Before Leaving for India: Practical and Cultural Essentials
Preparing for a trip to India can be transformative for even the most seasoned travelers. After two decades crafting journeys across India's many regions, we've learned that what you pack and how you plan can greatly shape the comfort, safety, and cultural richness of your adventure. Below, discover enhanced practical insights specific to the Indian context—advice that goes beyond the usual checklists.
What to Put in Your Suitcase
Suitcase or Backpack?
The choice between suitcase and backpack depends on your mode of travel. With a private driver (as arranged by Shanti Travel), a suitcase works well due to limited manual hauling. If you’re planning to rely on public transport or plan trekking, opt for a sturdy backpack: Indian roads and train stations can be rough for wheeled luggage.
Expert Packing for Indian Conditions:
- Clothing: Think lightweight, breathable fabrics—cotton or linen are ideal. Even in heat, opt for coverage: long sleeves and pants/skirts protect not only from sun and insects but also respect local modesty. Women especially should wear conservative attire in rural areas and religious sites (carry a scarf for temple visits).
- Seasonal Adaptations:
- Summer (April–June): Prioritize the lightest clothing but avoid shorts or tank tops in public.
- Monsoon (July–September): Waterproof jacket, small umbrella, quick-dry clothing, and water-resistant shoes are essential—many city streets get muddy.
- Winter (Oct–Mar): Northern areas and Ladakh get cold; pack a warm jacket, layers, and woollens. South India generally only requires a light sweater for evenings.
- General Must-Haves:
- Socks (for walking barefoot in temples)
- Reusable water bottle (safe refilling is key to avoiding dehydration)
- Travel tissues and hand sanitizer (public toilets often lack paper)
- High-quality insect repellent and sunscreen
- Small power bank for devices (charging opportunities can be sporadic)
- Earplugs and eye mask for overnight trains and bustling cities
- A mask (N95 or similar), especially in heavily urbanized/polluted zones like Delhi
Pro Tips:
- Bright, colorful clothing is entirely appropriate and helps you blend in.
- Packing cubes or plastic bags keep your items organized and clean.
- Always carry a copy of your passport and visa, plus emergency contacts—keep originals secure in your main luggage/safe.
Healthcare Advice
India can be safe with careful health preparation and a little vigilance. Here’s what experienced travelers know:
Vaccinations & Medical Prep:
- Recommended: Typhoid, hepatitis A and B, routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, polio)
- Consider: Japanese encephalitis (for rural/long stays), rabies (if contact with animals is likely)
- Malaria is present in many areas—consult a doctor about prophylaxis and always use repellent
- Yellow fever vaccine is only required if coming from a country where it is endemic
Hygiene and Illness Prevention:
- Only drink bottled, boiled, or properly filtered water (check that bottle seals aren’t broken)
- Eat freshly cooked, hot food; avoid raw produce and street food unless your guide can vouch for it
- Always wash hands often and use sanitizer
- Avoid contact with stray animals
Essential Medical Kit:
- Headache, stomach, and anti-diarrheal medications
- Rehydration salts/electrolyte packets
- Bandages, antiseptic cream
- Prescription medications with copies of prescriptions
Travel Insurance: Secure comprehensive travel health insurance and familiarize yourself with hospital options in the areas you’ll visit—major Indian cities have excellent medical facilities.
Money
India’s economy remains largely cash-driven outside major cities. Here’s how to streamline money management:
- Bring some small-denomination, crisp cash (euros/dollars) to exchange at hotels or authorized forex counters (better rates than the airport)
- International credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) work at most ATMs in cities. Use machines linked to large banks, ideally during banking hours for added safety
- Inform your bank of your travel to avoid card blocks
- Expect ATMs to occasionally malfunction or run out of cash—carry a cash buffer
- Many rural areas and small business accept only cash; urban restaurants and hotels are increasingly card-friendly
- When negotiating prices (markets, taxis), in many situations, haggling is normal—start lower than your maximum, and enjoy the game!
- Save ATM receipts—they are required if you want to change rupees back into foreign currency at the airport on departure
Electrical Outlets
India runs on 230V/50Hz electricity, usually with plug types C, D, and M (the latter two are three round-pronged variants). Here’s what to know:
- Adapters: Best to bring a universal adapter that covers all three types, but D is most common
- Voltage: Check if your electronics are dual voltage (most modern devices are); otherwise, pack a voltage converter
- Charging Multiple Devices: Outlets are often few—bring a travel power strip or a multi-USB charger
- Power Cuts: Short blackouts happen even in major cities; always charge devices when you can and consider a surge protector for sensitive equipment
- Outlet Switches: Every outlet has a switch beside it—make sure it’s ON for the socket to function
The diversity of Indian crafts, textiles, and jewelry can be overwhelming—embrace it! Haggling is a key part of local market culture, but government-run Emporiums have fixed prices to guide your expectations.
- Always check the product quality and compare between several stalls
- Keep small notes for minor purchases
- Be cautious with high-value items—ask about authenticity and always get receipts
- Enjoy the experience: shopping in India is lively and social
Telephone
International calling codes are as described, but in addition:
- Local prepaid SIM cards are widely available (passport copy required); these are often more economical for calls and mobile data compared to international roaming
- Network coverage is excellent in cities and towns but can be patchy in rural or mountainous regions
- Internet speeds vary; many hotels and cafés offer free Wi-Fi
- For cheap international calls, use public phone booths or VoIP apps when Wi-Fi is reliable
When to Go to India
Match Your Travel Theme With the Season:
- North India, Rajasthan, Golden Triangle: October–March for sightseeing, pleasant climate; nights can be cool, especially in the desert
- Himalayas (Himachal, Uttarakhand, Ladakh):
- May–June and September–October for trekking and clear skies
- Ladakh is best June–September—a unique escape from the monsoon
- South India, Western Ghats: October–March for coastal relaxation, wildlife, and backwatery cruises; monsoon (June–September) is green and atmospheric but soggy
- Central India: March–June is ideal for wildlife safaris, as animals gather around water holes; national parks close during the monsoon
- Festivals and Culture: October and November offer the richest tapestry of festivals across India, adding extra vibrancy to your trip
Festivals Not to Miss
Timing your trip around a festival is a unique way to discover India's lively spirit, but it comes with practical challenges.
- Book hotels and trains early; major towns fill up fast during events like Holi, Diwali, or Kumbh Mela
- Expect large crowds—secure your belongings, stay hydrated, and be ready to adjust your pace to local festivities
- Always dress modestly and respectfully; in temples and during rituals, observe protocols such as removing shoes, not photographing sacred moments without permission, and greeting with 'Namaste'
- Popular festivals:
- Pongal & Tamil New Year (Tamil Nadu): Harvest, mid-January
- Kumbh Mela (rotates cities): Epic religious gathering, next in 2025 in Haridwar
- Holi (March): Nationwide color fest, especially North India
- Sufi Music Festival (Rajasthan, February): Spiritual music delights
- Hemis Festival (Ladakh, June): Masked dances, Buddhist culture
- Durga Puja/Dussehra (October): Elaborate street statues, especially Kolkata
- Pushkar Fair (November, Rajasthan): Cattle, camels, and carnival
- Diwali (Oct/Nov): Festival of Lights—sweets, fireworks, and family gatherings
- Festival dates shift with the lunar calendar—check in advance and connect your route to local calendars (Shanti Travel’s team can advise for your specific period)
For more on timing: India Festival Calendar
Shanti Travel’s 20 years of experience in India means we’re always available to help tailor your packing list and travel plans to suit changing weather, fascinating festivals, and unique regional nuances. Being well-prepared transforms your journey—from a simple trip to a lifetime memory of true India.
