India Packing List: What to Bring for Weather, Culture, and Safety

When you're planning a trip to India, a country with extreme climate zones, deep cultural traditions, and diverse travel needs. Also known as the Indian subcontinent, it demands more than just a suitcase—you need a smart packing list, a curated set of items tailored to local conditions, not generic travel advice.

India isn’t one place. It’s a dozen. In the north, winters in Delhi can drop below 5°C, while in summer, heat hits 45°C. In the south, humidity clings to your skin year-round. The Himalayas demand warm layers, but Goa? Light cotton and sunscreen. Your packing list, must adapt to these extremes. You won’t need a winter coat for Kerala, but you’ll regret skipping one for Ladakh. This isn’t about overpacking—it’s about packing right.

Then there’s culture. India is deeply respectful of modesty, especially outside tourist zones. Women often cover shoulders and knees, even in cities. Men should avoid shorts in temples. You don’t need to wear traditional clothes, but you do need to avoid tank tops or revealing swimwear in rural areas. A lightweight scarf isn’t just fashion—it’s your access pass to temples, villages, and local homes. And don’t forget footwear: you’ll take off your shoes more times than you expect. Slip-ons beat laces every time.

Water safety is another layer. Bottled water is a must. Even if you brush your teeth with it, make sure it’s sealed. Street food is safe if it’s hot and fresh—busy stalls are your friends. Carry hand sanitizer, but don’t rely on it alone. A small first-aid kit with rehydration salts, antidiarrheal, and painkillers beats waiting for a pharmacy. India has pharmacies, but not always when you need them.

Electronics? A universal adapter is non-negotiable. Voltage varies. Power cuts happen. A portable charger keeps your phone alive for maps, taxis, and emergency calls. Don’t bring expensive gear unless you’re prepared to lose it. Pickpockets exist, especially in crowded trains and markets. A hidden money belt is smarter than a visible wallet.

And yes, you can buy almost everything in India—saris, spices, sandals, soap. But bring what you can’t replace easily: prescription meds, contact lenses, specific skincare, or allergy medicine. Pharmacies stock generics, but names and brands differ. Don’t gamble with your health.

What you leave behind matters as much as what you pack. Leave the hiking boots for Nepal. Bring comfy walking shoes instead. Skip the bulky guidebooks—use offline maps. Ditch the fancy camera; your phone takes great photos. India’s beauty isn’t in gear—it’s in the moments you don’t plan for.

Below, you’ll find real traveler experiences—what Americans ate safely in North India, how to dress in Punjab, when to visit South India, and why a simple scarf saved someone’s temple visit. These aren’t theory. These are lessons learned on the ground. Use them. Pack smart. Travel better.