India · Packing Guide

India Packing List
What to pack for every region & season

India is a continent disguised as a country — you can freeze in Ladakh and swelter in Kerala in the same week. Use this guide to pack for the regions on your route, not just the season, plus the cultural essentials that first-time visitors always miss.

Universal essentials for India

Whether you're headed for the Himalayas or the beaches, these go in every bag. Bring the smallest travel-size versions you can — refills are cheap and widely available in Indian cities.

Documents & money

Passport with 6+ months validity + 2 blank pages
Required at check-in and hotel registration.
Printed e-Visa copy
Immigration and some hotels ask for a physical copy.
Two colour passport photos
SIM card registration and permit paperwork.
Photocopies of passport & visa, stored separately
Backup if the original is lost or stolen.
Credit/debit cards + ₹5,000–10,000 in cash
UPI is universal but cash is essential in rural areas and small shops.
Travel insurance policy (with medical evacuation)
Hospitals ask upfront; medical evac from remote areas is expensive.

Electronics

Universal Type D/M adapter (2–3)
India runs 230V/50Hz on round-pin sockets.
Power bank (10,000 mAh+)
Long train rides and power cuts in smaller towns.
Local eSIM or SIM (Airtel or Jio)
Roaming is expensive; local data is cheap and fast.
Camera + spare battery + memory cards
Indian light is spectacular, especially at dawn.
Headphones (noise-cancelling helpful)
Trains, buses and rickshaws are loud.

Health & first aid

Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
The single most useful item for tummy trouble.
Anti-diarrhoeal (loperamide) + probiotics
Delhi belly is common; treat it early.
Broad-spectrum antibiotic (doctor-prescribed)
For persistent stomach bugs — get advice before travel.
Antihistamines and any personal prescription meds
Bring enough for the whole trip in original packaging.
Plasters, antiseptic wipes and blister patches
Long walking days on uneven surfaces.
Motion-sickness tablets
Mountain roads and long taxi rides.
Sunscreen SPF 50+, insect repellent, hand sanitiser
Buy travel sizes; refills are widely available.

Region-by-region packing lists

If you're crossing regions in one trip (say Delhi → Himalayas → Goa), combine the lists and drop repeats. Layer everything.

Himalayas & the North (Ladakh, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim)

Best: Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct · Cold nights year-round; 0–5°C at altitude, sub-zero in winter

Thermal base layers (top + bottom), 2 sets
Fleece or wool mid-layer
Insulated down jacket (rated to -5°C or lower)
Waterproof, windproof outer shell
Trekking trousers + one warm pair for evenings
Woollen hat, buff/neck gaiter, insulated gloves
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots + wool socks (3–4 pairs)
UV400 sunglasses — glare on snow is intense
SPF 50+ sunscreen and SPF lip balm (thin air = fast burn)
Diamox / Acetazolamide (talk to your doctor for altitude sickness)
Insulated water bottle (plastic freezes)
Headlamp with spare batteries

Local tip: Altitude changes everything. In Leh (3,500 m) and above, drink 3–4 L of water daily and take it slow for the first 48 hours. Layer, don't bulk — you'll shed layers by mid-morning and add them by 4pm.

Cities & Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Bengaluru)

Best: Oct–Mar · Warm days 20–32°C, cool mornings Nov–Feb (5–15°C in Delhi)

Loose cotton or linen kurtas, shirts, palazzos or trousers (5–7 pieces)
One light sweater or shawl for December–January mornings
Comfortable, closed walking shoes for pavements and forts
Easy slip-on sandals for temples and homes (you'll remove them often)
Scarf or dupatta for temples, gurdwaras and dusty commutes
N95 or KN95 mask (Delhi/NCR air quality Nov–Feb)
Sunglasses, cap or wide-brim hat
Small crossbody bag with a zipper (theft-resistant)
Refillable water bottle with filter (LifeStraw / Grayl)
Hand sanitiser and pocket tissues (public restrooms rarely have paper)
Universal Type D/M plug adapter
Compact umbrella (year-round; sudden showers in Mumbai and Bengaluru)

Local tip: Dress modestly outside luxury hotels — cover shoulders and knees at heritage sites and religious buildings. Delhi winter mornings are colder than most people expect; carry a jacket for 6am Taj Mahal visits.

Coast & Backwaters (Kerala, Goa, Andamans, Tamil Nadu coast)

Best: Nov–Feb · Hot, humid 25–33°C; monsoon Jun–Sep with heavy afternoon rain

Ultra-light cotton or linen T-shirts, 5–7
Loose shorts and beach dresses (beach areas only; not for temples)
Swimwear + a modest coverup for walking to/from the beach
Quick-dry sandals + one pair of walking shoes
Wide-brim hat, UV400 sunglasses, reef-safe SPF 50+
Strong mosquito repellent (DEET 30% or picaridin 20%)
Dry bag for phones, wallets and cameras on houseboats/boats
Rash guard + reef-safe sunscreen for snorkelling
Quick-dry travel towel
Lightweight scarf for AC restaurants and evening breezes
Anti-fungal powder for feet in humidity
Waterproof rain jacket if travelling Jun–Sep

Local tip: For Kerala specifically — see our full Kerala travel guide. Even in dry season, sudden pre-dawn showers happen. Beach etiquette is relaxed in Goa and Varkala but modest elsewhere; topless sunbathing is not accepted anywhere in India.

Desert & Rajasthan (Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Rann of Kutch)

Best: Nov–Feb · Winter days 20–28°C, nights 5–10°C; summer soars past 45°C

Long-sleeve cotton shirts (sun and dust protection)
Loose linen trousers — avoid dark colours (dust is beige and shows)
Warm layer for desert nights (fleece or wool sweater)
Buff or scarf to cover mouth and nose from sand
Sturdy closed shoes for fort climbs + sandals for camel rides
SPF 50+ sunscreen, high-SPF lip balm
UV400 wraparound sunglasses (dust blocking)
Refillable water bottle, minimum 1.5 L capacity
Small torch or headlamp (desert camps have limited lighting)
Lip balm and hand cream (air is very dry)
Ethnic mid-tones (mustard, terracotta, olive) photograph beautifully against sandstone

Local tip: Never travel to Rajasthan Apr–Jun unless you're prepared for 42–48°C afternoons. Desert nights in December can drop below 5°C — many first-time visitors underpack for the cold.

Packing by season

Summer (Apr–Jun)

35–45°C across the plains. Ultra-light cotton, high SPF, electrolytes, wide-brim hat. Head to the hills — Himachal, Uttarakhand, Ladakh — or skip India altogether if you can't handle the heat.

Monsoon (Jul–Sep)

Waterproof jacket (not just an umbrella — wind is strong), quick-dry synthetic clothing, waterproof phone pouch, sandals over shoes. Kerala and Meghalaya are magical; Rajasthan and Ladakh are best avoided due to flooding.

Winter (Nov–Feb)

Peak season. Delhi mornings 5–10°C, Himalayas sub-zero, coast 20–30°C. Layer: T-shirt + long-sleeve + fleece + down. Book accommodation early — this is when everyone travels.

Cultural etiquette & what to wear

Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites

Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras, mosques and many churches expect modest dress. A light cotton kurta or long-sleeve shirt plus trousers or a long skirt works everywhere. Carry a scarf — it doubles as a head-covering at gurdwaras and Sufi shrines.

You'll be barefoot often

Shoes come off at temples, homes and many small shops. Pack easy slip-on sandals — laces will slow you down 10 times a day. Bring cotton socks if temple floors feel too hot or cold underfoot.

Public affection is uncommon

Hand-holding is fine in cities; kissing and hugging in public draws stares outside beach resorts and metros. Same-sex hand-holding between friends is completely normal and unrelated to orientation.

Use your right hand for eating and giving

The left hand is traditionally considered unclean. Pass money, food and gifts with your right hand or both. This matters especially in traditional restaurants and villages.

Ask before photographing people

A smile and a gesture with your camera is enough. Never photograph inside temple sanctums, at security-sensitive sites, or airports and border areas.

Bargain — but keep it friendly

Markets, auto-rickshaws and souvenirs are all negotiable; hotels, taxis on meters, chain shops and restaurants are not. Start at 40–50% of the asking price and settle around 60–70%.

Frequently asked questions

What should I pack for a trip to India?

Pack light, breathable cotton or linen clothing that covers shoulders and knees, a scarf or shawl for temples, comfortable walking shoes plus easy slip-ons, SPF 50 sunscreen, DEET or picaridin mosquito repellent, a refillable water bottle with a filter, a universal Type D/M plug adapter, and a compact first-aid kit with oral rehydration salts. Add a fleece and light down jacket for the Himalayas, a rain jacket in monsoon (Jun–Sep), and modest swimwear plus a coverup for the beaches.

Help me pack for my trip to Kerala

For Kerala pack cotton T-shirts, loose linen trousers, one light sweater for Munnar mornings (10–15°C), quick-dry sandals and walking shoes, sunscreen, strong mosquito repellent, a scarf for temple visits and a dry bag for houseboat trips. In monsoon (Jun–Sep) swap the sweater for a waterproof rain jacket and rubber-soled shoes. See the Coast & Backwaters section below for the full checklist and our dedicated Kerala travel guide.

What clothes are appropriate to wear in India?

Modest, loose-fitting clothing is best. Women should cover shoulders and knees at temples, gurdwaras and mosques — a light cotton kurta, palazzo pants or a long skirt works everywhere. Men should wear long trousers at religious sites; shorts are fine at beaches and casual cafes. Carry a scarf or dupatta for head-covering at gurdwaras and some temples. Bright colours are welcomed; avoid tight, sheer or very short clothing outside beach resorts.

What plug type does India use?

India uses Type D and Type M sockets running on 230V/50Hz. A universal travel adapter covers both. Most modern chargers (phones, laptops, cameras) are dual-voltage, but check the label on hairdryers and stylers before plugging in — you may need a step-down converter.

Do I need a mosquito net for India?

Most hotels above budget level provide screens or nets. A personal pop-up net is worth it only for budget stays in rural areas, jungle lodges or monsoon travel in Kerala, the Andamans and the North-East. A strong DEET or picaridin repellent, long sleeves at dusk and permethrin-treated clothing matter more than a net for most itineraries.

Can I drink tap water in India?

No — tap water is not safe for visitors anywhere in India. Drink only sealed bottled water, filtered water from a reputable hotel, or water purified with a reliable filter bottle (LifeStraw, Grayl) or SteriPen. Avoid ice unless you're confident it's made from filtered water. Brush your teeth with bottled water for the first few days until your stomach adjusts.