Packing for India is all about light, breathable and modest clothing. Shoulders and knees should be covered at temples and mosques, and you will remove your shoes often. Use our interactive checklist below – tick the items as you pack.
Clothes and dress code
- Loose cotton or linen trousers, long skirts and shirts.
- A light scarf or shawl to cover shoulders or head in religious sites.
- Slip-on shoes or sandals – easy to remove at temples.
- A warm fleece for winter evenings in the north and for Ladakh.
- Swimwear for Goa and Kerala resorts (cover up away from the beach).
Health and comfort
- High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
- Mosquito repellent with DEET or picaridin.
- Basic medicines: oral rehydration salts, probiotics, painkillers.
- Hand sanitiser and pocket tissues.
Electronics and documents
India uses Type C, D and M plugs at 230 V – bring a universal adapter. A power bank and an unlocked phone for a local SIM or eSIM are very useful. Keep digital and paper copies of your passport, tickets and insurance.
Interactive Packing Checklist
Tick items as you pack – your progress is saved in this browser. Packed: 0 / 12
