What you must pack for travel in India

These days, you can get a lot of things in India that you can get at home. It was very different when I started travelling in India in 2005. But still, there are some items that are either hard to find, or expensive, or don’t fit. Here’s what you absolutely need to pack for travel in India

• A backpack or day pack and carryon suitcase. Unless you are going five-star all the way, you will be happy you can easily carry everything you brought on your back. There are going to be times when the taxi can’t get closer than a 10 minute walk to the train station because of the crowds and you have to get out and walk.
• A roller carryon or spinner suitcase. I travel with a combination of daypack and carryon suitcase, rather than a full-sized back pack. This combination works better for me. You can read up on hardside carryon luggage here to get some recommendations.
• Very comfortable sturdy walking shoes. India’s infrastructure is often lacking. The roads and sidewalks are a jagged obstacle course, and there is sometimes an open sewer spilling its gruesome contents across your path. You will want a pair of closed toe shoes.
• Walking sandals. It’s hard to find sturdy, well-made and comfortable walking sandals in India, and these will be your go-to shoes.
• Flip-flops. For the beach, in the shower, around your hotel and in other predictable settings. Don’t go barefoot in India.
• Swim suit. Indian women don’t traditionally wear swim suits, so it’s hard to find a good selection. The imported ones are super expensive, too.
• Deodorant, hair conditioner, tampons, sunscreen, Deet mosquito repellent. I recommend bringing all of these with you as you may not get the quality you’re used to in India.
• A sheet sleeping bag. For taking the train in India and questionable hotels.
• Good quality suitcase locks and cable. You will need to be able to use the cable to lock your bag to your train or bus seat.
• To keep as healthy as possible on the road, take heat-resistant probiotics (one per day), either oil of oregano or GSE (grapefruit seed extract), rehydration salts, tea tree oil and homeopathic remedies for digestion and respiration issues (Indian cities are highly polluted — try to get out of the cities and enjoy some offbeat places in India).
• Contact lenses and lens solution. You might not find what you need in India.
• Prescription drugs. Almost everything is available in India, but it may not be exactly the same.

Things you can get in India

When you are packing for travel in India, you need to know about the things you DON’T have to bring. Some things I recommend getting in India as they are either more cost-effective, more suitable, or better quality.

• Aside from shoes, underwear, bras, jeans, and a swimsuit, you can get a lot of great clothing in India that suits the climate and culture. 
• Whether you go for costume jewelry or precious gems and gold jewelry, you cannot beat India for bling. You will find amazing jewelry in every price range. Just be careful buying the real stuff. Make sure you are buying from a reputable jeweler
• I buy almost all of my toiletries in India: creams, lotions, face wash, lip balm, etc. I like Biotique and Himalaya Herbals, but there are others as well.
• Sarong, scarf, shawl. Sarongs, scarves, and shawls come in very handy when travelling, and you will not find more variety than in India. Personally, I have an embarrassing number of pretty scarves in silk, cotton, chiffon, etc.
• Blingy sandals. There are stores filled with jeweled flats and you will want to buy them all. Be aware they are often not that comfortable, though.
• They may not be practical or particularly safe, but the embroidered bags in India are fun and handy, especially for shopping and the beach.
• A sun umbrella. It’s very useful to carry an umbrella, and you can find them in India with a special coating that blocks the sun’s rays.