Backpacking South India in 7 days – is it possible?

Trying to backpack all of South India in seven days will be a hectic one for sure, but is it possible? You’ll emerge slightly sleep-deprived, wildly impressed—but you can technically say you did it. So, yes technically. Logically, gastronomically? That might be a different story. But for the bold, and the chronically curious, here’s how this trip can pan out.

Touchdown in Bengaluru, South India’s tech capital. Grab a filter kaapi, check out Church Street for a chaotic stroll, and warm up yourself for the week ahead. If you have time, rent a scooter and zoom to Nandi Hills for a quick sunrise selfie. Sleep? A little bit.

Hop on a crack-of-dawn train to Mysuru. You’ve got one palace to gawk at (Mysore Palace, obviously), a bazaar to get lost in, and about five varieties of dosa to make a choice. Spend some time sightseeing, before sprinting to your next destination.

Zip across Karnataka to Kerala, where Fort Kochi awaits with its crumbling colonial charm and Chinese fishing nets that have long been Instagram-famous. Spend your evening watching Kathakali dancers, and retire for the night.

Hire a budget houseboat, glide through the backwaters as if you are in spiritual therapy. Eat on banana leaves, wave at friendly locals on riverbanks, and contemplate about life, in case you like doing it.

Jump on an overnight bus to Madurai. Warning: it may feel like a spiritual fever dream. Meenakshi Temple alone will melt your heart with color and scale. Also, try to focus on one goal—find the best jigarthanda in town (a dessert-drink that you need to taste at least once).

Chase the coast up to Pondy. Say “bonjour” to pastel French quarters, rent a bicycle, and eat croissants that somehow go perfectly with sambar. Meditate in Auroville or maybe just visit for the ‘Gram. Bonus: you can still buy incense here with names like "Moon Mood."

Wrap it all up in Chennai, where chaos, culture, and Carnatic music greet you at every turn. Stroll around the Marina Beach, be an audience to Bharatanatyam performances, and end your day with a thali that tastes like a goodbye hug.
Seven days. Four states. Backpacking South India in a week is possible—but only if you are in for an adventure, and have money to splurge.