India Packing List: What to Bring and What to Leave at Home
The most common mistake on an India trip is not what people forget to pack; it is how much they bring. The country is huge and varied, but your bag still has to fit into train racks, auto rickshaws and narrow guesthouse stairwells.
💡 QUICK INTEL
Best for: First time and repeat visitors to India
Trip types: City hopping, classic Golden Triangle, coastal breaks, hill stations
Applies to: Carry on only travelers and checked baggage travelers
Goal: One versatile bag that works from temples to rooftop bars
Clothing that actually works on the ground
Think coverage and breathability rather than heavy fabrics. Lightweight cotton or linen shirts, loose trousers, long skirts and one thin sweater or jacket will handle most seasons outside the coldest mountain regions. Aim for outfits that cover shoulders and knees in public spaces; it is more comfortable in religious sites and often more practical in strong sun. Jeans can work in cities but take a long time to dry and feel heavy in humidity, so limit them to a single pair if you bring them at all.
Shoes, health basics and small things that matter
Most travelers do well with two pairs of shoes: one comfortable pair for walking and one pair of sandals or slip ons for warm days and quick temple visits where you remove footwear often. A small health kit with any personal prescriptions, pain relief, rehydration salts and a few familiar over the counter medicines saves time in pharmacies when you are tired. Add a basic microfiber towel, a small lock for train lockers or hostel cupboards and a light scarf that can double as sun cover or an extra layer in air conditioned spaces.
What to leave out and what you can buy in India
Heavy hairdryers, multiple pairs of heels, thick towels and full sized toiletries are the first things to cut. India’s cities have supermarkets, pharmacies and clothing shops where you can buy soap, shampoo, basic electronics and extra clothing if you need them. Adapters for Indian plug types are widely available. The more space you leave in your bag, the easier it is to move and the less stressful local transport becomes.