What to Pack for India

Modest, breathable clothing is the safe default almost everywhere — shoulders and knees covered travels well at religious sites and in more conservative areas. Layering matters more than any single item, since mornings and evenings can be far cooler than the middle of the day, especially October to March in the north.

Shoes you can slip on and off easily are worth their weight, since footwear comes off before most temples, mosques and many homes. Comfortable walking shoes cover forts and old cities; sandals suit the beach and backwaters.

• Basic over-the-counter medication for an upset stomach, plus any personal prescriptions.
• Sunscreen and a hat — the sun is strong across most of the country, most of the year.
• Hand sanitiser, and rehydration salts if you're prone to stomach upsets while travelling.
• Insect repellent, particularly for the monsoon and for wildlife and backwater trips.

• Your passport, printed e-Visa (ETA) and printed e-Arrival Card confirmation, plus digital copies stored separately.
• A universal travel adapter — India generally uses Type D and Type M sockets, though Type C and Type A appliances often fit the same sockets loosely.
• A portable power bank for long travel days.

• The Himalaya (Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal) — warm layers, even in summer at altitude; proper cold-weather gear for winter.
• The desert (Rajasthan) — sun protection and a scarf or shawl for dust and cooler evenings.
• The monsoon (roughly June–September) — a light rain jacket and quick-dry clothing; see our monsoon guide.
• Beaches (Goa, Kerala) — light, breathable clothing and reef-safe sunscreen.