33 Top India Packing List Items for 2023 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

What to Pack for India – 33 Essentials

• 1. Water Bottle with Built-in Filter

  Finding good drinking water in India is paramount, and we DO NOT recommend drinking unfiltered water under any circumstance. Keep in mind “filtered water” at a hotel or hostel can also be dodgy, and I’d only drink bottled water from one of these three reputable companies: Bisleri, Kinley, and Aquafina.

  Any other water source, I would run through a Grayl water bottle. It removes all bacteria, viruses, chlorine, and other pollutants from the water and is essential if you get stuck in a sticky situation with no bottled water nearby. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s an investment in your health and will give you peace of mind.

  India is known for Delhi Belly, parasites, and waterborne illness that affects almost 40-million locals each year… Don’t gamble with giardia, E. Coli, or typhoid.

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• 2. India Power Adapter

  After trying countless different brands, I decided to take matters into my own hands. My company, Hero Travel Supply, sources and sells these quality power adapters that are individually tested in the USA. Every order also comes with a corresponding free ebook that teaches you how to avoid frying your electronics in India. I wrote this comprehensive guide based on years of experience dealing with India’s unpredictable power supply, which can ruin your devices (I know because my $2,000 Macbook got fried)!

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• 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

  If you join any unsecured WiFi networks while in India, such as at hotels, cafés, or airports – you are putting your passwords and credit card details at risk of being hacked. The good news is a VPN will protect you with just one click! You don’t want your information compromised as ours was at an Airbnb in Paris. Now we always travel with a private network.

  Additionally, India’s Internet censorship is nothing compared to places like China, but it’s still a thing and is apparently on the rise. To ensure you won’t get blocked from certain websites that you require access to while traveling, I recommend using NordVPN. It is surprisingly affordable and too crucial to forgo.

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• 4. Neck Wallet

  You obviously need a passport and visa for India travel, but I also recommend you get a neck wallet. You can conceal money, credit cards, and travel documents under your shirt so you don’t risk losing them or being robbed. Many times I’ve had beggars put their hands in my pockets, and you must be prepared for real poverty in some areas. But since my valuables are tucked out of sight, I’ve never had anything stolen. This one also has RFID-blocking material to prevent e-thieves from scanning your bag at popular, crowded attractions.

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• 5. Charcoal Tablets (Food Poisoning Remedy)

  Activated charcoal is an incredibly effective way of stopping diarrhea and dysentery (Delhi Belly). India is known for common food poisoning, parasites, and waterborne illness that affects almost 40-million locals each year… No matter how careful you are, there is a good chance you will experience some tummy upset while there. This supplement works as a magnet in your body to quickly absorb the toxins or pathogens that are causing the problem. Whenever I have any sign of diarrhea, I take 2-4 tablets, and typically within 1 or 2 hours, I am back to normal – they are literally lifesavers!

  PRO TIP: We suggest only eating food that is piping hot, fresh, and from reputable busy restaurants with high turnover. Steer clear of uncooked foods like salads and cut fruit as they may be teeming with bacteria. If you still end up getting Delhi Belly, make sure you have adequate support. Ask your hotel or tour company to organize a doctor. Bacteria in India is no joke and killing it sooner rather than later is crucial.

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• 6. Travel Insurance for India

  In India, you need to expect the unexpected. Your domestic coverage will not follow you overseas, and travel insurance is a non-negotiable for things like flight cancellations, baggage loss, theft, medical emergencies, transit issues, COVID-19 evacuations, etc. For example, our friend had his luggage stolen — even while it was being watched by our tour company. Because he had no travel insurance, he ended up paying out of pocket to replace everything.

  Faye is the best provider I’ve used because you can custom-create a policy based on each trip. Using factors like your destinations, trip budget, and preferences – Faye personalizes your coverage with protection like emergency medical care and even the option to ‘cancel for any reason,’ which is not typically offered by affordable insurance companies.

  Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

• 7. Cooling Towels

  India can get humid and HOT, and air-conditioning is hard to find when you are out and about. It is not even available in some accommodations, so traveling with this cooling towel is essential. I don’t enjoy feeling overheated, and this chemical-free towel provides instant relief. I simply wet it, wring it out, and place it around my neck for 30-60 minutes of reprise. To continue feeling cool, I just repeat the process. It even comes in its own case so my other belongings don’t get damp when I pack it away.

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• 8. Anti-Pollution Disposable Mask (KN95)

  In major cities like Delhi, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Agra – pollution levels are very high. What most people don’t know is that air pollution is worse during the tourist season, from October through March. Farmers are burning stubble to clear harvests, locals burn plastics and oils to stay warm, and more. You don’t want to breathe that in, so we recommend having a breathing mask at all times. This KN95 mask filters out 95% of particles. Wear these in the mornings and evenings when vehicle smog is heightened due to traffic.

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• 9. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

  Between the number of trains, auto-rickshaws, and taxis you’re bound to take in India, it’s important to secure your bags with luggage locks. You’d be surprised just how quickly a thief can get into an unattended bag, often working in teams or distracting you with street shows, falls, and using children as diversions. With your luggage securely locked, you won’t have to stress about keeping an eye on it every minute of the day. I’ve been there, and it’s no fun.

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• 10. Female Urination Device

  Okay, don’t get weirded out by this one. India is a place with limited toilets, and when you do find a toilet, they are often absolutely disgusting. For guys, this is not a problem because we can stand at the side of the road to pee, but for women, that’s not possible. Indian ladies have mastered the art of squatting discreetly without mooning curious onlookers. This little device enables Western women to stand and pee with no mess and no embarrassment.

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• 11. Packing Cubes

  Adjusting to the new environment requires a cultural recalibration period, and you’ll be seriously jet-lagged after 24+ hours of travel. All of this can make your mind a bit hazy, but packing cubes make it so much easier to stay organized. You’ll know exactly where everything is because you can label each organizer (tops, bottoms, essentials, excursion items, etc.). Spare yourself from digging through a messy suitcase or throwing things around the room to find them!

  Available on HeroTravelSupply.com with an exclusive 15% discount using the coupon code “HERO”.

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• 12. Kurta

  When traveling to India, we love to wear the local garments! There will be plenty of opportunities to buy pieces on your journey, but having some from the jump is important to ensure you don’t show off too much skin or draw eager eyes. One thing to expect is that the locals will observe and often want to take pictures with you because you look so exotic! So it’s best to do what you can to blend in and respect the culture. Bring along 2-3 tunic-style tops that will get you started on your travels (here is one for men).

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• 13. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

  Indian hotels may (or may not) have towels – and a guest house or lodge usually will not – so bringing your own is a thoughtful provision. Indian bath towels are also thin and not very absorbent, but this travel towel is made with microfiber material that dries 10x faster than cotton. It’s very lightweight and multi-functional, I use them for basic needs like drying off and wiping away sweat, but also for more creative endeavors like seat covers, picnic blankets, beach towels, etc.

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• 14. Travel Backpack

  Remaining hands-free will be the key to exploring with all necessities on hand. This backpack is super lightweight (weighing less than 1 pound) and is made for travel. It was a serious discovery for us because others were three times the cost at half the quality! When it’s not in use, you can fold it up compactly into its own zippered compartment. It’s truly exceeded our expectations.

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• 15. Windproof Travel Umbrella

  Face the monsoon-prone weather of India head-on with a windproof umbrella. From spring to summer months, you’ll find the pre-monsoon storms that can blow in the famous Loo winds. By summer, downpours and floods are common. And by autumn, many areas are still experiencing bouts of loitering rainfall. Basically, you’ll need it year-round! This umbrella also comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.

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• 16. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

  The last thing you want is a dead battery during long days of adventuring, and power grids aren’t always reliable throughout India. This charger has seriously saved us when we were far from the hotel, didn’t have the address, or needed to call for a ride (or India’s version of Uber, an ‘Ola’). Not to mention, this charger can be powered on a foreign electricity grid with dual voltage, so it’s a safe bet for India.

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• 17. Discounted Tickets to India’s Attractions

  Get Your Guide is our favorite booking service for excursions that will add a breath of life to your trip. They even offer skip-the-line tickets so you don’t have to stand in a line for hours or risk being turned away from fully-booked attractions.

  For your time in India, you MUST visit 1/7 of the world’s wonders, the Taj Mahal, and there are many temples and palaces to explore, like Swaminarayan Akshardham and Mahabalipuram’s Shore Temple.

  Beyond the grand sights, we recommend making time for down-to-earth activities that will show you the authentic India – things like food tours, the elephant caves of Mumbai, and a cooking class with a local chef. There are also fantastic day trips to cities like artistic Jaipur, upscale Hyderabad, and historical Bangalore.

  See all India attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

• 18. Waterproof Picnic Blanket

  From the beaches of Goa to the ruins of Hampa, there are so many amazing spots to hang out and marvel at India’s beauty. But to be direct, India can also be quite dirty, so bring along a waterproof picnic blanket to ensure you always have a clean surface to sit on. This material repels moisture and will prevent any muddy grounds from seeping through and creating clothing stains. Most tarp-like blankets are stiff and crinkly, but this one is soft and cozy!

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• 19. Shawl / Modesty Cover-Up

  A beautiful shawl is a must for India. The culture is very modest, with influences from Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Islamic faith. Even if you are dressing like a local (in a Kurta or a Punjabi), women keep shawls around their necks and cover their heads as an additional layer of modesty. Keep in mind that men aren’t used to seeing women who show skin, and it’s important not to attract unwanted attention. You will also need a shawl to enter many sacred sites as they do not allow uncovered heads or shoulders. This wrap will hide any plunging necklines or bare arms, displaying a sign of respect that the locals will appreciate.

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• 20. Electrolytes

  Electrolytes save lives on a daily basis. When someone has dysentery or diarrhea, they get very dehydrated, and in extreme cases, this can lead to death. I’m not trying to scare you, but this highlights the value and importance of having electrolytes if you get sick. Even if you don’t get sick, it is important to stay well-hydrated in India’s extreme heat. These satchels can easily be added to your bottled water for an extra boost of hydration.

  Pro Tip: You can get electrolytes cheaply in India, but in my experience, they are low-quality and taste horrible.

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• 21. Hanging Toiletry Bag

  Other than luxury hotels, countertop space will be limited, and some bathrooms will literally be a hole in the ground… Just keeping it real! So you’ll appreciate having this hanging toiletry bag that hooks onto any door, branch, pole, etc. You’ll feel like a master of organization since it creates a shelf-like system in any bathroom, helping you to maintain your skincare, haircare, and hygiene routines (as well as your sanity). You’re welcome.

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• 22. Immunity-Boosting Kit

  Your health is only as strong as your immune system. Support your immunity with these key products that naturally strengthen the body:

  • Elderberry Gummies – These delicious little gummies deliver a powerful punch of elderberry extract (vitamin C and Zinc), packed with regenerative antioxidants.
  • Echinacea Goldenseal Pills – These combat inflammation in the body, reducing the risk of a cold, flu, or sinus infection.
  • Probiotics – Your gut is directly related to your immune system. Probiotics are a proven way to support the healthy bacteria that your body uses to kill harmful bacteria. Strengthening your gut will make you less vulnerable to the common plague of traveler’s diarrhea.
  • Zinc Spray – Zinc is a very underrated nutrient. As a key treatment for anemia, diabetes, diarrhea, and other common ailments – it can be used to mitigate flu symptoms. We’ve found that this spray particularly soothes an itchy throat (which you may experience due to India’s air pollution).

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• 23. Beautiful Long Skirt

  Known as a Sari wrap skirt, this vivid piece is another perfect way to honor the conservative fashion of Indian culture. Jeans are becoming increasingly common here, but absolutely zero women show their legs. This said, India is hot! So wearing something modest but breathable is a wise choice. Also, for many sacred palaces and monasteries, your legs need to be covered below the knee.

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• 24. Walking Shoes

  In India, you will constantly be taking your shoes on and off. You will want something durable and comfortable to protect your toes from street debris — which there is A LOT of. We actually had monkeys throw poop at us once on our way to a temple, and the floor was also covered… Yikes! I recommend these water-resistant Crocs that are easily washable in case you get anything nasty on them (I prefer these over flip-flops because of the protective element). Here’s a pair for men.

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• 25. Water-Resistant Shoe Bags

  Speaking of kicks, you’ll want these water-resistant shoe bags to prevent your dirty footwear from touching your clean items. The streets in India are extremely dirty, and who wants street-funk all over their beautiful wardrobe?! Asher took these on his recent trip to India, and they came in very handy after his shoes were soaked during a hike along the coast. They keep the grimy things separate and the material doesn’t cling to dirt so you can easily shake it out.

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• 26. Universal Waterproof Phone Case

  This cell phone case is a great little, affordable invention that will save your iPhone or Android from the dust, dirt, and grime of India. Additionally, if you’re going for a boat ride on the Ganges or the Keralan backwaters, it will save your device from accidental water damage. It even makes it possible to take underwater photos. It’s a small investment with a big pay-off!

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• 27. Deet-Free Mosquito Wristbands

  India is known to have cases of malaria, but the problem is that malaria medication has horrible side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. I personally prefer to take all the measures to not get bitten by mosquitoes in the first place. In my experience, these mosquito repellent bracelets, in addition to using insect repellent and wearing long pants at dawn and dusk, provide the best natural protection.

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• 28. Packable Sun Hat

  The sun is brutal in India, and UV rays can be harsh year-round, so be sure to pack a reliable sun hat. Most travelers find that their hat looks like a disheveled hot mess once pulled out of a suitcase. BUT! This one is made to be collapsable and foldable, which means once unpacked, it will return to its original bouncy shape. It’s a great find and also has a wide-brim hat for shade and a built-in sweatband.

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• 29. Aloe Vera

  Enhance your sun protection routine with this organic aloe vera. It’s a desert plant that contains antibacterial properties known to speed up the healing process. On Asher’s most recent trip to India, he was at a ceremony on the Ganges and got super burned, even during the winter time. There was no easy way for him to get Aloe Vera, so we knew this needed to be added to our list. Put it in a cooler for an even more relaxing sensation!

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• 30. Travel First-Aid Kit

  It’s inevitable that you’ll get a cut or scrape or some little thing that would need a first-aid kit. The item I use most is band-aids to help prevent infection in a wound. I also like to put honey on the cut before I place the band-aid because it acts as an antibacterial shield. There are drug stores (chemists) all over India, but it’s nice to come prepared with basic, lightweight, quality first-aid equipment.

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• 31. Travel Toilet Paper

  Believe it or not, toilet paper is still mostly unused in India. Only the more expensive hotels carry it. When you’re out and about, you will be hard-pressed to find a place that has any at all! This compact travel toilet paper is more practical than the TP you use at home, which is thick and bulky. Travel TP goes further because it’s more absorbent and also has no core in the roll for thinness. Plus, this brand is biodegradable.

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• 32. Compression Flight Socks

  I seriously regretted not having compression flight socks on my last 15+ hour flight… As a young, fit person, I underestimated how much pain my legs could be in at such drastic elevations in a pressurized cabin. These socks are worn by flight attendants and passengers alike to maintain a healthy blood flow and prevent swelling. It’s a valuable preventative measure that you’ll be happy to have. Don’t forget the jet lag relief for lengthy international flight days.

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• 33. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

  One of the first things I do in India is visit a local dress shop and buy some traditional Kurtas or Punjabis in order to stay respectful and flow seamlessly in and out of temples. You’ll also be doing plenty of shopping for Sarees, Pashmina Shawls, Ayurvedic products, spices, and other local Indian goods – so be sure to pack this “just in case” bag for those unforeseeable purchases. It’s an easy addition to any suitcase and counts as your personal item on the return flight home.

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