Away With The Steiners

Our complete packing list for India: Everything you need for an epic first trip.

Sarah Steiner

Nothing can quite fully prepare you for the adventure that is India. But these tips and our packing list for India will get you started!

It is exactly as travellers describe it: a captivatingly kaleidoscopic assault on all the senses. 

There are brilliant bursts of colour. A cacophony of sounds (that believe it or not you will grow accustomed to and dare I say it; even miss when you leave).

There are wafts of spices and incense burning that is somehow (thankfully) counteracted (an attempt to be balanced by?) by pollution. And there is the taste of sweet Indian chai that no matter how many times you seek it out will never taste as satisfying as that first sweet sip…

This is India.

And it does need preparing for.

You need to be prepared to embrace what is India.  And for now; we can help with that. 

Wondering what sort of luggage and bag you need for India? Read our packing list for India and complete guide to everything you need for a great trip.
Let’s do it. Let’s see India!

First; what kind of bag? 

The first step in packing for your India trip is to choose the right luggage and bags to bring with you.

Yes; your bags need to be big enough to bring home some souvenirs and treasures with you. But you’ll want to ensure that above all else you are comfortable and manoeuvrable for traveling in India.

You’ll need two items of luggage: 

We’re going to explain all the ins and outs of packing for India below. 

About your ‘Day Pack’ (whichever bag you choose to carry on you every day)

It is best to choose a bag that zips closed and can be worn across your body so that you can see and feel it on you at all times.

For our travels over the last four years we have always carried a backpack as a day-pack. Many people opt for an over-body handbag style day-pack. And you can certainly do that.

We find – especially travelling with kids in India – that a backpack is the best option for us.

Our day-pack each day has a water bottle, our wallet (a small purse; not a large wallet – but more about that later) a scarf or light cardigan if needed; toilet paper and toiletries (essential for your India packing list) and it is a safe place to store a phone and camera while out and about.

We use a 28L backpack from Macpac (that has lasted us our entire travels so far!). And both Gavin and I carry the same size backpack as a day-bag.

Here is a complete updated packing list for what the kids carry in their day-packs.  

And read below about our daypack packing list (which honestly hasn’t changed much in four years of fulltime travel!). 

About your Main Bag (your check-in bag or main bag to pack everything you need for India).

For our full-time travel and adventures all around the world we travel with the same two backpacks the entire time.

Yup; two (large) backpacks.

The way we have it organised works like this:

And the kids are responsible for whatever is in their small, day-backpack.  (This has a light fleece jumper; toys; iPad; book and their pens and journal).  

Everything else is in our two large backpacks.  

Now it is worth noting that I (Sarah) originally carried a 65L Macpac backpack for the first two years.

If you are just visiting India on a Group Trip then you likely won’t need that much baggage allowance. (Because remember we live full-time out of 75L Macpac each).

The weight of your check-in bag is important.  For our internal flight in India the included baggage allowance is 15KG.

And the style of bag that you choose to carry with you to India is also important.  

Obviously we don’t want anyone to go out and spend a fortune to get a brand new bag just for the trip. But we do have to be realistic and warn you that a hard-suitcase is not suitable for the style of travel we do in India.

We suggest a large backpack (an old one or second hand bag is absolutely fine and a great idea) or a strong duffel bag or a soft, hybrid trolley bag.

It needs to be something you are comfortable managing yourself getting on and off trains and in and out of rickshaws and taxis.

We will obviously be there to help but it is a great idea to consider the style of luggage for your packing for India.

Sitting with both daypacks and one large backpack (the other is up the top with the kids!).

What’s in your daypack?

We do recommend hand sanitiser or wet-wipes to keep the germophobe in you sane.

And small denominations of cash to give tips to a porter or to pay a few rupees to the staff who man (and clean?) the toilets.

A little bit of packing preparation for riding the trains in India

If you go to India and don’t ride the trains; we believe you are missing out on one of the real highlights.

The famous trains of India are a combination of exciting and relaxing in a means of transport that gives insight to the busy culture of the subcontinent. It’s a social and certainly memorable experience; but one that does require a bit of advance preparation and packing.

You need a small, accessible bag of toiletries (in your daypack) with: 

And this is one of the main reasons you do need to consider what type of bag you are travelling with.

Sometimes getting on to the trains can be crowed and you don’t want to be lugging a hard-shell suitcase up onto a train carriage. It is simply not practical.

You need to be manoeuvrable, safe and comfortable as you move around.

A backpack is easy (and likely easier than a sack).

Electronics – Packing list for India

Below are some basic electronics to add to your India packing list. But don’t forget that India is a subcontinent in itself and has one of the largest capital cities in the world (Delhi) with a huge international airport.

So if you have forgotten a charging cable or want to buy a plug-in charger it’s readily available all over the country.

A portable charger is handy, especially for the overnight train.  And if you have a universal plug adapter this is ideal for at guesthouses and hotels. 

But once again, it is easy to buy a simple phone charging plug at the airport on arrival.  

The India plug sockets are designed for use with a 3 pin round plug (Type D).  

A book; or something to watch (as well as the world of India going by) on the train.

Health and medication

It’s always recommended to talk with your doctor before travelling overseas.  (We obviously can’t give qualified medical advice but can confidently tell you what we pack and recommend for India). 

Along with any specific medications at the time of travel; we carry some basic pain-killers and basic first aid items. 

If you forget rehydration sachets or anti-diarrhoeal tablets they are available in India and easy to find.

With time to plan ahead however, we definitely recommend these as part of your travel kit…

(These are things that you are much better to have and not need than to need and not have!).

Clothes – Packing list for India

Here is a what is in our packing list for India clothes-wise.

We pack light and truthfully if you’ve forgotten something you can buy it there.

It’s easy and cheap to buy clothes in India and I know I always make sure to leave room in my bag for several (at least) kurta tops…

*This is for the desert safari.

We have been twice more since then and felt more prepared/qualified to give specific desert-safari-packing advice.

And on that note; if you have a light merino/thermal top I recommend bringing that with you just for the overnight in the desert.

For the overnight trip we only take a daypack each with your phone, camera, and something warm to sleep in. (Realistically you actually sleep in what you are wearing plus add a layer or two for overnight as the temperature does drop significantly).

After breakfast and the ride back to the village we will be home to the guesthouse for a warm shower and a relaxed afternoon of your choice!

In India, most men and women wear Kurtas on a daily basis. These are long, loose tunic-like shirts and they come in bright and colourful designs.

Kurtas can be purchased all over India for affordable prices and are a great way to be modest and fashionable while traveling in India.

Sometime after sunrise in my $4 NZD Kurta top on board the train to Jaipur…

Let’s talk about shoes…

It is a good idea to bring a pair of sandals with you to India because of the warm weather and the fact that you may have to remove your shoes to enter temples and other religious sites.  

And since you will be walking in these sandals make sure they are comfortable and that you feel safe navigating the streets in them. (Make sure to break them in before you arrive!).  

We know our fellow Kiwis are fond of jandals but if they are going to be the shoes you wear on a day-to-day basis we recommend sandals with more support.  

Sneakers (walking shoes)

Along with sandals, it is also a good idea to bring some proper shoes for days that will be filled with exploring markets or walking through ancient ruins.

As a family we have a sort of unwritten rule for travel days (days we take trains or planes or major modes of transport) that we wear our sneakers. It makes us all feel safer and more comfortable for busy days and navigating public transport.

Lightweight sneakers should be perfect for your adventures in India!

Toiletries

There is nothing in particular to mention for toiletries aside from the above train-riding toiletry kit.

Just pack the basics and make sure you have a small toiletry case that is accessible for the overnight train and/or a toothbrush for our camel safari in the desert…

Aside from nervous and stomach-related questions; one of the most-asked questions about travel and packing for India is whether we take a towel.

Actually no; we take two small travel towels between our family of four. But that is more so because we travel onwards.

Would I recommend a towel for a specific packing list for India? No. It’s a pain to dry.

The guesthouses and hotels we are staying in will all have towels.

More about doing laundry and washing clothes below. 

Documents

All you really need is your passport and your money. However it does pay to carry a copy of your passport and your travel insurance.

We make it a habit to carry a copy of each of these in a separate place to our passports.

As far as carrying money and the type of wallet you travel with; that’s a personal choice but we recommend a small coin purse.

It’s much less stress to pull out a small purse and grab a few rupees for a rickshaw than to be wrestling with a large leather wallet with all your cards and cash on display.

Laundry

How do you get laundry done? Are there laundromats in India? 

Washing clothes and laundry in India is pretty straight forward.

Most guesthouses and hotels offer a laundry service that will either charge a fixed amount per KG of washing or per item. This is only a small fee and they will wash, dry and fold your clothes and return them to you in 24 hours.

And I have to confess we carry a small jar of washing powder with us so that we can keep up with handwashing smalls and not feel such urgency to pause and wait for laundry service.  (It’s worth it; just trust me on that one!). 

Or you could go ultra-traditional and use the public laundries in India?

Some FAQ about your packing list for India

Before we left; I wanted answers.

What on EARTH do we need for travel to India? HOW will we carry it? Is two pairs of socks enough? And do we need a towel?

I needed a packing list for India. 

Here are some of the most FAQ that we had prior to leaving for fulltime travel; and some of the questions that pop up as we plan to share the adventure of travel in India with you!

What kind of bag should I take for travel in India? 

We suggest a large backpack (an old one or secondhand bag is absolutely fine and a great idea) or a strong duffel bag.  

It needs to be something you are comfortable managing yourself getting on and off trains and in and out of rickshaws and taxis.  

How modest is the dress code expected to be for women? 

As well as considering the convenience of your packing list for India it’s equally important to consider the type of clothing that is appropriate to wear in India.

It’s not the type of place where you can rock up and stroll around in a bikini or short shorts. It’s not a resort-type holiday. This is an adventure and one of the most rewarding aspects of travel in India is learning about the culture.

Albeit dress code standards have changed in recent years but regardless of changing fashions the reality is that how you dress in India will affect how you are perceived by locals.

We always travel with the idea that ‘you get out what you put in’ – in other words, if you are respectful in the way you dress then others will respect you back.

India is a mostly conservative country and from a woman’s point of view it often it does feel male-dominated.  

Here are some tips for dressing for travel in India that will help you feel comfortable for your travels: 

The colours are more intense and the dress code more modest in the Golden City of Jaisalmer.

Can men wear shorts? 

Technically yes. There are no rules or specific regulations for male tourists in India with regards to shorts or trousers.

However India is a modest country and like anywhere else in the world you get out what you put in; if you dress modestly and respectfully you will be received with respect as well.

We recommend loose fitting, comfortable and light trousers in your packing list for India.

Jeans are honestly too hot and too heavy for this style of travel in India (especially figuring out how to wash and dry them).

Gavin wears easy-dry Kathmandu Flight Trousers that are travel-trousers and are smart and light to carry (and don’t need an iron).  

Do I need to take a towel to India? 

No. Every guesthouse and hotel we stay at will have towels available and it saves the worry of figuring out how to dry and re-pack yours. 

Are there laundromats available for washing? 

Washing clothes and laundry in India is pretty straight forward.

Most guesthouses and hotels offer a laundry service that will either charge a fixed amount per KG of washing or per item. This is only a small fee and they will wash, dry and fold your clothes and return them to you in 24 hours.

Do I need a mask? 

It is no longer a requirement in India to wear a mask for public transport or in public spaces.  (We still carry one in our daypacks now; just in case!). 

How warm is it?  How cold does it get? 

The post-monsoon season in September, October and November in India is the start of the tourist season for the country.

During these months the rains get less frequent and the weather gets gradually cooler and more comfortable.

It’s recommended to add to your packing list for India for this season: 

And quick-dry and light clothing is always best for your India packing list.

In the North Indian cities such as Delhi, Jaipur and Agra you can expect comfortable days and cool nights for October, November and December.

Don’t be fooled by hot days in the That Desert; it does get cold at night.

How do I charge my phone in India? 

Some guesthouses in India might have USB ports however it is best not to rely on this.

If you have a universal adapter plug that is a great idea to bring, otherwise you can buy a wall plug at the airport or even a budget version at a convenience store or hole-in-the-wall type kiosk.

Don’t stress about electronics in your packing list for India. The country is huge and you can buy a charger anywhere.

What kind of shoes do I wear? 

We take two pairs of shoes each in our travels. One pair of lightweight sneakers that we always wear for ‘travel-days’ (days we take a train or plane). And one pair of comfortable sandals.

We all wear our sandals on a daily basis around India. (It can be done in jandals(!) but we really recommend some strong sandals that will keep you comfortable).

A few other essentials for you India packing list…

And then there are a few other important items to add to your planning and packing list for India…

  1. Patience: Be patient; have an open mind and accept that it’s all part of the adventure.
  2. Humility: India will shock you with impossible-to-overlook contrasts.  There’s poverty and opulence and everything in between.  But travel does wonders for teaching us all the value of humility. 
  3. A sense of humour: Travel teaches us a lot of things and especially that we get out of this life what we put in! Try to relax; accept that temperatures will soar and the traffic of the cities will defy chaos.  Believe that each meal and interaction is in fact ‘very, very good’ and remember to roll with it.  

This is India and it is unlike anywhere you have been before. 

And now with these tucked humbly away and your luggage packed thoughtfully you are as ready as can be to embrace the adventure that is India.

It can be daunting. But if you are ready to travel with an open mind then India will be a journey like no other.

And whichever bag you bring; make sure there is plenty of space for memories…

Where we stayed in India

There is a little bit more planning before finalising your packing list for India. And that is where to stay in India!

Here are some of the places we have stayed during our travels in India that we can recommend.

Inside our room at Wanderlust Guesthouse in Jaisalmer. 

What else can we say about India?

We LOVE India and can only highly, highly recommend you embrace the chaos; embrace India; and get ready for what can truly only be described as the adventure of a lifetime…

More about travel planning for India and beyond…

These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel. 

Read more about India

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