Travelling to India will probably be one of the most adventure filled trips you’ll have. India is like many countries in one, with the experience of a traveller who visits the north being very different to one who goes to the southern states of Kerala or Goa.
Planning what to pack for India with some thought can mean that your trip is more comfortable, practical, respectful and safe! Whether you are backpacking through Rajasthan, exploring Kerala’s backwaters, or spending time in busy cities like Delhi and Mumbai, a well-thought-out India packing list is essential.
I’ve spent a huge amount of time in India, visiting 23 states so far and I’ve been in the mountains, at festivals, in the cities, weddings, clubs and temples. I’ve certainly learned during my trips to India, what you need, what you don’t need, what you should buy out there and what you should definitely bring from home, so I’ve put together this comprehensive India packing list to help you plan!
To make your journey smooth and enjoyable, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what to pack for India, ensuring you stay comfortable, prepared, and culturally sensitive.
Luggage choices – Best luggage for India
Suitcase or Backpack?
The best luggage for India will depend on what type of trip you’re planning – are you going to be on & off local buses, are you going on a tour where your bag will be carefully removed from a private vehicle, are you staying in hotels or hostels?
I’ve been on trips to India where I’ve taken a case and I’ve been on ones where I’ve taken a backpack and there are definite positives and negatives for both.
If you’re going to take a suitcase to India, it will need to be a hardy one. Often your case will be thrown on the top of cars, stuffed under buses and generally knocked around a lot and I’ve had many cases not even last the trip – ending with me having to tape them up to fly home!
Level 8 suitcases are genuinely the best cases I’ve ever owned. They might be on the pricier end of the scale, but they last, they look great and they can withstand being thrown around. I’ve got the 28 inch large hard shell case and I couldn’t be happier with it!
The phrase ‘backpacking’ has changed somewhat over the years and many people don’t take a backpack as such on these trips. Having said that, if I’m staying in hostels and carrying my own bag often fairly long distances then I’d prefer a backpack as Indian streets can be tricky to pull along a suitcase. The Highlander comes up 65l & 85l and is waterproof, handy for if you’re visiting in the wet season.
One of the best luggage for India options is somewhere between a backpack & a suitcase and that’s the Osprey Wheeled Luggage. These type of bags are wheeled bags that also transform into a backpack with thick straps for when you aren’t able to drag your bag through mud or on uneven ground.
Whatever you decide just make sure it’s a hardy choice and also one you don’t mind potentially getting a bit grubby!
Essential clothes for your India packing list
I’ve written some full guides on what to pack for India clothes wise. So take a quick look at my advice for what to wear in India before you start packing.
My general vibe is loose trousers, with a vest top/t shirt and a scarf. Tight fitting clothes won’t be comfortable or practical.
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- Comfortable sandals like Birkenstocks are ideal as you’ll be walking a lot, but possibly taking your shoes off fairly regularly for temples etc. They’re also great as you can wear them casually or to a slightly more formal location.
- Long skirts or maxi dresses are great, but keep in mind that you don’t want clothes that trail on the floor.
- Loose fitting or linen style trousers will be great for the heat
- Loose fitting blouses or shirts – Great for dressing up and down and for covering shoulders when necessary.
- Comfortable t-shirts and vest tops – given the heat, I’ll often wear a vest top and then carry a scarf if I feel that I need to appear more modest.
- Scarves – Scarves are a must for your India packing list as they are so useful for covering shoulders at religious sites, shielding from dust, and adding warmth on cool nights. I always carry one with me as they can be used for many things (sarongs, towel, modesty item). Amazon have some nice well priced scarves that are lightweight and thin for the hot summer.
What to pack for India by season and region
India is like many countries in one, so what you pack will change depending on when you go and where you’re heading. The basics in this list work for most trips, but here’s what to add or swap.
By season
- Winter (December to February) – This is the most popular time to visit much of India, with pleasant days and cooler evenings. In the north and in Rajasthan the mornings and nights can be properly chilly, and the desert gets cold after dark, so pack warm layers and a long-sleeved top. Air pollution can be bad in parts of the north at this time of year, so a mask is worth having.
- Summer (March to May) – It gets very hot almost everywhere apart from the mountains. I tend to overheat easily, so I’d go for the lightest cotton and linen you own, plus a hat, sunglasses and plenty of suncream. This is also the time to head for the hill stations and mountains.
- Monsoon (June to September) – Expect warm, wet and humid weather. Pack quick-dry clothes, a light rain jacket or umbrella, shoes you don’t mind getting soaked and a waterproof cover for your bag. Ladakh is the exception, as it’s very dry and summer is its main season.
- Post-monsoon (October and November) – The rains tail off and temperatures become more comfortable, so this is the start of the main tourist season. Pack as you would for summer, with a light layer for the evenings.
By region
- North India and Rajasthan (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jaisalmer) – These are some of the busiest and more traditional places you’ll visit, so loose long trousers or skirts and a scarf for your shoulders are your best friends. Add layers in winter as it can get very cold.
- South India and Kerala – It’s hot and humid all year, so go for lightweight, breathable fabrics. Temples will expect covered shoulders and knees and shoes off, so slip-on sandals are handy. If you’re doing a water activity, I wore leggings with my swimsuit for a surf lesson in Tamil Nadu to avoid the curious glances.
- Goa and the beaches – Beach areas are much more relaxed and people often dress as they would in Europe, so pack your swimwear and shorts. Take a cover-up for churches and temples, and a t-shirt and loose trousers if you’re heading inland to waterfalls or rural spots. Check out my full Goa packing list here.
- Mumbai and the big cities – These are relaxed, and vest tops are generally fine in the modern areas. Evenings can feel cooler from December to February. See my what to wear in Mumbai guide.
- The mountains (Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir) – Layers are essential. Over the mountain passes you can be hot one minute and freezing the next, so easy-to-remove layers work best, such as a vest as a base layer with longer sleeves and thermal jackets on top. See my what to wear in Ladakh guide.
Essential Accessories
Electronics and Power Essentials for your India Packing List
For India there are three associated plug types, types C, D and M. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type M is the plug which also has three round pins. India operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. The most common one is the two pin plug.
- Generally you’ll be fine with a Universal Plug Adapter but you might want to get an India specific adapter too so you’re not stuck if the plug types vary.
- A battery pack is a must for long car and bus journeys. A powerful one with built in cables is always helpful.
- Get an eSIM! I’d recommend a travel eSIM that you install at home before you fly. I usually use Holafly. It’s data-only, so you won’t get an Indian number. Check your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible, and if you’re heading to remote mountain areas such as Ladakh, check coverage first.
- An action camera is ideal for India as you’ll be exploring busy markets and doing a whole range of activities in various weathers. I used to be a Go Pro girl but I’m fully switched to the Osmo Action 5 now, it’s unbeatable for battery, has a brighter screen and comes with a mic.
Toiletries and Health Supplies
Here are the toiletries and health supplies you’ll need to add to your India Packing list
Finding certain toiletries in India can be challenging especially in the more rural areas. So add some of these essentials to your India packing list.
- Mosquito repellent is a must, especially if you’re visiting some of the jungle or forest areas. Getting one with deet will be the best idea although if you’re looking for one with a less strong smell then the Avon skin so soft is lovely.
- Another handy one is dry shampoo. Great for overnight trains and other times when you aren’t able to shower.
- Suncream / sunscreen is best bought in your home country as it’s not readily available in India and can be very expensive. Consider getting factor 50.
- Basic medications will be available over the counter in India including some medications that you might require prescriptions for back home. Having said that, having paracetamol, plasters and a few other first aid items with you is a good idea.
- Tampons can be hard to find in India, especially in the countryside so bring them from home.
- Make sure you’ve got toilet paper or tissues with you at all times.
- Hand Sanitiser is always handy to have with you.
- When I’ve spent extended periods of time in India I’ve found that my hair starts to come out more than normal. Having a good conditioner with you or hair oil can stop hair fall in India.
What to Pack for India: Other travel essentials
- A Money Belt for under your clothes is an essential item to pack for India, especially if you’re planning on visiting markets and busy areas.
- A refillable water bottle will be super handy for your trip. Firstly of course to cut down on plastic, but also because I’ve found that sometimes it’s hard to get cold water in India. My favourite bottles are Iglu, which keep your drinks cold even overnight!
- A day bag or bum bag will be handy for keeping hand sanitiser and tissues in.
- I don’t travel anywhere without my kindle. Especially if you’re planning on some long train journeys, then having a good book to read is a must!
Documents and money for your India packing list
Documents aren’t the most exciting part of an India packing list, but they’re the one thing you really can’t do without, so it’s worth getting them sorted well before you fly.
- Passport – Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months from the day you arrive in India and have at least two blank pages for the immigration stamps. Check this early, as renewing a passport can take weeks.
- Visa – Most visitors need a visa for India, and many nationalities can apply for an e-visa online before they travel. The rules and fees depend on your passport, so use the official Indian government e-Visa website and check the latest information there, as some third-party sites charge extra. You’ll need patience when filling in the e-visa form, as it asks a lot of questions, including your parents’ details and travel history.
- Printed e-visa – Print out your visa approval and keep it in your hand luggage to show at immigration, with a digital copy on your phone as a back-up. You won’t always be asked to show it, but I’ve occasionally been asked for it and had to rush to print it at the airport.
- Copies of everything – Keep copies of your passport photo page, visa and insurance separately from the originals, and save photos of them on your phone or email them to yourself.
- Travel insurance is a must. Have your policy details and the emergency number saved on your phone and printed out, so you’re not searching through your emails if something goes wrong.
- Cash – You can’t bring Indian rupees into India (or take them out) unless you live there, so you’ll need to get your cash when you arrive. ATMs are easy to find in cities and tourist areas but much rarer in rural ones, so take out enough before you head off the beaten track.
- Small notes – Keep a stash of small denomination notes for rickshaws, tips, porters and toilet attendants, as it’s often hard to get change for large ones. You’re likely to be given bigger notes from an ATM of course, so try to break them at your hotel if possible.
- Bank cards – Take two cards from different banks in case one gets blocked or swallowed by an ATM, and check whether your bank needs to be told you’re travelling. A card with low or no foreign fees will save you money on withdrawals.
- Money belt – As I mentioned above, a money belt is a must for markets and busy areas, so use it for your spare cash and cards and keep it hidden under your clothes.
What to buy in India instead of packing it
One of the best things about packing for India is that you don’t need to bring everything with you. A lot of things on your list are easy to buy out there, so leave some space in your bag and save yourself the weight.
Buy it in India:
- Kurtas and tunics – These are easy to find in markets, lightweight, cover your shoulders and hips, and locals are usually pleased to see them being worn.
- Scarves and sarongs – They’re everywhere, so don’t panic if you forget one.
- Loose cotton trousers and skirts – Markets are full of them, and they’re ideal for the heat.
- Basic medicines – Many are available over the counter in pharmacies, so you can top up if you run low.
- Everyday toiletries – Basic shampoo, soap and toothpaste are easy to find in towns and cities, but stock up before you head to rural areas.
- Souvenirs and clothes to bring home – Leave room in your case for them!
Bring it from home:
- Suncream – It isn’t readily available and can be very expensive.
- Mosquito repellent with deet, especially for jungle and forest areas.
- Any prescription medication you take.
- A good battery pack for long journeys.
- An eSIM, installed before you fly.
India Packing List: Your checklist
Here’s a handy breakdown of what to pack for India.
Clothing
- 2 pairs of loose fitting trousers
- 3 x tank/vest tops
- 2 x linen scarves
- 1 long-sleeve button-down shirt (lightweight and breathable)
- 2 x lightweight maxi dress
- 2 x loose short sleeve shirts for men
- 2 x t-shirts (lightweight and breathable)
- 1 long skirt
- 5 pairs of underwear
- 5 pairs of socks (quick-dry)
- 2 bras
- 1 hoodie or sweater (for cooler evenings or air con on trains)
- 1 swimsuit/bikini (swim shorts for men)
- 1 pair of comfortable trainers
- 1 pair of flip-flops or sandals
- 2 x pair of shorts (for southern beaches)
- Sunglasses / Cap
- Warm layers and walking boots if you’re visiting the mountains
- Lightweight rain jacket for monsoon season
Toiletries & Health
- Sun cream
- Mosquito repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Dry shampoo
- Tampons
- Basic medications (paracetamol, antihistamines, rehydration sachets)
- Shampoo & Conditioner
Electronics & Travel Gear
- Universal plug adapter / India plug
- Battery Pack
- Camera
- eSIM
- Action Cam
- Extra camera batteries/memory card
- Reusable water bottle
- A book or Kindle
Documents & Money
- Passport (valid for 6+ months, 2 blank pages)
- Printed e-visa approval
- Copies of passport, visa and insurance
- Travel insurance details
- 2 bank cards
- Small denomination notes
- Secure money belt
Final Packing Tips for India
- Pack Light! – Laundry services are widely available, and you’ll likely shop for clothing and souvenirs in India.
- Have fun with colour – India is a place where bright colours are worn with joy, so don’t worry about standing out – as a tourist you’re going to do that anyway!
- Plan for the Unexpected – From power cuts to delayed trains, be adaptable and keep an open mind. Battery packs, tissues, & a water bottle will make everything easier!
By following this India packing list, you’ll be well-prepared for an incredible journey across this fascinating country even if it’s your first time in India. Now that you know exactly what to pack for India, it’s time to embark on an unforgettable adventure!
Check out my what to wear in India dress code guide for more tips.
If you’re visiting the mountains check out my what to wear in Ladakh post.
Spending time in the city? Here’s my what to wear in Mumbai advice.
