What should you pack for a trip to India?
For India, pack versatile clothing for extreme climates (from intense heat to cold depending on regions), a reinforced first-aid kit for digestive issues, and essential accessories like power adapter, headlamp, and insect repellent spray.
Clothing adapted to contrasting climate
India presents extreme temperature variations: up to 40°C in the Ganges Valley or Rajasthan, and down to -30°C at altitude in Ladakh. Therefore, pack:
- Warm clothing for high-altitude regions
- Light cotton clothing for the heat
- Covering outfits (knees and shoulders) out of respect for local customs, especially for women
- Closed shoes for walks and sandals for the heat
Health and hygiene
Prepare a reinforced first aid kit with:
- Medicines for digestive issues (absolute priority)
- Basic personal medications with prescription if numerous
- Alcohol-based gel and disinfectant wipes
- Anti-mosquito spray
- Micropur tablets for water purification
Essential equipment
- Power adapter to charge your devices
- Headlamp in case of power cuts
- Photocopies of your passport in a safe place
- Padlock for bags during train journeys
- Water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses
- English-language dictionary