India Packing Tips
India Handbags
Below is a list of general India packing tips that I put together after one of my trips.
You will need to pack different things depending on where you go in India and for how long, but this list will serve as a good foundation for your packing.
NB: If at all possible, pack lightly enough that you don’t have to check a bag on your incoming flight. Baggage claim in many of India’s international airports is painfully slow, and it can take well over two hours to collect your checked bags upon landing.
India Packing List
Clothing to Pack for India
- T-shirts and light-weight trousers (Plenty of hotels have inexpensive laundry facilities, so don’t feel the need to bring something for every day. Make sure your clothing is appropriate for a more conservative cultural environment.)
- Undergarments
- Sandals / flip flops (good for days when you will visit temples or other sites where you have to remove shoes before entering)
- Head covering or hat for sunny days and religious sites
- Sunglasses
- Light sweater or jacket for cool nights (in winter)
- Warm clothes (if going to the Himalayas)
- Light colored long-sleeved shirts for evenings (especially in severe malaria areas)
- Bathing suit (some hotel pools allow non-guests to swim for a fee)
- Dark or neutral colored clothing for safaris (your brights may deter the animals and your whites will get dirty with all the dust)
- Closed toed shoes and socks
Toiletries to Pack for India
- Insect repellent
- Liquid hand disinfectant / disinfectant wipes
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo, conditioner, and soap (if you are staying at anything less than a 5 star hotel)
- Toilet paper
- Prescription medications (with the prescriptions in case you need them)
- OTC pain killers and anti-diarrheal tablets
- Malaria pills
- Feminine products
Printed Items, Documents, and Cards to Pack for India
- Passport with visa
- Photocopies of passport and visa
- Photo ID (for leaving as collateral for audioguides at museums)
- At least one international credit card
- ATM card
- Extra cash for changing in emergencies (USD, EUR, GBP are best)
- Printed copies of all hotel, train, airline, and tour reservations
- Business / personal cards to give to people you meet
Electronics to Pack for India
- Alarm clock
- Calculator (if you need help with currency conversion)
- Adapters / chargers for your electronics
- Mobile phone (you can buy a pre-paid SIM at most airports)
- Camera
- Extra memory cards for your camera
Books to Pack for India
- Books (many hotels have lending libraries or book exchanges)
- Guidebook
- Phrase book
- Journal
Extras to Pack for India
- Mosquito net (especially if you stay in hostels or budget hotels)
- Pillow case (especially if you stay at hostels)
- Ear plugs
- Chain and bag lock (for train travel if you plan to sleep)
- Small first aid kit