.
- Must-visit workspots: TNT-The Hub, local tea stalls with Wi-Fi
Tips for Digital Nomads in Northeast India
✔ Carry a local SIM (Jio/Airtel) for best connectivity.
✔ Plan monsoon backups (heavy rains in Meghalaya/Assam).
✔ Respect local cultures – Northeast has diverse tribal traditions.
✔ Try slow travel – Stay 1-2 months to truly experience the region
Final Verdict: Is Northeast India the Next Digital Nomad Paradise?
✅ Yes! With its affordable prices, breathtaking nature, enhancing infrastructure, and serene lifestyle, Northeast India is ideal for digital nomads who seek adventure + productivity.
Over to You!
Have you ever worked remotely from the Northeast? Let us know in the comments!