The Essential Packing List For Visiting India

If you ask a seasoned traveller which country is the most difficult to visit, they'll probably say India. But, if you ask them if it was worthwhile, they'll almost certainly say yes!

India's allure is undeniable. Despite the difficulties of travelling to a developing country, many still love to travel to India because of its distinct social norms, ancient history, unforgettable sights, and massive spiritual influence. A trip to this country will undoubtedly be among the most enlightening, life-altering, and sensory-stimulating experiences of your life.

However, packing for India is different from packing for any other country. India has a unique climate, and you must be prepared for whatever the environment and circumstances may bring. Thankfully, this article will detail everything you need to know to pack for a trip to this culturally rich country. 

1. Your Travel Documents

Your travel documents are unquestionably essential items to pack for a trip. It's no surprise you need to bring an ID with you anywhere you go. If you're a foreigner in any country, you must always carry some form of identification with you. Also, remember to download and print your COVID-19 vaccination or negative test certificates before you leave.

In addition, make sure you have your reservation confirmation and tickets printed and safely tucked in your carry-on luggage. If your phone dies at the airport or terminal, you can present printed tickets as an alternative. 

Furthermore, create a travel plan. Make a list of what you want to see, when you want to see it, and the addresses. 

2. Gemstones And Crystals

If you wish to immerse yourself in the spirituality of India, consider bringing stones or sages. Using a worrying stone can help you find relief from stress and anxiety. The Indians believe that such stones can take away your worries and replace them with feelings of love and self-assurance.

Spirituality is vital in Indian culture. Since ancient times, spiritual wisdom has been more important to Indians than material wealth. This is one of the reasons why people in this country place a lot of importance on gemstones. Stones with positive meanings are often regarded as a source of hope and are believed to contain energies to help a person overcome adversity.

There's a plethora of stunning and remarkable crystals out there. So, choose a stone whose colour speaks to you. You could also try sage smudging, a ritual practised for purification or healing. Smudge bundles are readily available online or from trusted sellers. 

3. Appropriate Clothes

It takes some consideration to choose what to wear in India, depending on the time of year you visit. 

Cover up and dress modestly. Wearing short skirts or revealing tops isn't acceptable. Since it's a conservative country, wearing skimpy or provocative clothing will attract a great deal of unwanted attention. Therefore, bring lightweight, long pants, shoulder-covering shirts, and a shawl or sarong to cover your neckline.

For footwear, you should bring flip-flops. Your feet could become weary and hot if you wear shoes all day. So, do yourself a favour and pack a pair of sandals to offer your feet some fresh air. 

Jackets are recommended in India, as it can get quite chilly at night. You should also bring a raincoat since the monsoons are incredibly wet.

4. Daypack

A daypack is necessary if you want to go hiking, visit certain temples, or even go to beaches. They work well for carrying your lunchtime sandwich, hat, hand sanitiser, and water bottle. 

You may choose a daypack with a breathable mesh panel for optimal comfort and ventilation throughout the day. Such bags keep you from making direct skin contact with the pack's back, allowing air to circulate more freely.

5. Headlamp

Most guesthouses in India have dim lighting. The beaches and roads are also dark at night. You'll need a headlamp if you want to explore the country while keeping your hands free. This item is not only necessary for every visit to India but also for anywhere else.

6. India eSIM

Taxi and food delivery apps are now easily accessible in India thanks to the country's widespread 4G to 5G internet connectivity. But you may be unable to use your country's SIM card because it won't work. As a result, you won't be able to get to any of this good stuff online until you address the issue.

You can avoid the hassle of buying a physical SIM card in India by installing your phone with an eSIM. Many travellers in India find it to be helpful and convenient. All you have to do is pick the package you want, download it, and you're good to go. They're easy to set up and more environmentally friendly than plastic ones.

7. Travel Medical Kit

It's unnecessary to lug around a mini-pharmacy, but everyone should have a well-stocked first aid kit in their backpacks. It can be inconvenient and humiliating to be unable to handle minor situations, such as a cut finger or a headache while travelling.

Your travel medical kit must contain colds, fever, and stomach ache medications. Besides that, remember to include bandages, hand sanitiser, and wound antiseptic.

8. Water Bottle 

The most effective thing you can do to reduce the use of disposable plastic water bottles while travelling is to bring along a refillable bottle. This can significantly reduce plastic pollution. However, be sure to refill your bottle with filtered water to avoid stomach problems.

9. Other Essentials

In addition to the above list of must-haves, there are other essential things you might want to bring with you on your visit to India. These necessities include travel towels, a charger for your phone, toiletries, underwear, socks, pants, t-shirts, gloves, a shawl wrap, and closed-toe shoes.

Final Thoughts

When travelling to India, you should bring the essential items above to ensure comfort and safety. It's not an exhaustive list, and the things you should get may vary depending on the destinations you're planning to visit.

Don't you want to feel prepared when packing for your trip? Therefore, don't forget the essentials when packing your bags and prepare for a life-altering, captivating, and exhilarating journey across India.