Skipped Bengaluru for Mysore and Tirthan for Jibhi: Why this IIT graduate, who quit her job to backpack, chose these spots

For many, travel is a checklist—racing from one “must-visit” spot to another. But for Kanak Agrawal, an IIT-Kanpur graduate who quit her job to live out of a backpack, it’s something entirely different. Four years into her journey, she’s realised the world is too vast to ever “finish” seeing. Instead of chasing hype or ticking boxes, she chooses to stay in one place for months, letting it shape her life. And she’s learned a few rules along the way.

Kanak wrote on LinkedIn, “I live out of a backpack and work remotely. Been 4 years. That’s enough time to check off every ‘must-visit’ spot around the world. So what all did I tick? Well, not much. Because that’s a chase that will never end. The world is infinite; there will always be more to see. I choose to travel differently. Slowly. Intentionally. Stay in a place for 2-3 months and let it change me.”

She shared that choosing the next destination starts with her current energy, not a bucket list. “Do I need stillness or stimulation? Am I craving nature, culture, or people? Do I want to be anonymous or to build connections? Let your current emotional and mental needs guide you,” she advised, adding that even the same city can feel different depending on one’s state of mind.


For her, pace matters as much as vibe. In North Goa, where she stayed for nine months, late nights disrupted her routines. Now, she chooses slower areas, like South Goa. She also avoids mainstream hotspots, opting instead for nearby lesser-known bases—picking Mysore over Bengaluru, or Tirthan over Jibhi—for more affordable stays, deeper connections, and a richer local experience.

Her work schedule also shapes her choices. Intense client months mean picking places with reliable WiFi, cafes, and a bit of routine, while lighter workloads allow for more remote, awe-inspiring spots. She tests a location first—spending 3–5 days in a hostel or homestay—before committing to a month or two. Above all, she prioritises life infrastructure over Instagrammable moments. “WiFi, laundry, local market, good food, clean water, and basic safety matter so much more than cute photos. I always ask: Can I live a good ordinary day here?”

Internet reacts
One reader appreciated how Kanak prioritises experience and personal growth over FOMO and popular destinations, calling it a refreshing choice of quality over quantity. They were curious about how she manages work-life balance during extended stays and asked for tips on staying productive while remaining flexible. Another shared that it’s important not to follow trends but to go where the heart feels at peace, embracing both the electric days and the calm ones, just as Kanak does.