travel wardrobe for india

What to Pack for India: Packing List and Capsule Wardrobe

Asia Packing Lists , Packing Lists , Travel Packing Lists

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Planning what to pack for India can be a bit overwhelming. As a special request from a traveler heading to India on a 3 week trip, Travel Fashion Girl’s India packing list shows you how to choose the right clothes for your adventure!

Follow these guidelines to make trips to India a breeze! Travel Fashion Girl shows you what to pack for India.

What to Pack for India: Packing List

India is an incredible travel destination. It was my first major trip and it was also the country that changed my life forever. Packing can be a bit tricky as the weather can be extremely hot, the air dusty, and your choices of clothing can dictate how you are perceived.

It is very important to plan a  travel capsule wardrobe  with conservative yet light, airy clothing for trips to India. While cities like Mumbai and beach destinations like Goa may have a more relaxed “dress code”, it is still imperative to respect the local culture and dress accordingly.

If you’re headed to Kerala, Goa, and the Mumbai region, read this post on what to wear in India in the south!

There are two things to keep in mind when planning your India packing list: shoulders and knees should always be covered.

The clothing shown is no longer available. Similar items have been provided.

10 Piece India Packing  List for Various Regions

includes 4 Tops + 3 Bottoms + 1 Dress + yoga outfit

Pack ¾ sleeve or long sleeve tops that give you coverage and modest appearance. Try to choose light fabrics that will be airy and keep you cool in the heat.

You can pack sleeveless shirts just keep in mind that you’ll have to pair them with a wrap to cover your shoulders. You’ll have an endless selection of wraps and scarves in India – get ready to shop!

1 Maxi Dress:

Nothing better than to slip into an easy flowy maxi dress when it’s hot. Pair with flip flops during the day for a casual look and add sandals at night to take it up a notch. Consider getting a Lapis style convertible dress that also doubles as a dress for more versatility.

Avoid cleavage flashing necklines. Add a scarf or shawl for style and shoulder coverage. Respecting the local culture should always be priority when choosing travel clothes.

You should have a pair or two of light weight pants. Some travelers like to pack a pair of jeans if traveling to colder areas and also to go out in places like Mumbai. Otherwise, you can choose from an eclectic array of baggy pants in India.

Leggings are essential as suggested by travel blogger Belinda from Travelling Belle who’s traveling in India. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the beaches, add a pair of denim shorts to your India packing list. A note about cargo pants: if you pack them, make sure they have zippers as the pockets can be targets for wandering hands.

These are the ten best leggings for women that travel !

1 Maxi Skirt

Choose a skirt that falls below your knees. Make sure your skirt doesn’t sit too low as it will collect dirt at the rim. Solid, neutral colors allow you to mix and match easier.

If you’re planning on doing yoga occasionally on your trip to India, pack one set of yoga pants and top. It’s a good idea to choose items that you can also wear with the rest of your travel wardrobe or use as layers if you go to cooler regions.

Legging style yoga pants are ideal because you can wear them under kaftans, tunics and longer tops. Choose breathable, moisture wicking fabrics.

Comfortable Sandals: Wear something you can walk in for hours!

Flip Flops:   A must in every Asia travel bag, flip flops are extremely versatile. If you’re an ultra-light packer and only want one pair of shoes, splurge on a hybrid pair that you can dress up or down.

Read TFG’s ultimate guide to choosing travel shoes !

Minimalist South India Packing  List

includes 2 Tops + 2 Bottoms + 1 Dress + 2 Layers + 2 Pajamas

For my 2015 travels to India, I packed slightly differently. Instead of packing everything I needed I took less clothes with five core pieces for 3-4 months travel: two tops, two bottoms, and one dress.

I traveled to Mumbai, Goa, and Kerala so my plan on what to pack for india was slightly different than my first trip with clothing from the above tips on what to pack for india.

Take a look at my complete  South India packing list !

In addition, I added two light layers for altitude and evenings: leggings and a long sleeve. My pajamas doubled up as clothing and workout gear: running shorts and tank top. In addition, I took one lightweight jacket (button up shirt).

In total, I packed ten pieces to start and everything fits in one packing cube .

But wait, aren’t all capsule wardrobes ten pieces? Yes, but they don’t include pajamas, layers, or outerwear. Therefore, I only have five of the main pieces I need. I’m planning to add three to five more pieces when I buy local clothing in India to create my perfect capsule.

Take a look at our TFG signature capsule wardrobes for summer and winter!

Why this packing strategy?

If you’ve taken my course STOP OVERPACKING , you’ll notice that this clothing set is drastically different than the original.

• It’s ultra-basic
• There’s less color
• There are less items

My first priority for India is to pack ultra-light using packing cubes to compress your clothing as shown in this video . The less clothing and the lighter the bag the easier to weave in and around the buzzing country. If you’ve ever been to India, you know that you want to pack as light as possible to move easily through the jam packed trains and sidewalks.

The next major priority for me was fabrics. Since I’m traveling during the hottest time of year I want to make sure each clothing item is as airy and lightweight as possible. Coming from the UK in winter, summer clothing is limited so I didn’t have the best selection.

Find out the best fabrics for travel !

As I searched online for summer clothing and realized that most of what I liked was sourced from India. The bohemian summer look I wanted I could probably find for a fraction of the price in one of my first stops: Goa.

With that in mind I packed only the basics and plan to buy a few additional items as needed upon arrival. With the exception of the dress, when you buy basics you’re often limited in color. While creating the packing course I gave myself a major reminder: only wear colors you like. In my case these are black, white, ivory, and the RIGHT shades of brights. (I don’t really like prints.)

Unless I find the perfect shades of turquoise, aquamarine, jewel purple, or muted red – I’m not buying it. My perfect capsule wardrobe depends on this.

Why I chose specific clothing items when I planned what to pack for india:

• Tops:  They’re 100% cotton and a light color to reflect the sun.
• Shorts:  Denim shorts are a beach bum staple.
• Pants:  They’re comfortable, functional, feather thin, lightweight, loose, and will wash and dry quickly.
• Dress:  It’s 100% cotton, provides adequate coverage, and is a fun print.
• Long Sleeve:  It’s feather light, can be layered, and (hopefully) won’t be worn often.
• Leggings: They’re light and thin but not see through and will work as layers, for warmth, and for yoga.
• Tank Top:  It’s light, wicks moistures, and can be re-worn without absorbing scents.
• Running Shorts:  They’re light and multi-purpose.

Three of these pieces are from Adea . I love this clothing brand because their fabric is wonderful for travel. It doesn’t weight anything; it folds into a tiny little ball, and feels amazing against the skin. In the heat I feel so cool and in the cold it doesn’t suffocate me as an under layer.

After traveling to remote Raja Ampat last year, this became a staple in my wardrobe when I wore the same Adea top with pants for 6 days straight and they didn’t smell even in the grotesque unbearable heat. My long sleeve cotton top was putrid after one day!

Travel Fashion Tip: The key to re-wearing clothing even in the heat is to air them out and hang them up after they’re worn. Learn more about this smart traveler packing tip !

Top | Short Sleeve  |  Blouse | Sleeveless  | Button Down  | Dress |  Maxi Dress | Pants | Cargo Pants |  Skirt

A few more tips on what to pack for india:

Adjust the list according to your activities. Add more yoga gear if you’re going to an ashram, add a jacket/jeans if going to the Himalayas, and add a sun dress if heading to the beach.

My best suggestion when planning trips to India is to buy your travel clothing upon arrival. Check out Laura Klein’s custom clothing shopping experience in New Delhi. Hope this list helps you figure out what to pack for India!

What are your India packing list essentials?

For more Asia packing lists, please read:

• Thailand Packing List
• Nepal Packing List
• What Travelers Actually Wear in Southeast Asia
• Southeast Asia Backpacking Packing List

Suggested Travel Resources:

Hoped you liked this India packing list! Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

This is a very useful post. It’s good to know how conservatively to dress when visiting other cultures.

I’ll be in northern India for two weeks in December. What do you suggest?

Thanks for giving us tips for travel.

Thanks for reading Tushar! Where are you heading?

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34 Top India Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

Asher and I have studied meditation and spiritual practices for over 20 years and have been to India a combined 11 times.

Packing for India is the major leagues of travel. Staying healthy and safe requires research and first-hand intel — and we’ve done our best to help prepare you. While the chaos of the city is not for the faint of heart, the land of the Vedas will be sure to awaken your mind, body, and soul.

Below are my top “must-have” items to help you stay safe and healthy, plus what to wear in India , what NOT to bring, and FAQs to make your trip even more incredible!

What to Pack for India – 34 Essentials

1. water bottle with built-in filter.

Finding good drinking water in India is paramount, and we DO NOT recommend drinking unfiltered water under any circumstance. Keep in mind “filtered water” at a hotel or hostel can also be dodgy, and I’d only drink bottled water from one of these three reputable companies: Bisleri, Kinley, and Aquafina.

Any other water source, I would run through a Grayl water bottle . It removes all bacteria, viruses, chlorine, and other pollutants from the water and is essential if you get stuck in a sticky situation with no bottled water nearby. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s an investment in your health and will give you peace of mind.

India is known for Delhi Belly, parasites, and waterborne illness that affects almost 40-million locals each year… Don’t gamble with giardia, E. Coli, or typhoid.

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. India Power Adapter

After trying countless different brands, I decided to take matters into my own hands. My company, Hero Travel Supply, sources and sells these quality power adapters that are individually tested in the USA. Every order also comes with a corresponding free ebook that teaches you how to avoid frying your electronics in India. I wrote this comprehensive guide based on years of experience dealing with India’s unpredictable power supply, which can ruin your devices (I know because my $2,000 Macbook got fried)!

3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

India is the most targeted country for cyberattacks in the world, with the U.S. ranking far behind it. There have been major data breaches, and you do not want to risk your bank account being drained or your identity being stolen in India. You may not realize it, but when you join unsecured Wi-Fi networks, such as at hotels, cafés, or airports – you are putting your passwords and credit card details at risk of being hacked. The good news is a VPN will protect you with just one click! You don’t want your information compromised like ours was at an Airbnb in Paris.

Additionally, India’s Internet censorship is a massive problem and is still on the rise. To ensure you won’t get blocked from certain websites that you require access to while traveling (Netflix, Hulu, Paypal, work applications, etc.), I recommend using NordVPN . It is surprisingly affordable and too crucial to forgo.

View NordVPN.com Options ➜

4. Neck Wallet

You obviously need a passport and visa for India travel, but I also recommend you get a neck wallet. You can conceal money, credit cards, and travel documents under your shirt so you don’t risk losing them or being robbed. Many times I’ve had beggars put their hands in my pockets, and you must be prepared for real poverty in some areas. But since my valuables are tucked out of sight, I’ve never had anything stolen. This one also has RFID-blocking material to prevent e-thieves from scanning your bag at popular, crowded attractions.

5. Charcoal Tablets (Food Poisoning Remedy)

Activated charcoal is an incredibly effective way of stopping diarrhea and dysentery (Delhi Belly). India is known for common food poisoning, parasites, and waterborne illness that affects almost 40-million locals each year… No matter how careful you are, there is a good chance you will experience some tummy upset while there. This supplement works as a magnet in your body to quickly absorb the toxins or pathogens that are causing the problem. Whenever I have any sign of diarrhea, I take 2-4 tablets, and typically within 1 or 2 hours, I am back to normal – they are literally lifesavers!

PRO TIP: We suggest only eating food that is piping hot, fresh, and from reputable busy restaurants with high turnover. Steer clear of uncooked foods like salads and cut fruit as they may be teeming with bacteria. If you still end up getting Delhi Belly, make sure you have adequate support. Ask your hotel or tour company to organize a doctor. Bacteria in India is no joke and killing it sooner rather than later is crucial.

6. Travel Insurance for India

Don’t gamble with your coverage while overseas. Your domestic provider will not follow you across your at-home borders, and travel insurance is a non-negotiable for issues like flight cancellations, baggage loss, theft, medical emergencies, transit issues, etc. The last problem you want to face is paying out-of-pocket for an international hospital bill, and India is not the most predictable place to visit. I would personally not visit this fast-paced (at times chaotic) country without protecting my travel investment through comprehensive coverage.

Faye is the best provider we’ve used because you can custom-create a policy based on each trip. Using factors like your destinations, trip budget, and preferences – Faye personalizes your coverage with protection like emergency medical care and even the ability to “cancel for any reason,” (which is rarely offered by affordable insurance companies and offers a whole lot of flexibility!) It’s inexpensive and you won’t regret having it.

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

7. Cooling Towels

India can get humid and HOT, and air-conditioning is hard to find when you are out and about. It is not even available in some accommodations, so traveling with this cooling towel is essential. I don’t enjoy feeling overheated, and this chemical-free towel provides instant relief. I simply wet it, wring it out, and place it around my neck for 30-60 minutes of reprise. To continue feeling cool, I just repeat the process. It even comes in its own case so my other belongings don’t get damp when I pack it away.

8. Anti-Pollution Disposable Mask (KN95)

In major cities like Delhi, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Agra – pollution levels are very high. What most people don’t know is that air pollution is worse during the tourist season, from October through March. Farmers are burning stubble to clear harvests, locals burn plastics and oils to stay warm, and more. You don’t want to breathe that in, so we recommend having a breathing mask at all times. This KN95 mask filters out 95% of particles. Wear these in the mornings and evenings when vehicle smog is heightened due to traffic.

9. Hanging Toiletry Bag

India’s bathrooms can offer a wide range of experiences. You may have a luxury stay, or you may encounter some private and public bathrooms that lack storage space and adequate sanitation… and some toilets will literally be a hole in the ground… Just keeping it real guys! Regardless, you’ll appreciate having this hanging toiletry bag that hooks onto any door, wall, hook, pole, etc. We’re obsessed with the sustainable design that offers 4 large compartments on the inside and 3 external pockets for smaller items like floss, medicine, and jewelry.

You’ll feel like a master of organization since it creates a shelf-like system in any room, helping you maintain your skincare, haircare, and hygiene routines (as well as your sanity). You’re welcome!

10. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

Between the number of trains, auto-rickshaws, and taxis you’re bound to take in India, it’s important to secure your bags with luggage locks. You’d be surprised just how quickly a thief can get into an unattended bag, often working in teams or distracting you with street shows, falls, and using children as diversions. With your luggage securely locked, you won’t have to stress about keeping an eye on it every minute of the day. I’ve been there, and it’s no fun.

11. Female Urination Device

Okay, don’t get weirded out by this one. India is a place with limited toilets, and when you do find a toilet, they are often absolutely disgusting. For guys, this is not a problem because we can stand at the side of the road to pee, but for women, that’s not possible. Indian ladies have mastered the art of squatting discreetly without mooning curious onlookers. This little device enables Western women to stand and pee with no mess and no embarrassment.

12. Luggage Straps

These lightweight luggage straps are an easy addition to your packing list. This extra layer of protection centralizes the weight and takes the pressure off of your delicate zippers. The last thing you need when you arrive to India is for your suitcase to explode open due to overpacking or rough mishandling (which happens to more than 25 million bags each year!) And sadly, it’s way more likely for your bag to get damaged or lost during an international journey vs. domestic, due to the potential for more layovers.

Use these adjustable belts that can withstand 700+ pounds of force tension. They will take the brunt of any roughness and fit nearly any sized-bag, remaining lightweight despite the heavy-duty belts. They’re also TSA-friendly in case of a random inspection. My favorite perk is the identification factor – brightly-colored straps that allow me to instantly recognize my bags in the chaos of baggage claim, and the built-in ID card means someone can contact you if your belongings get lost.

13. Packing Cubes

Adjusting to the new environment requires a cultural recalibration period, and you’ll be seriously jet-lagged after 24+ hours of travel. All of this can make your mind a bit hazy, but packing cubes make it so much easier to stay organized. You’ll know exactly where everything is because you can label each organizer (tops, bottoms, essentials, excursion items, etc.). Spare yourself from digging through a messy suitcase or throwing things around the room to find them!

Available on HeroTravelSupply.com with an exclusive 15% discount using the coupon code “HERO”.

Or view them on Amazon.com ➜

When traveling to India, we love to wear the local garments! There will be plenty of opportunities to buy pieces on your journey, but having some from the jump is important to ensure you don’t show off too much skin or draw eager eyes. One thing to expect is that the locals will observe and often want to take pictures with you because you look so exotic! So it’s best to do what you can to blend in and respect the culture. Bring along 2-3 tunic-style tops that will get you started on your travels (here is one for men ).

15. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

Indian hotels may (or may not) have towels – and a guest house or lodge usually will not – so bringing your own is a thoughtful provision. Indian bath towels are also thin and not very absorbent, but this travel towel is made with microfiber material that dries 10x faster than cotton. It’s very lightweight and multi-functional, I use them for basic needs like drying off and wiping away sweat, but also for more creative endeavors like seat covers, picnic blankets, beach towels, etc.

16. Travel Backpack

Remaining hands-free will be the key to exploring with all necessities on hand. This backpack is super lightweight (weighing less than 1 pound) and is made for travel. It was a serious discovery for us because others were three times the cost at half the quality! When it’s not in use, you can fold it up compactly into its own zippered compartment. It’s truly exceeded our expectations.

17. Windproof Travel Umbrella

Face the monsoon-prone weather of India head-on with a windproof umbrella. From spring to summer months, you’ll find the pre-monsoon storms that can blow in the famous Loo winds. By summer, downpours and floods are common. And by autumn, many areas are still experiencing bouts of loitering rainfall. Basically, you’ll need it year-round! This umbrella also comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.

18. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

The last thing you want is a dead battery during long days of adventuring, and power grids aren’t always reliable throughout India. This charger has seriously saved us when we were far from the hotel, didn’t have the address, or needed to call for a ride (or India’s version of Uber, an ‘Ola’). Not to mention, this charger can be powered on a foreign electricity grid with dual voltage, so it’s a safe bet for India.

19. Discounted Tickets to India’s Attractions

Get Your Guide is our favorite booking service for excursions that will add a breath of life to your trip. They even offer skip-the-line tickets so you don’t have to stand in a line for hours or risk being turned away from fully-booked attractions.

For your time in India, you MUST visit 1/7 of the world’s wonders, the Taj Mahal , and there are many temples and palaces to explore, like Swaminarayan Akshardham and Mahabalipuram’s Shore Temple .

Beyond the grand sights, we recommend making time for down-to-earth activities that will show you the authentic India – things like food tours , the elephant caves of Mumbai, and a cooking class with a local chef. There are also fantastic day trips to cities like artistic Jaipur , upscale Hyderabad , and historical Bangalore .

See all India attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

20. Waterproof Picnic Blanket

From the beaches of Goa to the ruins of Hampa, there are so many amazing spots to hang out and marvel at India’s beauty. But to be direct, India can also be quite dirty, so bring along a waterproof picnic blanket to ensure you always have a clean surface to sit on. This material repels moisture and will prevent any muddy grounds from seeping through and creating clothing stains. Most tarp-like blankets are stiff and crinkly, but this one is soft and cozy!

21. Shawl / Modesty Cover-Up

A beautiful shawl is a must for India. The culture is very modest, with influences from Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Islamic faith. Even if you are dressing like a local (in a Kurta or a Punjabi), women keep shawls around their necks and cover their heads as an additional layer of modesty. Keep in mind that men aren’t used to seeing women who show skin, and it’s important not to attract unwanted attention. You will also need a shawl to enter many sacred sites as they do not allow uncovered heads or shoulders. This wrap will hide any plunging necklines or bare arms, displaying a sign of respect that the locals will appreciate.

22. Electrolytes

Electrolytes save lives on a daily basis. When someone has dysentery or diarrhea, they get very dehydrated, and in extreme cases, this can lead to death. I’m not trying to scare you, but this highlights the value and importance of having electrolytes if you get sick. Even if you don’t get sick, it is important to stay well-hydrated in India’s extreme heat. These satchels can easily be added to your bottled water for an extra boost of hydration.

Pro Tip: You can get electrolytes cheaply in India, but in my experience, they are low-quality and taste horrible.

23. Immunity-Boosting Kit

Your health is only as strong as your immune system. Support your immunity with these key products that naturally strengthen the body:

• Elderberry Gummies – These delicious little gummies deliver a powerful punch of elderberry extract (vitamin C and Zinc), packed with regenerative antioxidants.
• Echinacea Goldenseal Pills – These combat inflammation in the body, reducing the risk of a cold, flu, or sinus infection.
• Probiotics – Your gut is directly related to your immune system. Probiotics are a proven way to support the healthy bacteria that your body uses to kill harmful bacteria. Strengthening your gut will make you less vulnerable to the common plague of traveler’s diarrhea.
• Zinc Spray – Zinc is a very underrated nutrient. As a key treatment for anemia, diabetes, diarrhea, and other common ailments – it can be used to mitigate flu symptoms. We’ve found that this spray particularly soothes an itchy throat (which you may experience due to India’s air pollution).

24. Beautiful Long Skirt

Known as a Sari wrap skirt, this vivid piece is another perfect way to honor the conservative fashion of Indian culture. Jeans are becoming increasingly common here, but absolutely zero women show their legs. This said, India is hot! So wearing something modest but breathable is a wise choice. Also, for many sacred palaces and monasteries, your legs need to be covered below the knee.

25. Walking Shoes

In India, you will constantly be taking your shoes on and off. You will want something durable and comfortable to protect your toes from street debris — which there is A LOT of. We actually had monkeys throw poop at us once on our way to a temple, and the floor was also covered… Yikes! I recommend these water-resistant Crocs that are easily washable in case you get anything nasty on them (I prefer these over flip-flops because of the protective element). Here’s a pair for men .

26. Water-Resistant Shoe Bags

Speaking of kicks, you’ll want these water-resistant shoe bags to prevent your dirty footwear from touching your clean items. The streets in India are extremely dirty, and who wants street-funk all over their beautiful wardrobe?! Asher took these on his recent trip to India, and they came in very handy after his shoes were soaked during a hike along the coast. They keep the grimy things separate and the material doesn’t cling to dirt so you can easily shake it out.

27. Universal Waterproof Phone Case

This cell phone case is a great little, affordable invention that will save your iPhone or Android from the dust, dirt, and grime of India. Additionally, if you’re going for a boat ride on the Ganges or the Keralan backwaters, it will save your device from accidental water damage. It even makes it possible to take underwater photos. It’s a small investment with a big pay-off!

28. Deet-Free Mosquito Wristbands

India is known to have cases of malaria, but the problem is that malaria medication has horrible side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. I personally prefer to take all the measures to not get bitten by mosquitoes in the first place. In my experience, these mosquito repellent bracelets, in addition to using insect repellent and wearing long pants at dawn and dusk, provide the best natural protection.

29. Packable Sun Hat

The sun is brutal in India, and UV rays can be harsh year-round, so be sure to pack a reliable sun hat. Most travelers find that their hat looks like a disheveled hot mess once pulled out of a suitcase. BUT! This one is made to be collapsable and foldable, which means once unpacked, it will return to its original bouncy shape. It’s a great find and also has a wide-brim hat for shade and a built-in sweatband.

30. Aloe Vera

Enhance your sun protection routine with this organic aloe vera. It’s a desert plant that contains antibacterial properties known to speed up the healing process. On Asher’s most recent trip to India, he was at a ceremony on the Ganges and got super burned, even during the winter time. There was no easy way for him to get Aloe Vera, so we knew this needed to be added to our list. Put it in a cooler for an even more relaxing sensation!

31. Travel First-Aid Kit

It’s inevitable that you’ll get a cut or scrape or some little thing that would need a first-aid kit. The item I use most is band-aids to help prevent infection in a wound. I also like to put honey on the cut before I place the band-aid because it acts as an antibacterial shield. There are drug stores (chemists) all over India, but it’s nice to come prepared with basic, lightweight, quality first-aid equipment.

32. Travel Toilet Paper

Believe it or not, toilet paper is still mostly unused in India. Only the more expensive hotels carry it. When you’re out and about, you will be hard-pressed to find a place that has any at all! This compact travel toilet paper is more practical than the TP you use at home, which is thick and bulky. Travel TP goes further because it’s more absorbent and also has no core in the roll for thinness. Plus, this brand is biodegradable.

33. Compression Flight Socks

I seriously regretted not having compression flight socks on my last 15+ hour flight… As a young, fit person, I underestimated how much pain my legs could be in at such drastic elevations in a pressurized cabin. These socks are worn by flight attendants and passengers alike to maintain a healthy blood flow and prevent swelling. It’s a valuable preventative measure that you’ll be happy to have. Don’t forget the jet lag relief for lengthy international flight days.

34. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

One of the first things I do in India is visit a local dress shop and buy some traditional Kurtas or Punjabis in order to stay respectful and flow seamlessly in and out of temples. You’ll also be doing plenty of shopping for Sarees, Pashmina Shawls, Ayurvedic products, spices, and other local Indian goods – so be sure to pack this “just in case” bag for those unforeseeable purchases. It’s an easy addition to any suitcase and counts as your personal item on the return flight home.

Other India Packing List Items

• India travel insurance
• Homeopathic medicines
• Motion sickness patches
• Hand sanitizer
• Jet lag relief
• Feminine items
• Dried fruit
• Almond butter
• Thermal underwear
• Dental Floss
• Lock for door (cheap hotels)
• Lock for suitcase
• Mosquito net
• Travel backpack
• Baby travel accessories
• Mini tripod
• SD cards for camera
• Rechargeable AA batteries
• Small cheap computer
• India Power Adapter
• Transformer/converter
• Gifts for India
• Best personal item bag

I also recommend you bring digital copies of all your important documents , including passport, visa, driver’s license, bank info, and credit cards. Just in case. A simple way to do this is scan or photograph them and then email them to yourself.

What to wear in India?

For both men and women, the main rule in this very conservative country is to avoid flaunting bare skin as much as possible. Of course, things are more lax in tourist hotspots like Goa and Varkala, but it’s still more respectful to tend toward modesty.

Expectations are less strict for men, and Indian men now commonly wear casual Western clothes, but it still pays to be modest. Interestingly though, I’ve rarely seen an Indian man wearing shorts.

City wear/everyday wear: In Mumbai and Delhi, Western dress is perfectly acceptable. You’ll see as many Indian women wearing jeans and t-shirts as saris. The case for covering up is the same, though – it’s best not to wear clothes that are tight or revealing. Go for light, comfortable clothing.

Temple Wear: Covering up is not just recommended here – it’s essential. Many temples have a dress code, and won’t allow you entry unless your head AND shoulders are covered. In 2016, Madras actually enforced a ban on all western clothing in temples, refusing entry to anyone wearing jeans, shorts, skirts, short sleeves or tight leggings.

Your best bet is a long, loose skirt (calf or ankle length) and a plain, long-sleeved top or shirt. If you don’t have long sleeves, a long scarf draped over your shoulders should be fine. Wear shoes that can be easily removed, as you’ll be leaving them at the door anyway.

If you want to be really respectful, then a Kameez top or a full Sari will be the best received. This is what Lyric (my wife) wears when in India.

Going Out: The same applies: cover up. India’s cultural and tourism minister issued a statement last year imploring foreign female tourists to refrain from ‘skimpy’ clothes, particularly short skirts and dresses. It’s actually a matter of personal safety.

City wear: Dress is less strict for men, but it still pays to be modest. Dress according to the season.

Temple wear: Covering your arms and legs is just as important for men as it is for women. Don’t wear jeans or other western items such as leather belts. Loose cotton pants paired with a respectable shirt should be sufficient but if you really want to be respectful, wear a white Indian kurta/pajama set. I like to wear a dhoti (cloth wrapped around waist extending to ankles) when I go to temples.

Packing for the Seasons in India

Winter – december, january, february, (partially) march:.

Winter is, logically, the coldest and best time of year to visit most parts of India (though temperatures are much warmer in South India). Dress according to how comfortable you’ll be in the temperatures, and plan to bring appropriate cold weather gear if you’re in the North ( hats , gloves , light jacket or fleece ) as appropriate for the activities and elevations you’ll be experiencing. Temperatures in the north (Delhi) average between 45°F to 75°F (7°C to 24°C), and in the south (Kochi) between 73°F to 90°F (23°C to 32°C).

SUMMER – (Pre-Monsoon Season) April, May, June:

This is by far the hottest time to visit India, and believe it or not it can be a dangerous time. April and May are the hottest months, and can bring some interesting weather.

The north can get intense pre-monsoon storms which carry hail, and the famous Loo winds blow in the north during the summer.

When packing for India during the summer, be very sure to do your research about the specific regions you’ll be visiting and staying in. Pack light, quick-drying clothes and items that can cover you for sun protection while keeping you cooler – think long-sleeved linen shirts , quality sun hats , linen pants , sunglasses , etc. Temperatures in the north (Delhi) average between 80°F to 102°F (27°C to 39°C), and in the south (Kochi) between 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C).

MONSOON – July, August, September:

As you might guess, Monsoon season is very wet. Monsoon rains are what drive India’s agriculture-based economy, so it’s a very important, albeit soggy, time of year for the country and its inhabitants.

FALL – (Post-Monsoon Season) October, November:

During Indian autumn, drier and cooler air spills across the Himalayas and clears the skies, bringing the sun back into the picture. This is a windy season, so layers are important, as the wind can bring uncertain temps in some parts of India. Many areas experience lingering, dwindling precipitation, so you should absolutely plan to have rain gear and a windproof umbrella on-hand. Temperatures in the north (Delhi) average between 60°F to 90°F (16°C to 32°C), and in the south (Kochi) between 75°F to 88°F (24°C to 31°C).

Check out this helpful guide from Mariellen Ward on the 24 best places to visit in India by month

What NOT to bring to India

1. don't bring too many clothes..

You can buy clothes cheaply in India and can get the local dress so that you fit in better and feel more comfortable 🙂

2. DON'T PACK valuables in general.

Unless it’s absolutely necessary, why risk it? Valuables such as: passport, credit cards & cash I carry concealed under my shirt in my passport pouch.

3. DON'T BRING bulky towels.

Instead bring a simple travel towel.

4. DON'T TAKE too much cash.

ATMs are the safest way to get local cash and they are everywhere across India.

5. DON'T BRING expensive jewelry.

It’s just not worth risking losing it or getting it stolen.

6. DON'T TAKE other unnecessary electronics.

Again because of the chance of it getting ruined by the power supply and the excess bulk.

7. DON'T BRING too many books.

An e-reader like the Amazon Kindle can be a great option because it’s light weight and has a 3 week battery life.

8. DON'T PACK too many toiletries but do bring your favorites.

Your special products are probably not available in India but generic soap, shampoo and toothpaste etc is widely available.

9. DON'T TAKE nice shoes.

They will get dirty no matter what. Sandals or Crocs are best.

10. DON'T PACK your computer.

Unless you really need it and it’s a lightweight, cheap one (such as a Chromebook ) that you don’t mind getting fried by the irregular power supply or stolen.

11. DON'T PACK more than one set of warm clothes.

India is a hot country (unless you’re in the Himalayas) and it’s rare to be too cold. I only bring one good, lightweight fleece and one pair of long pants plus a scarf or shawl.

12. DON'T TAKE anything that isn't suitable for your destination.

Do your research on weather and location specific needs before you go to India so that you are prepared without having too much bulk in your luggage.

FAQs about travel in India

1. how do i avoid getting delhi belly.

The most likely cause of Delhi Belly always comes down to contaminated food or water .

Therefore, the best way to avoid getting a bout of diarrhea is to be extra diligent with hygiene around meals and with any beverage. I highly recommend you only eat freshly cooked, piping hot food. Avoid all salads or fruits that have been washed with tap water. Only drink quality bottled water and never have ice in your drinks. Avoid street food or anything that doesn’t look clean. Always wash your hands with sanitizing wipes before meals. Trust me, you don’t want to get Delhi Belly. I know from experience, it can cause you to be bed ridden for a week! 🙁

2. What items are NOT readily available in India?

While many pharmaceutical drugs are available in India, you may prefer to bring the items you’re used to. Other miscellaneous items that are most likely best to bring from home include your preferred brands of contact lens solution, dental floss, shampoo/conditioner, feminine hygiene products, makeup, underwear, supplements and energy bars… etc!

Body lotions and sunscreens that don’t contain skin-bleaching formula are sometimes difficult to find. Pale skin is highly coveted in India and most Asian countries, so many skin care products contain some form of “whitening”. This may or may not be what you want!

Clothing and other gear made from 100% cotton or wool is sometimes pricey and/or difficult to find. Much of the clothing available in tourist areas is made of rayon or polyester or other synthetics, which isn’t so comfortable in hot weather and not warm enough in cold weather.

Quality sunglasses and shoes that aren’t knock offs can be hard to find. Also, I’ve found that almost always, electronics such as camera or computer equipment is both hard to find and way more expensive than in the US.

3. What’s the best way to deal with pollution in India?

India has some of the worst pollution levels in the world, worse than China. I’ve found that the #1 way to deal with the extreme pollution is to get out of the big cities like Delhi and Mumbai as soon as possible. This means finding places to visit that are less populated and more in the countryside or coastal areas. For example, small towns in Kerala generally have way less pollution than anywhere in Northern India near Delhi. See this map for live Indian pollution levels.

Additionally, I highly recommend you bring a quality dust mask like the Cambridge Mask . This will allow you to breathe without inhaling as much toxic fumes, pollution, smoke and dust.

4. How do I avoid getting scammed?

There is no question, India is full of scam artists from street beggars to tricky taxi drivers and even the Mafia. The biggest advice I have is to simply say “no thank you” when approached by someone selling something. Don’t give money to beggars (who are typically scammers in disguise). And know where you’re going, what your hotels name is and the address when getting in a taxi or rickshaw. Read my full list of the top 27 scams in India for all the details.

5. What are some good souvenirs to bring home from India?

Handwoven scarves, pashminas or tapestries are quintessential “Indian” pieces that can be easily packed into a suitcase. Scarves and pashminas make a great conversation piece when you return home, and tapestries can become bedspreads or wall-hangings. Try to find out the back story of items you purchase – you don’t want to be supporting an industry of slave labour. Also, be hyper of aware of fake pashminas. The best way to test if they are real is to take a thread and light it on fire to see if it melts (synthetic) or burns like a candle, turns to ash and smells like hair burning (this is likely real pashmina). You may also like to check out “fixed rate” shops that are recommended by a high end hotel to find the authentic dealers.

Spices such as masala, turmeric and cardamom are the perfect way to bring the tastes and smells of India home with you! They should stay fresh for months.

Indian musical instruments such as the flute and sitar make a fantastic gift – and could encourage you to get more musical!

Jewellery is available everywhere in all forms – wooden, bone, leather and sterling silver. Easy to wear and carry. Again, make sure these items are real and fairtrade.

6. What kind of bag and suitcase should you bring to India?

Backpacks are definitely the easiest to move around with – and India requires a lot of moving around! Backpacks can be squeezed into train/bus luggage racks or under seats, and obviously, they go where you go. The size of your backpack depends on the bulkiness of your gear, but it’s a good idea to choose one with lots of zip compartments and pockets, so you can find stuff quickly.

Suitcases are less suitable (especially the four-wheeled spinners) for India’s rugged road surfaces and tight spaces, but they do make life easier if you’re staying in a place for a long period of time. I personally like this Samsonite wheeled duffle for the best of both worlds.

7. I'm healthy, do I really need to get Travel Insurance?

YES. Travel insurance is a must. You never know what, where or when something could go wrong – and in India, anything can go wrong. Losing your wallet or tripping down a flight of stairs can ruin your entire trip – not to mention swallow up a hefty portion of your funds. Consider also that things can go wrong back home, which may mean an unexpected flight back. Travel insurance covers all the things that you don’t want to happen but CAN happen.

Even if nothing goes wrong, having a good travel insurance provider takes care of the “what if?” worry that’s bound to niggle away at the back of your mind – which means you can enjoy your trip more! Use this widget to get an instant quote.

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

8. Do cruise-lines stop at ports in India?

There are several companies such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Princess that all make stops in India. The itineraries often also include the Middle East and/or Southeast Asia and are typically around 2-weeks in length. We’ve heard reports that even if you don’t get off the boat when at an Indian port, you still need a visa. Also, see our cruise packing checklist for cruise specific packing ideas.

9. What about vaccines? Should I get all the ones that they recommend?

Vaccines and medications for India are a very personal choice and some of them do have negative side effects such as Malaria medication. Talk to your doctor about what vaccinations you may or may not need. Chances are you have already had most recommended vaccinations as a child. Otherwise, the CDC website provides a comprehensive list of vaccines recommended for India at any particular time. Remember that outbreaks do occur from time to time, so it’s important to do your research.

Asher Fergusson

Travellers Guide To What To Wear in India 2022

What to wear in India on your trip there is a topic that provokes a lot of thought, discussion and debate! And so… I’m here to help . Over the years, what is appropriate for travellers to wear to India has changed a lot – so read on for plenty of tips for how to dress in India – and have a few myths dispelled along the way! 

This post contains compensated affiliate links. For more info and my full disclosure, please read here . 

What to Wear while Travelling in India?

Knowing what to wear in India for travelling can feel confusing – and it’s not helped by the fact that there are many nuanced answers to this question – especially if you’re wondering how to dress in India as a female tourist – which let’s face it is a lot less straight forward than it is for men!

But fear not, I’m here to help. After 8 years of travelling to India for extended periods, I’ve had plenty of chances to test out what does – and doesn’t – work when it comes to picking what to wear to India.

As a woman, the reality of what to wear while travelling India has changed a lot in the last few years (for the better) but it’s still not a place you can just turn up to in micro-shorts and a singlet/spaghetti strapped-tops.

Fashion, dress-standards and what is considered ‘appropriate’ for clothing for female travellers to India is rapidly changing here – even in the last couple of years what might not have been ok is now fine – in some places.

When you’re mulling over what to pack for your trip to India, remember this: India is a sub-continent, populated by over 1.2 billion people. In cities like Mumbai, you’re just as likely to see local girls in hot pants getting out of Ubers on a saturday night out going clubbing as women in sarees – but that doesn’t mean you’d feel comfortable wearing yours wandering around the sights of Agra or even riding around on the Mumbai local trains.

There is no one answer to the question “what to wear in India”. Rather there are as many answers as there are times of day – such are the nuances of this rapidly changing country and culture.

So – what can you wear as a traveller to India? Let’s get stuck in!

Dressing for Safe Travel in India

I’m guessing what brought you to this post is your desire to a) be safe travelling in India and b) be culturally appropriate and respectful while travelling in India. So firstly: Thank you for reading! The world needs many more sensitive travellers like you.

Secondly: Despite the warnings and cautionary tales, India is an incredibly rewarding place to travel, and the vast majority of female (and male) travellers who venture here do not experience any trouble. If you follow your common sense, keep an eye on your surroundings, and are aware of how you are perceived when deciding how to dress for travelling India, then it will increase your safety, too!

Rightly or wrongly – know that what clothes for India travel you choose does have an impact on how you may be perceived while travelling around India – especially if you’re venturing off the beaten path. Which is why how to dress in India as a tourist is an often debated topic.

Whatever you wear in India, if you don’t look Indian, you will stand out, and you can expect to be stared at and get attention. But wearing revealing clothes on top of that, can add some  masala to the attention. Which you probably don’t want! Foreign women are sometimes perceived as “exotic” and naturally attract increased interest in what is still a male dominated society – so to mitigate that you will probably want to cover up more than you might at home (while staying cool).

Do’s and Don’ts of dressing in India

Based on my experiences of travelling in India, usually solo:

• Do look around you: Take note of what local women are wearing, what areas of the body they are covering, and take your cues from them (I’m not saying you have to buy a saree but if everyone around you is in shorts, you’re probably fine in the same).
• Do ask if you’re not sure: Ask local friends if you have them, ask other hotel/hostel guests, or ask tour guides for feedback on what you’re wearing if you’re really not sure.
• If you’re at the beach, don’t wear swimwear off the beach, even just to cross the road to get your coconut water. Many of India’s beautiful beaches are actually in more conservative communities (depending where in the country you are) and not dressing properly causes offence. In Goa or at resort beaches, bikinis are fine, but on local beaches or waterfalls etc it’s better to swim partially clothed (a loose t-shirt over your swimsuit is a good idea).
• Don’t ever sunbathe topless or skinny-dip. Even if you think no-one can see you, they probably can. And do you really want your chest going viral on WhatsApp?
• Legs are bared more and more compared to a few years back. In places like Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh, wearing knee-length skirts are just fine. In Central/North India you’ll still find most women covering their legs with long skirts/trousers (pants)
• Don’t show off your cleavage. Although sleeves are getting shorter and shorter, Indian women don’t like to display their assets publicly and the ‘dupatta’ (long scarf worn backwards across the chest) is primarily used as a ‘boob defender’ ;-).
• Don’t wear spaghetti or thin straps unless you’re on the beach – but short sleeves / sleeveless tops (thick straps) are generally fine.
• Do wear bright colours: Not only will they make your feel more cheerful, you’ll blend in to India’s rainbow of colour!

What Not to Wear in India

In general, unless you’re in a beach area, here are some things to avoid wearing in India as a female traveller:

• Strappy tops & vests
• Anything that shows cleavage
• Short shorts or dresses (knee length and longer dresses are best, shorts should not expose your butt and are a no-go in more conservative cities/areas, like Agra & Varanasi)
• High Heels! You will not need them unless you’re planning to go clubbing in Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore
• Super tight, figure hugging clothes (but normal tight jeans are just fine, especially if worn with a loose top)

Dispelling a Few Myths

Given that India has been portrayed in a certain light in the media, travel advice tends so err on the cautious and a limited view of what it is like to live and travel in India has developed. Let’s be clear on a few things.

• It’s not always hot in India. Depending on when and where you travel, you may need warmer layers too.
• You don’t need to cover your hair in India (unless you’re entering a Sikh or Muslim religious shrine/temple/mosque)
• You don’t need to wear Indian clothing – see more below!
• Younger and city-dwelling Indians are just as likely to be sporting t-shirts and skinny jeans than traditional Indian dress. It all depends on where you are.
• You don’t have to wear elephant or harem pants. India is loved as a hippy, backpacking destination but it is perfectly possible to travel here and look smart, too!
• You can wear jewellery -maybe leave your diamond collection / family jewels at home 😉 but many Indians wear a lot of jewellery, so don’t be afraid to get some local jewellery for yourself, too (negotiate!).

Should you Wear Indian Clothes?

For my first solo trips to India, I followed the advice that wearing local clothing would earn me more respect and be safer as a solo female traveller. I headed out shopping and got myself a few  kurtas  (tunic style long tops with splits below the waist – they vary in length from waist length to below the knee), as well as a custom made salwaar kameez. 

All of this was great fun and very inexpensive, but I found myself attracting plenty of attention and comments for my Indian-style attire, particularly in the big cities.  I found myself wondering: Would I just have blended in better if I had been wearing western clothes?

The answer is probably yes, in some situations – and I’m definitely not advocating wandering around India in a saree. Here’s what I suggest:

• In ALL of India you are just fine in western clothes – as long as you cover up in more conservative areas – t-shirts/shirts and jeans are always fine.
• The main reason to buy & wear Indian clothes is because a) they’re beautiful and b) they can help with staying cool in the heat.
• In rural areas and villages (where you’ll need to dress more conservatively), wearing a kurta top over your trousers can be a great way to fit in, dress respectfully and keep cool.
• Some parts of India are more conservative than others – e.g. Uttar Pradesh & Rajasthan are more traditional than Maharashtra, so local clothing as above for rural India can be helpful, especially if you’re going off the beaten path.
• If in doubt: Look at what the local women of your age around you are wearing and use that as a barometer. In general, Sarees are the worn by married, Indian women, or for special occasions – and I don’t recommend wearing them out and about on your travels unless you are invited to wear one to a special occasion or event (such as a wedding) to avoid cultural appropriation. If you are gifted one or want to buy one as a souvenir, that’s fine!

What to Wear in India: The Essentials

Here are my recommended essential items for dressing in India for Women. Go for natural fibres / fabrics whereever you can as these keep you cooler and are more comfortable (plus they are better for the environment).

Accessories

• Sunglasses – not only for keeping the sun out, but great for avoiding any stares from would be Romeo’s. I love ethical brand Pala Eyewear .
• A secure handbag / purse. I love crossbody bags as you can keep them in front of you and on your person at all times (i’ve always used crossbody bags when travelling in India). A basic leather one is good, or for added security you can use a Travelon one which has additional security measures built in!
• Jacket – If you’re travelling to northern India in Winter, then pack a compact light down jacket or windproof layer to keep you warm on cold winter mornings and evenings. I have been so grateful for my one like this many a time. A jacket is a must for wearing on Safaris in India too as it’s chilly before the sun comes up.
• Scarves, Scarves, Scarves. Drape them across your chest, backwards like a  dupatta (Indian Style), wrap them over your head in the heat, as a sarong on the beach, or around your shoulders to keep warm in AC. You will find so many uses for your scarf! We recommend 1 x Thin / light Linen, Cotton or Hemp Scarf and 1 x Thicker Shawl (which you can also use a blanket on AC trains etc)
• Tunic tops / loose shirts or blouses – we love this one and this one
• T-shirts – preferably made from organic cotton, hemp or bamboo such as these ones
• Kurta tops – you can buy them online if you just can’t wait until you get to India 😉
• Warmer Layer such as a fleece or hoodie and a light jacket if travelling to North India in winter (always take one warmer layer for air conditioned transport regardless of where you’re travelling in India)
• High quality organic cotton/bamboo vest tops are useful for wearing under a blouse / kurta if it’s really hot and you don’t want to wear a bra – (personally I find they really dig in in the heat). Cotton layers actually help to keep you cool…

Bottom Half

• Loose fitting harem pants or Linen trousers like these
• Leggings (only wear under a long top that covers your bottom)
• Jeans – skinny or regular (we suggest 1 pair is enough)
• Modest shorts for the beach (not ones that expose your ‘cheeks!)
• A long, loose skirt or Linen trousers like these – skirts are great for bus travel in case you have to go to the bathroom in nature! Make sure your long skirt is not too tight and doesn’t have tall slits in the side. (I saw a girl wearing a long skirt with thigh-high slits in at the Taj Mahal – and every man in sight was gaping at her.)
• Maxi and Midi dresses are a great idea, to help stay cool and look stylish – get ones with sleeves if you can find them. Vibrant colours are much more practical than white ones which will get dirty super quickly.

Swimwear for India

• A loose fitting kaftan or maxi dress can be handy if you’ll be hitting the beach
• A bikini or swimsuit is fine for resorts or the touristy beaches of Goa and Kerala. On local beaches, waterfalls or in the countryside I suggest swimming with a t-shirt & shorts on as locals swim fully clothed.
• Don’t ever walk around off the beach in your swimwear
• I suggest taking a pair of sandals / flip flops for chilling out in (I love Reef who contribute to cleaning up beaches around the world). These are also super useful for visiting temples where you need to remove shoes.
• A pair of covered pumps / canvas shoes such as Toms for travel and walking around cities to avoid your feet being filthy the whole time – light, neutral colours like grey / tan are best for not showing the dust and dirt
• Hiking shoes if you’re going to be trekking (breathable ones are recommended and make sure you wear them in beforehand)
• You can buy cheap “chuppels” in India (pretty decorated sandals) so leave plenty of space in your bag!

What to Wear for Yoga in India

• Leave your tight leggings, racerbacks and spandex at home!
• Loose fitting cool t-shirts
• Baggy yoga trousers / harem pants

Yoga in India is a modest affair and you won’t see the tight yoga clothes that have become a staple of “western” yoga much. Try to bring tops you can tuck into your trousers to avoid flashing during your downward dogs!

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Knowing What to Wear and When

As you’ll see in my “should I dress in local clothing” section – I recommend adapting what you wear depending on where you are in India. The easiest way to judge this is to look at what people your age are wearing around you. In general, in cities and touristy areas you are fine in western clothing (but do stick to the rules of not showing your shoulders, chest or legs above the shin).

Even in some more touristic areas – notably Agra, Varanasi and other parts of central India, these regions are more conservative and you will want to cover more than you’d need to on the beaches of Goa. In other specific situations such as going on Tiger or other Wildlife Safaris in India you’ll want to be covered and wearing neutral tones – leave that beautiful bright red top at home.

ⓘ TIP:   Travel Insurance is a must for India – we use and recommend World Nomads – Get your quote here !

What to Wear in India for Men

Ah, guys, you have it so easy! Much of the debate around how to dress as a traveller to India is related to women because of the traditional society that exists there. As a man you can wear pretty much what you would at home, although a few things to bear in mind:

• Shorts are now much more popular in metro- India (the cities) as well as on the beach, and knee-length shorts are just fine.
• Don’t walk around topless unless you’re on the beach
• You don’t need to wear local clothing – even in villages. You’ll get a few odd looks if you wander India in a Salwar Kameez!
• The best bet? Jeans / Chinos and t-shirts / shirts. We recommend light jeans and cotton t-shirts or polo shirts for a slightly smarter look.

Final Words of Advice

If you research in advance (like reading this post!) and do your packing right, you won’t have to worry about what to wear in India when you’re there! Job done!

Try not to pack too much – no-one likes lugging a heavy bag around while travelling – flexibility and items you can mix/match are the key. Last but not least save some space for shopping in India because there are so many beautiful clothes, scarves and accessories you’ll want to buy once you’re here!

Next step: Have an amazing time in India!

Plan Your Trip to India with Soul Travel India:

How to Plan your Dream Trip to India – Complete Guide

The 21 Best Places for Solo Female Travel in India

The Best Places to Visit in India – For Every Month of the Year

Can I Wear Shorts in India?

In touristy beach areas like Goa, shorts are perfectly fine, and in cities like Mumbai shorts are commonly worn too (by women as well as men). In other cities and in more conservative parts of India, shorts are to be avoided – and in any case make sure they are modest shorts rather than ones that leave your ‘cheeks hanging out!

Should I Buy Indian clothes for travel in India?

Only if you want to! Indian clothes are beautiful and you may find the colourful Kurta tunics hard to resist… but wherever you are travelling, western clothes are just fine as long as you dress respectfully. Out of respect for Indian culture, wandering around India in a Saree is not suggested.

What Swimwear is appropriate in India?

On touristy beaches (like in Goa & Kerala) and at resorts and luxury hotels, bikinis are just fine. A sarong is handy to cover up a bit while walking up and down the beach – and make sure to cover up as soon as you leave the beach/pool. In rural areas and for swimming in rivers & waterfalls you may feel more comfortable doing as the locals do and swimming in shorts and t-shirt.

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What to Wear in India

Style tips for india.

• When deciding what to wear in India, remember to carry minimal clothing – both clothing and laundry are cheap.
• Take pants and some full-sleeved shirts and t-shirts for comfortable traveling.
• Jeans are popular, but will probably be too hot for most .
• Full-sleeved clothes are ideal protection against sun burn during the day and mosquito bites at night.
• Sleeveless shirts, if decent can be worn without any problems but they give less protection from the sun and mosquitoes.
• In the big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Banglore, Pune, etc you can wear shorts but we wouldn't recommend it.
• If you are traveling out of the main tourist areas, the best and most comfortable wear are the local loose pants and long top called Lehngas, which are readily available and very reasonably priced.
• A sunhat is a must for the summer, and a travel umbrella gives great protection from both rain and sun.
• Quality sunglasses are a must too.
• If you're trekking, light wool is a good choice to wear against your skin as it naturally helps to regulate your body temperature . It keeps you warm in the cold, wicks away moisture when it's hot, and doesn't retain odours – even after prolonged wear.
• And we like Thorlos hiking socks too – they have options designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable in all climates.
• If you will need swimwear for your hotel pool or the beach, make sure you take it with you as it's difficult to buy and expensive.
• If you are looking for a highly versatile travel jacket to bring along we recommend the  SCOTTeVEST  range. Their range of jackets have been specifically designed with traveling in mind and include RFID security (to protect your passport information), 23 secure pockets and personal connectivity integration.

Pack for the weather

• Indian summers are very hot. So, if you are planning to go in the period of March, April, May and June, pack light cotton clothes. Do not wear synthetics as you may develop some skin allergies or heat burns.
• Winters (October, November, December, January and February) in India are quite cold, especially Northern India. So pack some warmer layers. Also pack some thermal underwear, especially if you are planning to roam around.
• We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂 Download for iPad/iPhone or Android

Shoes to pack for India

• Be sure to have some good sturdy shoes with you since your feet will get dusty and dirty (try Hotter shoes , they are incredibly comfortable and look great too).
• It's best to avoid high heels , flat sandals will do just fine. We love the Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops range – using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light.

Clothing tips for women

• India is very traditional and some heads will turn if you dress provocatively in public. Short tops, short skirts/shorts, tight or body-revealing clothes etc should be avoided. You might invite unwanted attention from certain men who stare and pass comments at women to amuse themselves.
• Clothes should cover both shoulders and knees.
• Even in the big cities when you are not in the tourist hotels or shops, cover up; a loose cotton shirt or t-shirt with cotton pants or an ankle length skirt would be good, and cover your shoulders.
• While visiting places of worship (temples, gurudwara or mausoleum), women must wear long skirts or pants and have covered shoulders. Also, don't forget to remove your footwear before entering any religious place.
• It is advisable to carry a light pashmina or scarf with you to cover your head in case it gets too hot. Some religious places also require you to cover your head, so it will come in handy then too.
• Why not take a sarong that can double up as dress , shawl or cover up.
• The leather RedDog BagPod is a really versatile and stylish bag that can be used from day to evening. Wear it over the shoulder or convert it to a clutch, or use it to keep your belongings and travel documents tidy and easy to find.

Clothing tips for men

• Loose cotton shirts or t-shirts and long linen pants work well and give protection from both sun and insect bites .
• For great versatile travel jackets with multiple pockets including RFID security options, we love the SCOTTeVEST range.

Regions of India

• Rajasthan is coolest and driest from October to March. If you are planning on walking the Kumbhalgarh ramparts you might like to take walking poles… and plenty of water.
• If you are traveling by train a pashmina or sweater will come in handy as the air conditioning can be fierce. For long or overnight journeys you will also benefit from earplugs, an eye mask and your own toilet roll. Your own cotton sleeper sheet is advisable too in case of bed bugs.
• What to Wear in Goa

Travel essentials for India

• Make sure you take a good sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection) with you – it's expensive in India . But buy insect/mosquito repellent out there – you will need plenty.
• Away from the main hotels toilet facilities will be basic and more likely a hole in the ground; take your own toilet paper and anti-bacterial handwash. A microfiber travel towel is a good idea too – these fold up really small and dry quickly.
• No matter how good a sleeper you are we suggest you pack ear plugs as this can feel like a country that never sleeps.
• Don’t drink or even brush your teeth in tap water. Consider taking a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle . And another tip for trying to avoid “Delhi belly” is to have a mouth full of antiseptic mouthwash when you shower.
• A bag or soft-sided rucksack is a more practical option than hard cases when traveling around the country, and using packing cubes can help to keep your belongings tidy whilst compressing the volume too.
• Combine your bag with a fold away day sack that will carry your essentials on day trips .
• To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug , and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for the local voltage (230V) .
• Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! Soft, fine cashmere pashminas are beautiful, whilst tea and Indian spices are always popular and will easily fit in your case.

India Blog posts you might like

Whirlwind Tour Of India’s Golden Triangle In November

To get under the skin of a country there is a lot to be said…

Community photos of India

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What are you looking for?

India packing list: what to pack for india in 2024.

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!

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

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, women's packing list, travel essentials, tech/gadgets, health & safety, miscellaneous, other items to consider, a few things you need to know about india.

Here are 3 key things you need to first be aware of before you start packing your bags and heading off abroad for an epic trip across India.

1. Religion in India

Just like Bali , and many other places throughout Asia, the dominant religion in India is Hinduism, with roughly 80% of the population claiming to be so.

People tend to dress more conservatively than in western countries, though they are certainly not the strictest of religions.

Yes, you will typically see women covering up more of their bodies (particularly their legs) but they do still have skin on show.

Many women have parts of their back open and many locals even have parts of their cleavage and stomachs showing, no matter what age they are.

Religion and dress code in India becomes more important when visiting religious sites.

Here, it is more respectful if you have some way to cover up.

Cazzy always carries some sort of light shawl with her so she can cover up the rest of her arms if required.

She typically always had on a long, light dress that covered up more than enough and didn’t offend.

On a side note, if you are a female tourist in India, then you will get stared at a LOT by locals, particularly the men.

As she's from Ireland , Cazzy is naturally very white and really stands out.

So if you have a lot of skin on show then you are just encouraging more people to stare at you in an uncomfortable manner.

2. Geography of India

India is HUGE!

It’s more than 3 million square kilometres and home to more than 1.3 billion people; roughly 13 times the size of the UK.

As such, you can expect it to have an incredibly varied climate depending on which part of the country you visit.

On our visit, we went as far south as Goa and as far north as Delhi & Agra , so were able to experience many of the changes.

As a very rough guide, the further north you get, it tends to get a little cooler, whereas Goa in the south is much hotter.

This is a VERY rough idea and not totally accurate as your experiences of temperature and rainfall will vary depending on how far east and west you are.

For a much deeper understanding of the expected temperatures and climate in the parts you plan on visiting, check out this website .

3. Seasons in India

India has 4 seasons:

• Winter - January to February
• Summer - March to May
• Monsoon - June to September
• Post-monsoon - October to December

Again, these will vary depending on which part of the country you are in, but are the typical overarching months.

We were packing for India in November, and had great weather during our entire 3 weeks there .

In the south it was definitely hotter, with many days being in the low 30s or high 20s, and by the time we were in Delhi it was typically in the mid-20s.

The most popular months to visit India are November to February and it’s not surprising as the weather is much more manageable across the board.

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.

OSPREY PACKS STRATOS 24

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 .

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.

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 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 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

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
• Moleskin tape
• 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.

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 
• 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.

• Find Monzo here: Apple / Android
• Find Revolut here: Apple / Android

Important Documents

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

• 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.

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. heck out our latest lens guides for more tips: Sony a7 / Sony a7ii / Sony a7iii / Sony a7riii / Sony a6000 / Sony a6300 / Sony a6400 / Sony a6500 / Sony a6600 / Sony z6 / Canon M50 / Canon 80D / Canon 90D / Canon 6D Mark II / Panasonic GH5 / Nikon D750 / Nikon D850 / Nikon D3100 / Nikon D3200 / Nikon D3300 / Nikon D3400 / Nikon D3500 / Nikon D5600

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!

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.

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

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
• Hand sanitiser - It’s a good idea to clean your hands regularly and before eating so as to avoid getting unnecessarily sick

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.

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!

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

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What to wear in India: A packing guide for women

After booking a trip to India and the planning gets underway, most people’s first question is “but what should I wear?” Fortunately it’s actually pretty easy for women to pack a slim suitcase for the average sightseeing trip, since India isn’t the type of place you’ll need to be dressed to the nines in.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that it’s a conservative country, which means avoiding bare shoulders, cleavage and lots of leg. Here’s a complete packing list for what to wear in India.

What to Wear in India: Clothes

Flowy dresses and skirts: Pack dresses and skirts that are loose, and long enough to cover the leg to at least mid-calf. Dresses that cover the shoulders are best, but if you’re having trouble tracking one down then simply cover up with a light scarf.

Pants: One pair of jeans and a couple pairs of pants should be enough, and you can buy colourful, flowy bottoms in the markets which are great in hot weather.

Shirts: Leave the tank tops at home, and instead pack a handful of breathable t-shirts and a couple of light sweaters.

Leggings: Bring along a pair to wear with the tunic or saree you’ll inevitably end up buying once you get to India.

Jacket: Mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cool, so pack a cute bomber or thin down jacket.

India Packing List: Accessories

Shoes: Unless you’re there for a fancy event such as an Indian wedding, leave the heels behind and only pack comfy, sturdy shoes.

A couple pairs of closed-toe shoes such as Converse sneakers or ballet flats will keep your soles happy during long days of sightseeing, and you’ll want one pair of sandals as well. Those planning on trekking in areas like Ladakh should pack a pair of hiking boots.

Bathing suit: India isn’t much of a beach spot, but those heading to areas like Goa will want to bring one along. Leave the thong bikini at home though, in lieu of a more conservative one-piece.

Scarves:  Scarves are one of the travel essentials for India, as they’re so versatile. Pack at least a couple of pashminas (or buy a few while you’re there—they’re everywhere!) as these come in handy in many situations. Most women end up draping them over bare shoulders, over their head when entering a mosque, or pairing with a t-shirt. Scarves also add a nice pop of colour in photos—hello Instagram!

Travel hack: Wear one scarf and keep another tucked in your day bag. That way, you can swap them throughout the day so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing the same outfit in all your photos.

RELATED: Globe Guide’s tried and tested, all-time favourite travel accessories

Travel Essentials for India: Miscellaneous

Visa:  A visa is the most important thing on your traveling to India checklist, as all foreign visitors are required to get a visa—unfortunately the process is notoriously painful. The online e-VISA program is a welcome change from when you used to have to submit an application in person, but can be quite buggy so be sure to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure there’s enough time to submit it and get approval (which usually at least a few days).

It’s extremely important to print off a copy of the visa form once it shows as “granted”, since most airlines won’t allow passengers to board the plane to India without seeing confirmation of a valid visa.

Hand sanitizer and wet wipes: Hand-washing is key to keeping away germs, especially in a country of more than one billion people.

Insect repellent: As there are many areas throughout the country where malaria is present, protection is crucial.

Vaccinations: Depending on what country you’re arriving to India from, certain vaccinations such as yellow fever may be required. Check out this list of recommended vaccines.

Kleenex: Keep a packet in your bag, since chances are you’ll find yourself in a washroom without any toilet paper at some point.

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About The Author

Tamara Elliott

8 thoughts on “what to wear in india: a packing guide for women”.

This is just awesome. Thanks for putting them all in one place. Great effort.

Thank you. This information was very helpful. Time to shop!

Hi Deborah, so glad you found this helpful! Where in India are you heading?

Both men and women should wear pants and avoid tank tops when visiting India. In India, women should wear long skirts that reach the ankle instead of pants if they want to look like a local. While T-shirts are permissible, err on the side of modesty. The country has a bad reputation for being a dangerous place for solo female travelers. Among the tumult of impressions, large population, heat, dust, and noise that new visitors to India must contend with, solo female travelers must also contend with safety concerns.

@Tamara Elliot I’m heading to Manali India in March 2023 trying to see what I can pack as don’t want to spend much do you know that area? I’m thinking jeans & boots plus long coat plus something nice if I go to dinner any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Thanks for your information about clothes. i am read your article i am very impressive.

Are sweatpants acceptable on women tourists or frowned upon ?

Depends- a nice fitting pair of black leggings would totally work!

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Home » Asia » India » Packing List

22 Items You NEED in your India Packing List (2024)

Ask a seasoned backpacker: “Where’s the toughest place you’ve ever traveled?”

They’ll likely answer: “India.”

Ask that same backpacker: “Where the most amazing place you’ve ever traveled?”

Maybe it’s the struggles of navigating through a developing country and deciphering its unique social norms – combined with its ancient history, inimitable sights and immense spiritual richness that make India so alluring. And you hear it calling your name.

The first challenge of backpacking India, is packing for India. The climate does vary and you absolutely need to make sure you are prepared foe whatever India throws at you.

After reading this India survival guide, you’ll feel all of those things and be ready to take on the most eye-opening, mind-expanding, sensory-stimulating, life-changing experience ever.

So, without further ado, let’s begin!

The Ultimate India Packing List

What to pack for india: personal gear, the basic stuff to pack for india, final thoughts on what to pack for india.

Nomatic Travel Bag

• Capacity > 30L
• Price > $299

Nomatic Navigator Carry On

• Capacity > 37L
• Price > $400

GoPro Hero 11

• Resolution > 5k

Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket

• Price > $600

Insurance From World Nomads

• Price > Click For a Quote

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For the most part, traveling in India is hot except for in the mountains when it can be cool on summer nights and frozen all the winter. Before packing your bag, it is worth working out where you will be going, and at what time of the year you’re visiting.

Before you even take on the task of figuring out what to pack for India, you’ll need an amazing backpack to pack it all into. For all types of travelers and destinations, our number one recommendation is the  Nomatic Travel Bag .

You have a choice between backpack or duffel bag carry, and extra carrying comfort for your back thanks to its innovative strap system and detachable sternum strap. And its black, waterproof material is every bit sleek and modern as it is durable and tough. There is a reason why most Broke Backpacker staff swear by this backpack. 

Nomatic Carry-On Pro

Backpacks not your thing? That’s ok. Our friends at Nomatic are back again with a great alternative to their badass Travel Bag; the Nomatic Carry-On Pro. 

This suitcase is ultra-durable, sleek, and comes with a handy tech compartment for transporting your laptop and other electronic bits. Note that traveling “Carry-On only” is going to limit the amount of souvenirs you can bring back!

GoPro Hero9 Black

For most of us, our smartphones now feature cameras with stunning photo capabilities.

But… if you are an aspiring photographer who wants to take next-level photos and video beyond iPhone selfies, I recommend going with an action camera like the  GoPro Hero9 Black . If you are looking for something cheaper for video specifically, check out these epic  GoPro Alternatives .

Wandrd Packing Cubes

In case you have never used them, packing cubes are little compression cubes that allow you to neatly pack clothes in in order to help facilitate better packing. They allow you to pack more stuff, and to keep it all better organised.

For the longest time, I thought that packing cubes were a superfluous indulgence, but boy was I wrong. Now I never travel without a few. These ones from WANDRD are great quality and excellent value for money. Get them on your India packing list now!

HolaFly eSim

The good news about much of India now has 3g to 5g Internet coverage offering ready access to taxi apps and food delivery apps. The bad news is that your native SIM card will most probably not work and so you will not be able to access any of this online goodness until you rectify that particular situation.

You can waste time hanging around phone shops queuing to get a plastic sim or you can simply install a eSim onto your phone before you leave home. You just access the HolaFly site, choose the relevant package, download it and off you go – you are online the moment you land at the airport. eSims are easier to set up and better than the environment than plastic sims. The downside is that not all phones are eSim ready.

Deciding what to wear in India does take some thought, and definitely depends on when you’re visiting . It is generally way too hot and humid for western clothes and jeans and even cotton t-shirts are not ideal. On the other hand, you need to bear in mind “decency” standard as exposing flesh will attract unwanted attention – this is especially true for women.

The good news is that clothes are available to buy VERY cheaply in India so you can definitely pick up some local wares once you arrive.

OluKai ‘Ohana Flip-Flops

Open shoe’s are very common in India and even business people will wear them. This makes perfect sense as the endless heat can make for seriously sweaty feet. These are ideal as they are easy to remove once your enter a cafe or temple (removing shoes is common in many places).

Your feet will be tired and sweaty from those long days wearing shoes so do yourself a favor: pack sandals and give your feet some well-deserved cushion and fresh air. These Olukai flip flops are ultra-comfortable, well-made, and come in a variety of colors. 

Check out the  women’s OluKai ‘Ohana Flip-Flops .

Arcteryx Beta AR

Did you know that the surface of the earth is over 70% covered in water? And you know how that water got there? Yep because it tends to here rain here on planet earth quite a lot! In India, the monsoons are very wet and a jacket may be advisable. Also, if you intend on visiting the mountains you will find it gets pretty nippy at night. Whilst you can easily and cheaply pick up clothes in India, good quality outdoor is hard to come by as a lot of the stuff on sale is cheap.

This is our pick of the many rain jackets we have tried. It’s reliable & stylish and looks good worn out in the mountains or in city bars. However, if you are going to the far mountains of Ladakh or taking a Kashmir tour , then go for the warmer Zeta version instead.

Osprey Daylite Plus

If you intend on doing any hiking, temple tours or even hitting the beaches of Goa then you will need a daypack. They are great for carrying water, hat’s and gloves and for packing sandwiches for lunch. We love Osprey products and this daypack is our personal pick.

The Osprey Daylite Plus has a mesh-covered panel to keep your back cool and fresh by minimizing contact with the back of the pack itself and allowing air to get between you and the pack.

Travel First Aid Kit

You don’t need to tote around half a pharmacy, but a well-stocked first aid kit should be in all our backpacks. Stuff happens on the road and it’s inconvenient and embarrassing when you can’t manage small situations like a cut finger or hangover migraine.

Tip: Add a few bits and pieces to the first aid kit after you purchase it, like extra headache medicine, any personal meds you need (like allergy pills), whatever you take to calm your stomach and a few more plasters.

Travel Insurance From World Nomads

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Planner/Travel Journal

Keeping a journal is one of the best things to do when traveling. The Drifter Leather Journal by Kodiak is our favorite, it works great for digital nomads and organized backpackers and can be used as planner or a dream diary – whatever you want! 

Keep on track with your goals, travels and save those precious memories, especially the ones you do not want to share online. This one is bound in beautiful leather so it looks beautiful and will withstand life on the road.

Abaco Sunglasses

A reliable pair of sunglasses is undoubtedly one of your India packing essentials. Our favorites are Abaco Polarized Sunglasses because they deliver on quality and style. 

They’re built tough with triple-layer scratch-resistant lenses and trademarked Adventure-proof Frame Material. You can also customize them with your choice of lens and frame colors to reflect your own style. 

Money Belt – By Pacsafe

Whilst India is not particularly dangerous, crime can still happen and tourists are sometimes targeted.

Therefore it is always a good idea to use a money belt to hide your cash just in case something does go wrong.

Hydroflask Vacuum Bottle 32 oz. 

Packing a reusable water bottle is probably the best thing you can personally do to combat single-use plastic bottle use whilst traveling. There is simply zero need to buy small plastic water bottles. Whilst the tap water in India is deadly, you can buy big (re-fillable) 5 litre water bottles and then fill up your hydro flask each day before you go out.

We love the Hydroflask Vacum Bottle for its quality and because it keeps cold water  cold  for many hours and vice versa for hot beverages. This bottle is the ideal water bottle to get not just for your India trip but for daily use. Please don’t be that person buying plastic water bottles. We are all judging you…especially mother earth. 

If you go with the Hydroflask, you’ll probably never need to buy another waterbottle again. 

Headlamp – Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Headlamps are great for traveling for many reasons. Firstly, they are useful as hell if you go camping or on an early sunrise mountain hike. Then, they come in useful for finding your way to your hostel bed at 3am without having to turn the lights on. They are also a Godsend if there is a power cut (pretty common in India) and great for navigating darkened alleyways in Turkey & Spain.

Not all headlamps were created equal and this is one of the best. The Petzl Actik Core comes with a USB rechargeable battery (full recharge in 3 hours or less); however, it is compatible with AAA batteries. Water-resistance is another critical feature. This product can withstand splashing; but keep in mind, water-resistant does NOT mean waterproof.

On top of the essential items listed above, here is an additional suggested checklist of what to pack for a trip to India:

• A few pairs of comfortable pants/jeans
• 1-2 pairs of shorts (summer/late spring)
• A few pairs of socks
• (Sexy) underwear x 2/3
• Smartphone with a good camera for photos if you are not bringing an actual camera
• Portable power bank  for charging your phone on the go
• Phone charger
• Amazon Kindle  for long train journeys
• Copy of your passport just in case
• Cash (not too much, there are ATM can be found in most cities and tourist hubs)
• Packable Towel

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Well, friends – there you have it! Your India survival guide for with our top 22-needs packing list, appropriate clothing to wear in India, special tips for gals and guys and what NOT to pack for India.

We hope you feel prepared – and most importantly – excited! Pack the essentials for a comfortable journey, and leave your worries behind. Anything additional that you discover you need, you can buy along the way. Focus on this exciting feeling – a great adventure awaits you in the ever-changing, complex, beautiful world that is India.

We know that we’re excited for you and wish you bountiful, safe travels!

Suzanne Borders

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I am a fan of yoga, and where else besides India you can practice yoga and feel such calming, this is the most beautiful place for yoga, so the main thing I need in India is my yoga mat.

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Your Essential Packing List

Suggested Packing List for India

What to Bring and What to Leave Behind

Nina Dietzel/Getty Images

India is a developing country with conservative dress standards. Therefore it's important that you take time to consider what to bring to India. Here are some suggestions for your packing list. If you'll be visiting India during the monsoon season , check out this special monsoon season packing list for India as well.

Read more about nine essential items to include on your India packing list.

The type of luggage best suited for travel to India really depends on your itinerary. If you only plan to visit major cities and don't intend to do much walking, a suitcase is fine. However, roads and pavements are often dirty and in poor condition. Also keep in mind that the lanes in some cities, such as Jodhpur and Varanasi, are so narrow that vehicles can't fit down them. Therefore, if you intend to travel a lot on foot and go off the beaten path, a backpack is better. For sightseeing during the day, it's a good idea to carry a daypack, or other sturdy bag that can't be easily opened or accessed by pickpockets. Make sure it's big enough to fit in all your essentials, including water.

Visitors often prefer to shop for clothes in India, as they like to adopt a more local way of dressing and clothes can be purchased very cheaply. Major cities such as Mumbai and Delhi are fast becoming very westernized though and you'll see people wearing jeans, t-shirts, and even short skirts. In smaller cities and villages, people still dress conservatively.

In general, the most important rule for both ladies and men is to keep your legs and shoulders covered. However, it's okay for women to show shoulders and for men to wear shorts in large cities and beach locations such as Goa. In nightclubs, western dress standards of jeans and a top (or dress) for girls, and jeans and a t-shirt or shirt for guys, apply.

For ladies, bring long skirts, long dresses, long pants, and jeans. Wearing an Indian top such as a kurta over jeans is an easy, fuss-free combination for travel. Unless you're heading to Goa or plan on hitting the clubs, leave items such as strapless tops, spaghetti strap tops, and crop tops behind. Yes, you will see Indian women's bellies on display when they're dressed in saris but that's traditional attire. It's very different. Avoid wearing tight tops and wear a scarf or shawl to cover your breasts.

For men, short-sleeved shirts are more respectful than t-shirts, although t-shirts are fine.

Does it really matter what you wear in India? If you don't follow conservative dress standards, it's likely that no one will say anything. It comes down to how much you want to be respected though. Indian men are much more likely to harass and photograph women who are not appropriately covered up, as they perceive them to be of loose or immoral character.

Footwear is another thing that can be bought very cheaply in India. Markets abound with shoes in all different colors and designs. You get what you pay for though, so make sure you bring a sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes, sneakers or sandals. If you intend to go out in the evenings, bring a pair of dress shoes as well. The rest you can easily get along the way.

Should you wear open or closed-toed shoes? It largely depends on personal preference. Some people favor closed-toed shoes because they don't want to expose their feet to unsanitary conditions . However, if the weather will be hot, your feet may get uncomfortable and sweaty. In addition, you will be required to remove your footwear often in India. Wearing shoes without laces will reduce the hassle.

Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist attractions in India. ATM machines can also be found in most places, including in small towns and airports. You can simply withdraw rupees from an ATM in the airport terminal when you arrive. However, when using ATMs, be aware that many do charge service fees additional to any fees charged by your bank. Tickets at many tourist sites can be paid for in US dollars if you have the exact change, so do carry some US currency with you in small denominations.

Medicines for specific ailments, with similar active ingredients to what are found overseas, are available in India. The problem is figuring out the brand names and making the pharmacist understand what you're after. Therefore, you should bring an adequate supply of whatever medicines you usually need. Common items such as Vitamin C and acetaminophen (a standard pain killer) are not difficult to purchase from a pharmacy. However, problems may still be encountered as, for example, acetaminophen is known as paracetamol in India. Therefore it also helps if you describe your symptoms, such as headache or stomach ache, to the pharmacist. Indian pharmacies will supply antibiotics and many other drugs without a prescription. This is no longer the case for sleeping tablets or sedatives though. Pharmacists in some areas, such as south India, are also becoming stricter about the types of drugs they'll issue without a prescription. Hence, it's a good idea to bring your prescriptions with you.

Personal Care Items

Amy Whitt/Getty Images

Shampoo, conditioner, moisturizers, razors, deodorant, condoms, and sanitary napkins and pads are all readily available in India. You'll have to search to get roll-on antiperspirant and tampons outside major cities, but they can be found. The tampons don't usually come with applicators through. Bring mosquito repellent with you, as western brands tend to be stronger and more effective than the Indian ones. It's also a good idea to pack sunscreen and your favorite hair products. The range of gels and hair sprays is limited, and hair wax is virtually non-existent, outside major cities.

Other Useful Items

Anti-bacterial and wet wipes are extremely useful for many situations. A torch or flashlight, sunglasses, hat, padlock and chain (to secure your luggage on trains), toilet paper, earplugs, and sleeping bag liner also come in handy. If you wish to use any electronic devices from the United States, you may need a voltage converter and plug adapter. People coming from countries with 230V currency, such as Australia and the UK, only require a plug adapter for their appliances. In addition, it's highly recommended that you bring a couple of books. You'll find yourself waiting around a lot in India (the concept of time and punctuality is much different to the west) and reading material is invaluable. Many guesthouses also have a collection of books and will allow swapping. A good India guidebook can be helpful too.

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Complete India Packing List For 2024 + PDF Checklist

When I first visited India a few years ago, I had absolutely no idea what to pack.

I ended up way overpacking, taking tons of things I didn’t need and I forgot several things that I really did need. A list like this would have helped me so much!

In this ultimate India packing list, I’ve included literally every single thing you should take to India. It works for both men & women.

Let’s jump straight in…

Table of Contents

Packing List For India

India isn’t like any other country that I’ve been to before so I had to buy a lot of stuff for my trip.

I also found that there were a lot of things that I wasn’t able to buy when I got there and I wished I’d brought them with me (I explain alllll of that below).

Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing

In India, people tend to dress more modestly than we do in the West. That means no shorts, no short skirts, no tank tops and no skimpy dresses.

As a general rule, I’d say try to cover your shoulders and knees at all times.

The thing is, it’s not like you can’t wear things like shorts (there’s no law against it) but you’ll get a lot of attention if you do. 

You’ll have hundreds of people staring at you and taking photos of you all at once (I’m not joking) so avoid this unless you wanna know how Ariana Grande feels for a day.

Here’s exactly what I’d pack in terms of clothes:

• 3 x long skirts
• 5 x loose t-shirts
• 1 x loose cotton pants
• 5 pairs of underwear
• 5 pairs of socks

It’s also worth remembering that it’s really hot in India at all times of year. For that reason, I’d recommend wearing loose fitting, light clothing.

I made the mistake of wearing skinny jeans one day and boy did I regret that!

After that I stuck to long flowy skirts and I felt so much better. These ones would be absolutely perfect for India.

You can pair your long skirt with a loose t-shirt like this one that covers your shoulders. That’s the kind of outfit I wore on the daily in India.

If you’re heading to a more beachy destination like Goa then it’s a bit more common to wear swimsuits or shorts but I’d personally still cover up a bit to respect the local culture.

I’d also recommend bringing along one lightweight scarf or shawl that’s big enough to cover your head and shoulders.

There’s absolutely no requirement to wear a scarf in India but certain temples do require you to cover your shoulder/hair so it’s worth having one on you if you’re out sightseeing.

Most of the temples do have spares that you can borrow but it’s much nicer to have your own rather than borrow one that 1,000 other people have worn.

I also found that at one particular temple, all they had were these ugly bright orange scarves that I had to wrap around my hair. 

After that I made sure I had a scarf in my bag at all times. A scarf like this one would be perfect!

You can also buy a scarf when you get to India. They sell them all over the place and I actually ended up buying about 5 different ones as the colors and designs were all so beautiful.

Long Pajamas

I also recommend bringing a long pair of pajamas due to the mosquitoes.

I got bitten so much in India, particularly at night, and covering your skin is definitely the best way to prevent bites.

I did use a mosquito repellent but even then I still woke up covered in bites.

A pajama set like this would be perfect!

Clothing For Men

Men also tend to cover up more in India so you should bring clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Shorts are very uncommon in India.

Here’s what I’d recommend packing:

• 3 x loose pants
• 1 x pajamas

Wearing loose clothing will make you feel more comfortable in the heat. Avoid anything too tight fitting.

As with most countries, the ‘modesty rules’ tend to be more relaxed for men but it’s still pretty uncommon to see men wearing shorts in India.

You’ll want to bring along the comfiest pair of shoes that you own. I’d go for a comfy pair of sneakers like these .

Ideally they should be easy to slip on and off as when you’re sightseeing in India, many places including temples will ask you to remove your shoes.

Don’t bring your best pair of shoes as India is pretty dirty, especially the big cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. 

You’ll also want to ensure that they’re closed toe as the streets are dirty and sometimes not well constructed. Open toe shoes are just asking for a disaster in India!

I bought a brand new pair of shoes and after 3 weeks in India, they were ruined so I ended up just throwing them out.

Whilst you’re out sightseeing during the day, you’ll want a small bag to keep your belongings in.

I’d definitely recommend using a bag rather than just using your pockets as pickpocketing is common in India, especially in crowded places. 

You’ll already stick out like a sore thumb so keep your belongings safe in a bag.

I personally opted for a small side bag which I wore on the front so I could see it at all times. A bag like this one would be perfect as it’s anti theft (which is ideal for India).

For men, a bag like this would be ideal.

I’d also avoid backpacks as they’re easy for pickpockets to access. 

Remember that some people are really skillful at stealing and by the time you realize they’ve been in your bag, it’ll be too late.

Warm Clothing

If you’re planning on visiting northern India then you might want to bring a few warmer pieces of clothing as it can get chilly up there.

If you’re hiking through the Himalayas or heading up to Kashmir then pack a couple of jumpers .

Toilet Paper

This is something that I didn’t realize I’d need but I wish I had! Bring as much as you can fit in your case.

Many toilets in India are ‘squat toilets’ which are basically just holes in the ground that you do your business in. There’s no proper seat and definitely no toilet paper so it’s pretty icky.

They should have normal toilets in your hotel and most restaurants but I did come across squat toilets a few times when I was out and about.

I also found that even when I did find a regular Western-style toilet, for some reason, there often wasn’t any toilet paper there.

I’d recommend having some toilet paper or tissues in your bag at all times!!!  

It’s highly likely you’ll come across a squat toilet at least once (probably more) and they definitely won’t have toilet paper.

These toilet tissues are specifically designed for travel so you won’t have to carry around a big roll with you.

It’s probably a good idea to also bring some hand wipes and hand sanitizer along as well.

Dry Shampoo 

Dry shampoo is definitely not a necessity but it will come in handy for sure.

Hot water isn’t as commonplace in India as it is in other countries. In my entire 3 weeks in India, I never got to have a hot shower once.

If you’re staying in a fancy hotel then it probably won’t be an issue but if you stay in a homestay (like me) or a more basic hotel then hot water is unlikely.

I really didn’t enjoy having icy cold showers so dry shampoo was a great alternative on those days when I couldn’t face it as it kept me looking fresh.

Batiste dry shampoo is my holy grail. I’ve been using this stuff for over 10 years now (literally since I was in high school) and it’s never let me down.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is a must for anyone traveling to India. 

As you might know, India is pretty polluted and dirty so it’s good to have this in your bag at all times to keep you clean.

In particular, I often came across really unhygienic toilets whilst out sightseeing and I was so glad to have some hand sanitizer in my bag.

Tampons/pads

You can buy period products in India but I’d personally recommend bringing some with you if you can.

Pads are readily available across India but tampons are really hard to find. They’re just not very popular in India so most shops don’t sell them.

Mosquito Repellent

Unfortunately mosquitos are rampant in India and you will get bitten, a lot!

I got bitten so much when I visited (my legs were covered in bites) and that was even when I wore a repellent every day.

After a few days, I just gave up with the repellent as I was being bitten either way.

My advice is to bring along a good insect repellent and not just the cheapest one you can find as they just don’t work (trust me, I know).

Since my trip to India, I’ve found my holy grail insect repellent . I used it recently on my trip to Thailand and I literally didn’t get bitten once!! It’s also not sticky at all which I love.

I wish I’d had it when I went to India as it would have saved me soooooo much pain.

This one is definitely optional as it’s completely up to you. 

If you’re confident then rock the no-makeup look as you’ll feel so much better for it!

But if you’re like me and just need a little something to stop people asking if you’re ill then here’s my top picks:

• Tinted moisturizer – this one is really lightweight (you can barely tell it’s there) and evens out your skin tone nicely. I use it pretty much everyday.
• Waterproof mascara – this one is great as it won’t budge. It doesn’t matter how much you sweat, this baby will still be there at the end of the day.
• SPF face cream – regular sunscreen just feels so yucky on my face but this one feels just like a normal moisturizer (I wear it under the tinted moisturizer).
• Chapstick with SPF – don’t forget that your lips can get sunburnt too and the sun is really strong in India so protect them.

Other Toiletries

You can buy most toiletry items in India but I’d recommend bringing some with you just in case.

You’ll find some of the really big brands in India but most of them will be the more local brands so if you like using specific products, then bring them with you.

Toiletries to pack for India:

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Lip balm (ideally with SPF)

Travel Adaptors

We’ve all forgotten these once or twice and it’s always so annoying . 

My worst experience was when I arrived in Vienna without an adapter and ended up wasting 2 hours walking around searching for one.

There are 3 main plug types used in India – C, D & M. 

Type C is the one with 2 round pins whilst D & M have 3 round pins. It’s best to bring a universal adaptor like this one to ensure it works with any plug. 

Portable Charger

Unless you live in a neighboring country, your flight to India will probably be long.

I don’t know about you but my phone almost always runs out of charge on long travel days and that just can’t happen these days as we usually have all our tickets on our phones!

Another issue I came across in India is that even when I did find a plug socket, it often didn’t work. 

You also probably won’t have access to a plug socket if you’re traveling on a long bus ride or a sleeper train so bring a portable charger with you.

I’d take along a pack of tylenol and ibuprofen just in case you get a headache, period pains or any other type of issues.

You’ll also want to pack some Imodium as many travelers get what’s locally known as ‘Delhi belly’. 

I was lucky enough not to experience it on my trip but several people I was traveling with weren’t so lucky.

Also bring along any other prescription medications that you need to take as well.

It’s a shame that this has to be on the list but I would definitely recommend getting a padlock for your suitcase if it doesn’t have one built in.

Several items were actually stolen from my suitcase in New Delhi after I checked them in at the airport.

If I’d had a padlock on my case, this could have been prevented.

A Sleeping Bag

This one is only really necessary if you’re going backpacking or you’ll be spending a lot of time on sleeper trains or buses.

I spent a good 7 hours on a sleeper bus and it was so uncomfortable . I’d also add that it wasn’t the cleanest place either so I’d have felt a lot better if I had my own sleeping bag .

This sleeping bag folds up really well so it’s ideal for travel.

Travel Documents

These are the few items that you actually can’t live without as you won’t get very far without them.

Make sure you have your passport, visa, passport sized photos and your ID on hand when you arrive at the airport.

I’d recommend having at least 2 copies of your passport photo as you’ll need them to get a SIM card at the airport.

Notebook & Pen

This one’s not essential but I strongly recommend bringing one.

I had a notebook whilst I was in India and I often used it to write down Hindi words and phrases like how to say ‘how are you?’ in Hindi .

Some other girls that I knew had journals where they wrote all about their travels and adventures. A pretty notebook like this would be perfect as you’ll want to keep it forever.

I personally also took my MacBook with me which is where I wrote my journal but it was a bit annoying having to carry it around all the time and I was so worried that it would get stolen.

Unless you absolutely need it, I’d avoid taking a laptop. 

Your Phone 

Pretty obvious I know, I mean who is leaving home without their phone?!

You can buy an Indian SIM card when you arrive. I got mine at the airport that came with lots of data and it was pretty cheap.

Your phone can also double up as your camera so you don’t need to carry around an extra bit of tech (unless you’re wanting to take more professional photos).

If you’re bringing along a professional camera then don’t forget to bring some spare batteries and a spare SD card .

Your phone will also act as a flashlight just in case you experience a power cut (which you probably will, I did many times).

Earphones 

These are essential if you’re going to be traveling around a lot within the country. 

India is also super loud so it can be nice to just block out the noise and listen to your favorite song or podcast for a while.

I personally never go anywhere without my AirPods anymore. The battery just seems to last forever and they connect to my phone within seconds.

Theft is a bit of an issue in India so if you’re going to be using them often out and about, you might want to buy a cheaper pair of earphones like these and just use your AirPods in the hotel.

The sun can be bright in India so bring some sunglasses to stop yourself from squinting.

If you’re constantly squinting then it can give you a headache which isn’t ideal when you’re trying to explore the Taj Mahal.

You might not need them at certain times of year. For example, I visited India in September and, although it was super hot, it was overcast most days so I didn’t need them. 

The weather in India is almost always hot and humid so you’ll want to tie your hair back.

I tried curling my hair once during my India trip (for my trip to the Taj Mahal) and it lasted about 5 minutes. The heat just deflated it instantly.

I personally always use these spiral hair ties as they don’t leave any marks on your hair.

Ok so this isn’t exactly something you need to pack but it should definitely be part of your pre-India checklist.

I actually had to have 3 different vaccines before my trip to India. These were recommended to me by my doctor.

This kind of guidance changes all the time so it’s best to ask your doctor exactly what they recommend.

What Not To Bring To India

There’s a few things that I definitely wouldn’t bother bringing to India.

They’ll take up valuable space and unfortunately there is a risk that some things might get stolen.

Here’s what you should leave at home…

Apart from the essentials, I’d recommend leaving most of your valuables at home.

Try to avoid bringing expensive, flashy items that you don’t really need as you’ll likely make yourself a target to thieves.

If you do want to bring something like a camera or laptop then try to keep it out of sight whenever possible.

I took my MacBook with me when I visited and I always kept it inside a plain black case and inside my bag at all times. 

The only time I took it out was when I was in the hotel/back at my homestay.

Jewelry & Watches 

For the same reason as above, avoid wearing jewelry and watches where you can. 

Even if it’s not expensive, it may look like it and could make you a target for theft.

Costume jewelry that you can buy from shops like Forever 21 do look really good these days and many thieves won’t know the difference between a real diamond bracelet and a fake one.

Excessive Cash 

For the same reason, try to only take out the amount of money you actually need and keep your cash out of sight whenever possible.

There are plenty of ATMs in India so you can just withdraw a small amount each time.

Excessive Clothes 

I took way too many clothes with me when I traveled to India. If I did it again, I’d take half as much.

I personally think it’s easier to pack light and just rewear clothes. It’s easy to get your clothes washed in India as most hotels will offer a laundry service.

Clothes for India will take up a lot of space as there’s more material on each piece so it’s easier to take less.

You can also buy super cheap clothes when you get to India that will help you blend in with the locals. 

India Packing Checklist – Printable PDF

So you don’t have to keep referring back to this post, I’ve put together a complete India packing checklist which includes everything you need to pack. 

It’s a printable PDF and you can just tick-off each item as you pack it.

And that’s it!

Thanks for reading my ultimate India packing list which includes everything you should take to India.

If you’re currently planning your itinerary then check out my complete list of the best things to do in India . It includes so many ideas and places you might not have heard of.

Related Posts :

Ultimate India Bucket List 2024 – 25 Things To Do In India

How To Say ‘How Are You?’ In Hindi & Common Responses – Hindi Language Lesson

Learn more about the Traveller's Elixir Team .

What To Wear In India - Essential Packing List

As a traveler, the clothes you will pack for a trip should be your best ally in the face of intense or unexpected experiences you can have in an exotic place, and that is exactly what it is all about when we choose distant lands as a travel destination, most likely we will find ourselves with a reality totally different from ours.

So, you should take into account what kind of clothes you should bring and what you simply should leave at home, since it is not enough knowing that is a tropical place to be suitable and above all comfortable. For this reason, the best decision is to take some time to read this India packing list. The first thing you need to take into account about choosing what clothes you should pack to travel to India is:

Describing the general idea about ??a clothing list for visiting the places of India would be a difficult task to achieve, owing to its extensive territory, which is diversified among its places, climate and customs. Understanding these facts, we have designed a summary according to these aspects details.

1. Weather and Places

Indian climate of each city varies according to weather and distance between them. In this sense, a key for determining your packing clothing list is a previous knowledge about which weather will exist during the trip dates. Indian climate can be classified into three seasons, such as:

• Summer or Pre-monsoon Season (lasting from April/May to late of June) - May usually is the hottest month for northern regions of India whereas April is the hottest month reaching temperatures average around 45°C in western and southern regions. Big cities with urban increase are usually the places with the most suffocating temperatures in contrast the mountainous areas of northern India. There is usually a dry climate with a moderate heat temperature thanks to the near location with Himalayas (cold zone) . Also Read : 35 Best Places to Visit in Summer in India
• Monsoon or Rainy Season (lasting from July to November) - This season begins after the summer, starting in the country’s southwest which gradually sweeps across the country through heavy rainfall followed by storm clouds. This rainy period is characterized by developing a lot of humidity and heat. The most affected is southern zone because it is nearby to the coast where rains can flood the cities. Frequently, the state of Tamil Nadu which touches the extreme southern tip of Indian peninsula can extend the monsoon period until December. Also Read : Top Ten Places to Visit During Monsoons in India
• Winter (occurring from beginning of December to end of February) - This period presents a very cold temperature by northern where the snow dominates it, especially in territories which are closer to Himalayas as is the case of Dharamshala or Leh. On the other hand, in the northern plains (Rajasthan) is dominated by a tropical arid and semi-arid climate, although it is usually a dry and very cold weather. In the rest of the territory keeps much warmer than corresponding temperate regions. In fact it is the highest tourist season.

With this classification, you can identify clearly under what climate class you will be according to your travel date . In this way you are able to choose correctly what kind of clothing is suitable for the travel season. But these facts solves only half doubts. Because context, it means, certain places and traditions can demand some clothing conditions, mainly in women’s case (mostly occidental ones), who usually catch most Indians eyes (women, men or children).

This territory was established by a monarchy quite a few rich and ancient where currently is the epicenter of four of the most influential religions in the world as they are: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism which play a central and definitive role in the life of this nation and most people presenting in their philosophy, current affair, speak and clothing. Although, most Indian major cities are more tolerant of Western clothing such as shorts, mini-skirts or shirts with bare shoulders. It would be great you should adapt some clothes to Indian context as a sign of respect for their culture.

3. About Temples

In all temples (although some temples do not demand it to you directly) it is advisable to cover your shoulders and head with a Dupatta or any clothes (in the case of the woman) and to walk barefoot in temples (both for men and women). However, it is important to follow the etiquette requirements for entering temples as those of Sikhs and Tamil Nadu, for example- To enter Sikh temples it is necessary to have your legs fully covered, also shoulders and head. But in the case of Tamil Nadu temples, it is imperative to wear traditional clothing such as: Dhoti with traditional top or formal trousers and shirt (for men) and Saree, half Saree or Churidar with top (for women).

• India’s Top 5 Hindu Temples
• Top Places for a Temples Experience in South India
• Top 10 Temples in Rajasthan you Must Visit

Once read all these facts, bellow we present the following packing clothing list option. So it besides being very useful, you will look very adequate when you get there.

Clothes you Must Pack for India

For any of seasons or places.

• Pashmina or scarf (you can buy it there but better be sure to bring one)
• Long loose pajamas
• Cotton underwear
• Sandals or shoes easy to doff (to go to the temples)
• Rubber or hiking shoes (for rural areas)
• T-shirts or light sweaters (not necklines nor transparencies)
• Baggy and long pants made of cotton or linen

For Northern Zone in Cold Season

If you are heading to the mountainous areas of northern India , it is advisable to pack:

• Thermal shirt
• Long-sleeved shirts in cotton or a material that retains heat
• Polar fleece
• Warm sweater
• Winter boots
• Hat or balaclava to warm head and ears

For Northern Plains, Central and Southern Zone

If you are going to the sand and camels territory , stay in the capital or you will make a tour of all India in summer or even monsoon time it is advisable to pack:

• Loose shirts (or sweatshirts) short sleeves or ¾
• Baggy pants or ¾
• Baggy churidar (Cotton or linen )
• Raincoats (for rainy weather)
• Waterproof boots (for rainy weather)

For Coastal Areas

If you are heading to south for enjoying beaches , it is convenient to take :

• Dresses or skirts (preferably long)
• Swimsuit (one piece preferably)
• Pareos beach
• Hats or caps

Other Essentials to Pack

• Scarf or hat ( something to protect the head of the sun )
• Sheet or fabric to cover ( as a precaution )
• Mosquito net ( as a precaution )
• A handkerchief or small towel (as a precaution)

What to Buy in India

Although you are already super equipped for traveling, India will always surprise you. The traditional Indian dresses are part of this magnificent magical place. For this reason, if you want to be into the whole experience of this wonderful destination and also capture spectacular photos dressed as a maharani or a maharaja, we suggest you buy:

• Saree - There is a great diversity for being practically an Indian cultural symbol. There are Sarees made of cotton, chiffon or linen with hand embroidery on the tips and glassware, as well as spectacular Sarees made on looms.
• Pashmina - Soft with hand-printed prints by wood blocks stamps.
• Dupatta - It is a kind of veil which can also put it on the neck as if it were a scarf.
• Jewelry - Beautiful costumes of large stones with vibrant colors. The Indian jewelry is characterized by very striking designs, as a symbol of abundance and wealth.
• Dhoti - It is a long rectangular garment made of cotton that men commonly wear, it worms around the waist and to join it passes between the legs, forming a wide and fresh pants, which is very consistent with the warm climate of the area.
• Kurta - It is a kind of ethnic long tunic of cotton that is usually combined with the Dhoti. This dress can be found in two styles; Angrakha, which is tied in a cross style and jodhpuri, which is the kurta simple style, it is distinguished by its embroidery and patterns. Currently, Kurta is usually worn by both women and men.
• Salwar kameez - It is a baggy pants (wide) that is tight to ankles, this pants is used mostly in the north mountainous areas. It is commonly worn by both men or women too.
• 15 Best Things to Buy in Varanasi
• Famous Handicrafts to Purchase in Taj Mahal, Agra
• The Best Places to Purchase Handicrafts in India

Taking into account all these suggestions, you will be ready to pack the right and essential in your suitcase or traveling backpack. Remember that each place is a completely different world and the interesting thing about traveling to each one of them is all they can teach you from a different perspective than your own reality.

• What Do I Need To Travel To India ?
• 15 Essential Tips to Know Before You Travel To India
• Top Things That First-Time Indian Visitors Should Know
• 22 Interesting Things To Do In India Before You Die
• How to Get India Tourist Visa – A Complete Guide
• Is India Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
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What to Wear in India – The ultimate guide for travelling in India

Last Updated on November 23, 2023

Whether it’s your first time travelling to India or your first time leaving your hometown to travel within India, what to pack has always been a challenging question. One of the most common doubts is what to wear in India. This subcontinent has various cultural traditions and norms, and it is essential to respect these norms. Besides that, India is a vast, diverse country, with different weather conditions across the region at the same time of the year. Taking culture and weather into account, dressing styles vary across different regions. What you wear in the South, in the month of June. would be entirely different from what you would wear in the Northeast. So, if you’re wondering how to dress for travelling in India, look no further.

Table of Contents

WHAT TO WEAR IN INDIA – REGIONAL BREAKDOWN

Urban india.

Every region in India has it’s own distinct cultural norms and traditions. Not to mention, terrain and weather conditions. So when you plan your trip, decide which parts of India you wish to visit. Metropolitan cities like Mumbai are certainly a good place to start, where the clothing can include jeans or loose pants and a light cotton shirt. You’ll find places like Mumbai, New Delhi or Goa to be less conservative. Being metropolitan cities, the locals are open minded and well versed with international trends. So your usual wardrobe won’t attract much attention in these regions.

Must Read: Street shopping in Mumbai – Dress like a local!

TOURIST TOWNS AND TEMPLES

As you travel into the interiors of the country, the attire becomes more traditional and modest. In order to blend in, it would be best to dress in a slightly more conservative manner. Women are expected to abide by several more cultural norms as opposed to men. This would include wearing clothing that is loose, with tops that cover the shoulders and bottoms that are knee length or below. As for men, shorts should be avoided, especially while visiting places of religious significance. One of the most handy tips is to keep a scarf along with you at all times. If you’re travelling up North, it’ll be cooler and less humid, so make sure you layer up with a thermal, jacket, and a scarf.

See Also: Navigating the Best of North India

One of the most comfortable attires to resort to, for women travelling in India, is light cotton pants paired with a long kurti. No matter which part of the country you are in, this is one outfit that will always be an appropriate choice of clothing. It’s comfortable, light and will help you blend in just right, thus avoiding any unwanted attention. At religious sights the dress code is more conservative. Men and women are expected to have their legs and shoulders covered and sometimes even their head, thus the scarf! If you’re uncertain as to what to wear in India, travel light and simply purchase a few outfits from local stores once you arrive in the country. 

Must Read: Tips for solo female travellers in India

TRAVEL TIPS on how to dress in india

Seasonal clothing requirements.

The time of the year you decide to visit is paramount while determining what to wear in India. If you are travelling to India during the winter season, be sure to carry a warm jacket. Don’t be fooled by the sunny brochures. The temperatures drop considerably in December, especially in the Northern region. Fleece jackets are a good bet. However, if it’s summer you’re looking at, you want to carry breathable, lightweight shirts, long dresses and loose pants. Cottons are best for summer heat in India. Beach destinations like Goa, Gokarna, Pondicherry, are fairly relaxed when it comes to attire. Here, you can freely walk around in shorts, and wear swimsuits to the beach. One season to watch out for is the monsoon. It’ll be wet, soggy and humid for the most part. So you’ll need clothes that dry quickly, a pair of sturdy anti-slip shoes, less-maintenance outfits and a raincoat. 

Explore More: Tips for US Travelers Visiting India

PACK FOR THE WEATHER

Being a tropical country, India experiences a mix of  rainy, hot and humid, and cold and dry weather. Since it is such a large country, with weather varies depending on the region. Be sure to check the weather conditions while deciding what to wear in India and pack accordingly. Some monsoons can be exceptionally heavier than others and some hilly regions can turn out to be warm. A quick weather forecast around your travel dates will help you decide which clothes and accessories to pack. In any case, pack a hat, dupatta or scarf, walking shoes, a pair of shades, a light jacket and a good moisturiser, wherever you go.

Must Read: Best Time to Visit India

BLENDING IN CULTURALLY

India is a land of all kinds of festivals, whether they’re religious, food-related, seasonal, musical and even matrimonial! An Indian wedding is a sight to behold. So it’s a good idea to pack for at least one such occasion, should you be invited or inclined to attend! It’s important to wear modest clothing at such events out of respect for the locals, i.e. clothes that cover your body from neck to below the knees. A kurta-churidar set (loose collarless long shirt, with ankle-length leggingS) for men and salwar-kurtis for women should do just fine. But if you really want to dive into it, men can try dhotis (long unstitched piece of cloth wrapped around legs) in West Bengal or mundus (the southern equivalent) in Kerala. And women can try the popular saree (which has different styles of its own depending on the state of visit).

Also Read: Tips for UK Tourists Travelling to India

If you want to really blend in,  buy these at a local shop:

• Kolhapuri Chappals (slippers)
• Dupatta (Lightweight Indian scarf)
• Kurtas/Kurtis
• Pajama (loose-fitting pants for daily wear)
• Chudis and jhumkas (traditional bangles and drop earrings)

Plan Your Adventure: Best Time to Explore Kerala

It can take more than one trip to truly absorb and experience the vibrant culture of this subcontinent. At least you’ll know how to dress and impress the locals! Don’t hesitate to try on different traditional attire, it’s not only beautiful but also extremely comfortable. The memories you create here will last a lifetime, so don’t forget to carry your camera.

About Priyanshi Thakkar

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What to wear when travelling in India

Table of Contents

IF YOU ARE PLANNING to visit India, you may be wondering how to dress, you may want to know: What do female tourists wear in India? Knowing what to wear when travelling in India can really make a difference to the success of your trip. Before I left for my first trip to India, I found a great piece of travel advice on the Journeywoman website for women. Someone said, wear Indian clothes in India. So I did. From the start of my travels in 2005, I have largely worn modest, comfortable Indian outfits such as kurtahs (tunics), scarves, pashmina shawls, salwar kameez, Indian dresses, and even sarees. Yes, you can wear a saree (sari) in India!

I have been travelling extensively in India over the past 13 years and have had very few really negative incidents, so I think wearing Indian clothes has really helped. In spite of what you see in Bollywood movies , India is still largely a traditional society, and most Indians still favour modest, traditional clothing – and you may find that you enjoy your time in India more if you do, too.

Wearing modest clothing in India is a good idea for many reasons, and one of them is that it shows cultural respect. I also think it’s actually safer. If you wear skimpy, tight, western clothing, you could be sending the wrong signal. Read on for tips on how to dress and what to wear in India.

Tips on how to dress in India

What should tourists wear in India?

Women tourists to India have to pay more attention to modesty than they’re probably used to. If you are in some parts of Delhi , Mumbai, and Goa, you can get away with wearing western clothing, as long as it is not tight, skimpy, or revealing. But otherwise, you should always make sure your legs and cleavage are covered, and in many cases, also that your shoulders are covered. Flowing, loose, cotton clothing is ideal in India. It’s affordable to buy in stores or markets, it’s cool and comfortable, it shows cultural respect and it suits the need for modesty.

You can buy loose, flowing, cotton kurtahs (tunics) and trousers almost everywhere, and in every price range. Be warned, though: clothes at the lower end of the price spectrum (100 to 200 rupees) won’t last for more than a few washings! 

If you are planning to travel in India, let us help you! We offer itinerary planning, India for Beginners custom tours , and much more to make sure your trip to India is filled with more magic … and less madness. 

Can you wear shorts in India?

Shorts are not really worn in India, they’re not popular or traditional, and I would not recommend wearing them for sight seeing or in the city. However, if you are in a popular beach destination like Goa, shorts are acceptable — but please err on the side of modesty and avoid short-shorts or anything too revealing.

Can you wear jeans in India?

Jeans are super popular in India and everyone wears them. They are particularly suitable for wearing with a kurtah (long tunic shirt). However, a lot of the time it’s too hot for jeans, plus they take forever to dry after washing, and take up a lot of suitcase room. I would only recommend them if you know you will be travelling somewhere with cool or cold weather.

Can you wear leggings in India?

Yes! Leggings are huge in India, everyone (women) wear leggings with a kurtah (long tunic shirt) over top. Your butt should be covered by your top to pull off this look.  

What should you wear in India for business

If you are going to do business in India, be aware that India is more formal than the west. Dress as if it’s the 1970s. Conservative and tasteful. A jacket and skirt (not too short) would work very well. 

What should you wear when doing Yoga in India?

Yoga in India is different than Yoga in the west. People tend to wear loose, comfortable clothing rather than tight spandex. Read my Complete Guide to Yoga in India and What life is like in an Indian Ashram for detailed ideas of what to wear. You can buy inexpensive clothes in India that are perfect. 

Where should I wear Indian clothes?

Wearing Indian clothes is a good idea if you are travelling out of Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Goa — to any place that is remote, off the beaten tourist path, or traditional. For example, though Rajasthan is the Indian state most visited by tourists, it is still one of the most traditional and conservative. Personally, I think it is wise when in Rajasthan to do as the Rajasthanis do. 

Also, wear Indian clothes, or at least something modest that covers your shoulders and legs, if you go to any social occasions, such as weddings, festivals (such as Diwali or Holi ) or to religious gatherings, temples, gurdwaras and mosques. This is also a good idea in places frequented by lots of tourists. Wherever there are a lot of tourists, there are also a lot of people who prey on tourists … and I have noticed they tend to go after people dressed like backpackers rather than the well-dressed. 

For more tips on what to wear in India, check out my post Shopping in India: What to buy in India and the 24 Best places to visit in India .

Try wearing three piece “suits”

Bring underwear and comfortable shoes and sandals to India, but not a lot of other clothes. Go shopping in India for three-piece salwar kameez sets (also known as suits). These consist of a long or short tunic, tight or loose pants and a long scarf, called a dupatta or chunni. Wear all three pieces together or mix and match. It’s common to wear a kurtah with jeans, for example. Buy cotton in summer and silk / cotton blend in winter. Stores like Fabindia , Anokhi, Cottons Jaipur, Killol are some of my favourite stores for buying wearable, affordable Indian clothes.

Go with the flow and fit in

Wearing Indian clothes has several advantages. It suits the climate and the need for modesty, plus you will fit in a bit better, and be less of a target for beggars and touts. You can get in touch with your inner hippie or backpacker in India if you like, but you will pay the price with a lot more hassles. If you are wearing Indian clothes, local people tend to respect you more and also treat you with more warmth, honesty, and openness. Try it and see what I mean.

Pack sensible shoes

You need good solid, comfortable shoes in India. The infrastructure is not always good so pavement is broken, potholes are everywhere and sewage sometimes runs freely in the streets. Bring good walking shoes and walking sandals with you, as they are not always easy to find in India. (On the other hand, very fun, blingy sandals are everywhere!) I like Skechers and Crocs.

TIP: Watch your feet. Speaking of shoes, feet and shoes are considered “unclean” in India. You may be asked to remove your shoes to enter people’s homes and you definitely have to leave your shoes at the entrance to temples, gurdwaras and mosques. There is usually someone there who will store them for 10 rupees. Also, never point or touch anything with your foot.

Cover up and dress modestly

As a general rule, make sure your legs and shoulders are covered, especially in religious or sacred places. Women in India are very modest about their breasts. They wear armour-like bras and then drape their dupattas over their chests. You will probably not feel comfortable in a thin, light bra; or in clothing that reveals your bra. This look is trendy in the west, but a taboo in India.

TIP: Splash out on jewelry. The modesty rule goes out the window for jewelry. Layer it on and the bigger the better. But be careful if it’s valuable. Don’t wander around displaying valuable rings, watches and other jewelry unless you are in an upscale neighbourhood or at a private social event, hotel or nice restaurant.

Pack a scarf and shawl … or two

In gurdwaras and mosques you have to cover your head, so it’s a good idea to always have a long scarf (such as a dupatta or chunni) with you. Shawls are also handy. Everyone loves Indian shawls – inaccurately called pashminas – and they can really come in handy for both modesty and warmth. Unless it’s meltingly hot, I usually carry one. India likes to blast AC and it can be cold inside, especially in restaurants and on trains.

Tip: Real pashminas, by the way, are very expensive: if someone tries to sell you one for the equivalent of $5, $20, $50 or even $100, guaranteed it’s not pure pashmina.

Try wearing a sari in India

Don’t be afraid to try a sari , especially if you are going to a wedding or other special event. You might want to get some help from a local for buying a sari. They are a bit complicated. For one thing, there is a mind boggling array of sari fabrics and styles, and also regional variations. Buying the right sari for the right occasion takes a lot of expertise and insider knowledge!

You will also need a sari blouse — these can be bought ready made or stitched from fabric that comes with the sari — and a petticoat. Plus, you will probably need some help wrapping the sari. It takes years of practise to master wrapping a sari. I go to a beauty parlour to get my sari wrapped when I go to a wedding (and get my hair done at the same time).

Buying and wearing Indian clothes, shoes, and jewelry is part of the fun of travel in India. So don’t be afraid to have fun, try some new looks, and splash out a little.

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Professional travel writer Mariellen Ward is the founder of award-winning Breathedreamgo. Mariellen has a BA in Journalism and has been travel writing and blogging since 2005. She has won many awards, including a National Tourism Award from Incredible India Tourism, and writes for some of the world’s leading publications including BBC Travel and NatGeo Traveller India.

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What To Wear In India: India Packing List For Women And Men

September 3, 2018 //  by  Follow Me Away //   11 Comments

Are you looking for what to wear in India for men and women? India is one of our favorite countries in the entire world and we are excited for you to experience it too! This India packing list will help you pick what to wear in India that is both appropriate and comfortable! We are going to preface this article and say that India is a massive country with pretty much every climate imaginable! This post also includes our  real suggestions of what we actually wore to India so you know you are in good hands because these items are tried and true!

This post is going to focus on general tips and suggestions on what to wear in India but please modify based on where you are traveling in the country as well as your travel style! We recognize that not all women like to wear dresses or floral items which is why we have included options for multiple styles. Seasons also matter when choosing items for your India packing list, but again, our tips included here are general. You may be visiting Goa or Kerela, which are warmer climates, Rajasthan which is in the desert, of going hiking in the Himalayas [if that is you then this post probably isn’t for you heehee].

Looking to save money on your trip to India? Get a FREE $55 Airbnb coupon by using our code when you book! 

When choosing what to wear for India, it is important to think light clothing and modest wear, for both men and women. For men, walking around in a tank top and shorts just isn’t something you do in India. For ladies, leave the crop top, short skirt, and tank top at home, unless you are going to the beach in Goa, in which case, all things go! Our India packing list will provide general guidance on what to wear in India and will help you get started on packing appropriate and comfortable clothing.

Remember, many parts of India, especially popular destinations such as Delhi, The Taj Mahal, Goa, and Mumbai are all located in a very warm climate. That means that even when you travel in winter, the weather won’t be very cold. It may get a bit chilly at night, but unless you visit somewhere in the Northern part of India or in the mountains, you won’t have to worry about heavy jackets or boots, especially if you are visiting the popular tourist sites.

What To Wear In India For Women

Women, when figuring out what to pack for India, think conservative but pretty. While India isn’t the most conservative country in the world, it is quite modest compared to many. With proper preparation, this isn’t a problem at all. This means that you must leave your mini skirts, spaghetti straps, backless dresses and tops, crop tops and more at home. When choosing what to wear in India, consider the cultural customs and respect them at all costs! Plus, Indians know how to dress for their climate and as a Floridian, I wear many of the light and airy clothes I bought for India on a daily basis.

Best Clothes To Wear In India

Long flowy and modest dresses.

The best type of dresses to consider when figuring out what to wear for India are long dresses that are also modest. When you arrive in India, you will see that women are wearing long flowy clothing and it is a wonderful way to beat the heat. I absolutely love this  Milumia Women’s Button Up Flowy Party Maxi Dress and currently own it in 5 colors. I lived in it when I traveled through India and I highly recommend it! It is light and airy, modest, colorful, and comfy! If you want even longer sleeves, you can choose the  Milumia Long Women’s Button Up Split Floral Print Flowy Dress and I own that style in two colors.

Kurtas are a style of Indian clothing that look like this. They are essentially a longer tunic worn over legging-style pants. They are very popular in India and we highly recommend them for what to wear in India. You can buy Kurtas in India when you arrive if you want really affordable clothing in lots of colors, but we suggest bringing at least one to wear when you arrive. We like this  W for Woman 3/4th Sleeve Kalidaar kurta which comes in multiple colors as well as this  Jaipur Kurti Women Indian Casual Long Tunic which is a bit more affordable. Kurtas are a comfortable way to explore India and should be considered for your India packing list.

Multiple Scarves And Pashminas

When planning what to wear in India, you cannot and should not forget to bring scarves and pashminas! They are probably the most important thing on your India packing list! When visiting India, you will be going into a lot of temples, mosques, and more, where you will be required to cover your head out of respect. If you are wearing a colorful scarf, all you have to do is pop it over your head and you can go right on in! Whether you are visiting must-see places in Delhi or underrated far-flung locations such as Munroe Island in Kerala , they are very useful! 

Scarves and pashminas also protect you from the sun and heat and help you fit in with the local culture! Choose something light like this  GERINLY Lightweight Scarves: Fashion Lace Design Shawl Wrap For Women and buy more authentic scarves when you get to India! This is the most important item when choosing what to wear in India so you should pack multiple colors and styles!

Light And Airy Jumpsuits

Jumpsuit, pantsuit, romper, whatever you want to call it, you will want to add it to your list of what to wear in India. If you don’t love dresses and want different options, a jumpsuit will be the perfect thing to add to your India packing list. If you are packing for India and want to include a jumpsuit, make sure to choose one that has sleeves like this  Truly Me Women’s Floral Print Sleeveless Wide Leg Pants Jumpsuit so you are covered. Not only will the sleeves adhere to local customs, they will also provide relief from the beating sun!

Read next: 10 Tips For Booking Luxury Trains In India

Flowy Harem Pants

Let me tell you, western women LIVE in Harem pants in India. If you are choosing what to wear in India and don’t like wearing dresses, consider some harem pants such as these  Urban CoCo Women’s Floral Print Boho Yoga Pants that come in multiple colors. Even if you typically wear jeans, we urge you forgo them when traveling to India, or only bring one pair, in lieu of a more comfortable and airy option! Plus, you will fit right in in colorful India with Harem pants.

Cotton Tops And Shirts

Cotton is one of the best materials out there to choose when lining up what to wear for India. Cotton keeps you cool and regulates your body temperature unlike many other types of fabric. If you are going to be wearing pants, choose some casual cotton tops like this  Herou Women’s Casual Crew Neck Top to include on your India packing list. If you prefer something more airy that is a bit less casual, go for a blouse like this Gloria Vanderbilt Ladies’ V-Neck Embroidered Top to keep you cool while choosing what to wear in India.

Maxi-Skirts

Maxi-skirts are a wonderfully versatile piece to include on your list of what to wear in India! They are modest, flowy, and loose-fitting which will make you fit in with other Indian locals. If you really want to fit in, skip black or white and go with a vibrant color such as yellow, orange, pink, or blue! I own this  Women Summer Chiffon High Waist Maxi Skirt and the fabric is incredibly breathable for India. It also comes with multiple belts!

Cotton Leggings And A Long Top

If you really aren’t into colorful or flowy clothing or aren’t comfortable wearing it, that is okay! A simple pair of cotton leggings like these  No Nonsense Women’s Cotton Legging are perfect to add to your India packing list. If you go this route, remember that India is more conservative so you should wear a top that covers your backside and is a bit longer as leggings are more tight fitting. This is why we recommend a kurta or similar style of dress if you want to add pants to your India packing list. Choosing a long top like this  MIDOSOO Womens Casual V Neck Cuffed Sleeve Button Down Loose Blouse  will make what to wear in India a breeze!

Kimonos are a wonderful and affordable thing to include on your list of what to wear in India. They instantly make many outfit choices modest and India-ready and add a splash of color to your outfits! If you already own lots of tank tops of spaghetti strap tops and don’t want to buy something new, don’t worry! Simply bring a Kimono like our favorite  OLRAIN Women’s Floral Print Sheer Loose Kimono and wear it over your tank top or sleeveless dress for modesty! Kimonos are so easy to add to your India packing list and very affordable if you don’t want to go buy a whole new wardrobe for your trip!

Lightweight Pants

When choosing what to wear in India, you may be looking for the perfect pants to include that aren’t leggings or harem pants and we have got you covered! You should consider a more active style pant for your India packing list like these  Columbia Women’s Full Leg Roll-Up Aruba Pant that come in multiple colors and sizes. Travel pants or even hiking pants are created to be lightweight and cool which makes them the perfect item when picking what to wear in India.

Best Women’s Shoes For Your India Packing List

Supportive sandals.

We cannot say enough how important supportive sandals that slip on and off easily are when deciding what to wear in India. I wore these  Vionic Women’s Amber Sandals every single day in India for two weeks and I could have survived on just these shoes and nothing else! Sandals should be easy to take on and off because you will have to be barefoot when entering places of worship and there are quite a few to visit in India so you will want the process to be quick and easy!

Comfortable Ballet Flats

Ballet flats or any other sort of closed-toe shoe are perfect for what to wear in India because they are easy to take on and off, breathable, and comfortable to walk in. That being said, don’t choose a pair of ballet flats you bought down the road, your feet will be crying at the lack of support! Choose a ballet flat specifically designed for travel such as these  Merrell Women’s Zoe Sojourn Ballet E-Mesh Q2 Flat  which I wore in India. They are like walking on little clouds!

Sturdy Walking Shoes

Although you can totally get away with only the two suggestions above for your India packing list like I did, you may want to include some sturdy walking shoes just in case. During my time in India, I went on a tiger safari, so I was thankful to have sturdy walking shoes like my  Columbia Women’s Redmond Waterproof Trail Shoe for exploring the reserve. If you want something nicer or more city-friendly, a good quality pair of shoes like these Sketchers or something similar are the perfect shoes when searching for what to wear in India.

What To Wear In India For Men

When choosing what to wear in India, guys also need to consider modesty, comfort, and respectfulness. This means no T-shirts with scantily clad women, no ultra-revealing tank tops that show everything, and no clothing with profanities. Shorts are, but most Indian men don’t wear them as much in the cities [that we saw or have heard] unless they are going to the beach or jungles so we recommend sticking to long pants or longer shorts if you want to go that route! As with our women’s suggestion above, your clothes on your India packing list should be created with breathable fabrics so you are comfortable during your visit.

Men’s Clothes To Pack For India

Western men may be tentative to pack a Kurta, but they are one of the best things to include on your India packing list. Many men in India wear Kurtas or some sort of tunics over pants. If you want to wear your own pants, consider simply buying a Kurta/Tunic top such as  In-Sattva Men’s Indian Classic Pure Cotton Kurta Tunic which comes in multiple colors. When choosing what to wear in India, remember that you want light and airy fabrics so you aren’t very hot and a Kurta is the perfect clothing item to tick those boxes.

Jogger Pants

Jogger-style pants are great to add to your India packing list for men because they are breathable and comfortable. While they are a bit more tight fitting around the ankle, the fabric is loose around the legs which helps you stay cool when traveling in India. Terrence likes this pair of Casual Gym Workout Track Pants which come in multiple colors and sizes. Make sure to look at the material that the jogger pants are made out of. Bonus points if you find cotton ones!

Read next: 15 Things To Know Before Taking The Maharajas Express Train

Cotton T-Shirts

When choosing what to wear in India, remember to look for natural fabrics such as cotton! Cotton t-shirts will keep you cool and will help with wicking away moisture should you sweat in the Indian heat. Shirts like this  Men’s Short-Sleeve Crewneck Cotton T-Shirt fit the bill perfectly and go with multiple other items on your India packing list.

Breathable Button Down Shirts

If you are hitting the town or going out to dinner, a t-shirt may not be what to wear in India for you. Instead, you may want to consider a nice breathable button down shirt like this  Men’s Slim-Fit Long-Sleeve Solid Oxford Shirt. You can choose to add both a long and short sleeve button down to your India packing list so that you have options. Button down shirts are breathable and work well with other items on this India packing list. If you are visiting India during the winter, you may want to choose a heavier material for added warmth.

Although you may choose to bring jeans when deciding what to wear in India, we recommend choosing a pair of lightweight pants instead. Indian men do wear jeans and Terrence brought a pair during our trip, but he mainly wore lightweight pants and joggers for the duration of the trip. These  Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Pants go nicely with a cotton t-shirt or casual button down and will keep you cool and shaded from the sun during your trip.

Men, depending on what temples or mosques you are going into, you may be required to cover your heads as well. This happened a few times and Terrence did not have a head covering so he had to use one that thousands of other people use. That is why we highly recommend packing your own bandana like this affordable Levi’s Men’s Printed Bandana Set so you can have one with you at all times! When thinking about what to wear in India, you may not think you need a head covering, but depending on the temple, you may and it is better to be safe than sorry!

Best Men’s Shoes To Pack For India

When choosing what to wear in India, make sure to pack footwear that will be good on your back! You will be exploring and will be seeing lots of different sites so you want your shoes to be supportive and sturdy! We love these  Vionic by Orthaheel Boyes Men’s Sandal and they are a great quality shoe to add to your India packing list.

If you aren’t the kind of guy who is open to adding sandals to your list of what to wear in India, that is okay! Some men like a more sturdy shoe and that is okay! Make sure your shoes are breathable when figuring out your India packing list. This is why we recommend a hiking shoe such as  Columbia Men’s Redmond Hiking Boot for your trip to India. Shoes that are sturdy and good for walking while at the same time being light and airy will be a godsend in India!

Lightweight Slip-On Sneakers

You should consider a lightweight pair of slip-on sneakers when choosing what to wear in India because you will have to take your shoes off when visiting temples. Shoes such as these  Men’s Lightweight Breathable Mesh Casual Shoes are breathable, lightweight, and very easy to slip on and off so you can explore a place of worship! They also pack light and are a great option for exploring cities in India.

These choices of what to wear in India will get you started planning your India packing list! Remember to modify this list based on your personal style, what season you are traveling, and where you plan to visit in India. If you are traveling during the cooler months, pack leggings to wear underneath your dresses and skirts so you can still stick with the cultural norms while being warm! Figuring out what to wear in India doesn’t have to be hard of confusing! Just make sure what you bring is lightweight, modest, flowy, and go colorful if you are willing!

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Reader Interactions

September 10, 2018 at 1:18 pm

Thanks for this! Planning my trip right now to New Dehli!

September 27, 2018 at 9:55 am

Amazing!!! I just loved the way you have collected information. I respect the way you have told about the traditional wears for men and women. Thank you for all the effort to share your thoughts. Happy travelling.

October 26, 2018 at 9:03 pm

Awesome comprehensive and helpful post!! It will definitely come in handy when I finally get to India.

October 26, 2018 at 10:24 pm

This is such a great list! I find dressing for India a bit of a minefield between trying to dress appropriately, not over-heating and also seeming respectful when wearing traditional Indian clothing! I would say that not all Indians know how to dress for their climate, though, as my boyfriend is from Kerala and I swear he and his friends have absolutely zero concept of when is an appropriate time to wear flip-flops. 45C and sunny outside? Flip-flops. Torrential rain? Flip-flops. -10C and snowing? Flip-flops. Hiking a mountain? Flip-flops.

October 27, 2018 at 3:35 am

Great list! Modest and beautiful, and pictures are amazing!

October 27, 2018 at 3:47 am

An inspiring blog post. I went three times to India and really enjoyed to wear different clothes from home. Great that you also wrote about suggestions for men.

April 30, 2019 at 5:57 am

I agree that conservative dressing is important in India to avoid any hassle. also, lightweight and comfortable clothing is a must as usually the temperature is slightly high in most parts of India. Wonderful suggestion list, Victoria. thank you so much for compiling and sharing this information with us. Appreciate it!

June 3, 2019 at 6:40 am

An essential read. This should give an insight into what to wear when traveling in India without drawing unwanted attention.

February 23, 2020 at 8:51 pm

Hi nice post but actually misleading. Have you been to Delhi or the Taj Mahal in December? When I was there it was 3 degrees! Heavy coats and warm clothes are a must, even for the daytime.

February 23, 2020 at 10:55 pm

Of course it depends on the weather and also where you are from! Leggings and a sweater/jacket over modest clothing is never a bad idea.

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What to Pack for India – Packing List for First-Time Travelers!

Wondering what to pack for India? It was one of the main things I worried about when planning my two week India trip so I put together this I ndia packing list  for other travellers to use. When working out what to pack India can be a bit of a hard one but just follow my tips below and you’ll soon know exactly what to bring along in your backpack. I think I did a pretty good job packing for India and have a good idea of what to bring to India even after my first trip there. 

You can print a copy of my packing list for India from the PDF a the bottom of this post. It’s useful to have a traveling to India checklist so you can first go through your wardrobe and travel gear to work out what you already have and then establish what you need to buy before your trip. I’ve also included some tips on things to get from India when you get there… because shopping is one of the best things to do in India!

What You'll Find in This Post

Tips on What to Wear When Visiting India

I’d like to point out a few tips on what to wear when visiting India, particularly if you’re a female traveller . It’s important to at least try to adhere to some of the local cultural conventions when planning what clothes to wear in India. India is a conservative country and you should attempt to dress somewhat conservatively . Why? What to wear when traveling to India can actually make an impact on how you’re treated by the local population. You’re never going to blend in completely and you’re always going to get stared at but, if you make some effort with your clothing choices, you can minimise a bit of that discomfort and try not to stick out as a clueless tourist.

So, what should tourists wear in India? 

• Clothing that covers the knees, cleavage and shoulders is ideal. If you’re unsure, here are some cute modest dresses for inspiration!
• Light, loose cotton outfits will keep you covered but cool and comfortable.
• Buy some Indian clothing when you arrive! It’s colorful and so much more fun than what we wear at home!!
• Check the weather before you go. India is a big country and the weather varies between places and seasons.

With that being said, what to wear travelling in India isn’t too hard! Just stick with the guidelines I have outlined above and you’ll be fine. For quantities and specifics on what to pack for a trip to India, see below.

Here are some photos of my in my India travel clothes from my trip so you can get an idea on what to wear on holiday in India:

Bethaney at Humayan’s Tomb in Delhi, India

Bethaney at the City Palace in Udaipur, India

Bethaney at the Amber Fort in Jaipur, India

Again at the Amber Fort in Jaipur, India

Bethaney Geared Up for a Zipline Tour in Jodhpur, India

Bethaney at the Taj Mahal at Dawn, India

Bethaney Touring the Taj Mahal, India (This is one of the tunics I had made in India!)

Bethaney in Varanasi, India (This is another one of the tunics I had made in India!)

What to Pack for India

Here is my list of what to pack when traveling to India. This is what I used as my travel to India packing list to prep for my recent two week trip. It is written from my perspective as a women traveling alone and as a first time traveler to India. You can adjust accordingly!

Clothing for India Travel

The items on my list are are women’s travel clothes for India . If you’re a guy, sub in a shirt or two and an extra pair of pants. (You almost never see people wear shorts in India so I would leave them at home.)

• Light cotton pants x 2 – I packed two pair of black, loose cotton pants like this which worked perfectly. If you’re traveling during winter you could bring jeans or trackpants too.
• Leggings x 1
• Light shirts x 1-2 – You can buy more in India! See below.
• Vest tops x 1-2 – For wearing under things, to bed etc
• T-shirts x 4-5
• Cardigan – The only time I needed this was on the plane! If you’re traveling to Northern India in winter you will need a few longer layers for warmth. Merino base layers like this are great for traveling light in cooler climates.
• Underwear x 10
• Socks x 1 – I don’t wear socks with any of my shoes but it’s still useful to have a pair for the plane. Compression socks are essential for a long flight!
• Nightie / PJs

Shoes to Wear in India

When planning what shoes to wear in India, remember that you’ll be slipping your shoes on and off frequently when visiting temples. Bear in mind any adventure activities that you plan on doing. For my zipline tour in Jodphur I knew I needed sneakers. If you’re planning any trekking or hiking you’ll need to pack the right footwear for that too.

• Sandals – Pick a comfortable but stylish pair of sandals for travel like these.  I have a guide to some of the best travel sandals here.
• Sneakers – I love my Sketchers Go Walk sneakers and think they’re the best shoes for travel! Lightweight, slip on, no socks required and easy to wash if need be. Mine were pretty yucky after my India trip but washed up nicely at home.
• Flip flops (if you plan on visiting the beach on your trip, otherwise leave them out)

Things to Buy in India

While you can always bring these items from home if you have them, you won’t regret leaving room for some shopping in India. Clothing here is so cheap and colorful! You can get stuff made to order in a couple of hours or buy a full sari as a beautiful souvenir.

• Pashmina or light scarf depending on weather when you visit
• Tunic tops – You can get beautiful printed tunic tops made up quickly in India. I had several made up on my trip and they were great. Cotton, comfortable, lightweight, good length.
• Toothbrush – A folding one in it’s own case is ideal.
• Soap – Take a small bar from am previous hotel just in case. I didn’t need it as it was always provided by the hotel but you never know!
• Shampoo (in GoToob) – GoToobs are a travel essential for me!
• Conditioner (in GoToob)
• Coconut oil (in GoToob)
• Facial moisturiser – I use a small bottle of Rosehip oil as it’s compact for travel
• Probiotics & vitamins – Take probiotics at home to prep your tummy for potential upsets!
• Medication – Anything you need to take regulary. I tip my medication and vitamins into ziploc bags for easier packing.
• Insect repellent
• Female urinary device – If you’re worried about toilets on trains, squat toilets etc
• Menstrual cup or sanitary items if you need them
• Tissues – Little packets are perfect! Keep one in your purse and a few in your backpack so you can replenish your stock throughout your trip. You’ll need them every day as toilet paper is scarce in restaurants, tourist attractions etc.
• Hand santiser
• Antibacterial wipes – Wipe and sanitise your hands before every meal! I did this throughout my trip and did not get sick once.
• Hair ties & bobby pins
• Nail file / clippers – Short nails are clean nails!

First Aid Kit

Here are my suggestions for what medicine to take to India in your first aid kit:

• Charcoal tablets – The minute your tummy starts to feel dodgy after eating, take a couple of these and you won’t get sick! Seriously. I tried it several times and it worked great. Tip a few into a ziploc bag rather than bring the whole bottle.
• Immodium – If you have to be on the go when you’re sick!
• Electrolyte sachets – If you do get vomitting or diarrhea then you’ll need to replace lost fluids
• Antihistamine cream for bites
• Antiseptic cream – If you do get any wounds or bites keep them clean and covered to prevent infection.
• Antiacids – If you’re not used to eating spicy food every night then definitely bring these. They were a life saver for me!

Travel Essentials for India

Here are my extra travel essentials for India that will really help make your trip more comfortable, safer and easier!

• Headlamp or small flashlight
• Laundry soap sheets
• Travel clothes line
• Luggage lock
• Lonely Planet guide book – Just bear in mind the full India guidebook is massive and weighs 1kg / 2lbs so a smaller regional guidebook is much better for a short trip!
• Novel or audiobooks on your iPhone – Shantaram is perfect!
• Steripen – I would have taken this but couldn’t get it delivered in time. It would have been nice to bring a Steripen and a reusable water bottle to avoid using so many plastic water bottles on my trip.
• Collapsible travel drink bottle
• Door wedge – If you’re a woman traveling alone in India then this offers you a little extra peace of mind. Just put it under the door when you’re inside your room to prevent hotel staff for coming in unannounced.

Electronics

You don’t have to bring a laptop along with you but I never travel without mine as I use it for blogging and loading up photos to make room on my memory card and phone. Wifi in the hotels in India was pretty good. I also got a local sim card with 5GB of data which was fantastic to have when I was out and about. I’ll do a future post on how to get a sim card in India because it was a bit of a palaver.

• Travel adapter + surge protector – Surge protection is necessary for India as elecetricity can sometimes be unreliable
• Power strip – With at least two power points so you can charge everything at once (if your travel adapter doesn’t already do this)
• Laptop & charger
• iPhone & charger
• Sony a6000 mirrorless camera, lens & charger – I think this is the best travel camera if you want to take good pictures but still travel light!
• Gorillapod or tripod – I bought my tripod but didn’t end up using it and wish I’d bought the Gorillapod instead!
• Fitbit / Fitness watch – I love seeing how many steps I walk each day when I travel. A day of sightseeing around Delhi was easily over 20,000 steps!

Best Backpack for India Travel

One of my biggest India packing tips would be to travel with a backpack, preferably carry on sized only. A carry on backpack worked well for me on my two week India trip. I was easily able to pack travel clothes for India for two weeks in my 40L carry on sized bag. Here’s what I think are the best backpacks for travel in India:

• Kelty Redwing 40L – If you’re a women then this is the best backpack for India travel. I have the older version of this and it worked perfectly for my India trip.
• Osprey Packs Farpoint 40L For guys looking for the best travel backpacks India, this is the top choice I see most male travelers using.

A 40L is plenty for a two week trip and if you’re staying longer you can always do laundry as you go! I hand washed underwear in the hotel sink once during my trip using the Travelon laundry sheets I mention above.

How to Pack Your Bag for India and Packing Tips

Now you know what to bring here’s how to pack for India!

• Backpack – As mentioned above, I think a backpack is the best form of luggage for packing for India trip
• Packing cubes – Organise your pack with packing cubes! If you don’t know how, then r ead this guide to packing cubes.
• Toiletry bag – I use this flat pack one from eBags. It looks big but it really is flat and therefore easy to pack. You can read my review here.
• Laundry bag – Useful for your dirty clothes
• Folding backpack – Ideal for packing snacks for a train ride, stuff you want to access easily on the plane or just using on longer day trips
• Travel purse – I think this is the ideal cross body purse for travel as it’s big enough for a guide book, water bottle, camera and your money plus it has anti-theft straps and material meaning it can’t be slashed.
• Money wallet – Bring a money wallet or coin purse for taking out in your bag for the day. I only took one card out at a time and as much cash as I needed for the day and then I left the remaining cash and cards locked in my backpack which was cable locked to something in my room.

Documents & Money You Need for an India Trip

• eVisa print out – Print out your eVisa for India if you don’t have a regular visa in your passport. There is a separate queue at airport immigration for eVisa holders.
• Flight booking print outs – In order to get into airport terminals in India, you need to show your passport and a print out of your flight details.
• Passport photos – You might need them if you’re planning on getting a sim card in India
• Photocopy of your passport
• Travel insurance – Print out the policy number, claim details etc. If you haven’t purchased travel insurance already then check out the deals below.
• Credit card and debit card – Bring at least two cards as ATM machines can be fickle
• USD or GBP in cash – Due to the recent changes with Indian bank notes, it can be hard to find a working ATM in India. The worst place I encountered this was in Agra, where the only ATM machine I found that worked would let you take out 4000 rupees at a time. It is definitely worth it to have a few hundred dollars or pounds as a back up so you can change money if ATMs aren’t working in your favor! There is a thread on the Lonely Planet Thorntree with updates about the banking situation in India which might be useful.

Printable India Packing List – PDF

Print out my India travel packing list so you can lay out all the things to pack for India and check them off as you go. I find this the most useful way to pack my bag for travel so I can see what I have already and then work out the additional things to take to India and buy them before I depart.

>>>Click here to download my India travel checklist.<<<<

Questions on what to take to India?

Now that you’ve got my  packing list India should be easy to pack for! If you have any question on my India trip packing list then please just let me know in the comments and I’ll get back to you.

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Great list Bethany! India is on my bucket list so this will come in handy for when I visit… one day!

That’s a very clever list. I’m an Indian myself and always stock up on some of the items stated in the list. You are going to need them for a pleasant stay. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

Looks like such a fascinating place, one I would LOVE to visit someday! Useful tips for first time visitors, will be sure to pin this for future travels

Great list. Where did you get your tunics made? They are lovely

I got them made at a tailor in Udaipur. I don’t know the name sorry.

This is super helpful! My wife and I are going to India at the beginning of November and your recommendations will come in handy! We aren’t going to Udaipur but I do want to get some tunics made when we are over there. What was that process like? I’m a bigger gal and was worried I wouldn’t be able to find any tunics for me to buy.

Yes you’ll be fine. There are tailors everywhere!

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DETAILED Female Packing List For India! What To Pack For India!

Categories Asia , India , Packing

‘What to pack for a trip to India as a woman?’ This is by far one of the biggest questions and worries females to India are going to face and ask before going to the colourful, crazy country of India!

I have spent over 1 year in India over the last 2 years on multiple solo trips and running my group tours for women in India , so I’ve had a lot of experience as to what to pack for India as a woman !

Female India Packing List

In this India travel blog post and India packing list for females , I detail a practical packing list for India of what is needed to travel to India which will cover you for all the must-see places in India like Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Kerala, Goa and even the mountains of Himachal Pradesh.

Basically, the places you’re likely to visit on your first time in India so you will feel comfortable as a woman travelling India because of the correct clothes you take!

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Best time to visit India

Before we get into this India travel blog, it’s worth thinking about the best time to visit India as the country gets very hot and wet in the middle of the year. November to March are the best times to visit both North & South India .

South India will be warmer than North India in the winter months of December and January, Delhi and further North actually get cold in these months but are still enjoyable to visit with the right clothing.

Outside these months, you can still visit but you’ll find that the heat and humidity will be much higher, especially as you go further South.

SIM CARD FOR INDIA

I really recommend having a sim card in India as it makes travel in India so much easier! You may have heard that it’s hard to get a sim card in India but you can get a sim card in Delhi Airport, read this post to see how to buy a sim card in Delhi Airport or if you fly in elsewhere 3 ways to buy a sim card in India and you’ll be connected in just a few hours!

WHAT TO WEAR IN INDIA

If you are a woman, here’s what I recommend you pack and wear in India . Technically you can wear what you like in India in most places but to get fewer stares and feel more comfortable, read my post!

DON’T GET SCAMMED IN DELHI

Most people arrive for the first time into Delhi and get scammed within a few hours! Read my Delhi Travel Tips to help you enjoy Delhi, and the best places to stay in Delhi which is so important!

Best Clothes to Pack for India

Below is my female India packing list detailing all the things I recommend packing for India.

If you’re wondering what to wear in India around the India dress code, read this post of mine to help you on that afterwards!

3 – 4 x Pairs of baggy trousers – full length or 3/4 length

Personally, I prefer 3/4 length pants when I pack for India to let some breeze in rather than full length but I do pack at least one pair of full-length trousers for overnight journeys and in places where it may get chilly, especially in the evenings, because India does get cold!

When it comes to what to wear in India as a female, my main advice is to ensure these trousers for India are light, airy and baggy . Firstly, to keep you as cool as possible, India isn’t always hot but generally, in many places like Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan it is hot and / or humid for a lot of the year.

Secondly, baggy trousers are much more modest. Skintight trousers will attract a lot more male attention to you as a foreign woman in India and I personally only wear skintight gym pants in certain parts of the country like Rishikesh , Dharamshala and Goa where a lot of foreigners visit and where yoga in India is popular.

Thirdly when visiting religious monuments you will need to have your knees covered and if you only have long pants for India or 3/4 length ones then you’ll never need to worry that you are not appropriately dressed .

Baggy trousers are pretty easy to find in the markets and shops in India so if you can’t find suitable ones at home you can go shopping in India. Many travellers will also wear the iconic South East Asia Elephant pants which make up the perfect outfit in India due to the light material and how baggy they are.

I really like H&M for their baggy and 3/4 length trousers and they are such a good price. Have a look at some options here!

4 – 5 x T-Shirts

T-shirts are great for India, you know that your shoulders are covered and your chest which is what I recommend for a woman travelling to India. They can keep you cool in the hot weather but still covered and modest.

1 – 2 x Tank Tops

I say that t-shirts are your best friend in India . Like needing to cover your knees, in India, you need to cover your shoulders to enter religious monuments and they are much more modest than tank tops which not only show your shoulders but may show more back and chest too.

Although there is nothing wrong with wearing tank tops in India so if you’re thinking what to pack for India in Summer, you can always take a shawl in your bag for when you need to cover your shoulders, I find that in hot places although having a tank top on is a bit cooler, with a shawl on top, it becomes hotter than just a t-shirt which is why on my second trip to India when deciding what to pack for India as a female, I opted to carry way more t-shirts this time.

Modesty-wise again, I notice that I feel much more comfortable in a t-shirt in India  as the best tops to wear in India with short capped sleeves and a baggy fit so I know my shoulders are covered and probably, most importantly, that all of my chest is covered too and the t-shirts are not too tight over my boobs.

That said, 1-2 tank tops should also be on your packing list for India too in case it is very hot somewhere and in some places, it’s totally ok to wear them. Tank tops like this from H&M are good!

Related Post: Are you still working out where to visit in India? Here are 24 places in India perfect for your first trip and a Golden Triangle India Itinerary for 1 Week in India!

1 – 2 x Dresses

If you’re a woman who likes to wear dresses and skirts instead of trousers then put these in your bag when packing for India, as long as they aren’t too short, or pack some cheap simple black leggings to wear under them if they are short.

I find that it’s possible to wear a nice dress with leggings and / or a t-shirt underneath which looks nice but is modest too and perfect for female travel to India.

Bright, modest dresses are perfect for wearing to the Taj Mahal!

I really like H&M for their long and modest dresses to wear in India. Click here to have a look at options!

A jumper/sweatshirt/hoodie is needed for India because it does get cold! You might need it for overnight journeys or in the mornings when it’s still cold.

1 x Long-sleeved thin top

Some days you’ll be sweating in India and wondering why you’re carrying a jumper and long-sleeved warm top because ‘does it get cold in India??’ yes it does and it’s likely you’ll need them. People love air-con in India which is understandable but what’s not is how cold it can get.

Night buses and night trains, which are are the best way to travel around India can get particularly cold in the middle of the night with the air con on, and so can some cafes.

A long sleeved top like this is a good idea!

If you decide to head North into the mountains or even to Varanasi in the late Autumn / Winter months the mornings will be pretty chilly before it heats up for the day and in some cases, these Northern places will remain cold all day in Winter, sometimes with snow!

1 x Packable Coat

When you’re thinking of what to pack for India, a coat may not be on your travel essentials for India list but for the same reasons as above I recommend taking a coat to India too, I know it might sound crazy but I have taken a Uniqlo Packable Ultra Light Down Coat like this twice to India with me.

I’ve worn it multiple times and always thanked myself for packing it, it’s light, doesn’t take up much room and is warm when I need it. So add this to your India packing list!

1 x Packable Rain Jacket

This will depend on when you visit India, if you are visiting during the summer monsoon seasons then pack a waterproof rain jacket as you’ll probably need it.

I have a packable rain jacket like this , to be fair I’ve barely used my rain jacket in India but I hold onto it because of the other places I’ll visit in Asia and it’s very small and lightweight, so unless you know it will be wet when you visit India, you could risk going without this.

Gym Clothes

If you think you’ll do yoga in India, do a lot of hiking in India or just want to work out in your room (something I’m trying to do but tend to fail at) then pack some activewear because you can wear gym pants, a sports bra and gym top to a yoga class in India in most places so pack this as you please but I’d say 1-2 outfits max is enough  because I would not recommend wearing tight sportswear in India unless you are hiking or going to a yoga class. This is not an outfit to wear in the cities of India as a female.

Doing yoga in India can get hot and sweaty so to help with the heat, especially in Goa, I’d recommend taking custom bandanas and face masks for your classes as well as taking a small towel to put down on your mat.

Look for the best flights to India here!

I use Skyscanner to book all of my flights! I’m a huge fan of Skyscanner because I love how easy it is to compare different dates and routes to help me find the best flight at the best price! 

Open Skyscanner by clicking here and search for the best flights as you read this post.

1 – 2 x Shawls

At least one shawl is a must-pack item for India to cover yourself up, in some areas you’ll feel like you need it more than in others. If you like to mix up the colours then two shawls are a good idea  to add to your travel checklist for India but if you’re trying to pack minimally for India, one is enough. Just make sure these are light materials and will be comfortable in the heat.

If you can’t find appropriate ones at home, wait until you get to India and go shopping in the best markets in India. These are also great if you go somewhere colder as they then act as a scarf!

2 – 3 x Pairs of Socks

I live in sandals in India, more on that below, so socks are only needed when I wear shoes, for the odd overnight journey to keep my feet warm or if I suddenly end up in a cold place and need them which is why I only pack a few pairs.

10 x Underwear

I usually pack about 10 pairs of underwear as this means I don’t need to do washing too often but the amount you pack is up to you and may change whether you’re on holiday in India for a short time or backpacking India for a longer time.

I find black underwear the best when travelling long term as often things can get stained and dyed in the wash so you’re safe with black!

BOOKING TRAINS IN INDIA

India is best travelled by train because its the quickest, cheapest and best way of getting to know the country. For an EASY option of booking trains in India use 12GO to search and book trains really easily. If you’ll be in India for awhile, you can use the local booking system, it’s a bit tricker but possible, here’s my post on how to book trains in India as a tourist .

BEST ACCOMMODATION IN INDIA

I always use Booking.com to book my hotels in India and Hostelworld to book my hostels . India has a great range of accommodation with brilliant hostel chains like Moustache, Zostel and Backpacker Panda as well as homestays to luxury hotels.

GUIDED TOURS IN INDIA

Many cities in India are best seen with a guide , even if it’s just a half day tour on your first day . Cities in India are chaotic and complex and what better way to taste the food and get to know the city than with a local. I recommend Get Your Guide & Viator for the best tours in India!

For me, my PJs in India are a tank top and shorts which does me well. If I go somewhere colder then I have many T-shirts, a long-sleeved top and long trousers I can wear. I don’t pack extras for pj’s as this takes up too much room!

Beach Clothes for Goa or Kerala

I know this is general but if you are going to the beaches of Goa or Kerala on your trip to India and you’re wondering what to wear in Goa? Well, you can wear the same clothes as you would wear on a beach in Thailand or Sri Lanka . Bikinis are fine, dresses are fine and shorts are fine. You may get more looks on the beaches in Goa than in Thailand from the Indian people who are also on holiday there and may not be used to seeing women with as much skin on show, but it is very normal to wear normal beach clothes in Goa so add these to your Goa Packing List. The same with the beaches in Kerala, for example, Varkala.

Unless you are going to Goa or the beaches in Kerala it’s unlikely you’ll need shorts or more than one piece of swimwear elsewhere in India so to help you pack light for India, leave these at home!

Best Shoes to Pack for India

Thr right shoes in India are key! Don’t go bringing fashion sandals or trainers to India because you’ll walk so far and its so dusty in places, they won’t be good for you at all!

1 x Sturdy Sandals

These are the best shoes to pack for India ! Unless you go somewhere that is cold in India, it’s likely you will want your feet out, but the traffic is crazy in India, there’s always people overtaking, there’s mostly no pavements and your feet can feel very vulnerable. Not only that, but you also need to watch where you step as there’s a lot of cow dung around!

I never wear flip flops to walk around outside in India whereas I always do in South East Asia. In India, you need sandals with a thick sturdy base, a good grip and straps so they don’t fall off or cause you to trip as you rush across the road. Birkenstock Sandals are a good idea. I personally live in Keen Sandals like this which have survived over 1 year of full-time travel and full-time use.

I also recommend packing good travel sandals on an India packing list for males as well as on an India packing list for females.

1 x Flip Flops

I always take a pair of flip flops with me and I’m a Haviana’s girl even when packing for India. I like to wear them around my accommodation, and into the bathroom, if its a shared or questionably clean bathroom, but this item is of course up to you whether you pack them or not.

1 x Trainers / Walking Shoes

A pair of covered shoes which you can walk far in is a must-pack item for India . There are so many opportunities to hike in India and if this is what you want to do here then walking shoes will probably be best. I again live in Keen walking shoes .

If hiking isn’t on your radar I’d still recommend packing a pair of trainers, but leave your fancy white converse at home! A packing tip for you is that black trainers are the best colour trainers to take backpacking as they go with every outfit and don’t show the dirt!

Toiletries to Pack for India

The important thing to note when thinking about what toiletries to pack for India is that you can buy all toiletries in India . In fact, I prefer buying my toiletries in India because I love their Himalaya Wellness Brand which is made from Ayurvedic herbs.

I personally pack shampoo, conditioner and soap bars  rather than bottles as a way to pack sustainably for India because the bars reduce my waste, they last much longer and are much smaller to carry. I carry all 3 bars in a lunchbox like this which keeps them together.

I use this hanging toiletry bag   which is so helpful and my top backpacking essential as in most bathrooms you don’t have much space to put toiletries, it’s also really good quality. In here I pack facewash, toothpaste, toothbrush, eye contact solution, face and body moisturiser .

Again, all of these things you can easily buy in India so don’t pack huge bottles as they will take up too much space.

Regarding travelling on your period, I use a Menstrual cup  which I love, you can get sanitary towels in India and I think you can get tampons but they’re harder to find. I just love menstrual cups for helping us reduce our one use waste, and you can keep them in for so much longer than a pad or tampon which is great if you end up on a long journey on your period in India. If you’re not yet a menstrual cup convert, here’s the travel menstrual cup I use and recommend !

I do carry a small bottle of suncream but apart from when I’m on the beach I don’t wear it much in India, it often feels like the sun doesn’t get through the polluted city skies! But that’s just my personal preference.

Mosquitos can be bad in some parts of India and during certain times of the year so strong  mosquito spray  like this is good but you can just get it in the shops in India if you need it.

I pack a very small bag of makeup when I’m backpacking. The 3 make up items I use the most are foundation, eyebrow pencil and blusher.

Related Post? Are you still working out where to visit in India? Here are 24 places in India perfect for your first trip !

Travel Essentials for India

Other helpful items I pack for India are a reusable water bottle as many hotels and hostels in India provide filtered water which is great meaning you don’t have to buy bottled water, and packing some metal straws is also a good idea so you can say ‘no straw please’ when you order a drink.

I did use a filtered lifestraw bottle in India on my first trip so I didn’t have to buy any plastic bottles. I have seen many other travellers use these in India too.

Personally, after I got a bad stomach in India which lasted a long time, I decided to stop using it to be on the totally safe side, but if you want to reduce your plastic use, a filtered water bottle like Lifestraw is good. Here’s my full review on the bottle .

All hotels in India will give you a towel, some hostels will too but I always take a quick-dry, foldable towel with me as part of my ultralight backpacking gear, so add this to your India packing list for backpacking.

I also pack all of these 18 Backpacking Essential Items  which are things like a washing line, portable charger, good locks etc so check this list out too I pack all 18 items for India!

I pack a few medical items  for India like sickness and diarrhoea  tablets, charcoal tablets (also for a bad tummy but are not as strong as the likes of Imodium) plasters and paracetamol.

Keep in mind though that in the cities and the tourist towns there are pharmacies everywhere and the tablets are much cheaper than buying them at home so I don’t carry too many as I know I can stock up in the pharmacies in India when I need to.

Additionally, because I got rather ill with Delhi Belly during my first visit to India I now take probiotic tablets  daily. I started taking them before I got to India and still take them in India and I think they are travel essentials for India. 

They are great because they do not need to be refrigerated (like most probiotics do) and are really good for general gut health which is important for staying healthy in India.

You don’t really need to think about food to pack for India as the food in India is so good, but if I’m visiting a country from home I always like to take some cereal bars to snack on whilst I get used to where to buy food in a new country and what to eat!

Electronics to Pack for India

One big misconception is that’s it’s not safe to pack technology and electronics for a trip to India incase they get stolen because I can tell you that it is safe! Theft is not in the culture in India and once you’ve been here for a while you’ll think it was crazy you ever doubted whether your phone, camera and laptop would be safe.

I remember thinking maybe I shouldn’t carry a fancy camera in busy places in India like markets but in reality, no one cares, nearly everyone here has a smartphone and you’re totally safe with a laptop in India and getting it out in a cafe or hostel in India.

So what electronics to bring to India? Well, pack all the technology for India you usually would for another trip . Don’t leave anything because you’re worried it might be stolen. Drones can also be used in many places in India if you’re into photography or videography and want to get another look at the country!

For your technology, an important India packing tip to know is that plugs in India do not always fit the usual Asia plug type, although many will in hotels and will also accept the two-pin European plugs. This is the type of plug adapter you need in India .

HELP WITH YOUR INDIA ITINERARY

I’ve spent many months travelling India in the last few years visiting over 50 places around the country, here are my recommended itinerary posts for India to help you plan your trip!

2 WEEK INDIA ITINERARY, PERFECT FOR YOUR FIRST TRIP!

2 WEEK SOUTH INDIA ITINERARY – GOA & KERELA

1 MONTH NORTH INDIA ITINERARY IDEAS!

1 MONTH SOUTH INDIA ITINERARY IDEAS!

2 MONTH INDIA ITINERARY IN THE NORTH & SOUTH

MY 4 MONTH INDIA ITINERARY!

24 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN INDIA!

Backpack or Suitcase for travelling to India?

Should I take a backpack or suitcase to India? That’s the question many will have, and my answer is a backpack .

I mean, you can travel to India with a suitcase and most Indian people that are travelling the country themselves take a suitcase which means there is plenty of room for them on trains and tourist buses (not so much public buses) but depending on the type of accommodation you stay in you may need to walk upstairs with no lift or down small tracks and in my opinion, a backpack is best for this.

I use the Osprey Farpoint 70L Backpack  and have done for over a year and I’m happy with it (it says it’s a mens backpack but it’s fine for me!). I particularly love the attached day pack which I use as my general day pack all the time so I recommend this as the best travel backpack for India.

If you want to take a smaller backpack to India, Osprey does a  Women’s 40L Backpack which will be great as you can take it on the plane as hand luggage only too which is another recommended backpacks for women India.

I also love this 45L Pacsafe Carry On Backpack which has extra security but is also just a great size and design for backpacking India with!

I use this waterproof cover over my backpack in India which fits the Osprey backpack perfectly and I actually use it more so that the bag doesn’t get too dirty or ruined in transit.

One of the all round top packing tips to help keep your clothes to pack for India tidy and keep all of your backpacking gear together, is to use packing cubes like this .

I also carry a canvas bag and a bum bag in case I need to take a smaller bag out for the day or evening, these really don’t take much space and come in handy when I need them.

Related Post:  What To Look For When Choosing and Buying A Backpack For Travelling!

And that’s your packing guide for India and travelling to India checklist.

I hope this list helps you understand what to pack for a trip to India and what to take to India.

If you’re still looking for inspiration on where to visit in India, here’s my recommended 2 week India itinerary , 2 month India itinerary and where I went during my first 4 months in India .

HERE ARE ALL MY INDIA BLOG POSTS.

• More of my Must Read India Posts to Help You See India in the Best Way!
• 24 Places to Visit in India Perfect For Your First Trip to India!
• Golden Triangle India Itinerary for 1 Week in India!
• A 2 Week India Itinerary For Your First Trip To India!
• 2 Month India Itinerary Visiting North & South India!
• Top Tourist Scams In India & How To Avoid Them!
• How To Get a Sim Card in India as a Tourist. 3 Easy Ways!
• How to Apply for E-Visa for India!

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Thursday 31st of August 2023

Hi Ellie, I'm just prepping for a 3/4 month trip around India so this packing list is extremely helpful, thank you!! I just had a question, we're booking trains in at the moment. Which class of train do you find you feel most comfortable travelling in as a woman. I've heard second AC class is fine, but just wondered what your insight was! I'm not travelling solo, it will be me and my sister, but still two young women. Thanks!

TheWanderingQuinn

Friday 1st of September 2023

Hello, I'm so glad you found my post helpful. I have lots more content on here too for India. Second Class a/c is totally fine. I think it's better than 1st Class as they'll be more families in there whereas it's more business men in 1st Class. I trust you'll be fine in 1st class too but I think the atmosphere of 2nd class a/c is comfortable.

Enjoy your trip! :)

What women should pack when travelling to India

By: Author Monica

Categories Asia , India , Packing Tips , Travel Tips

Since I’ve come back from India one of the most common questions I get asked by women is about what women should pack for a trip to India.

I was expecting to be asked how to avoid Delhi Belly, how to find nice accommodation, how safe it is to travel alone and what the overnight trains are really like but it seems that what to pack is somewhat of a dilemma for us ladies.

The majority of the country is hot and humid so you need clothes that will keep you cool, but it’s also a conservative country and it isn’t safe or appropriate for women to be wearing skimpy clothing. Argh, dilemma! So what on earth do you pack?

I may have mentioned it once or twice (OK, about a billion times) that I can’t stand those ‘traveller pants’. The ones that come in khaki colours and have eight pockets on each leg and removable bits so you can make them into shorts. I know that they’re practical and perfect for travelling but I just can’t bring myself to buy them. Thankfully, there are a few alternatives that can keep you looking stylish and feeling cool.

Here’s my packing list for India and some examples of the types of clothes I think are best for female travellers.

My packing list for India

3 x pairs of loose, thin trousers.

The high street stores are still full of loose, printed trousers. Some of them have bold and bright patterns and some are completely plain. I had one bright pair, one navy blue pair and one black pair. I chose dark colours because the streets of India are often dusty and your clothes are nearly always filthy by lunch time. These trousers were all really thin, almost as thin as a sarong, and baggy too so they kept me cool.

Update: You’ll find more tailored, printed trousers in high street stores and these are perfect for India too.

Topshop have a great selection of   loose and printed trousers . The different leg lengths are really handy if you’ve got shorter legs because you really don’t want your trousers trailing along the floor in India. Even if you opt for quite formal trousers, you can dress them down with a casual top and sandals.

6 x plain t-shirts

I opted for 4 dark t-shirts and 2 white ones

These were just your standard t-shirts and jersey tops that you can buy from H&M or TopShop. I found in other Asian countries that your clothes get wrecked when you have them washed in your hotel so these t-shirts are almost disposable they’re so cheap.

I chose plain t-shirts because a standard black t-shirt will never look outdated. They also look really nice with printed trousers. I learned this the hard way when I was backpacking in Asia in 2009-2011. I packed all the latest fashions and left home feeling like I’d stepped out of a Vogue catalogue (OK, a Primark store). I thought I looked the bee’s knees in the latest trends but when I look back on those photos they look dated already.

Fashions change too quickly to ever look good a few years later so stick to plain clothes that don’t make too much of a statement. You’ll also be wearing the same clothes over and over again so don’t pack anything that stands out in your photos.

1x long black cotton dress

Every female traveller should have a long, black, cotton dress because they’re just so handy. A good quality dress that sits just above the ankle will travel with you all over the world and never look out of place.

This black maxi dress is from H&M and pretty much travels everywhere with me. They’re easy to pack, easy to wear, they’re comfy and they look sexy without showing any flesh.

2 x cover ups/shirts

You’ll need something to keep warm in the evenings and also to cover your shoulders when you’re out and about. Some kind of kimono/poncho style top or a loose shirt will work perfectly.

1 x pair of Havaiana flip flops + 1 x pair of Converse

All I took was one pair of Havi’s and a pair of Converse. I knew I wouldn’t be doing any serious trekking and I know I’m perfectly comfortable walking around in flip flops all day so why bother bulking up my bag with extra shoes? I actually didn’t wear my Converse but I think they’re worth having in case it rains.

It’s so worth investing in one pair of shoes that are suitable for evenings but a pair that you’re comfortable driving in, cycling in and walking long distances in.

I opt for skinny fit Havaianas in black with a gold tag. That gold tag somehow makes them seem a bit fancier.

1 x thin cardigan

It’s always nice to have a cardy for when you’re lucky enough to be in air conditioned spaces. I took a black cardigan so it matched all my outfits.

2 x large cotton scarves

A scarf will be your biggest lifesaver while you’re in India. You can use it to cover your arms, your chest, your head and your shoulders and there will be times when you’ll want to wrap your whole upper body in it to stop people staring.

I’ve put 2 scarves on the list because sometimes you’ll need to cover your head when you’re visiting religious sites. It’s also nice to have a spare one to use as a blanket or pillow during long journeys.

Small, cross-body bag

It’s best to have a small bag that goes over your shoulder that you can keep close to your body. Not only are bags like this easy to carry but it’s harder for pick-pockets to get into them.

Feel free to use a normal, small handbag – just because you’re travelling, it doesn’t mean you need to carry an ugly rucksack. If you prefer the ease of a backpack, take a look at my 50 stylish backpacks perfect for travelling .

Lots of accessories

All these plain, dark clothes get boring pretty quickly so I also packed heaps of jewelry and head scarves and picked some lovely things up along the way too.

My tips for clothing in India

• Unless you’re on the beach in Goa never show your cleavage or wear skirts and shorts above the knee
• I found that showing shoulders and wearing mid-calf dresses was fine
• Pack dark clothes – you will get dirty
• Keep clothes as plain as possible so they don’t look dated when you look at your photos in years to come
• Always carry a scarf or light cardigan to cover yourself up and in case it’s required in a religious building

 If you’ve travelled around India and have any other must-pack items to add to the list, let us know in the comments below.

My other blog posts from India:

My top tips for visiting the Taj Mahal – A must read if you plan to visit

What not to pack 10 unnecessary items every traveller thinks they need but I NEVER used

Are packing cubes worth it and do they really save space?

What to wear on a safari in India

How to survive sleeper trains in India

My experience taking an organised tour in India with Intrepid

Searching for tigers in Bandhavgarh National Park, India

Highlights from India

A magical candle and flower ceremony in Varanasi

Laughing yoga in India – Definitely recommended for a giggle

Instagramming India – It’s an amazingly Instagrammable country!

Here are some ideas for tours you can take in India to make the experience as simple and stress-free as possible. These are all bookable through GetYourGuide who offer affordable tours with local guides.

https://partner.getyourguide.com/en/widget?partnerId=668Z756&localeCode=en-US&currency=GBP&queryType=q&q=india&tourIds=&iata=&lat=&lon=&excludedTourIds=singapore&numberOfItems=&cmp=#playground

India: Tips for planning your holiday to Kerala

Monday 15th of June 2020

[…] What women should pack when travelling to India […]

Queen Bubbles

Saturday 6th of June 2020

One thing I did not see mentioned was about feminine protection. It is very hard to buy tampons in India. It is not the custom. So if that is important to you, plan before you go. Wish I would have known.

Saturday 22nd of June 2019

Being an Indian and having lived in Bangalore all my life, I must say the policy of “staring” in India is really bad. I’ve experienced it too and I hate it. I understand it must be a lot more for all of you since you’re foreigners. I agree that dressing according to occasion/place (beach, city/town, temple etc) is the need of the hour. For you and even us locals. However, I strongly disagree with the part that Indians don’t wear anything above the knee. I’m in my twenties. My friends, cousins and even older relatives enjoy wearing dresses, sleeveless, crop tops, skinny jeans and skirts. We’re big on international fashion and frankly, I wear “local” only when I visit a wedding or a temple. You should check out the fashion blogging scene in Indian, it’s super advanced and can match international standards. So to give people tips on what to wear is great but please don’t generalise that all indians dress this way. All major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune etc are quite modern, fashion wise. That said, I hope you have a great experience in our country. And also meet people like us, who love to dress up.

TheTravelHack

Sunday 23rd of June 2019

Hi Nikita, thanks so much for your comment! I hadn't seen any women in short dresses or crop tops so that's great to know.

Chris Hatton

Monday 6th of August 2018

I used to go to school with you, so it was surprise to see your face pop up at the bottom of this page. I hope you are well!! Great advice...for my GF :) If you have any top top tips for India, Nepal, Vietnam, China, Cambodia and Thailand, let me know.

Tuesday 7th of August 2018

Hi Chris! Great to hear from you! If you're looking for Vietnam tips, check out Vicky Flip Flop's blog. She has a great itinerary on there I've recommended to a few people and they've followed every word and loved it. I was in Thailand back in 2010 so I'm sure it's changed a bit now but Koh Sok National Park was one of my favourite places. If you're short on time, book tours to make the most of your trip - you'll see so much more and save yourself a lot of hassle. I hope you have a great time!

Wednesday 26th of April 2017

Wonderful piece and very helpful. My question is about cost of clothing over there. What's the cost of say genie pants, scarves and tops from street venders vs stores? I'm looking inexpensive material that will last.

Thursday 27th of April 2017

These kinds of items barely cost anything but the quality is unlikely to be very good. The prices will be cheaper than the stores but you'll need to haggle for them a lot. I think the price really depends on your haggling skills!

How to pack for an India trip of 2 or 3 weeks

The new times recommend traveling light luggage. I tell you what to take to India and what you can do without.

A trip to India is not too different from any other destination in the world when it comes to luggage. However, when thinking about what to take to India , an exaggerated caution often assails us, which encourages us to accumulate many expendable things.

When you have to fill it, my advice is to put what is necessary and essential, always knowing that you can find everything there. Let’s see what to take to India on a trip of two or three weeks .

How many suitcases can I take to India and how many can I carry

To begin with, you should keep a couple of things in mind before you start filling your suitcase or backpack with plenty of objects.

• The airline baggage policy . Many airlines no longer allow checked baggage on cheap flights to India or on the cheapest conventional flight fares. You should check how many bags you can take on your flight, both in the cabin and in the hold because there may be large variations in the number and weight of each piece.
• Although there are many porters in India to carry luggage, dragging the suitcase through the streets of Delhi is uncomfortable. So, a light suitcase with the essentials to take to India will help you travel more comfortably. In India, most necessities are very affordable to buy on the spot.
• New regulations in Indian air transport have changed baggage allowances drastically. Except Air India, Indian airlines only allow 15 kilos of checked baggage; therefore very heavy bags are charged overweight.

ATTENTION! Recently, many airlines such as Air France or KLM have started to market flights with hand luggage only at very cheap rates. Pay attention to the conditions so that they do not make you pay for checked luggage at the airport.

Make sure your flight search engine or travel agency gives you the specific information. In Skyscanner you have all the detailed information below the flight date.

Fill your luggage with useful stuff

Each trip to India is a world and depends on your destinations and the time of year, one or another types of clothing suits you.

In general, if you are going to travel to India between March and October, you can take only summer clothes in your luggage. The months of November to February can be cooler, and you should pack something warm in the north.

If you go to the Himalayas, of course, the situation is different and you need warm clothing almost all year round (we will cover this in a separate post).

• What do you really need to travel to India . Many times our luggage is multiplied “just in case”, when in fact we are going to have the opportunity to wash some clothes on the trip, we have access to buy anything that might be necessary unexpectedly…
• The essential travel first aid kit that travel guides recommend is only useful if you know how to use it. In India, there are pharmacies almost everywhere, and home health care, should you fall ill.

What clothes to take on a trip to India

I recommend comfortable cotton clothing that breathes. Oh, and that it be colored because white stains a lot and also, in India it is considered a color of mourning. And black… attracts heat and mosquitoes!

I don’t know that you have to buy clothes to travel to India, but you can take into consideration what you put in your suitcase. Here are some tips to be respectful of the culture that receives you and go comfortably. You will see that if you are a woman it will seem to you that all the taboos and limits apply to you, but we boys also have some.

• In India, shorts above the knee are not common for either men or women. You’d better wear capri pants or long pants if you don’t want to sing like a clam. In some temples, they can force the boys to put on a lungi that covers the calves.
• NO cleavage! It is also not common to wear tank tops that reveal underwear, although, on the contrary, it is normal to show the navel. If you are a woman, perhaps you will feel more comfortable if you have a bit of neckline and short sleeves in your blouses and T-shirts.

Indian clothing is beautiful, good quality and the price is cheap. There are more and more styles that combine a more western cut with Indian fabrics, so they are garments that you can wear back home. Perhaps you would like to shop for traditional Indian clothing such as a salwar kameez to wear on your visit to the Taj Mahal or a fine cotton jacket to wear on the beach back home. It is fresh, comfortable and spacious clothing.

Travel shoes: comfortable footwear

Honestly, I do most of my travel in Havaiana-type flip-flops . My favorites are the Superdry cork shoes , they are comfortable and adapt perfectly to the footprint. If you don’t have hobbies, it’s the most comfortable way to put on and take off your shoes in temples, overcome puddles or walk when a downpour has fallen on you. The number 1 risk is stepping on cow poop.

• Except if you are going trekking in the mountains, it is enough to wear normal sports shoes, trainers or sneakers .
• Now they are sold in many places microfiber sports shoes and they dry in no time. It can be very useful if you go in the monsoon months, but also if you have to cross a stream or are going to visit a natural park in India.
• Wear sandals that grip your ankle. The ground is very uneven in India and even if you wear open shoes, your feet should be well-supported.

If I were you, I would put the sandals or flip-flops in my suitcase for India and I would travel with the sports shoes on. I don’t think you need more than that.

While it’s easy to shop for clothes in India, plus-size shoes are next to impossible . If you have a 45 boy, forget about buying emergency shoes, it will be quite difficult for you (own experience!).

The first aid kit for traveling to India: a headache in itself

You don’t need to bring any first-aid kit to travel to India . If you’re not a doctor or nurse, and you’re going to be able to administer any medications you have properly, it’s best to trust local professionals.

In India, there is an excellent pharmaceutical industry and excellent doctors who can diagnose you even in the hotel for a very reasonable price. In addition, it is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance that It covers all these expenses at the destination.

You may not find the same commercial brands, but in India, you will find any active principle that is used in your country and all kinds of antibiotics in the multiple pharmacies that exist both in the capitals and in smaller cities.

The essential first aid kit

That said, my tips for preparing your travel first-aid kit that you are going to take to India are:

• Bring only those medications you usually take for minor ailments, such as pain relievers, antidiarrheals, and antihistamines.
• It is not necessary to have a water purifier , good bottled water is sold almost anywhere (although the Lonely Planet says that they poison it at the gates of the Taj Mahal).
• International brand sun cream is a product that in India is usually expensive. As an alternative, you have local brands and Ayurvedic sun creams, but if you have sensitive skin, I would bring the cream that I use in my country.
• The mosquito repellent in India is cheaper and more effective than the one in your country. When you arrive, look for a pharmacy and buy Odomos . The lotion and spray format is better than the cream.

Suitcase or backpack?

This is the great dilemma of travelers and I will tell you more, when you go to travel to India you have that feeling of adventure that gives all the sense to traveling with a backpack. However, do you really know what kind of trip awaits you when you arrive in Delhi? Let’s see what luggage you need according to your travel style.

When to choose a backpack for your trip to India

It is clear that the dilemma of suitcase or backpack has a lot to do with the style of the trip.  The backpack allows us to carry luggage of volume and weight in a more comfortable way.   In addition, many are designed for  adventure tourism  and, therefore, are light, ergonomic and waterproof, qualities that will surely be a success if you have to walk with them at a cost while you look for accommodation or transportation to your next destination.

A  good backpack  is the best luggage option if you are going to do  active tourism in India , for example  trekking or hiking trails, stays in natural parks or also  if you will move a lot by public transport .

Prioritize that it be  ergonomic, light and with compartments for important things.  This way you don’t get mad when something is lost in the depths, especially documents, and you can properly separate clothes dirty.

When to choose a suitcase for your trip to India

I am a  suitcase traveler.  Why? Because the adventure is not going for me. I usually travel with everything more or less planned and/or reserved, and I like to take my shirts ironed. To look good in a photo, you have to take everything into account.

You are traveling to North India  or South India on an  organized tour  (whether it is in its entirety, or if you have hired some services) either by an agency at origin or destination: you don’t need anything more than a suitcase.

The  suitcase with 2 robust wheels  will be able to overcome the small trips that you have to make in India, since in most cases you are going to move from a train to a taxi or a tuk-tuk, or from the rickshaw to the subway, or from the plane to the car with a driver.

On your trip to India, the walks and visits will always happen after check-in at the hotel.

If you are going on a  package trip to India  or you are preparing an organized trip where the  transport will be plane, train and car with driver , no need to carry a backpack. The suitcase has the same capacity, it is more comfortable to carry around the city and at airports, and it keeps clothes better organized.

Characteristics of a good suitcase

When choosing a suitcase, remember these tips.

• It has to be waterproof . In India, when it rains, an umbrella is of no use.
• That has only  2 robust wheels . Best for uneven surfaces.
• Look at the quality of the telescopic handle , it is one of the most vulnerable parts of your suitcase and if it breaks, you can throw it away.
• Choose a  strong color  and  washable fabric
• Think not only outside, but also inside. The compartments help you better organize your luggage.

I always travel to India with a medium-sized Eastpack suitcase and a small backpack that I take on the plane.

If you have any questions about what to take to India, leave them in the comments and I will answer them all. It will surely be useful for other travelers who read the blog. Have a safe trip to the most extraordinary country on the planet!

Do you want to plan a trip to India on your own?

These are some tools to help you prepare for your travel to India from home. It’s just about time to plan your next holidays!

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS This post may contain some affiliate links. These links allow you to follow my recommendations and book them. Thus, you help keep this travel blog ad-free at no extra cost to you.

Travel safe!

Leave your questions about India in the comment section below, and I will get back to you. I hope you have an incredible experience in India. Have a safe trip!

• Post date 5 July 2023
• Categories In INDIA , TRAVEL

By Enric Donate

Historian, tour leader and travel blogger. I've lived and travelled India for more than 20 years. I help you discover India and many more destinations.

One reply on “How to pack for an India trip of 2 or 3 weeks”

Good you explained everything in detail about India Trip. it has been a great help.

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• GENERAL TRAVEL

Look Like a Local: What to Wear in India

The GoAbroad Writing Team is a collection of international travel writers with decades of experie...

• While Abroad
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India is an incredibly diverse and vibrant country that is continuously changing and growing as the years go by. From the Himalayan mountains to the Indian ocean’s coastline, the weather and the climate vary from region to region. No matter if you’re planning on studying , interning , working , or adventuring abroad in India , it is important to be aware of the local dress code and what to wear in India.

What visitors in India are expected to wear differs depending on the location, but Indian culture values modesty—so trust that the dress code in India for tourists and meaningful travelers follows suit. If you travel to a large city, you may be able to get away with slight variations on how to dress in India. However, it’s best to always err on the side of caution (and research), so take a look at the following advice on what to wear in India :

Tips to dress to look more like a local in India

1. cover yourself.

Parts of India, especially small or religious towns, feel that showing skin is provocative. Both men and women travelers should have pants and avoid tank tops as clothes to wear in India. In India, attire for women (if you really want to look like a local) includes long skirts that go down to the ankle instead of pants. While T-shirts are acceptable, always err on the side of modesty. Pack plenty of long-sleeved shirts; not only will you be showing respect, but you’ll also be protecting yourself from the sun and those pesky mosquitoes.

Dressing modestly (and colorfully) is in India’s dresscode!

2. Pack Light

Since the temperatures can soar during the summer months in India, be sure to pack light-weight cotton shirts and trousers. Just because it’s recommended you wear pants and long sleeves doesn’t mean you need to be uncomfortable. Speaking of packing light, India is one country that you shouldn’t overpack for. Laundry and clothes are cheap, so plan on washing and re-wearing your duds often and you’ll be able to buy new clothes if what you packed isn’t acceptable for what to wear in India. 

Pack lightly to save some room for clothes you’ll buy on your adventure in India!

3. Traditional Can Be Good

Yes, you are trying to look like a local, but this doesn’t always mean wearing traditional clothing in your country of choice. However, in India, buying and wearing traditional pieces is a good idea, especially if you plan on visiting temples and other religious sites. For women, saris, churidars, and kurtas are all good options. A sari is unstitched cloth that is wrapped around your body. Unless you’re living with a host family that can teach you how this works, you might be better off purchasing a kurta and churidar. A kurta is a long tunic that can be worn with churidar, or leggings that bunch at the ankle. For men, light-weight shirts and trousers can be found at a bargain in most cities.

Traditional is colorful in India

4. Loosen Up

When in India, you shouldn’t only aim to cover your skin, but you should also be sure that your clothes aren’t clinging to your skin. The dress code in India for tourists and meaningful travelers plays fast and loose. Dressing modestly means not showing all of your curves or muscles. To be respectful and ward off any unwanted attention, pack loose-fitting clothes. This doesn’t mean you need to travel in a shirt twice your size; just leave the skin-tight stuff at home.

Loose-fitting clothes are the norm here!

5. Heads up on Religious Sites

This tip is an important one in regards to how to dress in India. Some religious sites have specific requirements on what visitors can wear upon entering. For example, in Sikh temples, it is disrespectful to enter with an uncovered head. Luckily, many sites have scarves for visitors to borrow, but you can bring your own if you have one. In some Hindu temples, leather is prohibited. This includes belts, so do your research ahead of time and prepare accordingly. All religious sites require shoes to be left outside and knees and shoulders to be covered.

Incredible sites like the Taj Mahal are not to be missed – Make sure you’re prepared!

Suggested travel programs in India

If you’re looking into how to dress in India because you want to gain some meaningful travel insight, consider jumping into one of these programs and making your dream adventure come true: 

• AIFS - Study abroad in the modern city of Hyderabad and dive right into life in India. While earning up to 16 credits for school, participants also get to go on excursions to incredible cultural locations including Delhi, Agra, and Mumbai.
• Volunteering Solutions - Volunteer in Delhi, India, and really get immersed in the local culture. With this program, participants work at a children’s orphanage where they exchange cultural views and offer love, support, compassion, and education.

Be “In” with India

Like with any new country, it is important to research and know the ins and the outs ahead of time, so that you’re fully prepared to immerse yourself in the new culture (and so you know what to wear in India). As long as you remember that modesty is the hottest key to success when figuring out how to dress in India, you’re golden. Pack these clothes to wear in India in your carry-on and adventure to the Burj Khalifa and beyond!

Review Your India Travel Program Now

Explore Programs on GoAbroad.com

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