India Packing Checklist

Organized by what you always need, plus what changes by season. Pulled from our full Weather & What to Pack guide — print this page or save it as a PDF before you go.

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TIP

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Documents & Essentials — every trip

Passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages)
Visa / e-Visa printout (ETA)
Travel insurance details, printed
Copies of documents (digital + paper, separate from originals)
Passport photos (2-3 spare, for unexpected needs)
Universal power adapter (India: Type C/D/M, 230V)
Portable charger / power bank
Basic first-aid kit + personal prescriptions
Oral rehydration salts
Hand sanitizer
Reusable water bottle
Small padlock (for lockers/bags)

Money & Connectivity

Travel card set up (low FX fees)
UPI wallet app installed (see Money & Payments)
Small cash reserve (₹5,000-10,000 equivalent)
eSIM installed, or plan for local SIM on arrival
Offline Google Maps downloaded for your region

Cultural & Religious Site Essentials

Lightweight scarf/shawl (head covering, sun protection)
Easily-removable shoes (temples, mosques, homes)
Clothing covering shoulders/knees
Modest swimwear if visiting beach towns near temples

Winter (Oct/Nov – Feb/Mar)

Layered clothing (warm mornings/evenings, mild middays)
A proper jacket if heading north or to hill stations
Comfortable walking shoes
Light gloves/beanie if visiting the Himalayas or Ladakh

Summer (Mar/Apr – Jun)

Light, loose, breathable cotton/linen — pack extra changes
Wide-brimmed hat
Sunglasses + SPF 50
Electrolyte/rehydration packets

Monsoon (Jun – Sep)

Compact umbrella
Light waterproof raincoat
Quick-dry synthetic clothing (not cotton)
Waterproof shoes with real grip + a spare dry pair
Small towel + plastic bags for wet items

If your trip includes…

Holi (March): clothes you don’t mind ruining, coconut oil, sunglasses
Restricted areas (NE India, Ladakh, Andamans): permit documents, see Restricted Areas
Medical tourism: hospital letter/treatment plan documentation
Trekking/mountaineering: appropriate gear, altitude medication if advised by your doctor