Packing for India
The golden rule: pack for the climate and the activities, not for every “what if”. India is best visited around Oct–Mar, so build your packing around those conditions, with active days in mind. This list covers what to bring, what’s easy to buy there, and what to leave at home.
Pair it with the best time to visit India so you pack for the right season, and the India travel guide for destination context.
Clothing
- Light, breathable layers
- Comfortable walking shoes (broken in)
- A smart-casual outfit for evenings
- Modest cover (shoulders/knees) for temples & churches
- A packable waterproof / windproof jacket
- Activewear & sturdy footwear for hikes
Aim for a mix-and-match palette so fewer items cover more outfits — you’ll almost always pack less than you think you need.
Travel essentials
- Passport + copies (digital & paper)
- Any visa/entry docs — see the India visa guide
- Travel insurance details (saved offline)
- Two payment methods (card + some Indian Rupee (₹ INR))
- Personal medication in original packaging
- Basic first-aid & hand sanitiser
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
Electronics & connectivity
Bring a universal travel adapter and a power bank, plus your usual charging cables. For data, a local SIM or an eSIM is usually far cheaper than roaming — sort it on arrival or before you fly.
A phone with offline maps and a translation app downloaded for Hindi, English + will cover most situations.
What to leave at home
- Expensive jewellery and anything you’d hate to lose
- Too many “just in case” outfits — you can do laundry
- Full-size toiletries (buy locally or go travel-size)
- Anything restricted: check India’s rules on drones, certain medicines and customs allowances before you pack them
Dress & cultural notes
India has religious and historic sites where modest dress (covered shoulders and knees) is expected — pack at least one outfit that works for them. For the full lowdown on customs and etiquette, see our India food & culture guide.
