The Ultimate India Packing List
Heading to India? It’s an adventure like no other, but the key to enjoying it fully is packing smart. India can see you everywhere, from bustling cities to tranquil countryside. Therefore, the items you pack may be as diverse as India’s adventures! We’ve put together this packing list to help you pack the right gear to handle everything from the heat to the food. Let’s dive in!
We Value Your Time
We value your time! So, if you already know why you are here and want to look straight at certain items for your India Trip, then head to our table of contents above and select your items! If you don’t have time right now, feel free to Pin our guide on Pinterest for later.
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Clothes For India
The first thing you will undoubtedly want to add to your India packing list is clothes. Now we won’t teach you to suck eggs with every possible item you may wish to take, but below we have highlighted the key items we would recommend for men and women.
Top Tip
The most important thing to be aware of is that at many temples, mosques, and attractions, both men and women are expected to cover their shoulders and knees. We therefore highly recommend loose, breathable long trousers and shirts that cover the shoulders. Beth basically lived in floaty pants!
Women
Men
Women
Men
Top Tips To Avoid The Dreaded Delhi Belly
One of the most common concerns for many visiting India is the dreaded Delhi Belly! To help you steer clear of tummy troubles and enjoy your trip to the fullest, here are some essential tips:
- Avoid Tap Water: Tap water in India often contains bacteria that foreigners aren’t accustomed to, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal issues. Always opt for bottled water with an intact seal and steer clear of tap water entirely.
- Use Bottled Water for Brushing: To be extra cautious, brush your teeth with bottled water and avoid swallowing water while showering.
- Wash Your Hands Often: Good hygiene is key! Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating or handling food to reduce the risk of infection.
- Be Careful with Ice: Ice can be tricky; it’s often made with tap water. Always ask about the source before consuming ice, and if in doubt, leave it out!
- Watch Your Food Choices: Avoid foods that might have been washed in tap water, like salads or raw seafood. Stick to hot, freshly cooked meals from trusted vendors.
- Stay Hydrated: Travelling in India can be physically demanding, so drink plenty of fluids.
- Pack Essential Medications: Bring over-the-counter medications such as anti-diarrhea tablets, pain relief, and rehydration salts to manage symptoms if needed. While we won’t recommend specific medicines, consulting your healthcare provider before your trip is always a good idea.
- Pick busy stalls: Busy stalls have a higher turnover of food, meaning both the food and the oil it is cooked in are fresher! This is one of the best tips for consuming street food safely!
If you would like more information on street food in India and how to avoid Delhi Belly, check out this guide: Street Food In India | 12 Top Tips To Avoid Delhi Belly!
Travel Water Bottle With Filter
These bottles feature an automatic water filtration system, providing an extra layer of protection and added peace of mind. However, we still highly recommend filling it with bottled water!
Pocket Tissues
This might sound trivial, but trust us… you’ll thank us later! Many toilets in India don’t have toilet paper, so pocket tissues are the must-have item you didn’t realise you needed.
Hand Sanitiser
Hand sanitiser is a game-changer! Toilets in India aren’t always what you’re used to… you might come across a squat toilet with no sink or soap. A trusty bottle of hand sanitiser can make all the difference!
Avoid Those Pesky Mosquitos
Nothing ruins a trip to India like being a mosquito’s next juicy meal, and with cases of Dengue fever on the rise in India, protecting yourself has never been more important! Here are our top recommendations for your India packing list to keep you off the mosquito menu:
The Best Mosquito Repellent
Finding a mosquito repellent that truly works can be a challenge, but we’ve found Trek to be fantastic and highly recommend it! If You are in the US, another great option is Repel 100! Keep in mind, though, that both Trek and Repel 100 contain DEET, so if you’re sensitive to it, they might not be the best choice for you. That being said, DEET is one of the few things that consistently works for us! Whatever brand you choose, mosquito repellent is an absolute must-pack for any trip! Don’t let those pesky bloodsuckers ruin the adventure!
Mosquito Repellent Wall Plug
Another must-have for your India packing list is a mosquito-repellent wall plug-in. These handy devices release a steady flow of repellent, often containing ingredients like citronella or eucalyptus, to keep mosquitoes out of your space. Unlike topical repellents, wall plug-ins offer continuous protection without needing reapplication. Just plug them into an outlet, and they’ll do the rest. Compact, affordable, and highly effective, they’re a no-brainer addition to our packing list. Here’s our top pick:
Mosquito Net
A mosquito net is another great addition to your backpack, especially if camping in the breathtaking Indian deserts is part of your adventure. Lightweight and portable, these nets create a reliable barrier against mosquitoes and other insects. They’re quick to set up, easy to use, and pack down compactly, making them perfect for travel days!
Mosquito Anti-Itch Band Aids
We haven’t tried these yet, but we’ve heard great things and seen excellent reviews, so they’ve earned a spot on our India packing list! Mosquito anti-itch plasters are said to provide fast relief from the itch, swelling, and redness caused by mosquito bites. Simply apply one to the affected area for targeted relief and to help curb the urge to scratch. Plus, they’re compact and travel-friendly, making them a handy addition to your kit!
Disclaimer: Please note we are not medically trained and do not offer medical advice; use these at your own risk. Likewise, always check the ingredients and materials to ensure you do not have any allergies before use.
Are You Keeping Up With Our India Series?
Check out our full collection of India Travel Guides here:
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Travel Sickness Glasses
If you’re prone to travel sickness, these glasses are a total game-changer! We’ll admit, we were sceptical at first, but for Beth (who’s not great with boats or winding roads), they actually do the trick! They work by helping to level your horizon, much like a spirit level. They might not win any fashion awards, but given how effective they are, that’s a small price to pay. Plus, they’re always a fun conversation starter!
Health & Safety For Your India Packing List
India is an incredible destination, offering unforgettable experiences around every corner. However, like any adventure-filled country, it’s important to keep your health and safety in mind. To help you stay prepared, here are some must-have health and safety items for your India packing list to ensure you’re ready for anything the journey throws your way.
A First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is a must-have for your travels, perfect for handling minor cuts, grazes, and other small mishaps! This is a larger kit, but there are plenty of compact options available to suit your needs.
Sun Screen
The sun in India can be intense, so protecting your skin is a must! If you plan to spend time in the water, we recommend reef-safe sunscreen. Unlike traditional sunscreens, which can contain harmful chemicals, reef-safe formulas are gentle on aquatic life. They’re also often kinder to sensitive skin or allergies. Here’s our top pick.
Essential Items For Sleep & Sleeper Trains
If you are travelling to India, chances are you will be taking one of the infamous sleeper trains at some point! Chances are also quite high that you may stay near a road with a significant amount of car horns sounding throughout the night. These experiences are, of course, part of the adventure. However, we have a few top suggestions for items that will help you get a good night’s sleep in India:
Loop Ear Plugs
Loop earplugs are a must-have for getting quality sleep on India’s sleeper trains and busy roadside hotels! These nifty earplugs block out sound more effectively than anything else we have tried and are actually really comfortable to sleep in! Avoid being disturbed by noisy neighbours or the constant hum of engines. We swear by them!
Blackout Eye Mask
A blackout sleep mask is another must-have for your India packing list. It blocks out all light, creating the perfect dark environment for restful sleep, even on sleeper trains. Plus, its compact size makes it easy to pack without sacrificing comfort.
Travel Pillow
It goes without saying that another top item for long travel days in India is a travel pillow! If you don’t already have one, this one is fantastic!
Check Out Our Firsthand Experience On Indias Night Trains Here!
Carrying All Your Belongings
Backpack
A travel backpack with multiple compartments keeps your essentials organized and within easy reach. Perfect for both city adventures and remote hikes in India, it offers hands-free convenience for effortless exploration. We’ve linked our favourite option for great value, but there are plenty to choose from!
Bumbag
In our opinion, A bumbag is a must for exploring India! It keeps your essentials secure and easily accessible on the bustling streets. Check out our favourite options with plenty of colours and styles to choose from!
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a must for your India packing list! They keep your luggage organised, make items easy to find, and even help save space by compressing your belongings. Here’s our top pick:
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Staying Connected
Staying connected in India is essential, especially in busy cities where it is easy to get lost. Here are some essentials for your India packing list to keep you connected on the go!
Data SIM Options For India:
Wi-Fi is common in India but can be unreliable, especially in remote areas. To stay connected, consider getting a data SIM card.
- If you are picking up a SIM card in India, Airtel is our top suggestion for its reliable service and extensive coverage. You can conveniently grab one at the airport upon arrival; however, don’t make the same mistake we did…
- Alternatively, you can choose to get a global travel SIM card! We recommend Drimsim. Drimsim works in over 200 countries, offering reliable connectivity without contracts or hidden fees. It provides prices similar to local providers, easy activation, and real-time usage tracking via a handy app. You can check it out here!
Top Tip
Make sure you come with some cash to the airport if you are looking to get a SIM card upon arrival. From our experience, none of the cash machines work inside Delhi airport, and once you go outside, you cannot get back in to visit The Airtel SIM card desk! The only alternative is to pay very, very high rates at a money exchange desk! This is what we unfortunately had to do, so we wanted to give a warning, haha!
Alternatively, you can get a SIM card with Drimsim and save yourself the hassle!
A VPN For India
A VPN is invaluable when travelling in India as it helps secure your online activities on public Wi-Fi or data SIM networks, protecting your data from potential hackers. It also allows you to access content or websites that might be restricted or unavailable in India compared to back home.
Our personal favourite, and the one we always use, is NordVPN.
Use this link to sign up for NordVPN, and we both get up to 3 months free. Win Win!
Worldwide Travel Adaptor
A worldwide travel adapter is a must for your India packing list. Compact and efficient, it combines multiple outlets into one device, making charging hassle-free. Our top pick is the MOMAX adapter with a 30W outlet, perfect for fast-charging larger devices like laptops and our DJI drone (affectionately named Bumble Bee 😉).
Portable Charger
Given the long travel days and sleeper trains often required, a power bank is a great addition to the India packing list. This is the one we use:
Top Tip
Power banks contain lithium batteries, so always check your airline’s regulations to avoid issues during travel. Most airlines typically allow up to 10,000mAh, but it’s best to confirm with your specific carrier to ensure compliance.
India Packing List For Water Based Activities
While an India itinerary often focuses on vibrant cities and land-based adventures, the country also offers a surprising array of water-based activities. From the serene backwaters of Kerala and rafting in the Ganges to snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Islands, India’s diverse landscapes cater to water enthusiasts. Here are our recommendations if your India itinerary will take you on such adventures!
A Dry Bag
A dry bag is a useful item for your India packing list ensuring your belongings stay dry and protected no matter the weather! With a variety of sizes and colors available, you can easily find one that suits needs.
Water Shoes
If you are planning to explore some of India’s waterfalls, water shoes are also a good idea! These are useful for navigating sharp rocks or slippery surfaces! These are the ones we have:
Rash Guard
A rash guard is also very useful for protecting yourself from the sun during water-based activities in India. These also provide a way of covering your knees and shoulders while still enjoying the water, which may be useful for cultural reasons in India!
Other Items For Your India Packing List
A Rain Coat
A raincoat in India is never a bad idea! Especially if you are planning to travel during the Monsoon season. Here is a great option:
![GUKOY Rain Poncho Sports Raincoats, [2 Pack] EVA Reusable Rain Coat Jacket with Hood, Rain Cover Poncho for men and women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41qONvHdozL._SL500_.jpg)
Quick-Dry Travel Towel
Equally, a quick dry towel is another valuable addition to the India packing list! This can help dry off motorbike seats after rainfall or be useful during water-based adventures!
Camera Equipment For India
An Important Note
A high-quality camera can be incredible…
However, we advise only purchasing if you feel you can afford to!
These days you can get a lot out of a phone when starting out, but if you are in the market to purchase cameras & equipment for your India trip, below are our top recommendations.
GoPro HD Hero 12
The GoPro HERO 12 is great for capturing India’s magic. With a 12K sensor for stunning image quality, excellent stabilization for steady footage, and TimeWarp for captivating time-lapses, it’s perfect for documenting epic adventures with ease.
We use the GoPro 12 for the majority of our vlogging and underwater adventures! However, if you are on a tighter budget, you could also consider going for an older model as lots of them still offer great features!
Selfie Stick
A selfie stick for the Go Pro can be very useful! However, just be mindful that many monuments and attractions in India can be quite strict over tripods! So, we recommend going for a selfie stick without a tripod on the end to avoid having it confiscated!
Waterproof Phone Case
If you are not in the market for a GoPro but would still love to capture some underwater shots on your phone, then a more affordable underwater housing may be worth adding to your India packing list!
Top Tip: Although many phones these days are advertised as waterproof, we strongly advise against using them underwater without any protection, especially in salt water! An underwater phone housing provides good all-around protection, allowing you to capture epic underwater moments with less risk of breaking your phone!
We own this brand, and it has always worked very well for us before we got our GoPro! However, always use at your own risk and never exceed recommended depth limits!
Budget Water Resistant Phone Case
A waterproof phone pouch is a budget-friendly way to protect your phone during water activities in India. Ideal for surface use, they guard against splashes and light submersion. However, they’re less reliable than pricier cases, so avoid deep or rough waters to reduce risk.
You can read more about everything in our camera bag here: Our Camera Equipment
Conclusion – The Ultimate India Packing List
Packing for your India adventure can be simple with the right essentials in your bag. We hope this India packing list helps you feel prepared and excited for the journey ahead!
As always, don’t hesitate to let us know any questions you might have in the comments below!
Big Love
Beth and Denz