If you want to pack efficiently for India, throw out all the rules. Here’s what you really need for a comfortable trip.
Stepping off the train in Jaipur after a journey from Delhi, I inch my way closer to the exit packed with passengers trying to dismount and board all at once. Carrying a 50L backpack, as well as small daypack strapped to the front of my chest, makes maneuvering through the crowd of women in bright silk saris and men in freshly pressed pants a challenge.
On the platform – awash with the smells of rosewater perfume, deep-fried snacks and burning brush in the distance – I really start to sweat under the unforgiving midday sun and the weight of all my belongings sinks into my shoulders. I consider that perhaps I didn’t need four pairs of shoes or as many tops as I packed.
After two months in India – five weeks spent backpacking Rajasthan, three of them as part of Intrepid’s South India Revealed trip – I confess: I overpacked.
If you want to pack efficiently for India, throw out all the rules you usually follow. For starters, what you need to pack for India will definitely vary depending on when you go and what you do, whether you’re sightseeing through the Golden Triangle route of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur or embarking on an active adventure like trekking in the Himalayas; dealing with high heats and humidity, or the ensuring monsoons.
But broadly speaking, here’s what you really need for a comfortable trip through the subcontinent and a general overview to help you get started.
Long sleeves to beat the heat
It seems counter-intuitive, but lightweight, long sleeves do a better job of protecting from the sun and heat than short sleeves or tank tops. Throw a button-down shirt in your backpack, too. It’s easy to pull on over a t-shirt or tank top before entering temples. If you go between the months of October to March, you’ll be thankful your arms are covered when the sun is beating down.
Loose fitting, breathable clothing
Leave the skinny jeans at home. It’s far more comfortable to wear long skirts, loose-fitting pants and airy t-shirts. Want to go shopping? Kurtas for men and women (tunics that range from calf-length to shorter mid-thigh versions) are extremely easy to find, ultra affordable and comfortable. When in doubt, if yuo’re travelling on a small-group trip, lean on your local leader to know where to go to get what you need. It’s a win-win: you get new clothes and you support the local economy.
You’ll see plenty of women all over the country wearing a range of colours and styles over leggings, and most men in jeans or khakis. For women, I highly recommend bringing breathable running or yoga leggings to wear under long t-shirts or tunics.
Dress modestly
Long skirts or pants along with modest tops will blend in and are required when visiting temples. Remember, both men and women need to cover shoulders and knees when entering religious sites. In addition, if you are visiting a Jain temple, no leather is allowed. Having extra layers in a day bag is a safe bet, you never know when you might wander by a temple during your free time away from the group you want to pop into.
Sunscreen
Apply liberally as the smog often masks the intensity of the sun.
Read more: An expert’s guide to India for first-time travellers
Scarf
Repeat after me: bring one. Actually, bring two. There will be times when you’ll want to drape it around your shoulders and arms to enter temples and other times when it comes in handy as a wrap for cool nights, or even to loosely put over your face during rickshaw rides.
Comfortable shoes
Roads are dusty and you’ll likely be climbing stone ruins at some point. Dark-coloured sneakers are the most practical and comfortable. Throw in a pair of sturdy flip-flops or slide-on sandals for shorter walks or coastal towns, or for days when there are temple visits, when you need to remove shoes before entering.
Read more: A rickshaw ride that puts women in the driver’s seat
Train kit
If you go to India, you’ll want to hop on a train to really get a taste of daily local life. It’s a memorable and social experience, but one that requires a little bit of pre-packing. Bring a small bag of toiletries for these journeys, toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitiser and snacks.
Electronics
Bring a portable charger, especially for long bus rides. And don’t forget a plug adapter and even an extra phone charging cord. It was so hot on my trip I had one partially melt in the sun
Bug spray
Depending on the area and time of year, mosquitoes can range from slight nuisance to a serious problem. You’ll definitely want to have some spray with you if you’re hopping on a safari through the north’s national parks or exploring the backwaters of Kerala.
Read more: Everything you need to know about overnight trains in India
Dry shampoo
On long journeys and action-packed days, dry shampoo is your best beauty friend, especially when you’re camping out in the Thar Desert.
Medication
Always consult your doctor before a trip to ensure you have the right vaccines and any necessary emergency medication or asthma inhalers. In addition, bring over-the-counter remedies for Delhi belly, headaches, cold medication and rehydration powder in case of dehydration.
A book
Or three. When not zig-zagging through ancient ruins or grand palaces, there will be downtime on buses and trains. A good book is a welcome companion.
Snack bag
My fellow passengers chuckled, but I always carry a few snacks like biscuits or chips and a sturdy spork to ensure I have clean utensils if a sudden street-food craving comes on.
Water bottle
Plastic is a problem all over the world, so avoiding buying plastic water bottles is essential when travelling. Hotels are good spots to refill a reusable water bottle – or just ask your local leader what the safest sources are for drinking water.
Read more: Five Rajasthan cities you should visit in India
The ultimate packing list:
After reassessing my trip, here’s what I’d highly recommend in terms of quantity of clothing – keep in mind you can do laundry during the trip.
- A long skirt (to cover knees)
- A maxi dress
- A pair loose or khaki pants (two to three pairs for men in lieu of skirts/dresses)
- A long-sleeve, cotton button-down shirt
- Some shirts
- A tank top
- Some tunics (bought in India – one short sleeve, one long sleeve)
- Several pairs of quick-dry leggings/yoga pants
- Underwear, of course (one sports bra, one regular for ladies)
- A week’s worth of quick-dry socks
- Scarves (buy them in India)
- A lightweight sweater for travel and the evenings
- A bathing suit
- A comfortable pair trainers
- A pair flip flops or walking sandals
- A pair shorts (only if you are in the south and plan on spending time on the beach).
Now you’ve got the gear, check out Intrepid’s range of small-group tours in India.
