travel clothing for india

34 Top India Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

Asher and I have studied meditation and spiritual practices for over 20 years and have been to India a combined 11 times.

Packing for India is the major leagues of travel. Staying healthy and safe requires research and first-hand intel — and we’ve done our best to help prepare you. While the chaos of the city is not for the faint of heart, the land of the Vedas will be sure to awaken your mind, body, and soul.

Below are my top “must-have” items to help you stay safe and healthy, plus what to wear in India , what NOT to bring, and FAQs to make your trip even more incredible!

What to Pack for India – 34 Essentials

1. water bottle with built-in filter.

Finding good drinking water in India is paramount, and we DO NOT recommend drinking unfiltered water under any circumstance. Keep in mind “filtered water” at a hotel or hostel can also be dodgy, and I’d only drink bottled water from one of these three reputable companies: Bisleri, Kinley, and Aquafina.

Any other water source, I would run through a Grayl water bottle . It removes all bacteria, viruses, chlorine, and other pollutants from the water and is essential if you get stuck in a sticky situation with no bottled water nearby. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s an investment in your health and will give you peace of mind.

India is known for Delhi Belly, parasites, and waterborne illness that affects almost 40-million locals each year… Don’t gamble with giardia, E. Coli, or typhoid.

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. India Power Adapter

After trying countless different brands, I decided to take matters into my own hands. My company, Hero Travel Supply, sources and sells these quality power adapters that are individually tested in the USA. Every order also comes with a corresponding free ebook that teaches you how to avoid frying your electronics in India. I wrote this comprehensive guide based on years of experience dealing with India’s unpredictable power supply, which can ruin your devices (I know because my $2,000 Macbook got fried)!

3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

India is the most targeted country for cyberattacks in the world, with the U.S. ranking far behind it. There have been major data breaches, and you do not want to risk your bank account being drained or your identity being stolen in India. You may not realize it, but when you join unsecured Wi-Fi networks, such as at hotels, cafés, or airports – you are putting your passwords and credit card details at risk of being hacked. The good news is a VPN will protect you with just one click! You don’t want your information compromised like ours was at an Airbnb in Paris.

Additionally, India’s Internet censorship is a massive problem and is still on the rise. To ensure you won’t get blocked from certain websites that you require access to while traveling (Netflix, Hulu, Paypal, work applications, etc.), I recommend using NordVPN . It is surprisingly affordable and too crucial to forgo.

View NordVPN.com Options ➜

4. Neck Wallet

You obviously need a passport and visa for India travel, but I also recommend you get a neck wallet. You can conceal money, credit cards, and travel documents under your shirt so you don’t risk losing them or being robbed. Many times I’ve had beggars put their hands in my pockets, and you must be prepared for real poverty in some areas. But since my valuables are tucked out of sight, I’ve never had anything stolen. This one also has RFID-blocking material to prevent e-thieves from scanning your bag at popular, crowded attractions.

5. Charcoal Tablets (Food Poisoning Remedy)

Activated charcoal is an incredibly effective way of stopping diarrhea and dysentery (Delhi Belly). India is known for common food poisoning, parasites, and waterborne illness that affects almost 40-million locals each year… No matter how careful you are, there is a good chance you will experience some tummy upset while there. This supplement works as a magnet in your body to quickly absorb the toxins or pathogens that are causing the problem. Whenever I have any sign of diarrhea, I take 2-4 tablets, and typically within 1 or 2 hours, I am back to normal – they are literally lifesavers!

PRO TIP: We suggest only eating food that is piping hot, fresh, and from reputable busy restaurants with high turnover. Steer clear of uncooked foods like salads and cut fruit as they may be teeming with bacteria. If you still end up getting Delhi Belly, make sure you have adequate support. Ask your hotel or tour company to organize a doctor. Bacteria in India is no joke and killing it sooner rather than later is crucial.

6. Travel Insurance for India

Don’t gamble with your coverage while overseas. Your domestic provider will not follow you across your at-home borders, and travel insurance is a non-negotiable for issues like flight cancellations, baggage loss, theft, medical emergencies, transit issues, etc. The last problem you want to face is paying out-of-pocket for an international hospital bill, and India is not the most predictable place to visit. I would personally not visit this fast-paced (at times chaotic) country without protecting my travel investment through comprehensive coverage.

Faye is the best provider we’ve used because you can custom-create a policy based on each trip. Using factors like your destinations, trip budget, and preferences – Faye personalizes your coverage with protection like emergency medical care and even the ability to “cancel for any reason,” (which is rarely offered by affordable insurance companies and offers a whole lot of flexibility!) It’s inexpensive and you won’t regret having it.

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7. Cooling Towels

India can get humid and HOT, and air-conditioning is hard to find when you are out and about. It is not even available in some accommodations, so traveling with this cooling towel is essential. I don’t enjoy feeling overheated, and this chemical-free towel provides instant relief. I simply wet it, wring it out, and place it around my neck for 30-60 minutes of reprise. To continue feeling cool, I just repeat the process. It even comes in its own case so my other belongings don’t get damp when I pack it away.

8. Anti-Pollution Disposable Mask (KN95)

In major cities like Delhi, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Agra – pollution levels are very high. What most people don’t know is that air pollution is worse during the tourist season, from October through March. Farmers are burning stubble to clear harvests, locals burn plastics and oils to stay warm, and more. You don’t want to breathe that in, so we recommend having a breathing mask at all times. This KN95 mask filters out 95% of particles. Wear these in the mornings and evenings when vehicle smog is heightened due to traffic.

9. Hanging Toiletry Bag

India’s bathrooms can offer a wide range of experiences. You may have a luxury stay, or you may encounter some private and public bathrooms that lack storage space and adequate sanitation… and some toilets will literally be a hole in the ground… Just keeping it real guys! Regardless, you’ll appreciate having this hanging toiletry bag that hooks onto any door, wall, hook, pole, etc. We’re obsessed with the sustainable design that offers 4 large compartments on the inside and 3 external pockets for smaller items like floss, medicine, and jewelry.

You’ll feel like a master of organization since it creates a shelf-like system in any room, helping you maintain your skincare, haircare, and hygiene routines (as well as your sanity). You’re welcome!

10. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

Between the number of trains, auto-rickshaws, and taxis you’re bound to take in India, it’s important to secure your bags with luggage locks. You’d be surprised just how quickly a thief can get into an unattended bag, often working in teams or distracting you with street shows, falls, and using children as diversions. With your luggage securely locked, you won’t have to stress about keeping an eye on it every minute of the day. I’ve been there, and it’s no fun.

11. Female Urination Device

Okay, don’t get weirded out by this one. India is a place with limited toilets, and when you do find a toilet, they are often absolutely disgusting. For guys, this is not a problem because we can stand at the side of the road to pee, but for women, that’s not possible. Indian ladies have mastered the art of squatting discreetly without mooning curious onlookers. This little device enables Western women to stand and pee with no mess and no embarrassment.

12. Luggage Straps

These lightweight luggage straps are an easy addition to your packing list. This extra layer of protection centralizes the weight and takes the pressure off of your delicate zippers. The last thing you need when you arrive to India is for your suitcase to explode open due to overpacking or rough mishandling (which happens to more than 25 million bags each year!) And sadly, it’s way more likely for your bag to get damaged or lost during an international journey vs. domestic, due to the potential for more layovers.

Use these adjustable belts that can withstand 700+ pounds of force tension. They will take the brunt of any roughness and fit nearly any sized-bag, remaining lightweight despite the heavy-duty belts. They’re also TSA-friendly in case of a random inspection. My favorite perk is the identification factor – brightly-colored straps that allow me to instantly recognize my bags in the chaos of baggage claim, and the built-in ID card means someone can contact you if your belongings get lost.

13. Packing Cubes

Adjusting to the new environment requires a cultural recalibration period, and you’ll be seriously jet-lagged after 24+ hours of travel. All of this can make your mind a bit hazy, but packing cubes make it so much easier to stay organized. You’ll know exactly where everything is because you can label each organizer (tops, bottoms, essentials, excursion items, etc.). Spare yourself from digging through a messy suitcase or throwing things around the room to find them!

Available on HeroTravelSupply.com with an exclusive 15% discount using the coupon code “HERO”.

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When traveling to India, we love to wear the local garments! There will be plenty of opportunities to buy pieces on your journey, but having some from the jump is important to ensure you don’t show off too much skin or draw eager eyes. One thing to expect is that the locals will observe and often want to take pictures with you because you look so exotic! So it’s best to do what you can to blend in and respect the culture. Bring along 2-3 tunic-style tops that will get you started on your travels (here is one for men ).

15. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

Indian hotels may (or may not) have towels – and a guest house or lodge usually will not – so bringing your own is a thoughtful provision. Indian bath towels are also thin and not very absorbent, but this travel towel is made with microfiber material that dries 10x faster than cotton. It’s very lightweight and multi-functional, I use them for basic needs like drying off and wiping away sweat, but also for more creative endeavors like seat covers, picnic blankets, beach towels, etc.

16. Travel Backpack

Remaining hands-free will be the key to exploring with all necessities on hand. This backpack is super lightweight (weighing less than 1 pound) and is made for travel. It was a serious discovery for us because others were three times the cost at half the quality! When it’s not in use, you can fold it up compactly into its own zippered compartment. It’s truly exceeded our expectations.

17. Windproof Travel Umbrella

Face the monsoon-prone weather of India head-on with a windproof umbrella. From spring to summer months, you’ll find the pre-monsoon storms that can blow in the famous Loo winds. By summer, downpours and floods are common. And by autumn, many areas are still experiencing bouts of loitering rainfall. Basically, you’ll need it year-round! This umbrella also comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.

18. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

The last thing you want is a dead battery during long days of adventuring, and power grids aren’t always reliable throughout India. This charger has seriously saved us when we were far from the hotel, didn’t have the address, or needed to call for a ride (or India’s version of Uber, an ‘Ola’). Not to mention, this charger can be powered on a foreign electricity grid with dual voltage, so it’s a safe bet for India.

19. Discounted Tickets to India’s Attractions

Get Your Guide is our favorite booking service for excursions that will add a breath of life to your trip. They even offer skip-the-line tickets so you don’t have to stand in a line for hours or risk being turned away from fully-booked attractions.

For your time in India, you MUST visit 1/7 of the world’s wonders, the Taj Mahal , and there are many temples and palaces to explore, like Swaminarayan Akshardham and Mahabalipuram’s Shore Temple .

Beyond the grand sights, we recommend making time for down-to-earth activities that will show you the authentic India – things like food tours , the elephant caves of Mumbai, and a cooking class with a local chef. There are also fantastic day trips to cities like artistic Jaipur , upscale Hyderabad , and historical Bangalore .

See all India attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

20. Waterproof Picnic Blanket

From the beaches of Goa to the ruins of Hampa, there are so many amazing spots to hang out and marvel at India’s beauty. But to be direct, India can also be quite dirty, so bring along a waterproof picnic blanket to ensure you always have a clean surface to sit on. This material repels moisture and will prevent any muddy grounds from seeping through and creating clothing stains. Most tarp-like blankets are stiff and crinkly, but this one is soft and cozy!

21. Shawl / Modesty Cover-Up

A beautiful shawl is a must for India. The culture is very modest, with influences from Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Islamic faith. Even if you are dressing like a local (in a Kurta or a Punjabi), women keep shawls around their necks and cover their heads as an additional layer of modesty. Keep in mind that men aren’t used to seeing women who show skin, and it’s important not to attract unwanted attention. You will also need a shawl to enter many sacred sites as they do not allow uncovered heads or shoulders. This wrap will hide any plunging necklines or bare arms, displaying a sign of respect that the locals will appreciate.

22. Electrolytes

Electrolytes save lives on a daily basis. When someone has dysentery or diarrhea, they get very dehydrated, and in extreme cases, this can lead to death. I’m not trying to scare you, but this highlights the value and importance of having electrolytes if you get sick. Even if you don’t get sick, it is important to stay well-hydrated in India’s extreme heat. These satchels can easily be added to your bottled water for an extra boost of hydration.

Pro Tip: You can get electrolytes cheaply in India, but in my experience, they are low-quality and taste horrible.

23. Immunity-Boosting Kit

Your health is only as strong as your immune system. Support your immunity with these key products that naturally strengthen the body:

• Elderberry Gummies – These delicious little gummies deliver a powerful punch of elderberry extract (vitamin C and Zinc), packed with regenerative antioxidants.
• Echinacea Goldenseal Pills – These combat inflammation in the body, reducing the risk of a cold, flu, or sinus infection.
• Probiotics – Your gut is directly related to your immune system. Probiotics are a proven way to support the healthy bacteria that your body uses to kill harmful bacteria. Strengthening your gut will make you less vulnerable to the common plague of traveler’s diarrhea.
• Zinc Spray – Zinc is a very underrated nutrient. As a key treatment for anemia, diabetes, diarrhea, and other common ailments – it can be used to mitigate flu symptoms. We’ve found that this spray particularly soothes an itchy throat (which you may experience due to India’s air pollution).

24. Beautiful Long Skirt

Known as a Sari wrap skirt, this vivid piece is another perfect way to honor the conservative fashion of Indian culture. Jeans are becoming increasingly common here, but absolutely zero women show their legs. This said, India is hot! So wearing something modest but breathable is a wise choice. Also, for many sacred palaces and monasteries, your legs need to be covered below the knee.

25. Walking Shoes

In India, you will constantly be taking your shoes on and off. You will want something durable and comfortable to protect your toes from street debris — which there is A LOT of. We actually had monkeys throw poop at us once on our way to a temple, and the floor was also covered… Yikes! I recommend these water-resistant Crocs that are easily washable in case you get anything nasty on them (I prefer these over flip-flops because of the protective element). Here’s a pair for men .

26. Water-Resistant Shoe Bags

Speaking of kicks, you’ll want these water-resistant shoe bags to prevent your dirty footwear from touching your clean items. The streets in India are extremely dirty, and who wants street-funk all over their beautiful wardrobe?! Asher took these on his recent trip to India, and they came in very handy after his shoes were soaked during a hike along the coast. They keep the grimy things separate and the material doesn’t cling to dirt so you can easily shake it out.

27. Universal Waterproof Phone Case

This cell phone case is a great little, affordable invention that will save your iPhone or Android from the dust, dirt, and grime of India. Additionally, if you’re going for a boat ride on the Ganges or the Keralan backwaters, it will save your device from accidental water damage. It even makes it possible to take underwater photos. It’s a small investment with a big pay-off!

28. Deet-Free Mosquito Wristbands

India is known to have cases of malaria, but the problem is that malaria medication has horrible side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. I personally prefer to take all the measures to not get bitten by mosquitoes in the first place. In my experience, these mosquito repellent bracelets, in addition to using insect repellent and wearing long pants at dawn and dusk, provide the best natural protection.

29. Packable Sun Hat

The sun is brutal in India, and UV rays can be harsh year-round, so be sure to pack a reliable sun hat. Most travelers find that their hat looks like a disheveled hot mess once pulled out of a suitcase. BUT! This one is made to be collapsable and foldable, which means once unpacked, it will return to its original bouncy shape. It’s a great find and also has a wide-brim hat for shade and a built-in sweatband.

30. Aloe Vera

Enhance your sun protection routine with this organic aloe vera. It’s a desert plant that contains antibacterial properties known to speed up the healing process. On Asher’s most recent trip to India, he was at a ceremony on the Ganges and got super burned, even during the winter time. There was no easy way for him to get Aloe Vera, so we knew this needed to be added to our list. Put it in a cooler for an even more relaxing sensation!

31. Travel First-Aid Kit

It’s inevitable that you’ll get a cut or scrape or some little thing that would need a first-aid kit. The item I use most is band-aids to help prevent infection in a wound. I also like to put honey on the cut before I place the band-aid because it acts as an antibacterial shield. There are drug stores (chemists) all over India, but it’s nice to come prepared with basic, lightweight, quality first-aid equipment.

32. Travel Toilet Paper

Believe it or not, toilet paper is still mostly unused in India. Only the more expensive hotels carry it. When you’re out and about, you will be hard-pressed to find a place that has any at all! This compact travel toilet paper is more practical than the TP you use at home, which is thick and bulky. Travel TP goes further because it’s more absorbent and also has no core in the roll for thinness. Plus, this brand is biodegradable.

33. Compression Flight Socks

I seriously regretted not having compression flight socks on my last 15+ hour flight… As a young, fit person, I underestimated how much pain my legs could be in at such drastic elevations in a pressurized cabin. These socks are worn by flight attendants and passengers alike to maintain a healthy blood flow and prevent swelling. It’s a valuable preventative measure that you’ll be happy to have. Don’t forget the jet lag relief for lengthy international flight days.

34. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

One of the first things I do in India is visit a local dress shop and buy some traditional Kurtas or Punjabis in order to stay respectful and flow seamlessly in and out of temples. You’ll also be doing plenty of shopping for Sarees, Pashmina Shawls, Ayurvedic products, spices, and other local Indian goods – so be sure to pack this “just in case” bag for those unforeseeable purchases. It’s an easy addition to any suitcase and counts as your personal item on the return flight home.

Other India Packing List Items

• India travel insurance
• Homeopathic medicines
• Motion sickness patches
• Hand sanitizer
• Jet lag relief
• Feminine items
• Dried fruit
• Almond butter
• Thermal underwear
• Dental Floss
• Lock for door (cheap hotels)
• Lock for suitcase
• Mosquito net
• Travel backpack
• Baby travel accessories
• Mini tripod
• SD cards for camera
• Rechargeable AA batteries
• Small cheap computer
• India Power Adapter
• Transformer/converter
• Gifts for India
• Best personal item bag

I also recommend you bring digital copies of all your important documents , including passport, visa, driver’s license, bank info, and credit cards. Just in case. A simple way to do this is scan or photograph them and then email them to yourself.

What to wear in India?

For both men and women, the main rule in this very conservative country is to avoid flaunting bare skin as much as possible. Of course, things are more lax in tourist hotspots like Goa and Varkala, but it’s still more respectful to tend toward modesty.

Expectations are less strict for men, and Indian men now commonly wear casual Western clothes, but it still pays to be modest. Interestingly though, I’ve rarely seen an Indian man wearing shorts.

City wear/everyday wear: In Mumbai and Delhi, Western dress is perfectly acceptable. You’ll see as many Indian women wearing jeans and t-shirts as saris. The case for covering up is the same, though – it’s best not to wear clothes that are tight or revealing. Go for light, comfortable clothing.

Temple Wear: Covering up is not just recommended here – it’s essential. Many temples have a dress code, and won’t allow you entry unless your head AND shoulders are covered. In 2016, Madras actually enforced a ban on all western clothing in temples, refusing entry to anyone wearing jeans, shorts, skirts, short sleeves or tight leggings.

Your best bet is a long, loose skirt (calf or ankle length) and a plain, long-sleeved top or shirt. If you don’t have long sleeves, a long scarf draped over your shoulders should be fine. Wear shoes that can be easily removed, as you’ll be leaving them at the door anyway.

If you want to be really respectful, then a Kameez top or a full Sari will be the best received. This is what Lyric (my wife) wears when in India.

Going Out: The same applies: cover up. India’s cultural and tourism minister issued a statement last year imploring foreign female tourists to refrain from ‘skimpy’ clothes, particularly short skirts and dresses. It’s actually a matter of personal safety.

City wear: Dress is less strict for men, but it still pays to be modest. Dress according to the season.

Temple wear: Covering your arms and legs is just as important for men as it is for women. Don’t wear jeans or other western items such as leather belts. Loose cotton pants paired with a respectable shirt should be sufficient but if you really want to be respectful, wear a white Indian kurta/pajama set. I like to wear a dhoti (cloth wrapped around waist extending to ankles) when I go to temples.

Packing for the Seasons in India

Winter – december, january, february, (partially) march:.

Winter is, logically, the coldest and best time of year to visit most parts of India (though temperatures are much warmer in South India). Dress according to how comfortable you’ll be in the temperatures, and plan to bring appropriate cold weather gear if you’re in the North ( hats , gloves , light jacket or fleece ) as appropriate for the activities and elevations you’ll be experiencing. Temperatures in the north (Delhi) average between 45°F to 75°F (7°C to 24°C), and in the south (Kochi) between 73°F to 90°F (23°C to 32°C).

SUMMER – (Pre-Monsoon Season) April, May, June:

This is by far the hottest time to visit India, and believe it or not it can be a dangerous time. April and May are the hottest months, and can bring some interesting weather.

The north can get intense pre-monsoon storms which carry hail, and the famous Loo winds blow in the north during the summer.

When packing for India during the summer, be very sure to do your research about the specific regions you’ll be visiting and staying in. Pack light, quick-drying clothes and items that can cover you for sun protection while keeping you cooler – think long-sleeved linen shirts , quality sun hats , linen pants , sunglasses , etc. Temperatures in the north (Delhi) average between 80°F to 102°F (27°C to 39°C), and in the south (Kochi) between 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C).

MONSOON – July, August, September:

As you might guess, Monsoon season is very wet. Monsoon rains are what drive India’s agriculture-based economy, so it’s a very important, albeit soggy, time of year for the country and its inhabitants.

FALL – (Post-Monsoon Season) October, November:

During Indian autumn, drier and cooler air spills across the Himalayas and clears the skies, bringing the sun back into the picture. This is a windy season, so layers are important, as the wind can bring uncertain temps in some parts of India. Many areas experience lingering, dwindling precipitation, so you should absolutely plan to have rain gear and a windproof umbrella on-hand. Temperatures in the north (Delhi) average between 60°F to 90°F (16°C to 32°C), and in the south (Kochi) between 75°F to 88°F (24°C to 31°C).

Check out this helpful guide from Mariellen Ward on the 24 best places to visit in India by month

What NOT to bring to India

1. don't bring too many clothes..

You can buy clothes cheaply in India and can get the local dress so that you fit in better and feel more comfortable 🙂

2. DON'T PACK valuables in general.

Unless it’s absolutely necessary, why risk it? Valuables such as: passport, credit cards & cash I carry concealed under my shirt in my passport pouch.

3. DON'T BRING bulky towels.

Instead bring a simple travel towel.

4. DON'T TAKE too much cash.

ATMs are the safest way to get local cash and they are everywhere across India.

5. DON'T BRING expensive jewelry.

It’s just not worth risking losing it or getting it stolen.

6. DON'T TAKE other unnecessary electronics.

Again because of the chance of it getting ruined by the power supply and the excess bulk.

7. DON'T BRING too many books.

An e-reader like the Amazon Kindle can be a great option because it’s light weight and has a 3 week battery life.

8. ON'T PACK too many toiletries but do bring your favorites.

Your special products are probably not available in India but generic soap, shampoo and toothpaste etc is widely available.

9. DON'T TAKE nice shoes.

They will get dirty no matter what. Sandals or Crocs are best.

10. DON'T PACK your computer.

Unless you really need it and it’s a lightweight, cheap one (such as a Chromebook ) that you don’t mind getting fried by the irregular power supply or stolen.

11. DON'T PACK more than one set of warm clothes.

India is a hot country (unless you’re in the Himalayas) and it’s rare to be too cold. I only bring one good, lightweight fleece and one pair of long pants plus a scarf or shawl.

12. DON'T TAKE anything that isn't suitable for your destination.

Do your research on weather and location specific needs before you go to India so that you are prepared without having too much bulk in your luggage.

FAQs about travel in India

1. how do i avoid getting delhi belly.

The most likely cause of Delhi Belly always comes down to contaminated food or water .

Therefore, the best way to avoid getting a bout of diarrhea is to be extra diligent with hygiene around meals and with any beverage. I highly recommend you only eat freshly cooked, piping hot food. Avoid all salads or fruits that have been washed with tap water. Only drink quality bottled water and never have ice in your drinks. Avoid street food or anything that doesn’t look clean. Always wash your hands with sanitizing wipes before meals. Trust me, you don’t want to get Delhi Belly. I know from experience, it can cause you to be bed ridden for a week! 🙁

2. What items are NOT readily available in India?

While many pharmaceutical drugs are available in India, you may prefer to bring the items you’re used to. Other miscellaneous items that are most likely best to bring from home include your preferred brands of contact lens solution, dental floss, shampoo/conditioner, feminine hygiene products, makeup, underwear, supplements and energy bars… etc!

Body lotions and sunscreens that don’t contain skin-bleaching formula are sometimes difficult to find. Pale skin is highly coveted in India and most Asian countries, so many skin care products contain some form of “whitening”. This may or may not be what you want!

Clothing and other gear made from 100% cotton or wool is sometimes pricey and/or difficult to find. Much of the clothing available in tourist areas is made of rayon or polyester or other synthetics, which isn’t so comfortable in hot weather and not warm enough in cold weather.

Quality sunglasses and shoes that aren’t knock offs can be hard to find. Also, I’ve found that almost always, electronics such as camera or computer equipment is both hard to find and way more expensive than in the US.

3. What’s the best way to deal with pollution in India?

India has some of the worst pollution levels in the world, worse than China. I’ve found that the #1 way to deal with the extreme pollution is to get out of the big cities like Delhi and Mumbai as soon as possible. This means finding places to visit that are less populated and more in the countryside or coastal areas. For example, small towns in Kerala generally have way less pollution than anywhere in Northern India near Delhi. See this map for live Indian pollution levels.

Additionally, I highly recommend you bring a quality dust mask like the Cambridge Mask . This will allow you to breathe without inhaling as much toxic fumes, pollution, smoke and dust.

4. How do I avoid getting scammed?

There is no question, India is full of scam artists from street beggars to tricky taxi drivers and even the Mafia. The biggest advice I have is to simply say “no thank you” when approached by someone selling something. Don’t give money to beggars (who are typically scammers in disguise). And know where you’re going, what your hotels name is and the address when getting in a taxi or rickshaw. Read my full list of the top 27 scams in India for all the details.

5. What are some good souvenirs to bring home from India?

Handwoven scarves, pashminas or tapestries are quintessential “Indian” pieces that can be easily packed into a suitcase. Scarves and pashminas make a great conversation piece when you return home, and tapestries can become bedspreads or wall-hangings. Try to find out the back story of items you purchase – you don’t want to be supporting an industry of slave labour. Also, be hyper of aware of fake pashminas. The best way to test if they are real is to take a thread and light it on fire to see if it melts (synthetic) or burns like a candle, turns to ash and smells like hair burning (this is likely real pashmina). You may also like to check out “fixed rate” shops that are recommended by a high end hotel to find the authentic dealers.

Spices such as masala, turmeric and cardamom are the perfect way to bring the tastes and smells of India home with you! They should stay fresh for months.

Indian musical instruments such as the flute and sitar make a fantastic gift – and could encourage you to get more musical!

Jewellery is available everywhere in all forms – wooden, bone, leather and sterling silver. Easy to wear and carry. Again, make sure these items are real and fairtrade.

6. What kind of bag and suitcase should you bring to India?

Backpacks are definitely the easiest to move around with – and India requires a lot of moving around! Backpacks can be squeezed into train/bus luggage racks or under seats, and obviously, they go where you go. The size of your backpack depends on the bulkiness of your gear, but it’s a good idea to choose one with lots of zip compartments and pockets, so you can find stuff quickly.

Suitcases are less suitable (especially the four-wheeled spinners) for India’s rugged road surfaces and tight spaces, but they do make life easier if you’re staying in a place for a long period of time. I personally like this Samsonite wheeled duffle for the best of both worlds.

7. I'm healthy, do I really need to get Travel Insurance?

YES. Travel insurance is a must. You never know what, where or when something could go wrong – and in India, anything can go wrong. Losing your wallet or tripping down a flight of stairs can ruin your entire trip – not to mention swallow up a hefty portion of your funds. Consider also that things can go wrong back home, which may mean an unexpected flight back. Travel insurance covers all the things that you don’t want to happen but CAN happen.

Even if nothing goes wrong, having a good travel insurance provider takes care of the “what if?” worry that’s bound to niggle away at the back of your mind – which means you can enjoy your trip more! Use this widget to get an instant quote.

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

8. Do cruise-lines stop at ports in India?

There are several companies such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Princess that all make stops in India. The itineraries often also include the Middle East and/or Southeast Asia and are typically around 2-weeks in length. We’ve heard reports that even if you don’t get off the boat when at an Indian port, you still need a visa. Also, see our cruise packing checklist for cruise specific packing ideas.

9. What about vaccines? Should I get all the ones that they recommend?

Vaccines and medications for India are a very personal choice and some of them do have negative side effects such as Malaria medication. Talk to your doctor about what vaccinations you may or may not need. Chances are you have already had most recommended vaccinations as a child. Otherwise, the CDC website provides a comprehensive list of vaccines recommended for India at any particular time. Remember that outbreaks do occur from time to time, so it’s important to do your research.

Asher Fergusson

Travellers Guide To What To Wear in India 2022

What to wear in India on your trip there is a topic that provokes a lot of thought, discussion and debate! And so… I’m here to help . Over the years, what is appropriate for travellers to wear to India has changed a lot – so read on for plenty of tips for how to dress in India – and have a few myths dispelled along the way! 

This post contains compensated affiliate links. For more info and my full disclosure, please read here . 

What to Wear while Travelling in India?

Knowing what to wear in India for travelling can feel confusing – and it’s not helped by the fact that there are many nuanced answers to this question – especially if you’re wondering how to dress in India as a female tourist – which let’s face it is a lot less straight forward than it is for men!

But fear not, I’m here to help. After 8 years of travelling to India for extended periods, I’ve had plenty of chances to test out what does – and doesn’t – work when it comes to picking what to wear to India.

As a woman, the reality of what to wear while travelling India has changed a lot in the last few years (for the better) but it’s still not a place you can just turn up to in micro-shorts and a singlet/spaghetti strapped-tops.

Fashion, dress-standards and what is considered ‘appropriate’ for clothing for female travellers to India is rapidly changing here – even in the last couple of years what might not have been ok is now fine – in some places.

When you’re mulling over what to pack for your trip to India, remember this: India is a sub-continent, populated by over 1.2 billion people. In cities like Mumbai, you’re just as likely to see local girls in hot pants getting out of Ubers on a saturday night out going clubbing as women in sarees – but that doesn’t mean you’d feel comfortable wearing yours wandering around the sights of Agra or even riding around on the Mumbai local trains.

There is no one answer to the question “what to wear in India”. Rather there are as many answers as there are times of day – such are the nuances of this rapidly changing country and culture.

So – what can you wear as a traveller to India? Let’s get stuck in!

Dressing for Safe Travel in India

I’m guessing what brought you to this post is your desire to a) be safe travelling in India and b) be culturally appropriate and respectful while travelling in India. So firstly: Thank you for reading! The world needs many more sensitive travellers like you.

Secondly: Despite the warnings and cautionary tales, India is an incredibly rewarding place to travel, and the vast majority of female (and male) travellers who venture here do not experience any trouble. If you follow your common sense, keep an eye on your surroundings, and are aware of how you are perceived when deciding how to dress for travelling India, then it will increase your safety, too!

Rightly or wrongly – know that what clothes for India travel you choose does have an impact on how you may be perceived while travelling around India – especially if you’re venturing off the beaten path. Which is why how to dress in India as a tourist is an often debated topic.

Whatever you wear in India, if you don’t look Indian, you will stand out, and you can expect to be stared at and get attention. But wearing revealing clothes on top of that, can add some  masala to the attention. Which you probably don’t want! Foreign women are sometimes perceived as “exotic” and naturally attract increased interest in what is still a male dominated society – so to mitigate that you will probably want to cover up more than you might at home (while staying cool).

Do’s and Don’ts of dressing in India

Based on my experiences of travelling in India, usually solo:

• Do look around you: Take note of what local women are wearing, what areas of the body they are covering, and take your cues from them (I’m not saying you have to buy a saree but if everyone around you is in shorts, you’re probably fine in the same).
• Do ask if you’re not sure: Ask local friends if you have them, ask other hotel/hostel guests, or ask tour guides for feedback on what you’re wearing if you’re really not sure.
• If you’re at the beach, don’t wear swimwear off the beach, even just to cross the road to get your coconut water. Many of India’s beautiful beaches are actually in more conservative communities (depending where in the country you are) and not dressing properly causes offence. In Goa or at resort beaches, bikinis are fine, but on local beaches or waterfalls etc it’s better to swim partially clothed (a loose t-shirt over your swimsuit is a good idea).
• Don’t ever sunbathe topless or skinny-dip. Even if you think no-one can see you, they probably can. And do you really want your chest going viral on WhatsApp?
• Legs are bared more and more compared to a few years back. In places like Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh, wearing knee-length skirts are just fine. In Central/North India you’ll still find most women covering their legs with long skirts/trousers (pants)
• Don’t show off your cleavage. Although sleeves are getting shorter and shorter, Indian women don’t like to display their assets publicly and the ‘dupatta’ (long scarf worn backwards across the chest) is primarily used as a ‘boob defender’ ;-).
• Don’t wear spaghetti or thin straps unless you’re on the beach – but short sleeves / sleeveless tops (thick straps) are generally fine.
• Do wear bright colours: Not only will they make your feel more cheerful, you’ll blend in to India’s rainbow of colour!

What Not to Wear in India

In general, unless you’re in a beach area, here are some things to avoid wearing in India as a female traveller:

• Strappy tops & vests
• Anything that shows cleavage
• Short shorts or dresses (knee length and longer dresses are best, shorts should not expose your butt and are a no-go in more conservative cities/areas, like Agra & Varanasi)
• High Heels! You will not need them unless you’re planning to go clubbing in Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore
• Super tight, figure hugging clothes (but normal tight jeans are just fine, especially if worn with a loose top)

Dispelling a Few Myths

Given that India has been portrayed in a certain light in the media, travel advice tends so err on the cautious and a limited view of what it is like to live and travel in India has developed. Let’s be clear on a few things.

• It’s not always hot in India. Depending on when and where you travel, you may need warmer layers too.
• You don’t need to cover your hair in India (unless you’re entering a Sikh or Muslim religious shrine/temple/mosque)
• You don’t need to wear Indian clothing – see more below!
• Younger and city-dwelling Indians are just as likely to be sporting t-shirts and skinny jeans than traditional Indian dress. It all depends on where you are.
• You don’t have to wear elephant or harem pants. India is loved as a hippy, backpacking destination but it is perfectly possible to travel here and look smart, too!
• You can wear jewellery -maybe leave your diamond collection / family jewels at home 😉 but many Indians wear a lot of jewellery, so don’t be afraid to get some local jewellery for yourself, too (negotiate!).

Should you Wear Indian Clothes?

For my first solo trips to India, I followed the advice that wearing local clothing would earn me more respect and be safer as a solo female traveller. I headed out shopping and got myself a few  kurtas  (tunic style long tops with splits below the waist – they vary in length from waist length to below the knee), as well as a custom made salwaar kameez. 

All of this was great fun and very inexpensive, but I found myself attracting plenty of attention and comments for my Indian-style attire, particularly in the big cities.  I found myself wondering: Would I just have blended in better if I had been wearing western clothes?

The answer is probably yes, in some situations – and I’m definitely not advocating wandering around India in a saree. Here’s what I suggest:

• In ALL of India you are just fine in western clothes – as long as you cover up in more conservative areas – t-shirts/shirts and jeans are always fine.
• The main reason to buy & wear Indian clothes is because a) they’re beautiful and b) they can help with staying cool in the heat.
• In rural areas and villages (where you’ll need to dress more conservatively), wearing a kurta top over your trousers can be a great way to fit in, dress respectfully and keep cool.
• Some parts of India are more conservative than others – e.g. Uttar Pradesh & Rajasthan are more traditional than Maharashtra, so local clothing as above for rural India can be helpful, especially if you’re going off the beaten path.
• If in doubt: Look at what the local women of your age around you are wearing and use that as a barometer. In general, Sarees are the worn by married, Indian women, or for special occasions – and I don’t recommend wearing them out and about on your travels unless you are invited to wear one to a special occasion or event (such as a wedding) to avoid cultural appropriation. If you are gifted one or want to buy one as a souvenir, that’s fine!

What to Wear in India: The Essentials

Here are my recommended essential items for dressing in India for Women. Go for natural fibres / fabrics whereever you can as these keep you cooler and are more comfortable (plus they are better for the environment).

Accessories

• Sunglasses – not only for keeping the sun out, but great for avoiding any stares from would be Romeo’s. I love ethical brand Pala Eyewear .
• A secure handbag / purse. I love crossbody bags as you can keep them in front of you and on your person at all times (i’ve always used crossbody bags when travelling in India). A basic leather one is good, or for added security you can use a Travelon one which has additional security measures built in!
• Jacket – If you’re travelling to northern India in Winter, then pack a compact light down jacket or windproof layer to keep you warm on cold winter mornings and evenings. I have been so grateful for my one like this many a time. A jacket is a must for wearing on Safaris in India too as it’s chilly before the sun comes up.
• Scarves, Scarves, Scarves. Drape them across your chest, backwards like a  dupatta (Indian Style), wrap them over your head in the heat, as a sarong on the beach, or around your shoulders to keep warm in AC. You will find so many uses for your scarf! We recommend 1 x Thin / light Linen, Cotton or Hemp Scarf and 1 x Thicker Shawl (which you can also use a blanket on AC trains etc)
• Tunic tops / loose shirts or blouses – we love this one and this one
• T-shirts – preferably made from organic cotton, hemp or bamboo such as these ones
• Kurta tops – you can buy them online if you just can’t wait until you get to India 😉
• Warmer Layer such as a fleece or hoodie and a light jacket if travelling to North India in winter (always take one warmer layer for air conditioned transport regardless of where you’re travelling in India)
• High quality organic cotton/bamboo vest tops are useful for wearing under a blouse / kurta if it’s really hot and you don’t want to wear a bra – (personally I find they really dig in in the heat). Cotton layers actually help to keep you cool…

Bottom Half

• Loose fitting harem pants or Linen trousers like these
• Leggings (only wear under a long top that covers your bottom)
• Jeans – skinny or regular (we suggest 1 pair is enough)
• Modest shorts for the beach (not ones that expose your ‘cheeks!)
• A long, loose skirt or Linen trousers like these – skirts are great for bus travel in case you have to go to the bathroom in nature! Make sure your long skirt is not too tight and doesn’t have tall slits in the side. (I saw a girl wearing a long skirt with thigh-high slits in at the Taj Mahal – and every man in sight was gaping at her.)
• Maxi and Midi dresses are a great idea, to help stay cool and look stylish – get ones with sleeves if you can find them. Vibrant colours are much more practical than white ones which will get dirty super quickly.

Swimwear for India

• A loose fitting kaftan or maxi dress can be handy if you’ll be hitting the beach
• A bikini or swimsuit is fine for resorts or the touristy beaches of Goa and Kerala. On local beaches, waterfalls or in the countryside I suggest swimming with a t-shirt & shorts on as locals swim fully clothed.
• Don’t ever walk around off the beach in your swimwear
• I suggest taking a pair of sandals / flip flops for chilling out in (I love Reef who contribute to cleaning up beaches around the world). These are also super useful for visiting temples where you need to remove shoes.
• A pair of covered pumps / canvas shoes such as Toms for travel and walking around cities to avoid your feet being filthy the whole time – light, neutral colours like grey / tan are best for not showing the dust and dirt
• Hiking shoes if you’re going to be trekking (breathable ones are recommended and make sure you wear them in beforehand)
• You can buy cheap “chuppels” in India (pretty decorated sandals) so leave plenty of space in your bag!

What to Wear for Yoga in India

• Leave your tight leggings, racerbacks and spandex at home!
• Loose fitting cool t-shirts
• Baggy yoga trousers / harem pants

Yoga in India is a modest affair and you won’t see the tight yoga clothes that have become a staple of “western” yoga much. Try to bring tops you can tuck into your trousers to avoid flashing during your downward dogs!

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Knowing What to Wear and When

As you’ll see in my “should I dress in local clothing” section – I recommend adapting what you wear depending on where you are in India. The easiest way to judge this is to look at what people your age are wearing around you. In general, in cities and touristy areas you are fine in western clothing (but do stick to the rules of not showing your shoulders, chest or legs above the shin).

Even in some more touristic areas – notably Agra, Varanasi and other parts of central India, these regions are more conservative and you will want to cover more than you’d need to on the beaches of Goa. In other specific situations such as going on Tiger or other Wildlife Safaris in India you’ll want to be covered and wearing neutral tones – leave that beautiful bright red top at home.

ⓘ TIP:   Travel Insurance is a must for India – we use and recommend World Nomads – Get your quote here !

What to Wear in India for Men

Ah, guys, you have it so easy! Much of the debate around how to dress as a traveller to India is related to women because of the traditional society that exists there. As a man you can wear pretty much what you would at home, although a few things to bear in mind:

• Shorts are now much more popular in metro- India (the cities) as well as on the beach, and knee-length shorts are just fine.
• Don’t walk around topless unless you’re on the beach
• You don’t need to wear local clothing – even in villages. You’ll get a few odd looks if you wander India in a Salwar Kameez!
• The best bet? Jeans / Chinos and t-shirts / shirts. We recommend light jeans and cotton t-shirts or polo shirts for a slightly smarter look.

Final Words of Advice

If you research in advance (like reading this post!) and do your packing right, you won’t have to worry about what to wear in India when you’re there! Job done!

Try not to pack too much – no-one likes lugging a heavy bag around while travelling – flexibility and items you can mix/match are the key. Last but not least save some space for shopping in India because there are so many beautiful clothes, scarves and accessories you’ll want to buy once you’re here!

Next step: Have an amazing time in India!

Plan Your Trip to India with Soul Travel India:

How to Plan your Dream Trip to India – Complete Guide

The 21 Best Places for Solo Female Travel in India

The Best Places to Visit in India – For Every Month of the Year

Can I Wear Shorts in India?

In touristy beach areas like Goa, shorts are perfectly fine, and in cities like Mumbai shorts are commonly worn too (by women as well as men). In other cities and in more conservative parts of India, shorts are to be avoided – and in any case make sure they are modest shorts rather than ones that leave your ‘cheeks hanging out!

Should I Buy Indian clothes for travel in India?

Only if you want to! Indian clothes are beautiful and you may find the colourful Kurta tunics hard to resist… but wherever you are travelling, western clothes are just fine as long as you dress respectfully. Out of respect for Indian culture, wandering around India in a Saree is not suggested.

What Swimwear is appropriate in India?

On touristy beaches (like in Goa & Kerala) and at resorts and luxury hotels, bikinis are just fine. A sarong is handy to cover up a bit while walking up and down the beach – and make sure to cover up as soon as you leave the beach/pool. In rural areas and for swimming in rivers & waterfalls you may feel more comfortable doing as the locals do and swimming in shorts and t-shirt.

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Passionate about all things India travel - journeys of transformation and discovery, local experiences, and getting under the skin of India.

Copyright Soul Travel India 2022, All rights reserved. This website uses compensated affiliate links. 

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India packing list: what to pack for india in 2024.

Knowing how to pack for India is actually a pretty tough task, and one that we first struggled with.

There are all kinds of questions probably racing through your head, such as …

“What can I wear in India as a woman tourist?”

“Is there a dress code in India for tourists?”

“Can males and females wear shorts in India?”

Their relatively strict and reserved religious culture means that the dress code in India certainly won't be quite as laid back as it is in the western world.

You also need to take into account other important things such as the time of year and the many diverse climates that India has.

To help put your mind at ease and help you know exactly what to pack for India, I’ve gone ahead and put together the ultimate India packing list .

Filled with all the tips & tricks we picked up on when backpacking in India .

Let's get started!

Before traveling anywhere, make sure you have your travel insurance in place. We recommend SafetyWing. ‍

Here's a few reasons ...

• They Cover for Covid-19
• You can pause and restart policies each month
• They are more affordable than many providers

For more info, check out my in-depth SafetyWing review .

Ultimate India travel packing checklist

Men's packing list, women's packing list, travel essentials, tech/gadgets, health & safety, miscellaneous, other items to consider, a few things you need to know about india.

Here are 3 key things you need to first be aware of before you start packing your bags and heading off abroad for an epic trip across India.

1. Religion in India

Just like Bali , and many other places throughout Asia, the dominant religion in India is Hinduism, with roughly 80% of the population claiming to be so.

People tend to dress more conservatively than in western countries, though they are certainly not the strictest of religions.

Yes, you will typically see women covering up more of their bodies (particularly their legs) but they do still have skin on show.

Many women have parts of their back open and many locals even have parts of their cleavage and stomachs showing, no matter what age they are.

Religion and dress code in India becomes more important when visiting religious sites.

Here, it is more respectful if you have some way to cover up.

Cazzy always carries some sort of light shawl with her so she can cover up the rest of her arms if required.

She typically always had on a long, light dress that covered up more than enough and didn’t offend.

On a side note, if you are a female tourist in India, then you will get stared at a LOT by locals, particularly the men.

As she's from Ireland , Cazzy is naturally very white and really stands out.

So if you have a lot of skin on show then you are just encouraging more people to stare at you in an uncomfortable manner.

2. Geography of India

India is HUGE!

It’s more than 3 million square kilometres and home to more than 1.3 billion people; roughly 13 times the size of the UK.

As such, you can expect it to have an incredibly varied climate depending on which part of the country you visit.

On our visit, we went as far south as Goa and as far north as Delhi & Agra , so were able to experience many of the changes.

As a very rough guide, the further north you get, it tends to get a little cooler, whereas Goa in the south is much hotter.

This is a VERY rough idea and not totally accurate as your experiences of temperature and rainfall will vary depending on how far east and west you are.

For a much deeper understanding of the expected temperatures and climate in the parts you plan on visiting, check out this website .

3. Seasons in India

India has 4 seasons:

• Winter - January to February
• Summer - March to May
• Monsoon - June to September
• Post-monsoon - October to December

Again, these will vary depending on which part of the country you are in, but are the typical overarching months.

We were packing for India in November, and had great weather during our entire 3 weeks there .

In the south it was definitely hotter, with many days being in the low 30s or high 20s, and by the time we were in Delhi it was typically in the mid-20s.

The most popular months to visit India are November to February and it’s not surprising as the weather is much more manageable across the board.

Choosing the right bag for India

When packing for India, the first important decision you need to make is deciding which bag to take.

If you are backpacking India, like us, then I’d recommend one larger rucksack , perhaps 60-70 litres and one smaller day bag , closer to 25 litres.

This will be plenty big enough to pack everything you need, plus more.

Our visit to India formed part of a much larger 3 month backpacking adventure through Sri Lanka and Nepal, and our bags were perfect for holding everything we needed for our entire trip.

Of course, everyone’s trip is different, so when selecting the best backpack for India (if you haven’t already), consider this:

• How long will your total backpacking trip be?
• What sorts of activities do you plan on doing in India?
• Will you be backpacking India on your own or with someone else?

Choosing a larger backpack

I received my backpack as a backpacking gift just after uni, and it's still going strong. It’s accompanied me on every backpacking adventure across more than 2 dozen different countries on 4 continents.

It’s made by Osprey who are the go-to choice for the majority of backpackers.

We see them used everywhere and it’s really unsurprising why.

They are fantastic quality, lightweight, strong and look great.

I’ve even sewn badges into the sides of mine for every country we visit and it hasn’t ruined the integrity at all.

Here are our 2 recommendations:

Bradley's choice

OSPREY PACKS FARPOINT 70 (FOR MEN)

Cazzy's choice.

OSPREY PACKS RENN 65 (FOR WOMEN)

Choosing the perfect day bag.

A day bag is an essential travel item for India for 2 reasons.

Most obviously because you’ll need it when out exploring individual areas during the day.

But a great day bag is also essential for helping you to keep valuable items close to you when moving between destinations.

For example, when taking long bus or boat journeys between places, we like to store our expensive equipment, like our travel laptops and cameras, in these bags so they are always closer by.

The Loctote Flak Sack is perfect for just this occasion as it's a specially designed anti-theft travel bag .

When choosing which day bag is great for you, consider things like:

• Will you be doing a lot of vigorous activities? Like hiking
• Do you need special compartments for your own travel tech?

My day bag is slightly smaller but best suited for day trips and hiking; it’s plenty big enough for both Cazzy and my own needs.

Cazzy’s day bag choice, the Tropicfeel Shell backpack, is an amazing bag in it's own right. A little more pricey but can actually be doubled up as a main backpack or camera backpack as well as it has the ability to expand and contract. Read more in our review of it here .

2-in 1 Backpack combination

If you're looking for a backpack and daypack combination that's waterproof, spacious and practical, then we highly recommend the Salkan.

We've conducted a full review on the Salkan backpack and daypack which you can find here , but I seriously feel it's a fantastic investment that will last you a lifetime of travels.

We've been using it for a while now across Canada and the USA and it's totally awesome.

OSPREY PACKS STRATOS 24

Tropicfeel Shell Backpack

What about roll-on luggage.

If you're not really into backpacks, and prefer roll-on luggage, then our top recommendation (based solely off personal experience) would have to be Horizn Studios (read our review of them here ).

They make absolute top quality cases, and in particular I am a big fan of the M5 Smart . It's a little more expensive but comes integrated with a portable charger.

Meaning you can charge your devices on-the-go and while waiting around at airports.

If you're planning on backpacking India, then roll-on luggage might not be the most practical solution, though some people do disagree.

If youre going for more a off a resort-based holiday to India, then it will be spot on!

For more ideas, check out our guide on the best luxury carry-on luggage .

Final thoughts on picking bags for travel to India

If you do plan on travelling as a couple in India, then here’s something to consider.

Less is more.

What do I mean by this?

Well, it means that you probably don’t need to take anywhere near as much with you as you think you would.

When Cazzy and I backpack for a few months or more, we only actually take one larger 70 litre backpack between us and it is plenty.

And as you will see in the rest of this India packing list for backpacking, we take plenty of stuff with us, more than the average travelers.

Partly because of Cazzy’s need for medical supplies (she’s type 1 diabetic) and partly because we work whilst travelling so need a lot of tech.

It’s so much more liberating having just one rucksack between us and is much more convenient overall.

For more backpack ideas, check out my in-depth Solgaard review . These guys offer a full range of backpacks, specifically designed for modern digital nomads who need to carry a mixture of clothes, as well as work gear (like laptops) when travelling.

You might also like: Best Eco-Friendly Bags For Travel

What to pack for India: Travel Essentials

Here’s a look at all the other travel essentials for India that you might need. Feel free to use the buttons below to skip to different sections.

What to wear in India for men

A male India packing list should ideally be made up of light, loose fitting clothes.

For the majority of the places you visit in India, it’s going to be hot and humid, so heavy clothes are just going to leave you feeling exhausted.

That being said, the night-times can have cold weather once the sun goes in, so it’s worth having one pair of jeans and a hoodie with you as a minimum.

Here’s a look at what I packed for India.

• 2 pairs of swim trunks
• 1 pair of jorts
• 1 pair of jeans
• Lightweight trousers
• 1 evening shirt - For those nicer restaurants
• 2 tank tops
• 1 lightweight rain jacket - If you visit during the monsoon season (June to December) then make sure you have one of these!
• 1 pair of trainers - I recommend Tropicfeel as a great all round travel trainer for all kinds of weather
• 1 pair of flip flops - I wore my Reef flip flops wherever possible in India, I love them as they are incredibly robust and well suited for longer walks
• 5 pairs of trainer socks
• 1 cap - Essential in helping to keep the hot, mid-day sun off your face
• 1 pair of sunglasses - You can pick these up really cheap in most parts of India

What to wear in India for women (from Cazzy)

When it comes to packing clothing for India as a woman, you’ll be happy to hear it isn’t overly complicated. 

One thing I would note is that India is bursting with amazing clothing, so I would actually bring less, so that you can purchase some beautiful pieces whilst out there; such as long skirts, or one of a kind dresses and shoes! 

• 1 shoulder scarf - These are light and airy and perfect for covering up when you’re at certain temples, like the Taj Mahal
• 1 pair of sunglasses 
• 1 light rain jacket - I would base this on the season you’re visiting, so if you’re visiting in the dry season, you will not need this
• 1 pair of flip flops - Essential for the wearing on the beaches in India
• 4 t-shirts 
• 2 pairs of shorts 
• 1 swimming costume - I prefer swimming suits in India, just out of respect for local culture 
• 3 sun dresses - A must see for when walking around different sites 
• 1 pair of trainers - Bring just one pair of shoes for India; I recommend either Skechers or Tropicfeel . Any other shoes you need you can easily buy when in India
• 5 pairs of trainer socks 
• 1 long skirt - Either bring one with you, or wait and buy one out in India because they’re beautifully made and very cheap! 
• 1 pair of light trousers - Great for the evenings in India or if you’re doing some light hiking. I recommend Buddha Pants for a great choice on style, and they're super easy to pack.
• 1 playsuit or jumpsuit - Perfect for jazzing up an outfit for the evening if you’re somewhere special 
• 1 light jacket - Perfect for long train journeys, internal flights and if you pick up a sea breeze in the evening

Washing clothes in India

Getting your clothes washed in India is pretty easy, and you’ll find places to help you out in all major tourist areas.

In fact, the hostels and hotels themselves usually offer a cheap and easy service, and you can have your clothes back within a day.

First aid kit

For all of our travels, we always pack a straightforward first aid kit, just in case of minor emergencies. Here’s what we took with us to India:

• Diarrhoea kit - Essential for India where many people suffer from the dreaded “Delhi Belly” which wasn’t an issue for us, yay!
• Paracetamol
• Scissors/nail clippers
• Moleskin tape
• Needles and thread
• Bandages & tape
• Antiseptic cream
• Travel sickness tablets - Great for all those long bus and train journeys through India where it's easy to get travel sick

Ready-made travel first aid kit

If you don’t yet own a travel first aid kit, then here’s a good option to buy.

It contains the majority of what you need and you can then just add in any other items you want to take with you.

Plus, it’s small enough to tuck away in your backpack and not take up much space.

You can pick up any toiletries you need when in India, but the exact products you are used to back home might be hard to find or a lot more expensive than what they would usually be as they are imported.

That’s why one of my top India packing tips would be to buy a full set of your toiletries before you leave, and these should last you for at least a good few weeks of your trip.

I wouldn’t take much more than that as then you’re just asking for trouble with some sort of unwanted liquids explosion in your luggage!

• Wash bag - Buy one ( like this ) that has a handle on it. Many bathrooms in Indian hotels and hostels are cramped with nowhere to set them, but having a handle makes your life a LOT easier!
• 2 x toothbrush 
• 2 toothbrush travel container
• Men’s deodorant
• Women’s deodorant
• Shampoo & conditioner 2 in 1
• Dry shampoo
• Disposable razors
• Shaving foam
• Electric razor
• Small perfume
• Small aftershave
• Toilet paper - It’s worth keeping a spare toilet roll on your when travelling through India, as many public toilets won’t have any

Travel Banking

When people sort out what to pack when travelling to India, they rarely give enough thought to how they’re actually going to get the best value for money when there.

Well, a key part of packing for any trip should include which travel cards you decide to take with you.

These will allow you to get the most bang for your buck when abroad and make the most of the money you have worked so hard to save for travelling .

It’s also important to make sure that you have enough travel cards so that, just in case you lose one or have something stolen, then you have backups.

When we travel, we have 4.

• 2 live in my wallet
• 1 lives in my big rucksack
• 1 lives in Cazzy’s big rucksack or day bag

That way, if one bag goes missing, or my wallet gets stolen, then we have some way of withdrawing and spending money.

What are the best banks in India?

India is the only country we have visited where we have had issues withdrawing money.

Despite there being so many different banks, very few actually seemed to allow us to withdraw money, which ended up being an issue in Goa in particular.

I had to ride on the back of our hotel owners moped for about an hour, visiting every ATM in the area and finding none that would work!

Outside of Goa, the best and most reliable bank that we found for withdrawals was Bank of Baroda.

Which travel cards do we use?

Nowadays, there are so many great solutions out there that you need to find yourself an option with the best possible currency conversions and limited charges on ATM withdrawals.

We have trialled a number of different solutions over the years and the two favorites we have come down to are Monzo and Revolut .

We’ve used these guys since the start and, if you’re from the UK then I recommend these above all other options.

If you’re from the USA, then check their sites as they are both either live or set to launch very soon abroad.

For more information, check out this guide I put together: Monzo vs Revolut .

It also includes details about the other options available to you.

To get started with either of these, all you do is download the app, enter some basic details and order your free travel cards.

• Find Monzo here: Apple / Android
• Find Revolut here: Apple / Android

Important Documents

There are a number of key documents you will need to include as a part of your packing list for India; including ...

• Wallet to hold important documents - This is one of my favourite travel tips and a great way to keep all important documents together and organised. Particularly important if your trip lasts a few months and there’s lots of pieces of paper that could easily get lost
• Driving license and international driving permit - One of the best ways to get around in India is by moped, particularly when out and about exploring the areas around cities like Udaipur . To hire a moped (or a car) you’ll need your home driving license as well as an international driving permit. If you’re from the UK, then you can get this from The Post Office , be sure to sort it at least a few weeks before you’re set to depart.
• Copy of your passport and travel insurance - It’s always useful to keep a photocopy of your passport and travel insurance on you when travelling
• Copy of your vaccinations - When entering India, the officials may require you to show proof of having certain vaccinations. It all depends on which country you come from; but as we visit so many countries, we always keep a copy of this with us
• Print out of your travel insurance - If ever you do have an accident and need medical treatment abroad, it's extremely useful to have a printed copy of your travel insurance, with detailed notes of what you are covered for and to what level
• Travel insurance - You will definitely need travel insurance for India! For that matter, you should have travel insurance for any country. You never know what will go wrong and the cost of treatment without insurance can easily enter the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you’re from the US, then SafetyWing is known for providing good value travel insurance with solid coverage. If you’re from the UK, then they may be too expensive and it’s best to start your search with a tool like Compare The Market. Be sure to check the terms & conditions before buying. For example, I could only find one insurer able to offer me insurance for trips of up to 90 days, most only cover you for trips up to 2 or 3 weeks.

Cameras & other tech

As mentioned earlier, we tend to take more travel tech with us than the average traveller.

Probably because we work whilst travelling and are always looking to create great content to share on the blog!

Here’s a look at the cameras and other equipment that we packed for India.

If you want to capture the best quality travel pictures possible in India, then a DSLR is what you need. When combined with a variety of lenses ( like this one ), you have the ability to create some epic shots, especially as your skills and understanding get better. Our skills with our DSLR are slowly getting better and we try to practice more and more as we go. heck out our latest lens guides for more tips: Sony a7 / Sony a7ii / Sony a7iii / Sony a7riii / Sony a6000 / Sony a6300 / Sony a6400 / Sony a6500 / Sony a6600 / Sony z6 / Canon M50 / Canon 80D / Canon 90D / Canon 6D Mark II / Panasonic GH5 / Nikon D750 / Nikon D850 / Nikon D3100 / Nikon D3200 / Nikon D3300 / Nikon D3400 / Nikon D3500 / Nikon D5600

Handheld video camera

We used our Canon video camera everywhere we went in India, and it’s perfect for capturing really high quality pictures, video and sound no matter where you are. Best of all, it’s lightweight and far less bulky than a DSLR camera . So when we were out on day trips around places like Pushkar , with just a daybag, it was essential in capturing all the gorgeous photos you see on our India travel blog posts . For more ideas, check out this guide on best blogging cameras . They work just as well for non bloggers too!

Underwater camera / action camera

We’ve tried a few action cameras in recent years, but none compare to the GoPro Hero 8 which is a truly revolutionary and awesome piece of kit. In particular, the auto-stabilisation feature means that you can pick up smooth footage no matter what. It also has much-improved sound quality and is far less bulky than any other decent action cameras on the market. If you don't want to splash the cash on a GoPro, then there are some much cheaper GoPro alternatives out there which don't cost near as much and still have many of the same great features.

When we travelled to India in 2018, we did take our travel drone with us, however we didn’t use it. The reason was that it was illegal to fly them there without having the right permit. It appears that many of those restrictions have now lifted , so you may want to take yours with you and actually use it! If a top drone from DJI is a littler too expensive for your budget, check out this guide we published on the best DJI alternatives currently available.

Other Gadgets we travel with

Staying healthy in India

Before visiting India, it is worth picking up a few key items to help make sure you stay safe.

In particular the biggest issues you could face in India include the incredibly hot sun, mosquitos and the dreaded “Delhi Belly”.

• Antimalarials - Mosquitos are present in different parts of India at different times of the year. To find out if you are at risk during your visit, it’s best to visit your local travel doctor before leaving your home country.
• Mosquito repellent spray - Bug spray is very useful for keeping all manner of bugs away in the evening. It can be expensive to buy in India, so best to pack it before you leave home.
• Plug in mosquito deterrent - If you are particularly worried about mosquitos or other bugs getting you whilst you sleep, then a plug-in deterrent is a great way to keep the little blighters at bay. You simply plug it into the wall where it emits a high pitch noise, that you can’t hear but which the bugs can.
• Sunscreen - Temperatures throughout India regularly exceed 30 and sometimes even 40 Degrees Celsius . It's important that you have suitable sunscreen to help protect you against the worst of the rays. It’s best to pick up a couple of bottles before you fly there as finding good quality sunscreen for a low price can be challenging when in India.
• Diarrhoea kit - I already mentioned this earlier in the packing list but it’s well worth including again here. The risk of getting sick from eating food in India is relatively high, especially if eating cheaper food from local street vendors. We never suffered with this in India but we certainly did when in Thailand ! Our diarrhoea kit was a vital piece of kit that helped us through.
• TSA Approved Travel Padlock - Take at least one, so that you can keep your main rucksack safely secured whenever it’s not in your sight. Particularly useful for flights as well as bus and train journeys. Be sure to get a TSA approved travel lock.

Miscellaneous things to pack for India

Here’s a few other pieces of travel gear for India that you may want to add to your own packing list ...

• Fold down coffee mug - If you love your coffee (like Cazzy!) then having your own mug is a great way to take coffee on the go and cut back on using paper cups. A fold down one is best as it allows you to pack it away in your bag with minimum space being used.
• Multivitamins - We like to take these travelling with us, just to make sure we get our necessary amount of vitamins and minerals each day. It’s definitely one of the best things to take travelling to India, as you may find that you end up eating much of the same food every day which doesn’t necessarily give you all you need.
• International Travel Adaptor - In India you will find 3 types of adaptors: Type C, Type D & Type M. My best advice would be to pick up an international travel adaptor which will have you covered for all future backpacking destinations .
• Pin to open sim card hole in phone - By getting a local sim card in India, you can stay connected to data no matter where you are. But to change your sim you’ll ideally need one of the special tools to open the socket where they are held in your phone. I always keep a metal one in my wallet that is useful all around the world.
• Dry bag - If you plan on heading out onto the water in India, then a dry bag is useful for keeping your stuff safe and dry.
• Quick drying towel - There is no need to take a large towel with you to India as all hotels seem to offer them inclusive with your stay. Of course, if you’re staying in hostels then you’ll need your own, but a quick drying towel is still best. You can use it for day trips when out and about and it can dry quickly on the end of your bed when not in use.
• Playing cards
• Hand sanitiser - It’s a good idea to clean your hands regularly and before eating so as to avoid getting unnecessarily sick

What NOT to pack for India!

Here’s a few things that you should not add to your India packing list ...

• Water purifier - The only time you’ll need one of these is if you plan to go off hiking in the wilderness. Everywhere else you can pick up bottled water that is perfectly safe for you to drink.
• Sleeping bag - Again, only necessary for camping, and not needed for staying in hostels.
• Tonnes of clothes - India is one of the best countries in the world for picking up cheap clothes. Best of all, they are of great quality. Cazzy picked up a few dresses in Jodhpur that she still uses more than 2 years on; they look fantastic and cost less than $4 each. You can also pick up knock-off branded products that are the same quality as the real thing but at a fraction of a price. I bought a new wallet in Jaipur and it’s still going strong more than 2 years later. These markets are located in most major cities.
• Lots of valuables - Theft can be common in India, especially if strolling through busy cities like Mumbai with cameras, money and jewellery on show. Instead, only take what you really need. If you do have to carry more, pick up a quality anti-theft bag to help better secure your valuables.

Other items to add to your India packing list

Here’s a few other awesome things to pack for your India trip that we didn’t take personally, but you may want to.

• Binoculars - If you plan on going on safari anywhere and trying to spot wildlife, then be sure to pack some binoculars.
• Travel pillow - Great for all those long bus and train journeys throughout India. Personally, we don’t take these as they’re just too bulky and take up more space than we think they’re worth.
• Packing cubes - We WISH we had taken these to India!
• Physical books/travel guides - To help save space, you can pick up downloadable travel guides from Lonely Planet and Rough Guides and access these through your phone. Or, if you do like physical guide books then you’ll find that most hostels and hotels have a copy of these that you can borrow and read.
• Ear plugs - If you’re a light sleeper and plan on staying in a lot of hostels, then definitely get some of these.
• Waterproof phone case - If you’re going to be in the water a lot and want to snap some cool photos, then one of these is a must have travel item for india
• Mosquito net - We don’t travel with one of these, but if you’re heading to areas with lots of mosquitoes and don’t think your accommodation is very high quality, then these might be necessary.
• Kindle - I love reading when travelling, and use the Kindle App on my phone. But having a Kindle could be a good way to go if you want a bigger screen.
• Hiking boots - Only if you plan on doing enough hiking to warrant them. They do take up a LOT of space in your backpack.
• Selfie stick
• Bluetooth speaker
• Underwater dome for GoPro - These look so cool and we wish we had one when out exploring the beaches of Goa !
• Buff - This is a really versatile piece of kit to have with you, and many travellers won’t go anywhere without one.

Top tips on what to bring to India

Remember, it gets hot there.

It’s hot in most parts of India almost all year, so light clothing is the ideal way to go. Also, be sure to take anything you think necessary in helping to protect you from the sun; including sun lotion, hats and glasses.

Keep asking yourself “do I really need this?”

I love how travelling for long periods of time forces you to become more minimalist and only pack what you need. So when packing for India, regularly ask yourself if everything you’re planning on taking is strictly necessary. Remember, almost everything can be bought cheaply out there so, just in case you do need something, you can always pick it up when there.

Don’t take any risks

You’re going to face a few health risks travelling in India, including malaria and the chance of picking up a range of other diseases. So take precautions by visiting your travel doctor well before your trip and getting their advice on how to best stay safe . This will require, not only getting malaria tablets, but also getting a range of other injections prior to travelling. They can also advise you on any other necessary medications to take to India.

Well, that’s just about everything we packed for India.

As well as answering all of your burning questions, you should now know what to pack for a trip to India!

Is there something that you think we forgot and that you’d add to your own India packing list?

Great! Drop me a comment below and let me know!

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

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What to Wear in India

Style tips for india.

• When deciding what to wear in India, remember to carry minimal clothing – both clothing and laundry are cheap.
• Take pants and some full-sleeved shirts and t-shirts for comfortable traveling.
• Jeans are popular, but will probably be too hot for most .
• Full-sleeved clothes are ideal protection against sun burn during the day and mosquito bites at night.
• Sleeveless shirts, if decent can be worn without any problems but they give less protection from the sun and mosquitoes.
• In the big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Banglore, Pune, etc you can wear shorts but we wouldn't recommend it.
• If you are traveling out of the main tourist areas, the best and most comfortable wear are the local loose pants and long top called Lehngas, which are readily available and very reasonably priced.
• A sunhat is a must for the summer, and a travel umbrella gives great protection from both rain and sun.
• Quality sunglasses are a must too.
• If you're trekking, light wool is a good choice to wear against your skin as it naturally helps to regulate your body temperature . It keeps you warm in the cold, wicks away moisture when it's hot, and doesn't retain odours – even after prolonged wear.
• And we like Thorlos hiking socks too – they have options designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable in all climates.
• If you will need swimwear for your hotel pool or the beach, make sure you take it with you as it's difficult to buy and expensive.
• If you are looking for a highly versatile travel jacket to bring along we recommend the  SCOTTeVEST  range. Their range of jackets have been specifically designed with traveling in mind and include RFID security (to protect your passport information), 23 secure pockets and personal connectivity integration.

Pack for the weather

• Indian summers are very hot. So, if you are planning to go in the period of March, April, May and June, pack light cotton clothes. Do not wear synthetics as you may develop some skin allergies or heat burns.
• Winters (October, November, December, January and February) in India are quite cold, especially Northern India. So pack some warmer layers. Also pack some thermal underwear, especially if you are planning to roam around.
• We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂 Download for iPad/iPhone or Android

Shoes to pack for India

• Be sure to have some good sturdy shoes with you since your feet will get dusty and dirty (try Hotter shoes , they are incredibly comfortable and look great too).
• It's best to avoid high heels , flat sandals will do just fine. We love the Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops range – using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light.

Clothing tips for women

• India is very traditional and some heads will turn if you dress provocatively in public. Short tops, short skirts/shorts, tight or body-revealing clothes etc should be avoided. You might invite unwanted attention from certain men who stare and pass comments at women to amuse themselves.
• Clothes should cover both shoulders and knees.
• Even in the big cities when you are not in the tourist hotels or shops, cover up; a loose cotton shirt or t-shirt with cotton pants or an ankle length skirt would be good, and cover your shoulders.
• While visiting places of worship (temples, gurudwara or mausoleum), women must wear long skirts or pants and have covered shoulders. Also, don't forget to remove your footwear before entering any religious place.
• It is advisable to carry a light pashmina or scarf with you to cover your head in case it gets too hot. Some religious places also require you to cover your head, so it will come in handy then too.
• Why not take a sarong that can double up as dress , shawl or cover up.
• The leather RedDog BagPod is a really versatile and stylish bag that can be used from day to evening. Wear it over the shoulder or convert it to a clutch, or use it to keep your belongings and travel documents tidy and easy to find.

Clothing tips for men

• Loose cotton shirts or t-shirts and long linen pants work well and give protection from both sun and insect bites .
• For great versatile travel jackets with multiple pockets including RFID security options, we love the SCOTTeVEST range.

Regions of India

• Rajasthan is coolest and driest from October to March. If you are planning on walking the Kumbhalgarh ramparts you might like to take walking poles… and plenty of water.
• If you are traveling by train a pashmina or sweater will come in handy as the air conditioning can be fierce. For long or overnight journeys you will also benefit from earplugs, an eye mask and your own toilet roll. Your own cotton sleeper sheet is advisable too in case of bed bugs.
• What to Wear in Goa

Travel essentials for India

• Make sure you take a good sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection) with you – it's expensive in India . But buy insect/mosquito repellent out there – you will need plenty.
• Away from the main hotels toilet facilities will be basic and more likely a hole in the ground; take your own toilet paper and anti-bacterial handwash. A microfiber travel towel is a good idea too – these fold up really small and dry quickly.
• No matter how good a sleeper you are we suggest you pack ear plugs as this can feel like a country that never sleeps.
• Don’t drink or even brush your teeth in tap water. Consider taking a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle . And another tip for trying to avoid “Delhi belly” is to have a mouth full of antiseptic mouthwash when you shower.
• A bag or soft-sided rucksack is a more practical option than hard cases when traveling around the country, and using packing cubes can help to keep your belongings tidy whilst compressing the volume too.
• Combine your bag with a fold away day sack that will carry your essentials on day trips .
• To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug , and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for the local voltage (230V) .
• Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! Soft, fine cashmere pashminas are beautiful, whilst tea and Indian spices are always popular and will easily fit in your case.

India Blog posts you might like

Whirlwind Tour Of India’s Golden Triangle In November

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Home » Asia » India » Packing List

22 Items You NEED in your India Packing List (2024)

Ask a seasoned backpacker: “Where’s the toughest place you’ve ever traveled?”

They’ll likely answer: “India.”

Ask that same backpacker: “Where the most amazing place you’ve ever traveled?”

Maybe it’s the struggles of navigating through a developing country and deciphering its unique social norms – combined with its ancient history, inimitable sights and immense spiritual richness that make India so alluring. And you hear it calling your name.

The first challenge of backpacking India, is packing for India. The climate does vary and you absolutely need to make sure you are prepared foe whatever India throws at you.

After reading this India survival guide, you’ll feel all of those things and be ready to take on the most eye-opening, mind-expanding, sensory-stimulating, life-changing experience ever.

So, without further ado, let’s begin!

The Ultimate India Packing List

What to pack for india: personal gear, the basic stuff to pack for india, final thoughts on what to pack for india.

Nomatic Travel Bag

• Capacity > 30L
• Price > $299

Nomatic Navigator Carry On

• Capacity > 37L
• Price > $400

GoPro Hero 11

• Resolution > 5k

Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket

• Price > $600

Insurance From World Nomads

• Price > Click For a Quote

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For the most part, traveling in India is hot except for in the mountains when it can be cool on summer nights and frozen all the winter. Before packing your bag, it is worth working out where you will be going, and at what time of the year you’re visiting.

Before you even take on the task of figuring out what to pack for India, you’ll need an amazing backpack to pack it all into. For all types of travelers and destinations, our number one recommendation is the  Nomatic Travel Bag .

You have a choice between backpack or duffel bag carry, and extra carrying comfort for your back thanks to its innovative strap system and detachable sternum strap. And its black, waterproof material is every bit sleek and modern as it is durable and tough. There is a reason why most Broke Backpacker staff swear by this backpack. 

Nomatic Carry-On Pro

Backpacks not your thing? That’s ok. Our friends at Nomatic are back again with a great alternative to their badass Travel Bag; the Nomatic Carry-On Pro. 

This suitcase is ultra-durable, sleek, and comes with a handy tech compartment for transporting your laptop and other electronic bits. Note that traveling “Carry-On only” is going to limit the amount of souvenirs you can bring back!

GoPro Hero9 Black

For most of us, our smartphones now feature cameras with stunning photo capabilities.

But… if you are an aspiring photographer who wants to take next-level photos and video beyond iPhone selfies, I recommend going with an action camera like the  GoPro Hero9 Black . If you are looking for something cheaper for video specifically, check out these epic  GoPro Alternatives .

Wandrd Packing Cubes

In case you have never used them, packing cubes are little compression cubes that allow you to neatly pack clothes in in order to help facilitate better packing. They allow you to pack more stuff, and to keep it all better organised.

For the longest time, I thought that packing cubes were a superfluous indulgence, but boy was I wrong. Now I never travel without a few. These ones from WANDRD are great quality and excellent value for money. Get them on your India packing list now!

HolaFly eSim

The good news about much of India now has 3g to 5g Internet coverage offering ready access to taxi apps and food delivery apps. The bad news is that your native SIM card will most probably not work and so you will not be able to access any of this online goodness until you rectify that particular situation.

You can waste time hanging around phone shops queuing to get a plastic sim or you can simply install a eSim onto your phone before you leave home. You just access the HolaFly site, choose the relevant package, download it and off you go – you are online the moment you land at the airport. eSims are easier to set up and better than the environment than plastic sims. The downside is that not all phones are eSim ready.

Deciding what to wear in India does take some thought, and definitely depends on when you’re visiting . It is generally way too hot and humid for western clothes and jeans and even cotton t-shirts are not ideal. On the other hand, you need to bear in mind “decency” standard as exposing flesh will attract unwanted attention – this is especially true for women.

The good news is that clothes are available to buy VERY cheaply in India so you can definitely pick up some local wares once you arrive.

OluKai ‘Ohana Flip-Flops

Open shoe’s are very common in India and even business people will wear them. This makes perfect sense as the endless heat can make for seriously sweaty feet. These are ideal as they are easy to remove once your enter a cafe or temple (removing shoes is common in many places).

Your feet will be tired and sweaty from those long days wearing shoes so do yourself a favor: pack sandals and give your feet some well-deserved cushion and fresh air. These Olukai flip flops are ultra-comfortable, well-made, and come in a variety of colors. 

Check out the  women’s OluKai ‘Ohana Flip-Flops .

Arcteryx Beta AR

Did you know that the surface of the earth is over 70% covered in water? And you know how that water got there? Yep because it tends to here rain here on planet earth quite a lot! In India, the monsoons are very wet and a jacket may be advisable. Also, if you intend on visiting the mountains you will find it gets pretty nippy at night. Whilst you can easily and cheaply pick up clothes in India, good quality outdoor is hard to come by as a lot of the stuff on sale is cheap.

This is our pick of the many rain jackets we have tried. It’s reliable & stylish and looks good worn out in the mountains or in city bars. However, if you are going to the far mountains of Ladakh or taking a Kashmir tour , then go for the warmer Zeta version instead.

Osprey Daylite Plus

If you intend on doing any hiking, temple tours or even hitting the beaches of Goa then you will need a daypack. They are great for carrying water, hat’s and gloves and for packing sandwiches for lunch. We love Osprey products and this daypack is our personal pick.

The Osprey Daylite Plus has a mesh-covered panel to keep your back cool and fresh by minimizing contact with the back of the pack itself and allowing air to get between you and the pack.

Travel First Aid Kit

You don’t need to tote around half a pharmacy, but a well-stocked first aid kit should be in all our backpacks. Stuff happens on the road and it’s inconvenient and embarrassing when you can’t manage small situations like a cut finger or hangover migraine.

Tip: Add a few bits and pieces to the first aid kit after you purchase it, like extra headache medicine, any personal meds you need (like allergy pills), whatever you take to calm your stomach and a few more plasters.

Travel Insurance From World Nomads

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Planner/Travel Journal

Keeping a journal is one of the best things to do when traveling. The Drifter Leather Journal by Kodiak is our favorite, it works great for digital nomads and organized backpackers and can be used as planner or a dream diary – whatever you want! 

Keep on track with your goals, travels and save those precious memories, especially the ones you do not want to share online. This one is bound in beautiful leather so it looks beautiful and will withstand life on the road.

Abaco Sunglasses

A reliable pair of sunglasses is undoubtedly one of your India packing essentials. Our favorites are Abaco Polarized Sunglasses because they deliver on quality and style. 

They’re built tough with triple-layer scratch-resistant lenses and trademarked Adventure-proof Frame Material. You can also customize them with your choice of lens and frame colors to reflect your own style. 

Money Belt – By Pacsafe

Whilst India is not particularly dangerous, crime can still happen and tourists are sometimes targeted.

Therefore it is always a good idea to use a money belt to hide your cash just in case something does go wrong.

Hydroflask Vacuum Bottle 32 oz. 

Packing a reusable water bottle is probably the best thing you can personally do to combat single-use plastic bottle use whilst traveling. There is simply zero need to buy small plastic water bottles. Whilst the tap water in India is deadly, you can buy big (re-fillable) 5 litre water bottles and then fill up your hydro flask each day before you go out.

We love the Hydroflask Vacum Bottle for its quality and because it keeps cold water  cold  for many hours and vice versa for hot beverages. This bottle is the ideal water bottle to get not just for your India trip but for daily use. Please don’t be that person buying plastic water bottles. We are all judging you…especially mother earth. 

If you go with the Hydroflask, you’ll probably never need to buy another waterbottle again. 

Headlamp – Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Headlamps are great for traveling for many reasons. Firstly, they are useful as hell if you go camping or on an early sunrise mountain hike. Then, they come in useful for finding your way to your hostel bed at 3am without having to turn the lights on. They are also a Godsend if there is a power cut (pretty common in India) and great for navigating darkened alleyways in Turkey & Spain.

Not all headlamps were created equal and this is one of the best. The Petzl Actik Core comes with a USB rechargeable battery (full recharge in 3 hours or less); however, it is compatible with AAA batteries. Water-resistance is another critical feature. This product can withstand splashing; but keep in mind, water-resistant does NOT mean waterproof.

On top of the essential items listed above, here is an additional suggested checklist of what to pack for a trip to India:

• A few pairs of comfortable pants/jeans
• 1-2 pairs of shorts (summer/late spring)
• A few pairs of socks
• (Sexy) underwear x 2/3
• Smartphone with a good camera for photos if you are not bringing an actual camera
• Portable power bank  for charging your phone on the go
• Phone charger
• Amazon Kindle  for long train journeys
• Copy of your passport just in case
• Cash (not too much, there are ATM can be found in most cities and tourist hubs)
• Packable Towel

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Well, friends – there you have it! Your India survival guide for with our top 22-needs packing list, appropriate clothing to wear in India, special tips for gals and guys and what NOT to pack for India.

We hope you feel prepared – and most importantly – excited! Pack the essentials for a comfortable journey, and leave your worries behind. Anything additional that you discover you need, you can buy along the way. Focus on this exciting feeling – a great adventure awaits you in the ever-changing, complex, beautiful world that is India.

We know that we’re excited for you and wish you bountiful, safe travels!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Suzanne Borders

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I am a fan of yoga, and where else besides India you can practice yoga and feel such calming, this is the most beautiful place for yoga, so the main thing I need in India is my yoga mat.

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What to Wear in India – The ultimate guide for travelling in India

Last Updated on November 23, 2023

Whether it’s your first time travelling to India or your first time leaving your hometown to travel within India, what to pack has always been a challenging question. One of the most common doubts is what to wear in India. This subcontinent has various cultural traditions and norms, and it is essential to respect these norms. Besides that, India is a vast, diverse country, with different weather conditions across the region at the same time of the year. Taking culture and weather into account, dressing styles vary across different regions. What you wear in the South, in the month of June. would be entirely different from what you would wear in the Northeast. So, if you’re wondering how to dress for travelling in India, look no further.

Table of Contents

WHAT TO WEAR IN INDIA – REGIONAL BREAKDOWN

Urban india.

Every region in India has it’s own distinct cultural norms and traditions. Not to mention, terrain and weather conditions. So when you plan your trip, decide which parts of India you wish to visit. Metropolitan cities like Mumbai are certainly a good place to start, where the clothing can include jeans or loose pants and a light cotton shirt. You’ll find places like Mumbai, New Delhi or Goa to be less conservative. Being metropolitan cities, the locals are open minded and well versed with international trends. So your usual wardrobe won’t attract much attention in these regions.

Must Read: Street shopping in Mumbai – Dress like a local!

TOURIST TOWNS AND TEMPLES

As you travel into the interiors of the country, the attire becomes more traditional and modest. In order to blend in, it would be best to dress in a slightly more conservative manner. Women are expected to abide by several more cultural norms as opposed to men. This would include wearing clothing that is loose, with tops that cover the shoulders and bottoms that are knee length or below. As for men, shorts should be avoided, especially while visiting places of religious significance. One of the most handy tips is to keep a scarf along with you at all times. If you’re travelling up North, it’ll be cooler and less humid, so make sure you layer up with a thermal, jacket, and a scarf.

See Also: Navigating the Best of North India

One of the most comfortable attires to resort to, for women travelling in India, is light cotton pants paired with a long kurti. No matter which part of the country you are in, this is one outfit that will always be an appropriate choice of clothing. It’s comfortable, light and will help you blend in just right, thus avoiding any unwanted attention. At religious sights the dress code is more conservative. Men and women are expected to have their legs and shoulders covered and sometimes even their head, thus the scarf! If you’re uncertain as to what to wear in India, travel light and simply purchase a few outfits from local stores once you arrive in the country. 

Must Read: Tips for solo female travellers in India

TRAVEL TIPS on how to dress in india

Seasonal clothing requirements.

The time of the year you decide to visit is paramount while determining what to wear in India. If you are travelling to India during the winter season, be sure to carry a warm jacket. Don’t be fooled by the sunny brochures. The temperatures drop considerably in December, especially in the Northern region. Fleece jackets are a good bet. However, if it’s summer you’re looking at, you want to carry breathable, lightweight shirts, long dresses and loose pants. Cottons are best for summer heat in India. Beach destinations like Goa, Gokarna, Pondicherry, are fairly relaxed when it comes to attire. Here, you can freely walk around in shorts, and wear swimsuits to the beach. One season to watch out for is the monsoon. It’ll be wet, soggy and humid for the most part. So you’ll need clothes that dry quickly, a pair of sturdy anti-slip shoes, less-maintenance outfits and a raincoat. 

Explore More: Tips for US Travelers Visiting India

PACK FOR THE WEATHER

Being a tropical country, India experiences a mix of  rainy, hot and humid, and cold and dry weather. Since it is such a large country, with weather varies depending on the region. Be sure to check the weather conditions while deciding what to wear in India and pack accordingly. Some monsoons can be exceptionally heavier than others and some hilly regions can turn out to be warm. A quick weather forecast around your travel dates will help you decide which clothes and accessories to pack. In any case, pack a hat, dupatta or scarf, walking shoes, a pair of shades, a light jacket and a good moisturiser, wherever you go.

Must Read: Best Time to Visit India

BLENDING IN CULTURALLY

India is a land of all kinds of festivals, whether they’re religious, food-related, seasonal, musical and even matrimonial! An Indian wedding is a sight to behold. So it’s a good idea to pack for at least one such occasion, should you be invited or inclined to attend! It’s important to wear modest clothing at such events out of respect for the locals, i.e. clothes that cover your body from neck to below the knees. A kurta-churidar set (loose collarless long shirt, with ankle-length leggingS) for men and salwar-kurtis for women should do just fine. But if you really want to dive into it, men can try dhotis (long unstitched piece of cloth wrapped around legs) in West Bengal or mundus (the southern equivalent) in Kerala. And women can try the popular saree (which has different styles of its own depending on the state of visit).

Also Read: Tips for UK Tourists Travelling to India

If you want to really blend in,  buy these at a local shop:

• Kolhapuri Chappals (slippers)
• Dupatta (Lightweight Indian scarf)
• Kurtas/Kurtis
• Pajama (loose-fitting pants for daily wear)
• Chudis and jhumkas (traditional bangles and drop earrings)

Plan Your Adventure: Best Time to Explore Kerala

It can take more than one trip to truly absorb and experience the vibrant culture of this subcontinent. At least you’ll know how to dress and impress the locals! Don’t hesitate to try on different traditional attire, it’s not only beautiful but also extremely comfortable. The memories you create here will last a lifetime, so don’t forget to carry your camera.

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What to Pack for India: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur

Asia Packing Lists , Travel Packing Lists

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The Golden Triangle is an incredible experience for the first-time visitor to India. There’s so much diversity within these three areas, both culturally and in the landscape. You may feel like you have visited three entirely different countries! Read on to learn more about what to pack for India.

What to Pack for India

Written By:   Annie Jarvis

The Golden Triangle includes the hustle and bustle of Delhi, the magical beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, and the incredible historical sights of Jaipur.

With three different locations in one trip, it’s important to ensure that you pack the right items in your travel capsule wardrobe . This list of essentials will give you an idea of what you need for your Golden Triangle adventure.

Take a look at our complete  India packing list !

Cotton Top | Short Sleeve Top |  Blouse | Sleeveless Blouse | Button Down Blouse  | Jersey Dress |  Maxi Dress | Pants | Cargo Pants |  Maxi Skirt

India is an incredible travel destination. It was my first major trip and it was also the country that changed my life forever. Packing can be a bit tricky as the weather can be extremely hot, the air dusty, and your choices of clothing can dictate how you are perceived.

It is very important to plan conservative yet light, airy clothing for trips to India. While cities like Mumbai and beach destinations like Goa may have a more relaxed “dress code”, the northern region of Rajastan is more conservative.

There are two things to keep in mind when planning your India packing list: shoulders and knees should always be covered.

Keep reading for our best tips on what to pack for India:

Inset Lace Top  | Linen Tee | Ankle Pant |  Sneaker

A vibrant capital and metropolis, Delhi is not to be missed when visiting India.   This incredible city is full of stunning forts, vibrant markets, and extremely friendly people. But a s you step out of the airport and into the city, you may be hit with culture shock. Be prepared for one of the most memorable travel experiences in your life!

It’s important to pack a pair of comfortable sandals; the best way to explore is to hop on and off the metro and walk around the city. We recommend these ! If you prefer,  sneakers  can work, too.

Whether you’re wandering around Old Delhi or visiting the Red Fort in New Delhi, it is recommended that you dress conservatively, covering your knees and shoulders.

While this is not a strict dress code, foreigners receive a huge amount of attention in India and the less you are covered, the more stares you will get. Loose-fitting travel pants and a lightweight airy top are great options for covering up in the heat.

The heat in Delhi is unbelievable, so pack a high-factor sunblock and a  thigh-chafing product to protect your skin. A small backpack to carry water is a great idea, but make sure your valuables are locked away in your hotel or placed in a money belt  or a  Secret Bra Pocket under your clothes.

Here are the best ways to keep your valuables safe while traveling !

Linen Printed Shirt |  Linen Shirt  |  Midi Skirt | Yoga Slide Sandal

As home to the stunning Taj Mahal, Agra is one of the most touristed spots in India. Travelers come here to marvel at the architectural beauty of the mausoleum and hear one of the most romantic love stories ever told.

Clothing here should be modest; it is recommended that you cover your shoulders and knees to remain respectful while walking around the monuments.

The ground around the Taj Mahal is relatively smooth and well-preserved, so a pair of flip flops or comfortable sandals would be perfect for the day. (You have to take your shoes off to enter the site so don’t bring expensive shoes or plan to put them in your bag.)

If you bring a small backpack with you to the Taj Mahal, be aware that strict security rules may delay your entry. While there are lockers available, it is advised that you leave items like food back at your hotel, as these are strictly banned from the site.

Tip: Get in as early as possible for a less touristy photo opportunity. As the gates to the mausoleum open, you will soon find the grounds filled with other travelers. Bright colors look great in pictures!

Inset Lace Top  |  Linen Tee  | Maxi Skirt |  Birkenstock Sandal

Jaipur is the third point of the Golden Triangle and is a popular tourist destination for visiting the City Palace and the Amber Fort, as well as looking up at the stunning Palace of the Winds.

The best way to get around the city is by rickshaw, which can take you to a range of destinations. This means that you won’t need to do too much walking, so  comfortable sandals  (or flip-flops ) would be appropriate for this area.

However, the walk up to the Amber Fort is uphill, so sneakers or secure sandals are a good option if you need more stability.  Like other areas in India, dressing modestly is recommended to remain respectful and reduce attention from locals. A long skirt or loose travel pants work well in the heat.

Here are some tips on how to dress modestly for conservative countries !

Don’t forget other hot weather essentials like sunglasses, high factor sunblock, and a hat (if you want to keep your head covered).

If you don’t have your shoulders covered, then consider packing a lightweight scarf or sarong to drape over your shoulders when entering religious sites.

The key to packing light is to use packing cubes to compress your clothing as shown in this video!

Do you have any tips on what to pack for India? Comment below!

For more Asia packing tips, please read:

• What to Wear in Sri Lanka
• India Packing List
• Shopping in Goa
• What to Wear in India: Kerala, Goa, and Mumbai

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I hope you liked this post on what to pack for India. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio: Annie Jarvis is relatively new to the traveling world and has just completed a five month journey around Southeast Asia, India, and the US. She loves diving, skiing, cooking, hiking, and writing about her adventures on her  Refreshing the Page  blog.

Thanks for one marvelous and informative posting! I enjoyed reading it, you are a great Writer. Keep up the wonderful works on. I’ve added you to my blogroll as well.

Nice article. I am planning a trip for Jaipur with friends. I never visited there, this article came at a great time for me as I will be visiting Jaipur in December.

This article came at a great time for me as I will be visiting Taj Mahal but I will be travelling in December.

Any style tips and suggestions to bear the cold winter of Delhi?

A good trench would probably come in handy Salmeen! It’s a pretty stylish city so you can go a bit more glam! Enjoy your trip, happy to help!

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What to Pack for India – 20 Essential Items for a Perfect India Trip

You’ve finally booked your ticket and drawn a perfect itinerary. The time to leave is near and you are still at the beginning of your India trip planning process. First things first: what to pack for India? While in the local stores and supermarkets, you can find pretty much everything, you might not have too much time at your disposal or not find exactly what you are looking for. When packing for India, you can definitely use some tips to avoid arriving unprepared.

The country has been a war zone for some 40 years and counting, so expect a shaky infrastructure, bad roads, missing electricity and some level of insecurity and street crime. I tried to keep everything in mind when drawing this list of essential items for travellers whether you are taking a tour or travelling independently.

READ MORE: Complete guide to the best tours to India

Table of Contents

India Packing List – A complete and simple guide to what to take to India

Passport and visa.

Very likely, to enter India you will need a visa. And most likely, you need to apply beforehand. Enquire at the Indian embassy in your home country about the process to avoid surprises.

Also, your passport needs to have at least six months of validity at the time of travelling.

Money and credit cards

In India, it won’t be difficult to find banks and ATMs, especially in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur , etc. Probably it will be harder if you are staying in the countryside. In this case, I suggest you take the cash you need for your stay there and wait to withdraw when you are in a bigger town.

A good idea would be to book and pay in advance for your countryside hotel stay, maybe using websites like Booking.com. While if you are booking a hotel in Delhi , you can pay there at the end of your stay.

Travel sling

I always recommend carrying a sling bag to carry your small daily essentials hands-free. Lately, I’ve been enjoying the Tortuga products because they are durable, sturdy, and have plenty of pockets for maximum organization.

The Tortuga Travel Sling fits all the little things you need on a daily basis while traveling such as your wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses, and even small snacks.

READ MORE: Top things to do in Jaisalmer

Water purifier, a must in your India packing list

If you need to drink tap water, we strongly recommend you use a water purifier . The well water is not drinkable in many provinces due to digging a large number of toilet and wastewater wells too close that they contaminate each other.

Our recommendation is to drink only the bottled water that you buy from shops, not even the one from the street vendors. You can buy large bottles and keep them in your hotel room and fill a smaller bottle, better if it’s a collapsible water bottle , before going out. But in case you can’t avoid drinking tap water, do use a water purifier to avoid germs and upset stomach issues.

Medicines and natural remedies, something not to forget when packing for India

Medicines are definitely what to pack for India, especially if you know you have a sensitive stomach.

Most of the time, you might not find the same hygienic standards you are used to, so do pack something for food poisoning, upset stomach, or a weakened immune system like probiotics. These are all items to keep in mind whether you are an independent traveler or part of a private tour.

Some of the items I always carry with me in India are my lactose-free probiotics , zeolite , the “intestine sweeper” to absorb the toxins, grapefruit seeds , astringent and great against infections, Vaccinium Vitis Idaea (gemmotherapy) for the wellness of the intestine. Sometimes I also use activated charcoal to help get rid of the toxins in food poisoning cases, even though for this I much prefer the zeolite.

If bathrooms are small and you don’t know where to leave your beauty case, you might want to consider carrying a hanging toiletry bag for convenience.

READ MORE: How to avoid getting sick in India

Sunscreen, a must to include in your India packing list

When packing for India, I recommend a strong sunscreen pretty much always. But more so if you are travelling in summer and in the monsoon season.

Places like Delhi, Kerala, Rajasthan, and even Uttarakhand, in summer and monsoon season, require some sun protection. I suggest a sunblock of at least SPF 50 especially if you have sensitive skin.

This is definitely something you want to carry all day long in your backpack when in India to apply more than once per day if necessary.

Skincare products

In India, you can find pretty much everything related to your skincare routine. But since you probably won’t have time to immediately rush to the supermarket or department store, I recommend you carry with you a cream for day and night, a face washing product of your choice, eye cream, and toner.

You might also want to pack some makeup, especially foundation, as in India you might not find one for your skin tone. If your creams and skin products are in large jars, you might want to pour some into smaller travel bottles to save plenty of space in your suitcase and also have the possibility to put them in your hand luggage.

Mosquito repellent and mosquito net, what to pack for India in Summer and Monsoon season

Especially in the warm seasons, you are going to need a good mosquito repellent . In India, this is especially necessary to avoid dengue fever and malaria.

If you want to be even more careful, you can also include a mosquito net in your India packing list. They are easy to set up and give you extra protection.

READ MORE: Best things to do in Jodhpur

Slippers and shower sandals

Depending on the hotels you booked, you might or might not find disposable sleepers in your room. Usually, cheaper hotels and hostels don’t include this facility, but wherever you are, you might want to use your own slippers for the shower as well as for walking in the room.

Especially in hostels, cleanness might not be their first priority, so if you are traveling on a budget, I definitely recommend you include them when packing for India.

Hand sanitizers and wet wipes

Always carry some hand sanitizer and wet wipes in your bag when you travel in India. They will come in handy every time you want to wash your hands and you don’t have a tap nearby.

You can use them before eating, when going to the toilet and on many different occasions. I also carry with me a small bottle of tea tree oil as I use it to disinfect toilets, repel insects and bed bugs, etc.

Comfortable shoes

This is pretty recommended when packing for India, whether you are going to a city or visiting sites in the countryside or smaller villages. The streets are dusty and dirty, I wouldn’t really mind about elegance, especially when it rains in the monsoon season.

Our favorite shoes have been either New Balance runners for both men and women . For women, I also loved my old pair of Puma runners. Even though still up and running, my Puma are very old so they might be out of stock, but there are still some good options .

India is pretty warm, so if you don’t feel like wearing runners, a pair of comfortable sandals would do.

Safety clothes

When you are in crowded markets, there is always the chance of falling victim to local pickpockets. It happens everywhere, so wearing safety clothes to protect your valuables is always a sound choice.

We like Active Roots Security Belt because it contains a hidden zipped pocket where you can easily store your cash, and it’s fully adjustable to fit both men and women.

READ MORE: Top places to visit in Delhi

Microfiber towel

When travelling, you never know what hygiene standards you are going to find. If you book a hostel or cheap hotel in India, don’t expect much cleanness, so we suggest you try to pack your own towel among your essentials.

We recommend Active Roots Microfiber Travel Towel because it’s compact so easy to pack, takes little space, is very light, and it dries super quickly. A part of each microfiber towel sale will be donated to the Elephant Conservation Center in Laos devoted to protecting and rehabilitating endangered Asian elephants.

These shouldn’t be too heavy, but if you want to always be aware of the weight of your luggage, you can carry a small and light digital scale .

Light sleeping bag

You are travelling to India on a shoestring and you want to save whenever you can, so you pick hostels or cheap hotels. All understandable.

But when it’s too cheap, it can also lack some basic hygienic standards. And when it comes to hotel rooms you need to pay attention to beds, bed sheets, and bed bugs. That’s why, if you are travelling on a budget, you might consider carrying a light sleeping bag with you to replace any bed that you deem not clean enough.

READ MORE: Best places to visit in the Spiti Valley

Loose and comfortable clothes

In most places in India, you will find humid weather, so light and loose clothes are more comfortable.

If you are going to cold areas in winter, especially in the Himalayas in India in December , then you might prefer heavy clothes for hiking and trekking in the mountains. This is the case if you explore states like Uttarakhand in northern India.

Uttarakhand and all of India are fantastic places to join an ashram or a gym to practice some yoga, and loose clothes are recommended items to pack for any yoga trip .

When it’s very hot, women should opt for comfortable long skirts for travel rather than short dresses.

READ MORE: Best things to do in Rishikesh

Safety and pickpocket-proof travel clothes

Wherever you travel, being careful of your documents and personal belongings is a must. Especially if you are out of your comfort zone, a place that you don’t know and where you don’t speak the language.

In India, I suggest you wear pickpocket-proof clothes especially when you are visiting crowded places such as local markets or popular streets. Also, I suggest you don’t show anything expensive, be it a watch, an iPhone, a wallet or money.

Wearing some safety travel clothes will certainly be of help. Check out the models and types by Clever Travel Companion , they have a wide range of t-shirts, scarves, hoodies and pants.

Along with pickpocket-proof clothes, you can also wear an anti-theft fanny pack to hide underneath your clothes where you can store money, credit cards and a smartphone.

Make sure you read our article on the things NOT to do in India .

Tech Organizer

Travel once with this tech organizer and you won’t be able to do without it anymore. You will hardly travel without technology items. In my luggage, cables, flash drives, SD cards, smartphones, chargers, batteries, headphones, and power banks are all over the place.

This is when Tortuga’s Tech Organizer comes in handy. It has all the necessary pockets to properly organize all your tech accessories in a way that you can actually find them easily.

USB Power Bank

This is a useful item to pack for India if your itinerary includes remote and countryside areas. Here, electricity sometimes might go off and a power bank is essential to keep your devices charged.

Hotels will have a power generator, especially in the cities, but better if you are fully equipped for villages and smaller towns. The AUKEY 30000mAh Portable Charger we recommend is probably one of the best in the market with also a built-in flashlight, also useful in many areas.

Universal power plug adapter and the voltage converter

Here, the power sockets used are type C, D and M, and the standard voltage is 220.

When packing for India you include a universal travel adapter and also a voltage converter to be able to use and charge your electronic devices without problems.

In India, for sure you will want to take plenty of pictures. Temples, royal palaces, natural landscapes. The country has so much to offer that a good camera is a must to include in your India packing list.

If you are not looking for professional shots to sell, you don’t need to take a huge DSLR. There are many compact cameras that will do just fine and are easy to stick in your pocket.

READ MORE: Our guide to the best cameras for traveling

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I'm Angela Corrias, an Italian journalist, photographer, and travel writer located in the heart of Italy's capital. Welcome to my website, your comprehensive source for your travels and expert guidance for crafting your dream travel experience.

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Huge India Packing List (Everything in One Checklist)

• 03 February, 2022

Priscila Moscoso

• 36010 Views

This page may contain compensated links. For more information read our disclaimer .

This post helps both men and women choose what items to include in their India packing list. Comes with an awesome free printable so you won’t forget a thing!

CONTENTS OF PACKING LIST FOR INDIA

❶ Safety in India ❷ India Packing Essentials ❸ Clothing (Women) ❹ Clothing (Men)

❺ Shoes for India ❻ India Weather ❼ Got Any Questions?

There are very few things anyone can say to truly prepare you for India . The only thing I can tell you is to be ready for an adventure of a lifetime .

Putting some thought and attention to detail into your packing will make sure you are able to enjoy all that India has to offer. Read on and take notes of our India travel checklist below.

We also have HUGE packing list for general round the world travel which includes literally every item you could think of. Be sure to have a read of the post so you know you’re prepared and have thought of everything before you set off on your trip to incredible India!

What to Know Before You Go to India

Whilst putting together your packing checklist for India, make sure you have the vital things such as travel insurance, have a valid visa, and have looked at communication options (SIM cards are difficult to get in India).

Have the contact information for the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country, and always carry a copy of your passport and entry stamp. Remember to leave your actual passport securely in your hotel.

Also, everyone you talk to about India will tell you to protect yourself against malaria. However, malaria tablets have some undesirable side effects, so it will be up to you to look into taking those before going to India.

I recommend you check the CDC website to see if you need other vaccines before travelling.

Are you here for the FREE checklist? Download it here . 😄

Safety in India

Whilst ticking off your ‘packing for India travel list’ you should also do some extra reading and research on being street smart.

Don’t let scam artists take advantage of you as an unsuspecting and unprepared tourist. Know where you are going, address, and hotel name, when getting into a taxi or rickshaw. Don’t give money to beggars, and say a firm “no, thank you” to street vendors.

I recommend you only eat freshly cooked hot food, avoid fresh vegetables or fruits, especially if you don’t know how they’ve been washed. Avoid street food if it looks questionable or if you only have a short time in India (so as not to ruin your short trip).

Finally, if you are a solo woman, take a read of my experience of Varanasi for Holi for some tips on how to stay safe! Now read on and enjoy my travel to India checklist below!

India Packing List Essentials

Wondering how to pack for India? This is our ultimate India packing checklist to ensure you won’t forget a thing!

✔ Passport

Your passport! Obviously the first thing on our India backpacking list. With AT LEAST 6 months validity from the time you plan to return to your home country.

✔ Drivers License

If you intend to hire motorbikes, rickshaws or cars.

✔  Travel Printouts

Of flight itineraries, scans of your passport, etc. In India, you will need to prove your exit. Or you could use a cool app called TripIt to store all your itineraries and bookings.

✔  Indian Visa

Another absolute essential on our India travel packing list! Citizens of almost all countries need to secure a visa BEFORE coming to India. Use this website to find out the requirements for your Indian visa.

✔ Lifestraw Water Bottle

In India, drinking bottled water is a must (double-check the seal on the bottle you buy is unaltered). But if you find yourself in a situation where there are no water bottles available, I suggest you take this rather than just the straw as it is more convenient. Be careful of ice! You won’t know if it was made with sanitised water. This is a must on the packing list for India!

✔ Anti-Theft Backpack

A secure backpack makes our India travel list. Travelling through airports, trains, and big crowds, you need a backpack that will keep all your valuables safe. We recommend this backpack. For more info, check out this post:  the best anti-theft backpack for travel .

Choose the ones that you feel most comfortable with. Noise levels in India are really high because of festivals, music, and honking. Carry the ones you wouldn’t mind sleeping with every night.

✔ Hand Sanitiser

Pack one that contains at least 60% alcohol. You will be exposed to a lot of germs in India, so a travel size one is a must in the bag you will take everywhere. I also suggest that you carry one that smells nice. The smells all around can be overwhelming, so putting a bit on your hands or a cloth handkerchief and covering your nose and mouth will help you avoid those smells.

✔ Wet Wipes

Sometimes hand sanitiser is not enough. You want to wipe your hands and maybe a couple of surfaces around you. Especially during monsoon season, when the rain may cause a lot of mud splatter, make sure you carry some with you.

✔ SPF 15+ Lip Balm

It protects against every extreme weather type AND the harsh Indian sun. It’s also great for smoothening dry skin on the hands, elbows, knees and face.

✔ SHEWEE

You might find yourself alarmed at all the seriously public toilets found around India. Men literally wee against walls with just a small wall separating them from you seeing their bits. The public toilets are ALWAYS disgusting and you will probably never want to sit close to any of them. That’s where this product comes in handy.

It’s a female urination device that enables the ladies to FINALLY pee standing up. Although we have not used them ourselves, we have heard people swear by them.

✔ Cloth Handkerchief

Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth as you are being exposed to new germs and bacteria all around you. If you need to touch your face, and wipe off sweat due to the heat and humidity, carry some clean cloth handkerchiefs that you can wash easily by hand.

✔ BUFF Scarf

They can replace the handkerchiefs mentioned before, but they’d also be multifunctional as scarves, headbands, sleep masks, etc.

✔ Toilet Paper

Most Indian toilets won’t have toilet paper. Make sure you take some or a pack of tissues every time you go in. Nicer hotels will have it, but if you are going to a budget hotel, keep in mind that it is not usual.

✔ Waterproof Phone Case

Dust, water, and humidity are normal in most of India. Covering your phone, in this case, would ensure you don’t run the risk of it being damaged by the elements.

✔ Power Adapter, Voltage Converter, and Surge protector

The voltage in India is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. Make sure you check on your devices to see what they can withstand depending on where you come from. Also, if you are going to be using laptops or charging camera batteries, I recommend a surge protector since power in India is not always at constant current.

✔ Passport Pouch or Money Belt

More than which pouch is the best, it is the one that you can carry comfortably in a place pickpockets can’t get to it. Look into one that you can take under your shirt and not in your pocket.

✔ Basic First Aid Kit

Always important to carry around, even more so if you are going trekking and are going to be outside cities. Most Indian pharmacies will have everything you need, but the comfort of carrying what you are used to in case of an emergency will be helpful.

✔ Probiotics

Food in India is likely going to be very different from what you are used to, so this will help you be prepared. However, if you do get Delhi Belly, make sure you keep yourself hydrated with electrolytes and fresh coconut water and seek medical attention.

✔ Rehydration Packets

You can pick these up in most pharmacies around the world, but when you need them most you may not feel like popping out to the shops to get them. Bring a decent supply of rehydration sachets wherever you’re going to keep on top of your health and fitness. But there’s no substitute for drinking plenty of water, so remember to drink at least two litres of water each day. The sachets give your body the minerals it needs to absorb the water.

✔ Insect Repellent

Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching if you get bit. You can get some  Mosquito Repellent Bracelets, but they usually don’t have DEET. This is essential in the most humid weather and regions of India.

✔ Sunscreen

Chose something that fits your skin type and the weather you’ll be in, especially if it is going to be very humid. I recommend nothing under 30 SPF and biodegradable.

✔ Tampons or Moon Cup

While sanitary towels are generally available in most places worldwide, tampons are much rarer and can be eye-wateringly expensive. You will not believe how difficult it is to find tampons in many countries! (Yep… India is one of those countries). It’s utterly crazy. So you can either bring a huge backup of tampons…

OR you can bring one tiny little  Moon Cup . These are reusable orb cups you put up your hoo-ha to catch your unfertilised baby bag. They are a little weird/uncomfortable to use at first but after a couple of go’s, you won’t even notice them! And if you’re wondering how to clean them, it’s easy. Just boil them at the end of the period cycle or wash them with soapy water.

✔ Sleeping Bag Liner

A sleeping bag liner or travel sheet will be essential if you are staying in budget hotels. Do some research into one that can be easily washed and dries fast. Avoid cotton and look for a microfiber blend. This one from Friendly Swede has a lifetime warranty and you can try it out and return it if it doesn’t suit your needs.

✔ Travel Pocket Knife

You’ll really never know when this item will come in handy. You may need it for cutting up some supermarket food or tightening up a loose screw on your camera. At the very least, carry it around in your daypack for a bit of protection on the streets (fingers crossed you’ll never need it).

✔ Cable Locks

An essential for the India checklist! Bring some good-quality steel cable locks to secure your luggage if you are travelling in trains and have overnight trips.

✔ VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN can save your ass in so many ways. If you ever use a public access WiFi while travelling (like an airport, restaurant, Airbnb or hotel) then you’re potentially putting your online security at risk by hackers.

It also helps out in other ways too. Can’t access your Gmail because it thinks you’re in a less-secure country? (Which you ARE, but still). Just connect to your home country using the VPN. PayPal payment won’t go through because you aren’t in your home country? VPN.

With a quality VPN such as  Nord VPN , you instantly protect your sensitive data on all different devices with just one click. Also, Nord is really affordable, super easy to turn on and we use it daily.

Also, don’t forget to pack these essential things for travel:

✔ Microfibre Towel

✔ Head Torch  (Water Resistant)

✔ Chapstick

✔ Other Personal Items

✔ Malaria Protection

✔ Small Locks  (TSA Approved)

✔ Power Adaptor

✔ Earphones

✔ Portable Charger Pack

✔ GoPro  + Attachments

✔ DSLR Camera  + Lenses and Attachments

Clothing to Pack for India

India is a conservative society, so travellers need to take care of how they dress. It is important you don’t pack skimpy clothes and, more than covering your shoulders, it is important to cover your bum. Avoid wearing tight tops and shorts. Men need to also watch that they wear non-revealing clothes, as well.

In bars, clubs and five-star hotels in big cities, (like Mumbai and Delhi) people dress as they might in less conservative countries. So pack according to your travel itinerary and activities.

Cotton scarves, or dupattas as they are called in India, are useful for covering the head at holy sites, and for covering up generally.

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Where to buy clothing for India

You can shop in local markets in India for versatile, cool and inexpensive clothes, especially loose clothing for the heat.

Depending on where you go you’ll easily find cheap to expensive outfits that will enable you to lend in a little more while travelling in India.

Shopping at the local markets is fun and means on your flight to India you can carry less baggage with the intention of buying most outfits in India. The cities like Delhi have huge markets with Punjabi dresses as cheap as $3 USD.

Indian Clothing Outfits for Women

You’ll have loads of fun shopping in the markets for nice dresses and loose pants in India. For an idea of the outfits you’ll find in the markets – see below. Or click on the picture to buy if you can’t stand to fly there without one or two gorgeous outfits.

The dress style that proved the coolest and most functional while travelling in India is called Punjabi dress which you can see in the first image above. They have a split up the side of each leg for movability, however, the split means that you will probably have to wear tights or loose pants under the dress to cover your upper legs and knees.

The stylish loose Indian-style pants in the third picture are called dhoti while the pants in the fifth picture are called harem pants . Use these terms while searching around the internet if you decide to buy online.

Indian Clothing Outfits for Men

There’s loads of information about women, but where is the India packing list for males? What should men wear in India? The answer is; almost anything… As long as it’s modest.

Though you technically CAN wear shorts in India – the general consensus is that shorts should only be worn by children, so you may look funny to the locals in them. It’s also a good idea to wear shorts that cover your knees for modesty if you do decide to wear them. However, you are NOT allowed to wear shorts or singlet tops in temples or religious places.

The dhoti pants can also be worn by men in India, but mainly you will see Indian mean in jeans and t-shirts. You might also like to buy yourself a loose cotton shirt at an Indian market for the heat and to get into the dhoti outfit groove.

READ: Amazing Jaipur Itinerary: 3 Days!

Essential Clothing for India

✔ thin sweater.

It is important to layer in India. Whether there is hot or cold weather, a light thin sweater will be helpful when going inside to places that have the AC in full blast.

✔ Yoga Pants

Some sweat-reducing yoga pants are great under the Punjabi dresses that you can buy in India. You’ll also find yourself doing yoga a lot so they’ll be sure to get loads of use.

✔ SPF Sunglasses

The sun in India is bright and piercing. Make sure you protect your eyes and get SPF and/or polarized sunglasses.

✔ Waterproof Rain Coat with a Nice Big Hood

Use it as a top layer in cold weather and always keep it in your daypack for emergency downpours (prevalent in the monsoon season of Southern India).

What Shoes to Wear in India

✔ chaco sandals.

They are sturdy and reliable. Make sure you get some with the backstrap and you feel comfortable walking in them for long periods of time. I suggest rinsing them off every day.

✔ Flip flops

If you don’t want to bring two sets, bring some that can be used for the shower, especially if you are going to be staying at an accommodation with shared bathrooms. Also great as casual wear.

✔ Hiking Shoes or Boots

Depending on where you are going, like if you are trekking in the north, have gear that will make sure you are safe and comfortable. Nothing is worse than not being to enjoy the beautiful scenery because of inappropriate shoes that cause blisters.

✔ Walking Shoes

An absolute must if you decide against bringing hiking shoes. You’ll be doing loads of walking around India on uneven grounds so you’ll need something covered and comfortable.

Seasons and Weather in India

India is a vast country, therefore the weather of each region will change, even during the same season. Getting to know the weather and seasons will help shape your travelling to India checklist.

Happens during December, January, February, and some of March. Since it is the coldest time of the year, this is the best time to visit most parts of India.

Temperatures will still be warm in the south (in Kochi, for example) averaging between 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F) and in the north (in Delhi ) between 7°C to 24°C (45°F to 75°F). If you are going even further north, to Manali, Leh, or Dharamshala , make sure you pack cold-weather gear.

Also known as the pre-monsoon season, it occurs from April to June and it is the hottest time of the year. Heat during this time is pretty intense. In the south, it is accompanied by stifling humidity and temperatures averaging 27°C to 32°C (80°F to 90°F) and in the north, the dry heat can cause sunstrokes, with temperatures at 27°C to 39°C (80°F to 102°F).

If you are travelling during this time, research the weather of the places you’ll be visiting and pack accordingly.

The Monsoon Season ⛈

This season is generally from July to September, so if you are travelling during this time, pack rain gear and quick-dry clothes. Waterproof shoes are a must. Temperatures will range from 24°C to 34°C (75°F to 94°F) all around India, with some variation depending on the region.

Humidity will be at its highest point, especially in the south. (Don’t forget to pack your insect repellent ).

Also known as the post-monsoon season, it happens in October and November, bringing cooler temperatures. Some areas might still have some rainfall and a lot of wind, so research the weather of where you’ll be specifically going to make sure you are weather-ready.

Layers and rain gear will be essential. Temperatures will average around 28°C and 34°C (82°F and 93°F), depending on the region.

READ: Holi in Varanasi: A Complete Guide

Have any questions about any of these India packing list items?

If you have a question about packing for India or the products I recommend, just let me know and I’ll try my best to answer them! The writer and publisher have experience with most of the products listed and veto them if we don’t have first-hand experience.

India Travel Checklist FAQs

While you might not necessarily need a sim card in India, they are extremely affordable. Both calls and internet prices are some of the lowest in the world, and the service is surprisingly quite good. There are multiple cellphone service providers in India, but the ones with the best reputation are Airtel and Vodafone-Idea. The process is not too difficult, but sometimes it might take more than one try to get your sim card activated and working!

India is a very unique country and there are certain items you shouldn’t take with you on your travel. We don’t recommend taking too many things you can buy there such as clothing and toiletries (unless you have favourites). Avoid taking too much cash with you simply because ATMs are abundant and offer the best exchange rate. Lastly, don’t bring unnecessary valuables because you will simply put a target for thieves behind your back.

If you are backpacking India, you will likely spend a prolonged period of time in the country. For that reason, these are the best items to pack for India: a good backpacking backpack, hiking boots, a water filter system, enough clothes for hot and cold, probiotics, and more! Be sure to read the entirety of this post so you don’t forget a thing!

Generally, the best time to visit India is from November to March. During this time, the temperature is warm and precipitation is at its minimum. However, this isn’t true for every place in India, so we recommend you to look deep into the places you want to visit before deciding the items to pack for India.

Written by Priscila Moscoso Meiller. Edited and pictures by Crystal Egan.

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What to wear when travelling in India

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IF YOU ARE PLANNING to visit India, you may be wondering how to dress, you may want to know: What do female tourists wear in India? Knowing what to wear when travelling in India can really make a difference to the success of your trip. Before I left for my first trip to India, I found a great piece of travel advice on the Journeywoman website for women. Someone said, wear Indian clothes in India. So I did. From the start of my travels in 2005, I have largely worn modest, comfortable Indian outfits such as kurtahs (tunics), scarves, pashmina shawls, salwar kameez, Indian dresses, and even sarees. Yes, you can wear a saree (sari) in India!

I have been travelling extensively in India over the past 13 years and have had very few really negative incidents, so I think wearing Indian clothes has really helped. In spite of what you see in Bollywood movies , India is still largely a traditional society, and most Indians still favour modest, traditional clothing – and you may find that you enjoy your time in India more if you do, too.

Wearing modest clothing in India is a good idea for many reasons, and one of them is that it shows cultural respect. I also think it’s actually safer. If you wear skimpy, tight, western clothing, you could be sending the wrong signal. Read on for tips on how to dress and what to wear in India.

Tips on how to dress in India

What should tourists wear in India?

Women tourists to India have to pay more attention to modesty than they’re probably used to. If you are in some parts of Delhi , Mumbai, and Goa, you can get away with wearing western clothing, as long as it is not tight, skimpy, or revealing. But otherwise, you should always make sure your legs and cleavage are covered, and in many cases, also that your shoulders are covered. Flowing, loose, cotton clothing is ideal in India. It’s affordable to buy in stores or markets, it’s cool and comfortable, it shows cultural respect and it suits the need for modesty.

You can buy loose, flowing, cotton kurtahs (tunics) and trousers almost everywhere, and in every price range. Be warned, though: clothes at the lower end of the price spectrum (100 to 200 rupees) won’t last for more than a few washings! 

If you are planning to travel in India, let us help you! We offer itinerary planning, India for Beginners custom tours , and much more to make sure your trip to India is filled with more magic … and less madness. 

Can you wear shorts in India?

Shorts are not really worn in India, they’re not popular or traditional, and I would not recommend wearing them for sight seeing or in the city. However, if you are in a popular beach destination like Goa, shorts are acceptable — but please err on the side of modesty and avoid short-shorts or anything too revealing.

Can you wear jeans in India?

Jeans are super popular in India and everyone wears them. They are particularly suitable for wearing with a kurtah (long tunic shirt). However, a lot of the time it’s too hot for jeans, plus they take forever to dry after washing, and take up a lot of suitcase room. I would only recommend them if you know you will be travelling somewhere with cool or cold weather.

Can you wear leggings in India?

Yes! Leggings are huge in India, everyone (women) wear leggings with a kurtah (long tunic shirt) over top. Your butt should be covered by your top to pull off this look.  

What should you wear in India for business

If you are going to do business in India, be aware that India is more formal than the west. Dress as if it’s the 1970s. Conservative and tasteful. A jacket and skirt (not too short) would work very well. 

What should you wear when doing Yoga in India?

Yoga in India is different than Yoga in the west. People tend to wear loose, comfortable clothing rather than tight spandex. Read my Complete Guide to Yoga in India and What life is like in an Indian Ashram for detailed ideas of what to wear. You can buy inexpensive clothes in India that are perfect. 

Where should I wear Indian clothes?

Wearing Indian clothes is a good idea if you are travelling out of Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Goa — to any place that is remote, off the beaten tourist path, or traditional. For example, though Rajasthan is the Indian state most visited by tourists, it is still one of the most traditional and conservative. Personally, I think it is wise when in Rajasthan to do as the Rajasthanis do. 

Also, wear Indian clothes, or at least something modest that covers your shoulders and legs, if you go to any social occasions, such as weddings, festivals (such as Diwali or Holi ) or to religious gatherings, temples, gurdwaras and mosques. This is also a good idea in places frequented by lots of tourists. Wherever there are a lot of tourists, there are also a lot of people who prey on tourists … and I have noticed they tend to go after people dressed like backpackers rather than the well-dressed. 

For more tips on what to wear in India, check out my post Shopping in India: What to buy in India and the 24 Best places to visit in India .

Try wearing three piece “suits”

Bring underwear and comfortable shoes and sandals to India, but not a lot of other clothes. Go shopping in India for three-piece salwar kameez sets (also known as suits). These consist of a long or short tunic, tight or loose pants and a long scarf, called a dupatta or chunni. Wear all three pieces together or mix and match. It’s common to wear a kurtah with jeans, for example. Buy cotton in summer and silk / cotton blend in winter. Stores like Fabindia , Anokhi, Cottons Jaipur, Killol are some of my favourite stores for buying wearable, affordable Indian clothes.

Go with the flow and fit in

Wearing Indian clothes has several advantages. It suits the climate and the need for modesty, plus you will fit in a bit better, and be less of a target for beggars and touts. You can get in touch with your inner hippie or backpacker in India if you like, but you will pay the price with a lot more hassles. If you are wearing Indian clothes, local people tend to respect you more and also treat you with more warmth, honesty, and openness. Try it and see what I mean.

Pack sensible shoes

You need good solid, comfortable shoes in India. The infrastructure is not always good so pavement is broken, potholes are everywhere and sewage sometimes runs freely in the streets. Bring good walking shoes and walking sandals with you, as they are not always easy to find in India. (On the other hand, very fun, blingy sandals are everywhere!) I like Skechers and Crocs.

TIP: Watch your feet. Speaking of shoes, feet and shoes are considered “unclean” in India. You may be asked to remove your shoes to enter people’s homes and you definitely have to leave your shoes at the entrance to temples, gurdwaras and mosques. There is usually someone there who will store them for 10 rupees. Also, never point or touch anything with your foot.

Cover up and dress modestly

As a general rule, make sure your legs and shoulders are covered, especially in religious or sacred places. Women in India are very modest about their breasts. They wear armour-like bras and then drape their dupattas over their chests. You will probably not feel comfortable in a thin, light bra; or in clothing that reveals your bra. This look is trendy in the west, but a taboo in India.

TIP: Splash out on jewelry. The modesty rule goes out the window for jewelry. Layer it on and the bigger the better. But be careful if it’s valuable. Don’t wander around displaying valuable rings, watches and other jewelry unless you are in an upscale neighbourhood or at a private social event, hotel or nice restaurant.

Pack a scarf and shawl … or two

In gurdwaras and mosques you have to cover your head, so it’s a good idea to always have a long scarf (such as a dupatta or chunni) with you. Shawls are also handy. Everyone loves Indian shawls – inaccurately called pashminas – and they can really come in handy for both modesty and warmth. Unless it’s meltingly hot, I usually carry one. India likes to blast AC and it can be cold inside, especially in restaurants and on trains.

Tip: Real pashminas, by the way, are very expensive: if someone tries to sell you one for the equivalent of $5, $20, $50 or even $100, guaranteed it’s not pure pashmina.

Try wearing a sari in India

Don’t be afraid to try a sari , especially if you are going to a wedding or other special event. You might want to get some help from a local for buying a sari. They are a bit complicated. For one thing, there is a mind boggling array of sari fabrics and styles, and also regional variations. Buying the right sari for the right occasion takes a lot of expertise and insider knowledge!

You will also need a sari blouse — these can be bought ready made or stitched from fabric that comes with the sari — and a petticoat. Plus, you will probably need some help wrapping the sari. It takes years of practise to master wrapping a sari. I go to a beauty parlour to get my sari wrapped when I go to a wedding (and get my hair done at the same time).

Buying and wearing Indian clothes, shoes, and jewelry is part of the fun of travel in India. So don’t be afraid to have fun, try some new looks, and splash out a little.

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About Mariellen Ward

Professional travel writer Mariellen Ward is the founder of award-winning Breathedreamgo. Mariellen has a BA in Journalism and has been travel writing and blogging since 2005. She has won many awards, including a National Tourism Award from Incredible India Tourism, and writes for some of the world’s leading publications including BBC Travel and NatGeo Traveller India.

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The Perfect India Packing List – 100 Travel Essentials for India

Ultimate guide to india packing list – 100 travel essentials.

Since I started organizing India Endless Discoveries Tours the most common question I get to asked is what to pack for India trip especially by all the women members of the group. Now this question at first amazed me as I was hoping to be asked about how to avoid Delhi Belly or how safe is it to travel solo in India for women. But the question for what to pack and what NOT to pack was pretty new to me. Being a man who can travel in just 1 shorts and 2 t-shirts for the entire trip, the packing dilemma was a total unheard phenomenon for me.

But I was wrong! When I discussed the question of the perfect packing list for India with my wife Shreya, I realised it’s not so easy to decide what to pick and what to leave behind. Based on her recommendations & many tips of the members of my previous tours, I am presenting this near perfect India packing list for travelers to India.

The majority of India is hot and humid except the hilly north area so you need clothes that will keep you cool, but it still has conservative standards when it comes to body hugging or revealing clothes. All we can request you is to dress modestly especially outside major cities. Wear comfortable, loose clothing that covers your shoulders / knees / cleavage. That way it will be easier for you to mingle with the local crowd and reduce any unwanted attention.

As with any trip, pack as little as possible.

Travel Documents

• Passport with at least 6 months validity after your dates of travel
• Visas required for this trip
• Travel insurance with emergency contact telephone and policy Number
• Flight tickets, e-ticket
• Photocopies of important documents like tickets, visa, passport, credit card, itinerary to be kept in each luggage bag and email a copy to yourself
• Trip Itinerary along with hotel address and phone
• Passport size photographs for various permits
• Senior citizen card for travel discounts
• International driving license if you plan to drive
• Travel vaccination certificates

11. You are mostly expected to carry your own luggage in a backpack and smaller bags or backpacks with wheels with shoulder carry straps.

12. You will also need a waterproof day pack/bag to carry water bottle, camera and other personal needs for day trips.

13. Don’t forget to keep Padlocks (and keys)

14. Plastic Ziploc bags in all sizes

Personal Health

Medicines are easily available in India and often you do not require a prescription for over-the-counter medical supplies. You can buy all this stuff one you land up in India on your first day and be safe for the rest trip.

15. First aid kit – band aids, skin cream, cotton gauze, tweezers & bandage

16. Personal medication/prescriptions / Prescription glasses and sun glasses

17. Contact lenses and solution

18. High protection sunscreen (50+)

19. Lip balm

20. Sanitary pads or tampons

21. Chewing gums to pop your ears open while take off

22. Insect repellent creams or lotions like Odomos / Jungle

23. Anti-histamine/insect bite skin cream (Boroline)

24. Anti-allergy Tablets containing Pheniramine (Tab. Avil 50mg)

25. Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer gel/wipes

26. Travel sickness tablets or anti-vomiting tablets (Dramamine or Avomine)

27. Anti-malaria pills if required (Tab. Lariago DS)

28. Aspirin and/or paracetamol (Tab. Crocin)

29. Oral Rehydration powder (salts & glucose)

30. Antibiotics  (Tab. Augmentin 625mg / 1 gm tablets)

31. Gastroenteritis (food poisoning) medication for Delhi Belly containing Norfloxacin (Tab. Norflox-400mg) or Ciprofloxacin (Tab. Ciplox-Tz)

32. Anti-spasm tablets for bad Diarrhea (Delhi Belly) containing Loperamide (Tab. Ridol)

33. Painkillers such as Tramadol (Tab.Ultracet), (Tab. Ketorol-DT 10 mg)

34. Antibiotic Eye drops / Ear Drops (Ciplox Eye Drops)

35. Chewable antacid/antigas tablets Digene

36. Immodium AD tablets (for serious diarrhea)

37. Small tube of anti-itch cream (Ring Guard)

Melatonin prescription to counter jet lag: (OPTIONAL)

• After getting on plane, set watch to destination time
• While on the plane, take melatonin tablet at destination bedtime
• When traveling east, get morning sun (if possible) soon after arrival, and avoid afternoon sun
• When traveling west, get afternoon sun (if possible) soon after arrival, and avoid morning sun
• Keep taking melatonin at bedtime throughout trip
• Use reverse process on way home

Money Matters

38. Local currency (cash/credit cards)

39. Money belt or pouch

40. Calculator (All mobile phones have it)

Easy Sleeping

41. Eye mask

42. Ear Plugs

43. Alarm clock (Most mobile phones have it)

44. Inflatable neck pillow for comfortable sleeping (ESSENTIAL if travelling in trains)

45. Night clothes/sleepwear

For longer trips we recommend fast drying and easy wash clothing. Women should bring a skirt that covers their knees and a scarf for visiting places of worship. If going for jungle trekking, or on a safari, it is recommend you wear beige, light green or light brown clothing which will camouflage your presence with the surroundings.

46. At least 3 pairs of loose, thin trousers

47. Minimum 4 plain t-shirts or cotton shirts

48. Long skirt like cotton dress- must have for female

49. Long-sleeved top (for evenings when mosquitoes are out)

50. Denim shirt and jeans for chilly evenings

51. Thin cardigan for air-conditioned travel

52. Large cotton scarves to cover your head, shoulders while visiting religious places

53. At least 4 pair of cotton or woolen dark colored Socks / Underwear / Hankies

54. Lightweight, waterproof, windproof jacket if traveling in winters.

55. Sarong which can be used as head/shoulder scarf or skirt (suggested by Michael Huxley)

Camping / Tenting

56. Inner sleep sheet

57. Travel pillow / Neck pillow

58. Ground sheet (or plastic polythene sheet)

59. Head torch/flashlights (Most mobile phones have it)

Wet & Wild Weather

60. Raincoat

61. Lightweight folding umbrella (for rain or sun)

62. Waterproof bags for rain protection while walking

63. Waterproof & windproof jacket

64. Waterproof trousers

Walking or Hiking

Shoes in all colors, sizes and designs can be bought very cheaply in India. So no need to carry those bulky shoes all the way. You may wish to get one of these with you:

65. At least 1 pair of Havana flip-flops / sandals so that u don’t bulk your bag with many shoes

66. 1 pair of comfortable walking/hiking shoes with good grip

67. Hiking poles/walking sticks (only if you are going for trekking.)

Travel Accessories

68. Cell phone (Be sure that it’s “unlocked” and you may be able to buy a local SIM card to make international phone calls.)

69. Cell phone charger with International Adapter Multi plug

70. Camera, Memory cards & Extra camera battery with charger / Tripods / Selfie sticks

71. Ipods, Ipads, Tablets can be useful as wi-fi connection is fairly easy to find. Remember to carry a converter for the charging point. Avoid carrying a laptop as its bulky, risky to get stolen or broken and you can’t carry with you while visiting historic monuments like Taj Mahal. Instead of leaving laptop into the hands of strangers at every security check, better carry tablet with you.

72. Empty water bottle (you can fill it at airport after security check for in-flight use)

73. Scissors / Army knife with can opener (keep in checked-in luggage as not allowed on carry-on luggage)

74. Pen/paper

75. Hat/wide brim hat

Winter or Extreme Snow

76. Thermal underwear or base layers

77. Thick leather gloves

78. Monkey Cap

79. Woolen Jackets

80. Woolen muffler

81. Woolen Socks

82. Snow Boots

Personal Items

83. Toiletries: Go light on shampoo and toiletries – you can always buy it here! If you have a particular shampoo or cream you can’t live without, transfer it to small (~3.4 oz or less) bottles.

84. Shaving razors / Hairbrush / comb

85. Deodorant / Hand lotion, Face lotion

86. Face wash / Hand sanitizer

87. Makeup kit as small as possible

88. Toothpaste, Toothbrush

89. Tweezers & nail clippers

90. Feminine products (very easy to find in India)

91. Small packet of Kleenex

92. Paper soaps & Toilet paper

93. Bath towel

94. Small sewing kit, safety pins & rubber bands

95. Nutrition food bars like Muesli bars, if you don’t like the cuisine.(Suggested by Manouk)

97. Probiotics – Food in India is likely going to be very different from what you are used to, so this will help you be prepared. However, if you do get Delhi Belly, make sure you keep yourself hydrated with electrolytes and fresh coconut water and seek medical attention.

98. Menstrual Cup (Women) – If you want to experience an alternative and sustainable approach when menstruating, the Pixie cup works well when backpacking in India instead of carrying tons of pads. The Pixie Cup can be reused over and over for 10 years, making it far more sustainable than tampons or traditional pads. Or you can easily buy it in big cities of India at the Chemist (Drug) shops.

99. Swimming costume

100. Swimming towel

• Make sure every piece of luggage, including your daypack has a strong, waterproof tag on it, with essential contact information.
• Rolled clothing takes up less space than folded clothing.
• Have at least one combination cable-lock per bag that you bring. When out of your hotel room or visiting the ladies’ room in a train station or airport, you will want to lock your bags to the nearest heavy object for safety.
• If your bags are full on the way in, you can buy inexpensive duffle bags in India that will survive the trip home, to hold your purchases during the trip. Alternatively, you can bring a lightweight duffle bag rolled up in one of your bags to hold your purchases on the way home.

What You Shouldn’t Bring and What You Can Get in India?

• Try not to bring extravagant gems or jewelry and ones that will make you an objective. You will discover a lot of chances to buy ethnic gems also so make space for that.
• India has a variety of clothing from kurtis, to embroidered blouses that are perfect to blend in and enjoy the splash of colours that Indian ethnic wear brings. Do bring enough clothes that covers your modesty but feel free to play by ear and be respectful of cultures in villages and spiritual places.
• You can buy all your other liquid toiletries in India from face wash to shampoo as they are pretty affordable.
• Bring enough cash to last you for a month but you can bring it in USD or your preferred currency and visit banks to make the change. Do not bring too much as it is safe to use the available ATMs throughout India.

However this India packing list should be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a total complete India packing list for any weather or situations. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion. Some items on this list may not be necessary for your particular trip at a particular time.  What all to pack varies according to the trip style (Backpacking / Budget / Luxury), the countries you’re visiting, the climate and the time when you are visiting. I request you to please carefully consider the weather and time of year that you plan to travel.

For those of you who are not yet aware, We do offer India Endless Discoveries Tours — City Experiences / Day Trips & Featured Tours — which are unique, exclusive, experimental in nature with a personal touch providing an extraordinary travel experience. Also, we have a family run top rated 5 rooms boutique Bed & Breakfast – The Hideout Agra , which is located at just 15 minutes walk to Taj Mahal.  Guided group tour or tailor-made private holiday? Festival joy or a desert safari? Food walk or day tour? We’re bound to have a travel style that’s perfect for you. So if you happen to be in planning your next trip to India, get in touch with us for a unique India experience.

Check out below the highlights of our Bed & Breakfast.

12 Reasons How Travel Makes You Smarter, Sexier, Better

Friday photo : george harrison at taj mahal in 1966 – first ever selfie of the world.

Top 16 Travel Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Top best places to eat in agra.

Join the journey: Click here to get our top tips for affordable travel!

The Ultimate India Packing List – Female Edition

Packing for India can be a bit of a challenge given cultural norms, as well as weather. I spent considerable time in India as a student and just recently returned for another trip, so have plenty of tips to share here. While in India, I kept a few things in mind in order to keep my packing list thorough, but efficient. There are also special considerations that one must keep in mind as a woman as well. This Ultimate India Packing List:  Female Edition , will provide a comprehensive list of the items that you need to take with you on your trip, and provide relevant tips for travel to India as well. Note, this packing list is organized by category, so feel free to click to the section most applicable in the Table of Contents below. 

Table of Contents

Key Considerations for Packing for India for Women

You should know that there are a four guiding principles to keep in mind when traveling to India:

• Conservative Dress – Compared to styles in the US, or Europe, for example, Indian women dress a bit more conservatively than what you may be used to. You should keep your knees and your legs covered at all times to be respectful of the local culture and avoid any unwanted attention. Many tend to keep their shoulders covered as well (so leave the tank tops at home). However, I’ll note that showing your stomach is not viewed unfavorable – likely due to the long standing popularity of the saree. You should not view any of this as a hinderance, however – it’s just an opportunity to be more creative in your dress! Also, as a general note, when visiting Muslim religious sites you will likely be asked to put on a covering on top of your clothing, no matter what you wear.
• Weather – The time of year that you visit will have a a definite impact on what you bring with you, and I’ll cover this in more detail throughout this post. Just for general reference, in Mumbai, the daily highs average from the upper 80s to the lower 90s every month of the year. Across most of the country, the best time to visit is during the winter months and spring months. The time of year that you’ll likely want to avoid when visiting India is June – September, during the monsoon season, which is very rainy. However, if you must travel during this time, tips for this can be found below too! 
• Light Packing  – I’ve mentioned this in other posts, but whenever you pack, it’s always important to keep things light. It’s likely that you’ll need to carry your luggage from place to place, so it’s best to avoid lugging unnecessary weight around. 
• Health – There are vaccine and medicine requirements that you should certainly follow before your travels. In addition, you’ll likely run into some stomach issues on the journey, so you must keep your “medicine bag” full of the important stuff at all times. 

The India Packing List Female Edition

Travel essentials for india.

I must start this list with the items that I feel you CANNOT leave home without when visiting India, based on my experience: 

Sunscreen – The sun is brutal in India, and even skin as dark as mine can burn (it happened to me, I should know). Be sure to bring your high-SPF sunscreen along on your trip. 

Stomach Medications – As I mentioned above, you are unlikely to escape India without some sort of stomach troubles. To avoid / mitigate this issue, I recommend packing the following:

• Immodium – For moderate to more serious diarrhea
• Probiotics – These a great for keeping things regular, I like to use this brand

Anti-Malarials – Visit your doctor to get a prescription for anti-malarials, to prevent the onset of malaria. And while we are talking malaria, don’t forget to bring your mosquito-repellant too! 

• REPELS: Create a barrier against mosquitoes, including those that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and...
• CONTAINS 40% DEET: Provides long-lasting protection in the great outdoors

Mosquito Repellent  – To avoid the cause of malaria to begin with, be sure to bring this along with you. 

Toilet Paper – Toilet paper is often not available in public spaces, so I recommend packing travel-size rolls with you. However, if you are comfortable with just spraying yourself off instead, you may be find. 

• You will receive (6) Toilet Tissue To Go
• 2-ply 75 sheet in each roll

Reusable Water Bottle  – While tap water is not safe to drink, most hotels do provide sanitary water in your room. You can use this to take your bottled water with you on the go. 

First Aid Kit  – You never know when you might be injured, so bring a small first aid kit along to take care of any minor wounds or injuries 

Day Pack  – If you will be taking tours and be out and about, bring a day pack along to make carrying all your stuff a bit easier 

Sunglasses – Bring along your favorite pair to keep those eyes protected.

Hat – Yet more protection from the sun, I recommend bringing a straw hat along to keep it out of your face. 

No products found.

RELATED:   Away Luggage Review [The Bigger Carry-On]

Clothing | Everyday Wear

Your clothing should be lighweight, but as I mentioned above, it should cover your shoulders, cleavage, and knees. Don’t bring any of your really expensive clothing options, unless you don’t mind them getting nice and sweaty.

Here are a few clothing examples that may inspire you:

Linen Pants – These are an old go-to for hot weather, but there is a reason why the Egyptians swore by Linen! Take a pair or two of dark and light colored linen pants. 

• Beautiful Wide leg high waist pants to fit into any occasion! So casual and so easy to pair with any combinations of...
• Waist (S)24 inches (M)26 inches (L)28 inches (XL)30 inches

Harem Pants – These pants are comfortable, lightweight, and cheap :). I wear a pair I got in Thailand often because I love them so much!

• The sizes of hippie pants are One Size fits US sizes 0-14 (XS-L) and US sizes 16-20 Plus (L-2XL) and US sizes 20-24 Plus...
• These comfortable and relaxed fit boho pants have an elastic waistband and ankle strapping in various shapes, The high...

Lightweight Skirt – Long skirts like the one shown below are another great option for keeping yourself cool in the hot weather. And as a reminder, leave all of your short skirts behind. 

• Notice: Fabric has no stretch
• Floral print, midi length, elastic bow tie waist, boho midi pleated skirt

T-Shirts – Bring a few of these along with you to coordinate with your pants and skirts. I like to buy mine from H&M Basics . 

Long-Sleeved Top  – These are a good idea to bring along, particularly if you are visiting the north during the cooler months. In Delhi and the nearby area, it can get quite cool at night when the sun retreats. 

• CLASSIC FIT: Close but comfortable fit with easy movement
• COTTON MODAL BLEND JERSEY: Super soft cotton modal jersey with added stretch for all-day ease and comfort.

Pajamas  – I like to travel with sleep T-shirts , bring what you like, but be sure to avoid any synthetic fabrics like satin. Those will make you sweat more at night. 

Salwar Kurta – This is a more traditional Indian style of dress, and it is so light and breathable. I bought one while in India (as you can see below), and really understood why these are so popular in the country. This over jeans in the heat any day! This is a great garment to wear wether visiting sites like the Taj Mahal or Mysore Palace .

Undergarments

Pack cotton panties and bras (if you can) – This will keep things nice and fresh (or as fresh as possible), despite the heat. 

The shoes that you bring will depend on the activities that you plan to do on your trip to India. If you are going to be doing a lot of walking, bring a comfy pair of sneakers or sandals. I personally don’t like to have my feet covered in hot weather, so I hang on to some older, but very comfortable ALDO sandals that are really easy to walk in. 

What to Wear for Business in India

If you are visiting India for business, you may be wandering what to wear while in the office. When I visited India, I was traveling for a Consulting project, and spent several days at the company we supported. My attire consisted of the following:

Light Dresses – I recommend wrap dresses, and those made out of breathable fabric, like this one below.

• Material: 100% Polyester, Fabric has no stretch.
• Perfect dress for Summer Beach, Weekend Casual, Party, Vacation, Travelling, Dating, Shopping, Picnic, Home and Daily...

Salwar Kurta – I found that many of the women wore this more traditional Indian outfit at work too – you will find many options for purchasing one once in the country. You can also purchase ahead by clicking this link (or the image below).

• Care Instructions: First wash dry clean thereafter handwash
• Kurta Fabric : Crepe|| Bottom Fabric : Crepe || Dupatta Fabric : Georgette

Linen Pants / Suits – Same as above, keep any pants or jackets you wear in light fabrics like linen. 

Linen Blouses – You probably get the picture now, ha! But linen is your friend :). 

• A light and loose blouse with a patchwork design
• This womens blouse features a round neck, short sleeves, drop shoulders and a straight hem for a relaxed style

What to Wear for Special Occasions

If you are visiting India for a special occasion, like a wedding, you need to wear a Saree or a Lehenga. And these must be formal ones. Below are a few websites that specialize in wedding / luxury sarees and lehengas:

• Indya Luxe – They specialize in modern wedding wear. I actually bought the saree that I wore to a recent Indian wedding from here.
• True Browns – This site features modern Indian attire, and has a Wedding-specific selection
• The Saree Room – This site features beautifully luxe attire that you can mix and match to your liking.

As you pack toiletries, keep the heat in mind. For example, if you have oily skin or other conditions impacted by hot weather, bring the products you use to combat these issues. I also recommend that you bring all travel-size toiletries with you, and I’ll cover the reason why a bit later in this post. 

• Face Wash 
• Face Lotion
• Lip balm with sunscreen protection
• Perfume / Essential Oil
• Tampons / Pads / Menstrual Cups / Pantiliners
• Shaving Cream

Just a note, I highly recommend traveling with a menstrual cup instead of solely pads or tampons. As you do not need to change them as frequently, it will just make using the ladies’ room less of a hassle. 

• 【SUSTAINABLE PERIOD CARE】Say YES to 12-hour leak-free protection and NO to harmful chemicals. These little...
• 【EXCLUSIVE SILICONE STRING AND SIZES】The LUMMA disc model with the silicone string is an exclusive and...
• Cotton Swabs
• Laundry Bag

RELATED:  Long Haul Flight Essentials

Medicines to Take to India 

I’ve mentioned a few of these in the travel essentials, but here is a comprehensive list of OTC medicines to take with you to India:

• Anti-Inflamatories (e.g., Advil, Aleve, Tylenol) – For use with any aches, pains, headaches, etc. 
• Melatonin – This is great to bring along to help with regulating your sleep as you adjust to the new time zone
• Prescription Medicines – Including anything you take regularly, such as Birth Control
• Antihistamines  – You will be exposed to allergens that you are not used to, so it’s best to be prepared if you have allergies
• Pepto-Bismal  – For nausea, mild diarrehea
• Immodium  – For moderate to more serious diarrehea 
• Probiotics  – These a great for keeping things regular, I like to use  this brand
• Charcoal Tablets  – For gas and mild stomach discomfort
• Anti-Malarials  – Visit your doctor for a prescription for these
• Rehydration Salts  – These are great for anyone who does wind up suffering from diarrhea to keep you from getting dehydrated 

Beauty Items

As you pack your beauty items, keep in mind that you should keep them to a minimum, if possible. You’ll probably be sweating

Since it is so hot, you are likely to sweat off makeup throughout the day. I recommend just packing the essentials:

• Foundation or BB Cream
• Mascara 
• Lip Color ( I love this one by Glossier )
• Setting Powder (great for blotting away oily skin)

Hair Essentials

The basics include:

• Conditioner
• Hair Styler 

If you have curly hair like me, you should bring a few additional items:

• Leave-In Conditioner – Kinky-Curly Knot Today is still my go-to
• Hair Gel – I LOVE this one by Uncle Funky’s Daughter
• Edge Control – I typically use Design Essentials’ version

RELATED : For more tips, check out my post on Traveling with Natural Hair . 

Electronics

Cell Phone – This goes without saying. You may also want to look into getting a local SIM card if you are staying in the country for an extended period of time. 

iPad or Laptop – Depending on what you need to do while there, you may bring your iPad or Laptop (or both). 

Headphones – So you can have a jam session whenever you need one ;). You might want to opt for noise-cancelling headphones if you have trouble sleeping with noise. 

Travel Adapter  – I LOVE this one by Conair and have used it for years!

• Travel Like A Pro: Conair Travel Smart All-In-One Travel Plug Adapter offers a combination of the four most common...
• Power Converter with Surge Protection: Power adapter with built-in surge protection and an EMI/RFI power line filter...

Chargers – Bring your iPhone / iPad / Laptop chargers and whatever else you need to bring with you that needs charging.

Portable Charger  – I recommend brining one of these or a travel case for your phone so that you never have to worry about running out of battery life while on the go. 

Steamer – Not absolutely necessary, but a steamer will definitely keep you from having to iron (can you tell that I hate ironing?) 

Travel Documents / Money

Passport – This goes without saying, but don’t forget your passport! It’s also a good idea to bring along photocopies of your passport in the event that it gets lost. 

Visa – You will need a visa to visit India if you’re coming from the United States. Check this site to determine how to get your visa. Be sure to do this at least 3 weeks before your departure. 

Credit Card / Debit Card – Don’t forget your money! I recommend traveling with credit/debit cards that do not charge any international fees. I use the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Sofi Money and never pay a cent on international or ATM fees! 

A Few Packing Tips

Packing for monsoon season.

If you cannot avoid traveling during the rainy months, simply prepare to get wet when you go outside. There are a few additional items that you should plan to take with you to help you stay dry:

• Travel Umbrella 
• Waterproof Shoes

Packing Your Toiletries

First things first, all of your toiletries should be in travel size containers. There is NO reason to take anything full size, unless it is something that you know you can’t buy in India and you plan to stay for several weeks or more. 

Keep things organized by using a hanging toiletry bag. I use one by BAGSMART , and it’s really handy. 

• Lightweight and Rip-stop: Premium polyester fabric; Size: L24.5 x H19.5 x W6.5 cm / L9.6 x H7.8 x W2.5 inch; Weight: 0.6...
• Compact and Organized - 3 mesh compartments have enough to hold soap, shampoo, lipstick or cosmetics and keep them safe,...

Packing Your Personal Item Bag

You’ll be taking a long-haul flight to get to India, most likely, so use your personal item bag to store all of the stuff you need on hand while traveling. Some essentials to keep close include your personal in-flight entertainment, a travel pillow, and baby wipes. I’ve actually dedicated a whole post to Long-Haul Flight Essentials , so check it out to learn more! 

My favorite personal item bag at the moment is the Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack – check out my review to get more information. 

Packing Your Suitcase

If you can’t tell so far, I’m really into light and efficient packing. So along those lines, I recommend that you don’t travel in anything than a carry-on bag. For some folks, I know this sounds crazy – but it really does make a difference. This is especially true if you are traveling to multiple cities. Know that you can always wash clothes and pack items that you can easily mix and match. 

To keep things organized, use packing cubes like these . What I love about this set is that it also comes with a few pouches that can be used to organize other small things you carry with you, like bobby pins. 

Note, you can also use compression bags as well. 

Once you have everything organized into a packing cube / compression bag, pack it up in your carry-on size suitcase. What I use is the Bigger Carry-On by AWAY which I absolutely love!

Outfit Inspiration for Your Trip

For some inspiration, here are some of the outfits that I wore on my most recent trip to India:

The India Packing Checklist

To make things easy for you, I’ve put all of these items in a printable India Packing Checklist, which you can download below:

Tips for Planning Your Trip

If you have not already booked your travel, here are a few of my favorite travel resources: 

Booking Your Stay: I recommend checking out hotels on Booking.com to find stay options in India. If you prefer to stay more local, check out Airbnb. 

Booking Your Flight: My favorite sites for finding great fares include Momundo and Skyscanner . Both help with comparing the cost between airlines and travel dates. 

Planning Activities: I love to use Get Your Guide to find affordable tours and activities in destinations across the globe. See below for a few examples of activities you could do in Mumbai!

For more tips, check out my post on How to Plan a Trip in 12 Simple Steps . 

RELATED:   The Best Travel Resources  

In Summary | India Packing List Female Edition

I hope you’ve found this post useful as you plan for your trip to India! India is an incredible country and is full of such a rich culture, friendly and curious people, as well as great food. It is an experience not to be missed. I hope this post has provided you with the tips you need to feel confident as a female traveller to India.

Have you been to India? If so, let me know if my packing list is missing anything!

Related Posts:

• Away Luggage Review [The Bigger Carry-On]
• Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack Review
• Long Haul Flight Essentials
• How to Plan a Trip in 12 Simple Steps
• The Best Resources for Travel  

Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Christen Thomas is the founder of TravelWanderGrow, established in 2018. She has lived abroad and traveled extensively to over 30 countries. In addition, she is a certified Travel Advisor and is an expert in planning trips focused on city history and culture. As a frequent traveler, she also shares tips on how to prepare to travel well and how to save money while doing so.

After reading this detailed article, the only thing I can do is pack my things and set off! You haven’t left anything for me to ask! All my questions were being answered while I was reading your list! Thank you so much !!!

Happy to help, Effie!

Such a concise yet VERY informative blog. It is a dream of mine to visit India and now I feel a bit more confident about going. Purse sized toilet paper I did not know existed. And I thought Mumbai got much hotter; nice to know it’s usually in the high 80’s to low 90’s. And linen will be my friend too. Good to know about the fee free debit card that I did not know about. Medicine recommendations were helpful; you think you can just walk into a pharmacy in a foreign country . . . not the case. Beautiful photos on your site too.

I hope you get to use the full list on your next trip Suzanne! If you have any questions, just let me know 🙂

Hi Christen Thank you so much for this helpful article. I like that you mentioned that women in India should cover their arms and most parts of their legs because that’s their culture. Most times we pack for so many different things when it comes to traveling but leave out cultures. I came from Africa which is a place that has so many traditions that are very different from America. And coming to here was a little awkward at first. Though we learned some English while in Africa, we were not at all prepared. I wish that someone had provided us with a list like this one, it would have been really helpful.

I agree – it’s important to keep cultural norms at the forefront when visiting any place for the first time. Thanks for sharing your perspectives, Rachel!

Such a lovely post about the packing list especially for women. I will plan a trip every year with a lot of luggage but literally I won’t use all those on a trip because I just don’t know what to wear. But from now when I plan a trip I keep all those what you have mentioned. This will be so useful for travelers. Thanks for sharing!

Glad you found this helpful, Nishi! I 100% agree that packing light saves so much stress when traveling :).

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What women should pack when travelling to India

By: Author Monica

Categories Asia , India , Packing Tips , Travel Tips

Since I’ve come back from India one of the most common questions I get asked by women is about what women should pack for a trip to India.

I was expecting to be asked how to avoid Delhi Belly, how to find nice accommodation, how safe it is to travel alone and what the overnight trains are really like but it seems that what to pack is somewhat of a dilemma for us ladies.

The majority of the country is hot and humid so you need clothes that will keep you cool, but it’s also a conservative country and it isn’t safe or appropriate for women to be wearing skimpy clothing. Argh, dilemma! So what on earth do you pack?

I may have mentioned it once or twice (OK, about a billion times) that I can’t stand those ‘traveller pants’. The ones that come in khaki colours and have eight pockets on each leg and removable bits so you can make them into shorts. I know that they’re practical and perfect for travelling but I just can’t bring myself to buy them. Thankfully, there are a few alternatives that can keep you looking stylish and feeling cool.

Here’s my packing list for India and some examples of the types of clothes I think are best for female travellers.

My packing list for India

3 x pairs of loose, thin trousers.

The high street stores are still full of loose, printed trousers. Some of them have bold and bright patterns and some are completely plain. I had one bright pair, one navy blue pair and one black pair. I chose dark colours because the streets of India are often dusty and your clothes are nearly always filthy by lunch time. These trousers were all really thin, almost as thin as a sarong, and baggy too so they kept me cool.

Update: You’ll find more tailored, printed trousers in high street stores and these are perfect for India too.

Topshop have a great selection of   loose and printed trousers . The different leg lengths are really handy if you’ve got shorter legs because you really don’t want your trousers trailing along the floor in India. Even if you opt for quite formal trousers, you can dress them down with a casual top and sandals.

6 x plain t-shirts

I opted for 4 dark t-shirts and 2 white ones

These were just your standard t-shirts and jersey tops that you can buy from H&M or TopShop. I found in other Asian countries that your clothes get wrecked when you have them washed in your hotel so these t-shirts are almost disposable they’re so cheap.

I chose plain t-shirts because a standard black t-shirt will never look outdated. They also look really nice with printed trousers. I learned this the hard way when I was backpacking in Asia in 2009-2011. I packed all the latest fashions and left home feeling like I’d stepped out of a Vogue catalogue (OK, a Primark store). I thought I looked the bee’s knees in the latest trends but when I look back on those photos they look dated already.

Fashions change too quickly to ever look good a few years later so stick to plain clothes that don’t make too much of a statement. You’ll also be wearing the same clothes over and over again so don’t pack anything that stands out in your photos.

1x long black cotton dress

Every female traveller should have a long, black, cotton dress because they’re just so handy. A good quality dress that sits just above the ankle will travel with you all over the world and never look out of place.

This black maxi dress is from H&M and pretty much travels everywhere with me. They’re easy to pack, easy to wear, they’re comfy and they look sexy without showing any flesh.

2 x cover ups/shirts

You’ll need something to keep warm in the evenings and also to cover your shoulders when you’re out and about. Some kind of kimono/poncho style top or a loose shirt will work perfectly.

1 x pair of Havaiana flip flops + 1 x pair of Converse

All I took was one pair of Havi’s and a pair of Converse. I knew I wouldn’t be doing any serious trekking and I know I’m perfectly comfortable walking around in flip flops all day so why bother bulking up my bag with extra shoes? I actually didn’t wear my Converse but I think they’re worth having in case it rains.

It’s so worth investing in one pair of shoes that are suitable for evenings but a pair that you’re comfortable driving in, cycling in and walking long distances in.

I opt for skinny fit Havaianas in black with a gold tag. That gold tag somehow makes them seem a bit fancier.

1 x thin cardigan

It’s always nice to have a cardy for when you’re lucky enough to be in air conditioned spaces. I took a black cardigan so it matched all my outfits.

2 x large cotton scarves

A scarf will be your biggest lifesaver while you’re in India. You can use it to cover your arms, your chest, your head and your shoulders and there will be times when you’ll want to wrap your whole upper body in it to stop people staring.

I’ve put 2 scarves on the list because sometimes you’ll need to cover your head when you’re visiting religious sites. It’s also nice to have a spare one to use as a blanket or pillow during long journeys.

Small, cross-body bag

It’s best to have a small bag that goes over your shoulder that you can keep close to your body. Not only are bags like this easy to carry but it’s harder for pick-pockets to get into them.

Feel free to use a normal, small handbag – just because you’re travelling, it doesn’t mean you need to carry an ugly rucksack. If you prefer the ease of a backpack, take a look at my 50 stylish backpacks perfect for travelling .

Lots of accessories

All these plain, dark clothes get boring pretty quickly so I also packed heaps of jewelry and head scarves and picked some lovely things up along the way too.

My tips for clothing in India

• Unless you’re on the beach in Goa never show your cleavage or wear skirts and shorts above the knee
• I found that showing shoulders and wearing mid-calf dresses was fine
• Pack dark clothes – you will get dirty
• Keep clothes as plain as possible so they don’t look dated when you look at your photos in years to come
• Always carry a scarf or light cardigan to cover yourself up and in case it’s required in a religious building

 If you’ve travelled around India and have any other must-pack items to add to the list, let us know in the comments below.

My other blog posts from India:

My top tips for visiting the Taj Mahal – A must read if you plan to visit

What not to pack 10 unnecessary items every traveller thinks they need but I NEVER used

Are packing cubes worth it and do they really save space?

What to wear on a safari in India

How to survive sleeper trains in India

My experience taking an organised tour in India with Intrepid

Searching for tigers in Bandhavgarh National Park, India

Highlights from India

A magical candle and flower ceremony in Varanasi

Laughing yoga in India – Definitely recommended for a giggle

Instagramming India – It’s an amazingly Instagrammable country!

Here are some ideas for tours you can take in India to make the experience as simple and stress-free as possible. These are all bookable through GetYourGuide who offer affordable tours with local guides.

https://partner.getyourguide.com/en/widget?partnerId=668Z756&localeCode=en-US&currency=GBP&queryType=q&q=india&tourIds=&iata=&lat=&lon=&excludedTourIds=singapore&numberOfItems=&cmp=#playground

India: Tips for planning your holiday to Kerala

Monday 15th of June 2020

[…] What women should pack when travelling to India […]

Queen Bubbles

Saturday 6th of June 2020

One thing I did not see mentioned was about feminine protection. It is very hard to buy tampons in India. It is not the custom. So if that is important to you, plan before you go. Wish I would have known.

Saturday 22nd of June 2019

Being an Indian and having lived in Bangalore all my life, I must say the policy of “staring” in India is really bad. I’ve experienced it too and I hate it. I understand it must be a lot more for all of you since you’re foreigners. I agree that dressing according to occasion/place (beach, city/town, temple etc) is the need of the hour. For you and even us locals. However, I strongly disagree with the part that Indians don’t wear anything above the knee. I’m in my twenties. My friends, cousins and even older relatives enjoy wearing dresses, sleeveless, crop tops, skinny jeans and skirts. We’re big on international fashion and frankly, I wear “local” only when I visit a wedding or a temple. You should check out the fashion blogging scene in Indian, it’s super advanced and can match international standards. So to give people tips on what to wear is great but please don’t generalise that all indians dress this way. All major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune etc are quite modern, fashion wise. That said, I hope you have a great experience in our country. And also meet people like us, who love to dress up.

TheTravelHack

Sunday 23rd of June 2019

Hi Nikita, thanks so much for your comment! I hadn't seen any women in short dresses or crop tops so that's great to know.

Chris Hatton

Monday 6th of August 2018

I used to go to school with you, so it was surprise to see your face pop up at the bottom of this page. I hope you are well!! Great advice...for my GF :) If you have any top top tips for India, Nepal, Vietnam, China, Cambodia and Thailand, let me know.

Tuesday 7th of August 2018

Hi Chris! Great to hear from you! If you're looking for Vietnam tips, check out Vicky Flip Flop's blog. She has a great itinerary on there I've recommended to a few people and they've followed every word and loved it. I was in Thailand back in 2010 so I'm sure it's changed a bit now but Koh Sok National Park was one of my favourite places. If you're short on time, book tours to make the most of your trip - you'll see so much more and save yourself a lot of hassle. I hope you have a great time!

Wednesday 26th of April 2017

Wonderful piece and very helpful. My question is about cost of clothing over there. What's the cost of say genie pants, scarves and tops from street venders vs stores? I'm looking inexpensive material that will last.

Thursday 27th of April 2017

These kinds of items barely cost anything but the quality is unlikely to be very good. The prices will be cheaper than the stores but you'll need to haggle for them a lot. I think the price really depends on your haggling skills!

DETAILED Female Packing List For India! What To Pack For India!

Categories Asia , India , Packing

‘What to pack for a trip to India as a woman?’ This is by far one of the biggest questions and worries females to India are going to face and ask before going to the colourful, crazy country of India!

I have spent over 1 year in India over the last 2 years on multiple solo trips and running my group tours for women in India , so I’ve had a lot of experience as to what to pack for India as a woman !

Female India Packing List

In this India travel blog post and India packing list for females , I detail a practical packing list for India of what is needed to travel to India which will cover you for all the must-see places in India like Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Kerala, Goa and even the mountains of Himachal Pradesh.

Basically, the places you’re likely to visit on your first time in India so you will feel comfortable as a woman travelling India because of the correct clothes you take!

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Best time to visit India

Before we get into this India travel blog, it’s worth thinking about the best time to visit India as the country gets very hot and wet in the middle of the year. November to March are the best times to visit both North & South India .

South India will be warmer than North India in the winter months of December and January, Delhi and further North actually get cold in these months but are still enjoyable to visit with the right clothing.

Outside these months, you can still visit but you’ll find that the heat and humidity will be much higher, especially as you go further South.

SIM CARD FOR INDIA

I really recommend having a sim card in India as it makes travel in India so much easier! You may have heard that it’s hard to get a sim card in India but you can get a sim card in Delhi Airport, read this post to see how to buy a sim card in Delhi Airport or if you fly in elsewhere 3 ways to buy a sim card in India and you’ll be connected in just a few hours!

WHAT TO WEAR IN INDIA

If you are a woman, here’s what I recommend you pack and wear in India . Technically you can wear what you like in India in most places but to get fewer stares and feel more comfortable, read my post!

DON’T GET SCAMMED IN DELHI

Most people arrive for the first time into Delhi and get scammed within a few hours! Read my Delhi Travel Tips to help you enjoy Delhi, and the best places to stay in Delhi which is so important!

Best Clothes to Pack for India

Below is my female India packing list detailing all the things I recommend packing for India.

If you’re wondering what to wear in India around the India dress code, read this post of mine to help you on that afterwards!

3 – 4 x Pairs of baggy trousers – full length or 3/4 length

Personally, I prefer 3/4 length pants when I pack for India to let some breeze in rather than full length but I do pack at least one pair of full-length trousers for overnight journeys and in places where it may get chilly, especially in the evenings, because India does get cold!

When it comes to what to wear in India as a female, my main advice is to ensure these trousers for India are light, airy and baggy . Firstly, to keep you as cool as possible, India isn’t always hot but generally, in many places like Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan it is hot and / or humid for a lot of the year.

Secondly, baggy trousers are much more modest. Skintight trousers will attract a lot more male attention to you as a foreign woman in India and I personally only wear skintight gym pants in certain parts of the country like Rishikesh , Dharamshala and Goa where a lot of foreigners visit and where yoga in India is popular.

Thirdly when visiting religious monuments you will need to have your knees covered and if you only have long pants for India or 3/4 length ones then you’ll never need to worry that you are not appropriately dressed .

Baggy trousers are pretty easy to find in the markets and shops in India so if you can’t find suitable ones at home you can go shopping in India. Many travellers will also wear the iconic South East Asia Elephant pants which make up the perfect outfit in India due to the light material and how baggy they are.

I really like H&M for their baggy and 3/4 length trousers and they are such a good price. Have a look at some options here!

4 – 5 x T-Shirts

T-shirts are great for India, you know that your shoulders are covered and your chest which is what I recommend for a woman travelling to India. They can keep you cool in the hot weather but still covered and modest.

1 – 2 x Tank Tops

I say that t-shirts are your best friend in India . Like needing to cover your knees, in India, you need to cover your shoulders to enter religious monuments and they are much more modest than tank tops which not only show your shoulders but may show more back and chest too.

Although there is nothing wrong with wearing tank tops in India so if you’re thinking what to pack for India in Summer, you can always take a shawl in your bag for when you need to cover your shoulders, I find that in hot places although having a tank top on is a bit cooler, with a shawl on top, it becomes hotter than just a t-shirt which is why on my second trip to India when deciding what to pack for India as a female, I opted to carry way more t-shirts this time.

Modesty-wise again, I notice that I feel much more comfortable in a t-shirt in India  as the best tops to wear in India with short capped sleeves and a baggy fit so I know my shoulders are covered and probably, most importantly, that all of my chest is covered too and the t-shirts are not too tight over my boobs.

That said, 1-2 tank tops should also be on your packing list for India too in case it is very hot somewhere and in some places, it’s totally ok to wear them. Tank tops like this from H&M are good!

Related Post: Are you still working out where to visit in India? Here are 24 places in India perfect for your first trip and a Golden Triangle India Itinerary for 1 Week in India!

1 – 2 x Dresses

If you’re a woman who likes to wear dresses and skirts instead of trousers then put these in your bag when packing for India, as long as they aren’t too short, or pack some cheap simple black leggings to wear under them if they are short.

I find that it’s possible to wear a nice dress with leggings and / or a t-shirt underneath which looks nice but is modest too and perfect for female travel to India.

Bright, modest dresses are perfect for wearing to the Taj Mahal!

I really like H&M for their long and modest dresses to wear in India. Click here to have a look at options!

A jumper/sweatshirt/hoodie is needed for India because it does get cold! You might need it for overnight journeys or in the mornings when it’s still cold.

1 x Long-sleeved thin top

Some days you’ll be sweating in India and wondering why you’re carrying a jumper and long-sleeved warm top because ‘does it get cold in India??’ yes it does and it’s likely you’ll need them. People love air-con in India which is understandable but what’s not is how cold it can get.

Night buses and night trains, which are are the best way to travel around India can get particularly cold in the middle of the night with the air con on, and so can some cafes.

A long sleeved top like this is a good idea!

If you decide to head North into the mountains or even to Varanasi in the late Autumn / Winter months the mornings will be pretty chilly before it heats up for the day and in some cases, these Northern places will remain cold all day in Winter, sometimes with snow!

1 x Packable Coat

When you’re thinking of what to pack for India, a coat may not be on your travel essentials for India list but for the same reasons as above I recommend taking a coat to India too, I know it might sound crazy but I have taken a Uniqlo Packable Ultra Light Down Coat like this twice to India with me.

I’ve worn it multiple times and always thanked myself for packing it, it’s light, doesn’t take up much room and is warm when I need it. So add this to your India packing list!

1 x Packable Rain Jacket

This will depend on when you visit India, if you are visiting during the summer monsoon seasons then pack a waterproof rain jacket as you’ll probably need it.

I have a packable rain jacket like this , to be fair I’ve barely used my rain jacket in India but I hold onto it because of the other places I’ll visit in Asia and it’s very small and lightweight, so unless you know it will be wet when you visit India, you could risk going without this.

Gym Clothes

If you think you’ll do yoga in India, do a lot of hiking in India or just want to work out in your room (something I’m trying to do but tend to fail at) then pack some activewear because you can wear gym pants, a sports bra and gym top to a yoga class in India in most places so pack this as you please but I’d say 1-2 outfits max is enough  because I would not recommend wearing tight sportswear in India unless you are hiking or going to a yoga class. This is not an outfit to wear in the cities of India as a female.

Doing yoga in India can get hot and sweaty so to help with the heat, especially in Goa, I’d recommend taking custom bandanas and face masks for your classes as well as taking a small towel to put down on your mat.

Look for the best flights to India here!

I use Skyscanner to book all of my flights! I’m a huge fan of Skyscanner because I love how easy it is to compare different dates and routes to help me find the best flight at the best price! 

Open Skyscanner by clicking here and search for the best flights as you read this post.

1 – 2 x Shawls

At least one shawl is a must-pack item for India to cover yourself up, in some areas you’ll feel like you need it more than in others. If you like to mix up the colours then two shawls are a good idea  to add to your travel checklist for India but if you’re trying to pack minimally for India, one is enough. Just make sure these are light materials and will be comfortable in the heat.

If you can’t find appropriate ones at home, wait until you get to India and go shopping in the best markets in India. These are also great if you go somewhere colder as they then act as a scarf!

2 – 3 x Pairs of Socks

I live in sandals in India, more on that below, so socks are only needed when I wear shoes, for the odd overnight journey to keep my feet warm or if I suddenly end up in a cold place and need them which is why I only pack a few pairs.

10 x Underwear

I usually pack about 10 pairs of underwear as this means I don’t need to do washing too often but the amount you pack is up to you and may change whether you’re on holiday in India for a short time or backpacking India for a longer time.

I find black underwear the best when travelling long term as often things can get stained and dyed in the wash so you’re safe with black!

BOOKING TRAINS IN INDIA

India is best travelled by train because its the quickest, cheapest and best way of getting to know the country. For an EASY option of booking trains in India use 12GO to search and book trains really easily. If you’ll be in India for awhile, you can use the local booking system, it’s a bit tricker but possible, here’s my post on how to book trains in India as a tourist .

BEST ACCOMMODATION IN INDIA

I always use Booking.com to book my hotels in India and Hostelworld to book my hostels . India has a great range of accommodation with brilliant hostel chains like Moustache, Zostel and Backpacker Panda as well as homestays to luxury hotels.

GUIDED TOURS IN INDIA

Many cities in India are best seen with a guide , even if it’s just a half day tour on your first day . Cities in India are chaotic and complex and what better way to taste the food and get to know the city than with a local. I recommend Get Your Guide & Viator for the best tours in India!

For me, my PJs in India are a tank top and shorts which does me well. If I go somewhere colder then I have many T-shirts, a long-sleeved top and long trousers I can wear. I don’t pack extras for pj’s as this takes up too much room!

Beach Clothes for Goa or Kerala

I know this is general but if you are going to the beaches of Goa or Kerala on your trip to India and you’re wondering what to wear in Goa? Well, you can wear the same clothes as you would wear on a beach in Thailand or Sri Lanka . Bikinis are fine, dresses are fine and shorts are fine. You may get more looks on the beaches in Goa than in Thailand from the Indian people who are also on holiday there and may not be used to seeing women with as much skin on show, but it is very normal to wear normal beach clothes in Goa so add these to your Goa Packing List. The same with the beaches in Kerala, for example, Varkala.

Unless you are going to Goa or the beaches in Kerala it’s unlikely you’ll need shorts or more than one piece of swimwear elsewhere in India so to help you pack light for India, leave these at home!

Best Shoes to Pack for India

Thr right shoes in India are key! Don’t go bringing fashion sandals or trainers to India because you’ll walk so far and its so dusty in places, they won’t be good for you at all!

1 x Sturdy Sandals

These are the best shoes to pack for India ! Unless you go somewhere that is cold in India, it’s likely you will want your feet out, but the traffic is crazy in India, there’s always people overtaking, there’s mostly no pavements and your feet can feel very vulnerable. Not only that, but you also need to watch where you step as there’s a lot of cow dung around!

I never wear flip flops to walk around outside in India whereas I always do in South East Asia. In India, you need sandals with a thick sturdy base, a good grip and straps so they don’t fall off or cause you to trip as you rush across the road. Birkenstock Sandals are a good idea. I personally live in Keen Sandals like this which have survived over 1 year of full-time travel and full-time use.

I also recommend packing good travel sandals on an India packing list for males as well as on an India packing list for females.

1 x Flip Flops

I always take a pair of flip flops with me and I’m a Haviana’s girl even when packing for India. I like to wear them around my accommodation, and into the bathroom, if its a shared or questionably clean bathroom, but this item is of course up to you whether you pack them or not.

1 x Trainers / Walking Shoes

A pair of covered shoes which you can walk far in is a must-pack item for India . There are so many opportunities to hike in India and if this is what you want to do here then walking shoes will probably be best. I again live in Keen walking shoes .

If hiking isn’t on your radar I’d still recommend packing a pair of trainers, but leave your fancy white converse at home! A packing tip for you is that black trainers are the best colour trainers to take backpacking as they go with every outfit and don’t show the dirt!

Toiletries to Pack for India

The important thing to note when thinking about what toiletries to pack for India is that you can buy all toiletries in India . In fact, I prefer buying my toiletries in India because I love their Himalaya Wellness Brand which is made from Ayurvedic herbs.

I personally pack shampoo, conditioner and soap bars  rather than bottles as a way to pack sustainably for India because the bars reduce my waste, they last much longer and are much smaller to carry. I carry all 3 bars in a lunchbox like this which keeps them together.

I use this hanging toiletry bag   which is so helpful and my top backpacking essential as in most bathrooms you don’t have much space to put toiletries, it’s also really good quality. In here I pack facewash, toothpaste, toothbrush, eye contact solution, face and body moisturiser .

Again, all of these things you can easily buy in India so don’t pack huge bottles as they will take up too much space.

Regarding travelling on your period, I use a Menstrual cup  which I love, you can get sanitary towels in India and I think you can get tampons but they’re harder to find. I just love menstrual cups for helping us reduce our one use waste, and you can keep them in for so much longer than a pad or tampon which is great if you end up on a long journey on your period in India. If you’re not yet a menstrual cup convert, here’s the travel menstrual cup I use and recommend !

I do carry a small bottle of suncream but apart from when I’m on the beach I don’t wear it much in India, it often feels like the sun doesn’t get through the polluted city skies! But that’s just my personal preference.

Mosquitos can be bad in some parts of India and during certain times of the year so strong  mosquito spray  like this is good but you can just get it in the shops in India if you need it.

I pack a very small bag of makeup when I’m backpacking. The 3 make up items I use the most are foundation, eyebrow pencil and blusher.

Related Post? Are you still working out where to visit in India? Here are 24 places in India perfect for your first trip !

Travel Essentials for India

Other helpful items I pack for India are a reusable water bottle as many hotels and hostels in India provide filtered water which is great meaning you don’t have to buy bottled water, and packing some metal straws is also a good idea so you can say ‘no straw please’ when you order a drink.

I did use a filtered lifestraw bottle in India on my first trip so I didn’t have to buy any plastic bottles. I have seen many other travellers use these in India too.

Personally, after I got a bad stomach in India which lasted a long time, I decided to stop using it to be on the totally safe side, but if you want to reduce your plastic use, a filtered water bottle like Lifestraw is good. Here’s my full review on the bottle .

All hotels in India will give you a towel, some hostels will too but I always take a quick-dry, foldable towel with me as part of my ultralight backpacking gear, so add this to your India packing list for backpacking.

I also pack all of these 18 Backpacking Essential Items  which are things like a washing line, portable charger, good locks etc so check this list out too I pack all 18 items for India!

I pack a few medical items  for India like sickness and diarrhoea  tablets, charcoal tablets (also for a bad tummy but are not as strong as the likes of Imodium) plasters and paracetamol.

Keep in mind though that in the cities and the tourist towns there are pharmacies everywhere and the tablets are much cheaper than buying them at home so I don’t carry too many as I know I can stock up in the pharmacies in India when I need to.

Additionally, because I got rather ill with Delhi Belly during my first visit to India I now take probiotic tablets  daily. I started taking them before I got to India and still take them in India and I think they are travel essentials for India. 

They are great because they do not need to be refrigerated (like most probiotics do) and are really good for general gut health which is important for staying healthy in India.

You don’t really need to think about food to pack for India as the food in India is so good, but if I’m visiting a country from home I always like to take some cereal bars to snack on whilst I get used to where to buy food in a new country and what to eat!

Electronics to Pack for India

One big misconception is that’s it’s not safe to pack technology and electronics for a trip to India incase they get stolen because I can tell you that it is safe! Theft is not in the culture in India and once you’ve been here for a while you’ll think it was crazy you ever doubted whether your phone, camera and laptop would be safe.

I remember thinking maybe I shouldn’t carry a fancy camera in busy places in India like markets but in reality, no one cares, nearly everyone here has a smartphone and you’re totally safe with a laptop in India and getting it out in a cafe or hostel in India.

So what electronics to bring to India? Well, pack all the technology for India you usually would for another trip . Don’t leave anything because you’re worried it might be stolen. Drones can also be used in many places in India if you’re into photography or videography and want to get another look at the country!

For your technology, an important India packing tip to know is that plugs in India do not always fit the usual Asia plug type, although many will in hotels and will also accept the two-pin European plugs. This is the type of plug adapter you need in India .

HELP WITH YOUR INDIA ITINERARY

I’ve spent many months travelling India in the last few years visiting over 50 places around the country, here are my recommended itinerary posts for India to help you plan your trip!

2 WEEK INDIA ITINERARY, PERFECT FOR YOUR FIRST TRIP!

2 WEEK SOUTH INDIA ITINERARY – GOA & KERELA

1 MONTH NORTH INDIA ITINERARY IDEAS!

1 MONTH SOUTH INDIA ITINERARY IDEAS!

2 MONTH INDIA ITINERARY IN THE NORTH & SOUTH

MY 4 MONTH INDIA ITINERARY!

24 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN INDIA!

Backpack or Suitcase for travelling to India?

Should I take a backpack or suitcase to India? That’s the question many will have, and my answer is a backpack .

I mean, you can travel to India with a suitcase and most Indian people that are travelling the country themselves take a suitcase which means there is plenty of room for them on trains and tourist buses (not so much public buses) but depending on the type of accommodation you stay in you may need to walk upstairs with no lift or down small tracks and in my opinion, a backpack is best for this.

I use the Osprey Farpoint 70L Backpack  and have done for over a year and I’m happy with it (it says it’s a mens backpack but it’s fine for me!). I particularly love the attached day pack which I use as my general day pack all the time so I recommend this as the best travel backpack for India.

If you want to take a smaller backpack to India, Osprey does a  Women’s 40L Backpack which will be great as you can take it on the plane as hand luggage only too which is another recommended backpacks for women India.

I also love this 45L Pacsafe Carry On Backpack which has extra security but is also just a great size and design for backpacking India with!

I use this waterproof cover over my backpack in India which fits the Osprey backpack perfectly and I actually use it more so that the bag doesn’t get too dirty or ruined in transit.

One of the all round top packing tips to help keep your clothes to pack for India tidy and keep all of your backpacking gear together, is to use packing cubes like this .

I also carry a canvas bag and a bum bag in case I need to take a smaller bag out for the day or evening, these really don’t take much space and come in handy when I need them.

Related Post:  What To Look For When Choosing and Buying A Backpack For Travelling!

And that’s your packing guide for India and travelling to India checklist.

I hope this list helps you understand what to pack for a trip to India and what to take to India.

If you’re still looking for inspiration on where to visit in India, here’s my recommended 2 week India itinerary , 2 month India itinerary and where I went during my first 4 months in India .

HERE ARE ALL MY INDIA BLOG POSTS.

• More of my Must Read India Posts to Help You See India in the Best Way!
• 24 Places to Visit in India Perfect For Your First Trip to India!
• Golden Triangle India Itinerary for 1 Week in India!
• A 2 Week India Itinerary For Your First Trip To India!
• 2 Month India Itinerary Visiting North & South India!
• Top Tourist Scams In India & How To Avoid Them!
• How To Get a Sim Card in India as a Tourist. 3 Easy Ways!
• How to Apply for E-Visa for India!

If you liked this please share it! 🙂

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Thursday 31st of August 2023

Hi Ellie, I'm just prepping for a 3/4 month trip around India so this packing list is extremely helpful, thank you!! I just had a question, we're booking trains in at the moment. Which class of train do you find you feel most comfortable travelling in as a woman. I've heard second AC class is fine, but just wondered what your insight was! I'm not travelling solo, it will be me and my sister, but still two young women. Thanks!

TheWanderingQuinn

Friday 1st of September 2023

Hello, I'm so glad you found my post helpful. I have lots more content on here too for India. Second Class a/c is totally fine. I think it's better than 1st Class as they'll be more families in there whereas it's more business men in 1st Class. I trust you'll be fine in 1st class too but I think the atmosphere of 2nd class a/c is comfortable.

Enjoy your trip! :)

• GENERAL TRAVEL

Look Like a Local: What to Wear in India

The GoAbroad Writing Team is a collection of international travel writers with decades of experie...

• While Abroad
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India is an incredibly diverse and vibrant country that is continuously changing and growing as the years go by. From the Himalayan mountains to the Indian ocean’s coastline, the weather and the climate vary from region to region. No matter if you’re planning on studying , interning , working , or adventuring abroad in India , it is important to be aware of the local dress code and what to wear in India.

What visitors in India are expected to wear differs depending on the location, but Indian culture values modesty—so trust that the dress code in India for tourists and meaningful travelers follows suit. If you travel to a large city, you may be able to get away with slight variations on how to dress in India. However, it’s best to always err on the side of caution (and research), so take a look at the following advice on what to wear in India :

Tips to dress to look more like a local in India

1. cover yourself.

Parts of India, especially small or religious towns, feel that showing skin is provocative. Both men and women travelers should have pants and avoid tank tops as clothes to wear in India. In India, attire for women (if you really want to look like a local) includes long skirts that go down to the ankle instead of pants. While T-shirts are acceptable, always err on the side of modesty. Pack plenty of long-sleeved shirts; not only will you be showing respect, but you’ll also be protecting yourself from the sun and those pesky mosquitoes.

Dressing modestly (and colorfully) is in India’s dresscode!

2. Pack Light

Since the temperatures can soar during the summer months in India, be sure to pack light-weight cotton shirts and trousers. Just because it’s recommended you wear pants and long sleeves doesn’t mean you need to be uncomfortable. Speaking of packing light, India is one country that you shouldn’t overpack for. Laundry and clothes are cheap, so plan on washing and re-wearing your duds often and you’ll be able to buy new clothes if what you packed isn’t acceptable for what to wear in India. 

Pack lightly to save some room for clothes you’ll buy on your adventure in India!

3. Traditional Can Be Good

Yes, you are trying to look like a local, but this doesn’t always mean wearing traditional clothing in your country of choice. However, in India, buying and wearing traditional pieces is a good idea, especially if you plan on visiting temples and other religious sites. For women, saris, churidars, and kurtas are all good options. A sari is unstitched cloth that is wrapped around your body. Unless you’re living with a host family that can teach you how this works, you might be better off purchasing a kurta and churidar. A kurta is a long tunic that can be worn with churidar, or leggings that bunch at the ankle. For men, light-weight shirts and trousers can be found at a bargain in most cities.

Traditional is colorful in India

4. Loosen Up

When in India, you shouldn’t only aim to cover your skin, but you should also be sure that your clothes aren’t clinging to your skin. The dress code in India for tourists and meaningful travelers plays fast and loose. Dressing modestly means not showing all of your curves or muscles. To be respectful and ward off any unwanted attention, pack loose-fitting clothes. This doesn’t mean you need to travel in a shirt twice your size; just leave the skin-tight stuff at home.

Loose-fitting clothes are the norm here!

5. Heads up on Religious Sites

This tip is an important one in regards to how to dress in India. Some religious sites have specific requirements on what visitors can wear upon entering. For example, in Sikh temples, it is disrespectful to enter with an uncovered head. Luckily, many sites have scarves for visitors to borrow, but you can bring your own if you have one. In some Hindu temples, leather is prohibited. This includes belts, so do your research ahead of time and prepare accordingly. All religious sites require shoes to be left outside and knees and shoulders to be covered.

Incredible sites like the Taj Mahal are not to be missed – Make sure you’re prepared!

Suggested travel programs in India

If you’re looking into how to dress in India because you want to gain some meaningful travel insight, consider jumping into one of these programs and making your dream adventure come true: 

• AIFS - Study abroad in the modern city of Hyderabad and dive right into life in India. While earning up to 16 credits for school, participants also get to go on excursions to incredible cultural locations including Delhi, Agra, and Mumbai.
• Volunteering Solutions - Volunteer in Delhi, India, and really get immersed in the local culture. With this program, participants work at a children’s orphanage where they exchange cultural views and offer love, support, compassion, and education.

Be “In” with India

Like with any new country, it is important to research and know the ins and the outs ahead of time, so that you’re fully prepared to immerse yourself in the new culture (and so you know what to wear in India). As long as you remember that modesty is the hottest key to success when figuring out how to dress in India, you’re golden. Pack these clothes to wear in India in your carry-on and adventure to the Burj Khalifa and beyond!

Review Your India Travel Program Now

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