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Essential Packing List for Travelling in India

Everything you need to pack for India's diverse climates and regions

Travelling in India – essential packing guide

India is a country of dramatic contrasts — from the freezing Himalayan passes to the tropical beaches of Goa, from the scorching Thar Desert to the monsoon-drenched hills of Kerala. Packing for India requires careful thought, but with the right preparation you'll be perfectly equipped for whatever the subcontinent throws at you.

The key principle for India packing is versatile layering. Rather than bringing one heavy coat, bring several lightweight layers that can be combined or removed as conditions change. India's transportation infrastructure means you'll often be carrying your bags yourself, so keeping weight to a minimum is a genuine priority.

Clothing

India's dress standards are more conservative than most Western countries, particularly outside the tourist resorts of Goa and the cosmopolitan cities. Modest clothing is both culturally respectful and practically necessary — many temples and religious sites refuse entry to visitors in shorts or sleeveless tops.

Hot & Tropical Regions

  • Lightweight cotton or linen shirts (loose-fitting)
  • Long trousers or cotton salwar (for temples)
  • Light cotton dress or skirt (below knee)
  • Breathable walking sandals
  • Wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Light scarf/dupatta (temple modesty + sun protection)

Himalayan & Cool Regions

  • Fleece mid-layer jacket
  • Lightweight down or synthetic puffer jacket
  • Thermal base layers (top & bottom)
  • Waterproof outer shell jacket
  • Sturdy trekking boots (broken in)
  • Warm hat and gloves
Pro Tip: You can buy excellent quality, inexpensive clothing in India. Lightweight cotton kurtas, printed shirts and salwar kameez sets are sold everywhere and are much better suited to the Indian climate than most Western clothing. Buy them when you arrive and travel lighter.

Electronics

Travel electronics for India – laptop, phone and camera essentials
  • Travel adapter: India uses Type D (3 round pins) and increasingly Type C (EU 2 pin). Bring a universal adapter.
  • Power bank: Essential for long journeys. 20,000mAh minimum recommended.
  • Unlocked smartphone: Get a local SIM at the airport (Airtel or Jio) — excellent 4G coverage at low cost.
  • Camera: India is extraordinarily photogenic. Bring more memory cards than you think you'll need.
  • Offline maps: Download Google Maps or Maps.me for regions you'll visit — invaluable when internet is poor.
  • Headphones: Noise-cancelling headphones transform long train journeys.
  • Torch/headlamp: Power cuts are common in smaller towns. Always have a reliable torch.
  • E-reader: Lighter than books and you'll have hours of reading time on Indian trains.

Documents

Essential travel documents for India – passport, visa and travel insurance

Valid passport (6 months beyond travel dates, 2 blank pages). Printed copy of your India eVisa approval. Keep 2 photocopies of your passport bio-data page stored separately from the original. Store a digital copy in cloud storage.

Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and personal liability. Print the policy document and note the emergency contact number. Medical evacuation from remote areas can cost tens of thousands of dollars without insurance.

Print copies of all flight tickets, hotel reservations and tour bookings. Indian immigration sometimes requests hotel contact details for the first night of stay. Store digital copies in a cloud folder accessible from your phone.

Notify your bank before travel to avoid your cards being blocked. Bring at least two cards (Visa and Mastercard widely accepted at ATMs). Carry some cash USD or EUR for emergencies. India's ATMs are widely available in cities but can be unreliable in rural areas. Keep emergency cash separate from your wallet.

First Aid Kit

Travel first aid kit for India – medicines and health essentials

India has good pharmacies in cities, but you may be far from one when you need it most. Bring a basic medical kit:

  • Oral rehydration salts (essential for stomach bugs)
  • Imodium / loperamide (traveller's diarrhoea)
  • Antihistamines (allergic reactions, insect bites)
  • Paracetamol and ibuprofen
  • Antacids and indigestion tablets
  • High-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • DEET insect repellent (50%+ concentration)
  • Water purification tablets or portable filter
  • Wound dressings and antiseptic wipes
  • Prescription medications (bring extra supply)
Health Advice: Visit a travel health clinic 6–8 weeks before departure to discuss vaccinations (Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus) and malaria prophylaxis for your specific itinerary.
Quick Reference

Essential Items Checklist

Valid passport + eVisa print
Travel insurance documents
2x bank cards (notify bank)
Phone + local SIM
Power bank
Universal travel adapter
Light cotton tops (3–4)
Long trousers or salwar
Small daypack or tote
Water bottle (refillable)
Sunscreen SPF 50+
Insect repellent (DEET)
Hand sanitiser
Oral rehydration salts
Flip flops (for hostels/showers)
Indian backpacker with well-packed bag – ready for an India adventure

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