Packing Tips

Travel as light as you can. Don’t pack too many clothes as you can buy them very cheaply over there.

Pack comfortable light clothes... it's really hot and humid most of the year - very humid in August. If you are going to visit a mosque, bring something other than thank tops and shorts/miniskirts. Bring a scarf or something to cover your head in case you visit mosque. When visiting a temple or other venerated places, it is obligatory to leave your shoes outside.

Clothing should ideally be light - cotton is ideal for most of the year - and shorts and sandals are the order of the day for the summer. If you're female, your shorts better be long enough (at least to just above the knee). Shoes - obviously comfortable ones are best. Summer - light clothes that let your skin breathe Monsoon - gets very strong in some parts of India, and appropriate clothing may be required.

If you cannot carry your own bags due to weight, there will be someone who can do it for you! They are called ‘coolies’ As with most developing countries, labour in India is cheap. Most bus stations and railway stations have porters to help you with your luggage. Decide beforehand what the price should be, as (like most poor countries) these guys tend to mark up the price when they see a foreigner.

Three pins for battery charger, so added with adaptor to whose using two pins for electricity

For those of you with fair skin, please bring along boxes of sunscreen. The Indian sun harsh and merciless for most of the year. Leave your swimsuits at home! India is just the place to get that all-over tan! :-)

Ask your doctor about health risks. Vaccination could be necessary. It is very wise to bring along toilet paper. Sometimes it is not there when you need it! Medicines for malaria, stomach disorder, diarrhoea and anti-mosquito spray (or cream) are a necessity. Bring sunscreen, lip moisturizer, shampoo, and toothpaste. A small first aid kit could be priceless. Also bring along Imodium: chances are high that you are going to need it - no matter how careful you are about what you eat

Everything is available here from the trendy cameras to repair shops for the same. Use only Duracell or Energiser batteries, especially if your camera soaks up battery power. Bring plenty of films and extra batteries for your camera(s).