India Packing List: What To Pack For India In 2024

Bradley Williams
Written By:
Bradley Williams
Last Updated:
June 13, 2024
Here's a sneak peak into our complete India packing list. Including what to pack for India in summer and winter to help you have an amazing trip!
India packing list

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!

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Our #1 Thing to travel with!
Travel insurance tip
Psst!! ... Do you have travel insurance sorted?

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

Why?

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

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Binoculars
Binoculars
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Skirts
Skirts
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Mosquito net
Mosquito net
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Saree
Saree
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Tweezers
Tweezers
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses

Women's Packing List

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Binoculars
Binoculars
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Skirts
Skirts
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Mosquito net
Mosquito net
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Saree
Saree
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Tweezers
Tweezers
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses

Travel essentials

First aid

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Binoculars
Binoculars
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Skirts
Skirts
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Mosquito net
Mosquito net
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Saree
Saree
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Tweezers
Tweezers
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses

Toiletries

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Binoculars
Binoculars
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Skirts
Skirts
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Mosquito net
Mosquito net
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Saree
Saree
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Tweezers
Tweezers
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses

Documents

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Binoculars
Binoculars
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Skirts
Skirts
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Mosquito net
Mosquito net
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Saree
Saree
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Tweezers
Tweezers
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses

Other

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Binoculars
Binoculars
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Skirts
Skirts
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Mosquito net
Mosquito net
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Saree
Saree
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Tweezers
Tweezers
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses

Tech/gadgets

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Binoculars
Binoculars
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Skirts
Skirts
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Mosquito net
Mosquito net
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Saree
Saree
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Tweezers
Tweezers
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses

Health & Safety

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Binoculars
Binoculars
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Skirts
Skirts
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Mosquito net
Mosquito net
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Saree
Saree
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Tweezers
Tweezers
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses

Miscellaneous

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Binoculars
Binoculars
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Skirts
Skirts
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Mosquito net
Mosquito net
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Saree
Saree
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Tweezers
Tweezers
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses

Other items to consider

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Binoculars
Binoculars
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Buff
Buff
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Skirts
Skirts
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
International Driving License
International Driving License
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Dresses
Dresses
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Mosquito net
Mosquito net
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
Power bank
Power bank
Hat
Hat
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Saree
Saree
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel pillow
Travel pillow
Travel Sickness Tablets
Travel Sickness Tablets
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Tweezers
Tweezers
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Wash bag
Wash bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunglasses

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.

Bradley's choice

OSPREY PACKS STRATOS 24

Cazzy's choice

Tropicfeel Shell backpack
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.

carry-on Horizn Studios

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.

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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 hoody
  • 5 t-shirts
  • 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 men

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
what to wear in India female

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
  • Tweezers
  • Moleskin tape
  • Plasters
  • 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.

Toiletries

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 
  • Toothpaste
  • 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.

India lake at sunset

Important Documents

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

  • Passport
  • 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.

DSLR

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.

G7 X Mark II
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
Check Price on Amazon

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!

GoPro Hero 8
GoPro HERO8 Black
Check Price on Amazon

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.

Drone

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

unlocked phone
Unlocked Smartphone (with local sim)
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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
  • Earphones
  • Hand sanitiser - It’s a good idea to clean your hands regularly and before eating so as to avoid getting unnecessarily sick
female tourist India dress code

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.
exploring Jaipur India

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!

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