Planning Your First Visit To India: Things You Need to Pack and Prepare

Whether planning your first visit to India or your fifth, here are a few things you’ll need to pack.

Traveling to India can be exciting, crazy and even a little scary for some travelers, but if you prepare correctly, it will be an experience you’ll remember forever. From flamboyant festivals to sublime experiences and scams, here’s what you need to know before your trip.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can be one of the most important things you’ll need to take when visiting India. It can protect you from unforeseen situations, including medical emergencies, flight cancellations, lost or stolen passports, etc.

One way to reduce the cost of your travel insurance is to buy it online. Some insurance companies offer comparison sites where you can get quotes for multiple plans. The price of your policy will be based on the details you provide, so be sure to fill out the application accurately and truthfully.

Finally, remember that buying your travel insurance well before your trip is always a good idea. If you wait too long, you may not get any coverage. Many travelers find that a travel insurance policy can save their lives, so it is crucial to pick the best option for your requirements and financial situation. Before purchasing insurance, it is essential to know the travel info for Indian visa. You will at least be aware of your ability to cross the border. It’s a good thing there are eVisa to make the process simple so you won’t have to worry if you can visit the wonderful country or not.

Camera

If you plan to visit India, bringing your camera is a good idea. You can choose from various cameras such as a DSLR, Mirrorless Camera, Point and Shoot Digital Camera, Action Camera (or even your smartphone).

The camera you must take during your travels will depend on your needs and preferences. For instance, if you are a photographer, you will want a DSLR with great features.

Comfortable Clothing

You’ll need to bring comfortable clothing that fits India’s dress standards and can withstand the heat and humidity. Long skirts and pants that cover your knees and thighs will help to blend in, while modest tops will be required when you visit temples or other religious buildings.

Women should carry two scarves, one to wear with their outfits and a second to wrap for cool nights or during tuk-tuk rides. They’ll also be handy for covering your shoulders when entering temples or wearing around your neck if the sun becomes too hot.

Men should also wear a kurta punjabi (long shirt and loose pants) or a salwar kameez (long shirt, loose trousers and scarf). You’ll want to buy these in the local markets when you arrive.

Shoes are another essential item of clothing to pack for your India holiday. You’ll need sturdy footwear that’s easy to walk barefoot in. The roads and sidewalks are only sometimes well-maintained in India, and sewage can spill across the pavement. You may also have to remove your shoes before entering mosques and other religious buildings, so it’s best to bring sandals that are easy to slip on and off.

Toiletries

India is home to ancient religions, castes, different languages and myriad traditional values, which makes it one of the most beautiful and fascinating places in the world. If you enjoy traveling and discovering new cultures, it is also among the most exciting places to visit.

When packing for your trip, including a travel toiletry kit is best. This will make things easier for you and ensure that everything you need is in one place, rather than carrying many bags.

Bringing some travel wipes and sanitizers to India is also a good idea. You’ll likely encounter places that don’t provide soap or sanitizer in bathrooms, so these items will be helpful.

Another essential for a trip to India is a roll of deodorant. It can be challenging to find this in the country, and it can be very convenient to have on hand.

You’ll also want to pack some probiotics as your digestive system will be unfamiliar with the food often eaten in India. These will help your body get used to the change and prevent any issues from occurring.

Other miscellaneous items you can bring from home are your preferred brands of contact lens solution, dental floss, shampoo/conditioner and feminine hygiene products. It’s a good idea to get some energy bars and a few extra water bottles, too!

Finally, a sleeping bag liner is an excellent addition to any trip. This will keep your luggage from getting dirty while you’re in transit and budget hotels or hostels with a low standard of cleanliness.

Cash

India is very budget-friendly, but bringing enough cash to cover your day-to-day expenses is still essential. A small stash of local currency can be helpful for things like food and souvenirs, especially when traveling in less-developed areas.

Credit cards are also widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and large stores in India, but smaller sellers may not accept them. You should bring cash for those purchases and an emergency stash of credit card funds in case your card is lost or stolen while away.

ATMs are common in India, and most decent-sized towns have at least a few, making it easy to get your money. But be aware that ATM transaction fees can be higher abroad than at home.