Planning a trip to south India can feel overwhelming because there’s just so much to see: golden beaches, colonial towns, ancient temples and backwaters. After exploring this wonderful region, I put together this 5-week South India travel itinerary that covers the best places to visit in Goa, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. If you’re backpacking across South India or planning a more relaxed holiday, this route gives you a perfect mix of nature, culture, history and beach life. Here’s how I spent five unforgettable weeks exploring the most beautiful and diverse corners of Southern India.
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History of South India
South India’s history goes back thousands of years. Long before modern India was born, powerful dynasties like the Cholas, Pandyas, Cheras, Hoysalas and Vijayanagara Empire ruled over these lands. They left behind a legacy of spectacular architecture, sculpture and urban planning.
The region flourished with trade, art and religion. Tamil Nadu, in particular, became the heart of Dravidian culture. The state is known for the temple architecture and classical Tamil literature. In Karnataka, the Vijayanagara Empire built the monumental city of Hampi. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And Kerala’s spice ports attracted traders from the Middle East, Europe and China, influencing its unique coastal culture.
European powers like the Portuguese, Dutch, French and British established colonies and trading posts along the coastlines. The town of Pondicherry still has its French charm, while Goa is known for its Portuguese churches and colonial buildings.
South India is a mix of ancient traditions and modern life. From Hindu temples carved from stone to colonial towns with seaside cafés. The region tells stories of dynasties, spirituality and global connections. Exploring South India isn’t just a journey through beautiful landscapes. It’s a walk through India’s living history.
Why visit South India
When I started planning my trip to India, everyone talked about the Taj Mahal and the chaos of Delhi. But when I visited India the second time I was attracted to the south. And I’m so glad I followed that instinct. South India is completely different from the north: it’s calmer, greener, and more spiritual, full of colour, festivals and of course the famous South Indian food.
What makes South India special is the incredible variety of experiences it has to offer. You can spend one day relaxing on a palm beach, the next day cruising through peaceful backwaters in Kerala, and the day after that exploring thousand-year-old temples carved from stone. The food is another reason I fell in love with the south. Think spicy curries, coconut chutneys, crispy dosas and fresh seafood.
There’s also a sense of timelessness here. In places like Hampi, Madurai and Mahabalipuram, I felt like I was walking through living history. In coastal towns like Pondicherry and Kochi, I experienced the mix of Indian tradition and colonial influence unfold right before my eyes.
It’s the perfect region for curious travellers who want more than just a checklist. South India invites you to slow down, take in the details and experience India in a way that feels truly authentic.
Week 1: Exploring Goa’s laid-back vibes
Day 1 – day 4
Arriving in Panjim: Discovering Portuguese charm in Goa
I kicked off my South India adventure in Panjim (Panaji). It is the laid-back capital of Goa. Far from the wild party scene the state is famous for, Panjim is a gentler introduction to India. The city is filled with colonial charm, amazing views and colourful heritage homes. I stayed in the Latin Quarter of Fontainhas, where every street felt like a step back in time. The narrow lanes, colourful facades and flower-filled balconies reminded me more of Lisbon than India.
During my stay, I visited the Immaculate Conception Church, strolled along the Mandovi River promenade and drank strong Goan coffee at artsy cafés. I also checked out the local markets and tried traditional Goan dishes like prawn balchão and xacuti. Panjim is the perfect place to slow down and experience the Goa’s Portuguese-influenced history before heading south to the beaches.
Relaxing in Palolem: The best beach in South Goa
Day 4 – day 7
After three days in the city, I headed south to Palolem Beach. This is one of the most scenic and peaceful beaches in Goa. The journey from Panjim took around two hours by taxi, and when I arrived, I immediately felt like I’d stepped into paradise. Palolem is a crescent-shaped bay lined with coconut palms and colourful beach huts, where life moves to the rhythm of the waves.
I spent my days here doing what Palolem is best for: relaxing, swimming and enjoy the sun. Mornings were for yoga by the sea, lazy afternoons were spent in a hammock with a book, and evenings began with sunset cocktails and fresh seafood right on the sand. One of my favourite experiences was renting a kayak and paddling to Butterfly Beach.
Palolem is ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful beach getaway in Goa without the crowds or noise. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay longer than planned. And honestly, I almost did.
Week 2 & 3: Discovering Kerala’s coastal beauty
Gokarna: A peaceful alternative to Goa’s beaches
Day 7 – day 10
Before heading into Kerala, I made a quick detour south to Gokarna. It is a small beach town in Karnataka that feels like Goa 30 years ago. It’s a backpacker favourite for a reason: laid-back vibes, stunning coastal hikes and uncrowded beaches. I arrived by train from Canacona and was instantly charmed by its mix of Hindu spirituality and beach culture.
I stayed at a hostel at Kudle Hill top. From here it is a short walk from town and perfect for sunsets and yoga. One morning, I hiked over the cliffs to Om Beach, which gets its name from its unique shape. Unlike Goa, Gokarna has a slower, more soulful pace. It gave me time to reset and enjoy the simplicity of beach life before going to Kerala.
Kochi (Cochin): A cultural gem on the Arabian Sea
Day 10 – day 14
From Gokarna I travelled south to Kochi (Cochin). It is a city that instantly became one of my favourite stops in South India. Kochi is famous for its mix of colonial history, spice markets and art. Kochi is where cultures have met for centuries. I stayed in Fort Kochi, the historic heart of the city. Here are Dutch, Portuguese and British influences still visible in the architecture.
I spent my days wandering the quaint streets, visiting St. Francis Church, the Dutch Palace and watching the famous Chinese fishing nets in action at sunset. I also explored Jew Town, home to antique shops and the atmospheric Paradesi Synagogue. Kochi is also a hotspot for art lovers. It’s the perfect place for cultural tourism in South India.
Houseboat adventure in Alleppey: exploring Kerala’s Backwaters
Day 14 – day 17
From Kochi, I made my way to Alleppey (Alappuzha), the gateway to Kerala’s legendary backwaters. Going on a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat was one of the highlights of this trip. I booked a one-night cruise through the palm-lined canals and it was nothing short of magical.
As we drifted past tiny villages, rice paddies and coconut groves, I felt completely disconnected from the world. The boat was simple but comfortable, and the onboard chef prepared delicious Keralan meals like fish curry and appam. At night, I slept to the gentle sway of the boat, under a sky full of stars. If you’re visiting Kerala, a houseboat experience in Alleppey is absolutely unmissable.
Varkala beach: Cliffside cafes and ocean views
Day 17 – day 19
Next, I took a train further south to Varkala. What makes Varkala Beach so unique is its dramatic cliff setting. Along the coastline is a long red cliff that drops straight down to the Arabian Sea. Along the cliff-top path, you’ll find cafés, yoga studios, souvenir stalls and Ayurvedic massage centres with panoramic views.
I stayed in a guesthouse located behind the cliffs and started each day with yoga, followed by a smoothie and a dip in the ocean. The beach itself is clean and laid-back, and it’s considered a sacred spot by locals. There’s even a temple nearby and a section of the beach where pilgrims come to perform last rites. Varkala is ideal for travellers looking for a quiet beach in Kerala with wellness vibes.
Kovalam: A classic beach escape in Kerala
Day 19 – day 21
I ended Week 3 in Kovalam. It is a classic Keralan beach destination just outside Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). While it’s more developed than Varkala, Kovalam still has a certain charm. Especially around Lighthouse Beach, where I found a cozy room with a sea view for just a few rupees. The red-and-white Vizhinjam Lighthouse is a well-known landmark.
Kovalam is great for swimming, sunbathing and going for Ayurvedic treatments. They are available at both budget and luxury spas. It’s also a good base if you’re flying in or out of Trivandrum. While it’s no longer a hidden gem, Kovalam Beach remains a solid choice for anyone craving a classic Indian beach holiday with a bit more comfort.
Week 4: Temples and coastlines of Tamil Nadu
Madurai: Temple town of Southern India
Day 21 – day 23
After exploring the beaches of Kerala, I boarded a train inland to Madurai. This city is one of the oldest cities in India. This city is synonymous with the Meenakshi Amman Temple. It is a tall, colourful masterpiece of Dravidian architecture that absolutely took my breath away. The temple complex is massive, with detailed carved gopurams (gateway towers), prayer halls and rituals that go on from sunrise to sunset.
I spent hours exploring the temple and learning about its history. It’s not just a monument, but a living centre of faith and daily devotion. Beyond the temple, I visited the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, tried street food like idiyappam and jigarthanda and wandered through Madurai’s lively markets. For anyone interested in spiritual tourism in South India, Madurai is a must.
Pondicherry: French charm and seaside bliss
Day 23 – day 26
From Madurai, I travelled northeast to Pondicherry, a coastal town with a unique Franco-Indian atmosphere. As soon as I entered the French Quarter, it felt like stepping into another world. Pondicherry has these iconic mustard-yellow colonial villas, bougainvillea-covered walls and cozy cafés that serve croissants and South Indian filter coffee. I spent a few slow days here walking the Promenade Beach, cycling through the tree-shaded lanes, and enjoying the mix of European and Tamil culture.
From Pondicherry to Chennai: A day trip visiting Auroville and Mahabalipuram
Day 26
Auroville
Just a short drive from Pondicherry is Auroville. This is an experimental township founded in 1968 with the vision of creating a universal city without borders, politics or religion. I spent a half day here when I was on my way from Pondicherry to Chennai. Here I learned more about Auroville and its unique philosophy and peaceful forest setting.
The centrepiece of Auroville is the Matrimandir. This is a massive golden sphere used for silent meditation. While you can’t enter the inner chamber without prior booking, just walking the grounds was an inspiring experience. I also visited a few local artisan shops and cafés that support Auroville’s sustainable economy. It’s a great stop for anyone curious about alternative living, spirituality and conscious travel in India.
Mabalipuram
Continuing north along the Tamil Nadu coast, I reached Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram). This is a small town famous for its UNESCO-listed stone temples and rock-cut sculptures. The highlight here was the Shore Temple. This temple is located at the edge of the sea and glows golden hues at sunset.
I also explored the Five Rathas, a set of monolithic temples carved from single rock formations. I admired the ancient bas-relief known as Arjuna’s Penance. Mahabalipuram is a compact, walkable town, and I enjoyed visiting its craft shops, eating fresh seafood and watching stone sculptors at work. It’s one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu for heritage tourism.
Chennai (Madras): A city to stay for 1 day
Day 26 – day 28
My final stop of this week was Chennai, formerly known as Madras. I only had one day here so I focused on a few highlights. I visited the Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple, the colonial architecture near Fort St. George, and walked along Marina Beach. Though I didn’t have time to explore Chennai in depth, it felt like I had seen most of the city. Chennai is a large city but not that interesting if you don’t have a purpose to come here.
Week 5: From coastlines to ancient ruins
Bangalore (Bengaluru): South India’s tech capital with a buzz
Day 28 – day 31
I took the train from Chennai to Bangalore (Bengaluru). Bangalore is a city known as the Silicon Valley of India. It’s often seen as a business hub but I was surprised by how much it had to offer in terms of food, art and nightlife. I spent three nights here taking in the city’s youthful energy and exploring its green spaces and craft beer scene.
One of my first stops was Cubbon Park, an oasis of trees and quiet paths in the middle of the city. I also visited Bangalore Palace, a Tudor-style mansion with royal flair. I explored the neighbourhoods of Indiranagar and Koramangala that are filled with cafes, microbreweries and boutiques. Bangalore is a great place to experience urban India with a modern twist before heading to the more historic parts of Karnataka.
Mysore: Palaces, markets and royal history
Day 31 – day 33
From Bangalore, I took a scenic 3-hour train ride to Mysore. The highlight of my visit was the Mysore Palace. The palace is known for the breathtaking mix of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The structure has marble domes, stained glass and gilded halls that tell the story of the city’s royal past. I took the audio tour and wandered through the palace gardens.
Mysore is also known for the Devaraja Market. Here I explored the colourful piles of spices, flower garlands and incense sticks. I even got a chance to watch sandalwood oil being extracted and hand-rolled incense being made. Don’t miss trying a traditional Mysore masala dosa at one of the city’s old-school eateries. Mysore is perfect for history lovers, architecture fans and foodies.
Hampi: Exploring the Lost City of the Vijayanagara Empire
Day 33 – day 36
The final stop on my journey was Hampi. And what a place to end the trip. I took an overnight train from Mysore to Hospet. After a short rickshaw ride I arrived at the surreal ancient landscape of Hampi. With its boulder landscape, hills, temple ruins and mythic atmosphere, Hampi felt like stepping into a lost world.
I spent three unforgettable days exploring the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. Including the stunning Virupaksha Temple, the Vittala Temple with its iconic stone chariot and the massive royal baths and elephant stables. I also climbed Matanga Hill at dawn for panoramic views of the river and temples dipped in golden light. Hampi was both peaceful and inspiring.
Hampi is one of the most magical places in South India and the perfect finale to a five-week journey across this incredibly diverse and beautiful region.
How to get around in south India
Getting around south India is part of the adventure. There are several convenient and budget-friendly ways to travel between cities and regions. I mostly relied on trains, which are an iconic and efficient way to explore India. The Indian Railways network is extensive, with daily connections between major destinations like Goa, Kochi, Madurai, Bangalore and Hampi. Booking tickets in advance through the IRCTC website or via apps like Cleartrip or 12Go is essential, especially for overnight sleeper trains.
Reading tip: How to book train tickets as a foreigner in India
Booking tip: Easiest way to book buses and trains in India is via 12Go.
For shorter distances or places not well-connected by rail, I took long-distance buses, many of which are comfortable and air-conditioned. In cities, auto-rickshaws and ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber made local travel easy and cheap. For more flexibility, you can also rent a scooter in towns like Hampi, Gokarna and Varkala. Or hire a private driver for specific routes of the trip if you’re short on time or travelling in a group.
Overall, transportation in South India is affordable, safe and full of variety. Getting from one place to another often felt like a cultural experience itself.
Best time to visit south India
The best time to visit South India is during the cooler, dry season from November to March. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm and ideal for sightseeing, beach trips and exploring historical sites without the intense heat or heavy rains. I found December and January particularly comfortable, especially for destinations like Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Daytime temperatures stay around 25–30°C (77–86°F).
This season is perfect for enjoying Goa’s beaches, exploring the Kerala backwaters, hiking around Hampi’s ruins or visiting the grand temples of Madurai and Mahabalipuram. It’s also festival time in many regions, so you can catch colourful events like Pongal in Tamil Nadu or Christmas and New Year celebrations in Goa.
Avoid visiting between April and June, when the heat can be extreme, especially inland. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings green environments but also heavy rains and travel disruptions. Particularly in Kerala and coastal areas. In short, if you’re planning a South India itinerary, try to visit in the winter months for the most enjoyable and hassle-free experience.
Highlights in India
Explore the exotic culture and history of India with my comprehensive travel guide! Discover valuable tips, top destinations and useful links to other India-related articles. Immerse yourself in the Indian culture and Hinduism with our beginner’s guide, which covers customs, etiquette and key Hindu gods. Or learn more about the lesser-known religion, Jainism.
Are you looking for travel inspiration? Consider a visit to the enchanting City of Lakes, Udaipur, or indulge in a shopping spree in Jaipur. Discover the majestic palaces of Rajasthan. Marvel at the colonial architecture of Kochi in Kerala or explore historical temples, palaces and ruins in Hampi. Let India’s wonders captivate you!
One of my latest articles is about The most fascinating festivals and celebrations in India. Or read more about sustainable travel India: How to get around in India as an eco-conscious tourist.
Travelling solo as a female backpacker in India is often seen as bold, risky and even a little crazy. But for me, it turned out to be one of the most empowering experiences of my life. India is intense, beautiful, chaotic and deeply spiritual all at once. As a female solo traveller, I faced plenty of challenges, but I also discovered unexpected kindness, inspiring places and a deeper sense of independence than I ever thought possible. Read more about my personal experience of travelling solo in India.
