12 Travel Essentials You Must Pack for Your India Trip

You booked the flight, scrolled through dreamy photos of palaces and temples and maybe even practiced a few Hindi phrases. Your India adventure is officially happening!

There is a certain kind of magic that starts bubbling inside you the moment you book your trip to India. The colours, the chaos, the curry-scented air, the chants from temples, the call of a faraway train, all of it comes rushing into your imagination. You are not just planning a vacation; you are preparing for a journey through living and breathing the music of culture, spirituality, and adventure. But before you dive headfirst into the wall end of street bazaars, palace tours, and chai breaks, there is one important step- packing smart. Trust us; in India, it makes all the difference. Continue reading:

What To Pack for India Trip

Here is your ultimate guide to the travel essentials you must pack for your India trip, curated by Memorable India’s experts who have roamed the country from Ladakh to Kanyakumari. Without talking too much, hurry up. Let’s pack the travel gear for India:

1. Travel Documents and Copies:

India is a document-heavy country. Whether you are checking into hotels, booking flights, or going on guided tours, having your documents in order is crucial. Here are the important documents to carry to India:

• Passports with at least six months’ validity.
• Valid Indian Visa and e-visa printout.
• Copies of your ID proof.
• Travel insurance papers.
• Emergency contacts and embassy details.

Tip:

Always keep a set of photocopies in a separate folder or store digital backups on your emails or cloud. 

2. Comfortable Modest Clothing:

India’s diverse climate and cultural norms make it important to dress thoughtfully. Here are region-wise clothing options:

• Pack breathable cotton and linen clothes and a hat for the heat.
• Light woollens, socks, a muffler, jacket for the winter or Himalayan region
• Swimsuits, flip-flops, cover-ups, and wide-brimmed hats for beaches
• Carry quick-drying fabrics, durable hiking boots, lightweight trekking poles, a climbing harness, a durable backpack, and a compact sleeping bag if planning to trek.
• For modest outfits for religious sites, women should consider long skirts or loose pants, a scarf or dupatta for covering up in temples, and kurta sets for blending in with locals, while men can go for linen shirts, polos, or cotton tees, lightweight trousers and cargo pants. It is advisable to avoid tight and revealing clothes. It’s not only respectful but also prevents unwanted attention.

3. Adaptors, Power Banks, and Camera: 

India uses plug types Cs, D, and M, and the voltage is 230V. Don’t get stranded without juice for your gadgets. Add a universal adaptor with a surge protector, a high-capacity power bank, extra charging cables, a camera, and a camera charger to your packing list for India. Keep in mind that power outages are common in rural areas, so keep your power bank fully charged. 

4. Medication and First-aid Kit:

Even the most adventurous travellers occasionally face Delhi belly (upset stomach) or altitude sickness. Bring along your personal medications and a basic first-aid kit. Include Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, Antihistamines for allergies, anti-diarrheal pills like Imodium, electrolyte packets, motion sickness pills, bandages, antiseptic cream, insect repellent, and pain relief sprays in your India travel essentials. Consult your doctor for vaccinations like typhoid, Hepatitis A, B and Tetanus before travelling. 

5. Reusable Water Bottle:

Staying hydrated is essential, but India’s tap water is not always safe to drink directly. Cut down on plastic waste and keep yourself healthy with a reusable bottle that has a built-in filter. Bottled water is widely available, but double-check that the seal is intact before drinking. 

6. Sunscreen and Sunglasses:

India’s sun can be unforgiving whether you are lounging in Goa or hiking through Rajasthan. Especially if you are travelling to India in summer, protect your skin and eyes with quality sun-gear; otherwise, it causes sunburn. Pack SPF 30+ sunscreens, UV-protected sunglasses, and Lip balm with SPF in your India travel packing list to tackle the scorching sun. 

7. Scarves or Light Weight Shawl:

A scarf or shawl is your travel MVP (Minimum Viable Product). It is a sun shed, dust mask, a temple head cover, and a light blanket for chilly bus rides. Cotton scarves are recommended for summer, and Pashmina or woollen blends are ideal for winter or cooler regions. Shawls are a great cultural touchpoint and can even double up gifts when heading back home. 

8. Sturdy Footwears:

India’s roads are unpredictable: cobbled streets in Jaipur, mountain trails in Himachal, or muddy paths in the Monsoon. Your feet need to be ready. Carry one pair of good walking shoes or sneakers, lightweight sandals or flip-flops, waterproof shoes if visiting during monsoon season, or hiking boots for mountains. Keep in mind that blisters are not a fun travel companion, so break in your shoes before travelling.

9. Day Pack or Anti-Theif Backpack:

Whether you are wandering through old Delhi spice markets or catching the sunrise at Varanasi ghats, a durable backpack is non-negotiable. Look for hidden zippers, slash-proof straps, RFID-blocking pockets, and more. Keep valuables, passports, cash, and electronics well-packed in your bag and manage cautiously in crowded spots as they are pick-pocket hotspots. 

10. Toiletries:

Let’s be honest: while filling our bags with other things, we forget our must-required thing: our toiletries. Don’t forget to add toothbrush & toothpaste, hair brush, moisturizer, makeup, body wash, shampoo & conditioner, razor, deodorant, travel-sized toilet paper rolls or tissue packs, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes etc. in your India travel packaging kit.

11. Cash & Credit Cards:

In India, credit cards are widely accepted, but you need to carry cash for local shops and rural areas. It is advisable to carry both card and cash in your wallet while packing for India for hassle-free travel and to avoid unnecessary fee ATM withdrawals and conversions. 

12. Offline Maps and Guide Apps

Wi-Fi in India can be patchy, and data signals are not always reliable in rural areas. Be a step ahead with offline tools to save data and avoid the risk of getting lost. Some of the recommended apps are Google Maps (download offline maps of your destination), Maps.me, etc. You can also pack a small physical map or printed itinerary, just in case.

Final Thoughts

Packing for India isn’t just about ticking off a checklist; it’s about preparing for a journey that’s emotional, spiritual, and sensory all at once. With this India travel checklist for foreigners, you will be equipped to navigate the incredible diversity that India offers with confidence and comfort. At Memorable India, we have helped thousands of travellers plan their perfect trip with curated experiences, local insights, and personalized support. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories. Pack smart, travel light, and let the adventure begin!