Should I pack Western toiletries or buy them there?

Bring essentials like deodorant, tampons, and specific medications. Basic toiletries are available everywhere but familiar brands cost 2-3x more in tourist areas. Sunscreen is expensive and often poor quality - bring your own.

How often will I do laundry?

Every 3-4 days. Most guesthouses offer laundry service for $1-3, or you can wash in your sink. Clothes dry in 4-6 hours in dry climates, up to 2 days during monsoon season in humid areas.

What about shoes for temples and daily wear?

Bring one pair of comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops. You'll remove shoes constantly for temples, guesthouses, and some restaurants. Sneakers get destroyed quickly on dusty roads - consider buying local leather sandals that last longer.

Do I need special electronics or adapters?

Bring a universal adapter and surge protector. Power cuts are common, voltage fluctuates, and cheap electronics fry easily. A portable battery pack is essential. Consider buying a local SIM card and cheap backup phone.

How to Pack for Long-Term Travel in India

Pack light with versatile, conservative clothing that covers shoulders and knees, focus on cotton and linen fabrics, bring a strong padlock and water purification method, and leave 30% of your bag space empty for purchases. You'll do laundry every 3-4 days.

Choose the right bag. Get a 60-65L backpack with lockable zippers. Avoid wheeled luggage - you'll encounter stairs, dirt roads, and crowded trains. A detachable daypack is essential for temple visits and day trips.
Pack conservative, breathable clothing. Bring 7-8 days worth of clothes maximum. Cotton and linen only - synthetic fabrics become unbearable in humidity. Pack loose-fitting pants, long sleeves for temples and mosquitoes, and clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Bright colors hide stains better than whites.
Secure your valuables setup. Pack a quality padlock for hostel lockers, a money belt for documents, and a dummy wallet with small bills for daily use. Keep passport copies separate from originals. Consider a portable safe for guesthouses without lockers.
Build your health kit. Pack ORS packets for dehydration, basic antibiotics if prescribed, anti-diarrheal medication, hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent with DEET, and water purification tablets or a reliable filter. Bring more toilet paper than you think you need.
Leave space for purchases. Pack your bag only 70% full. India has incredible textiles, jewelry, and crafts you'll want to buy. Ship purchases home via India Post - reliable and cheap for textiles and non-fragile items.

Should I pack Western toiletries or buy them there?: Bring essentials like deodorant, tampons, and specific medications. Basic toiletries are available everywhere but familiar brands cost 2-3x more in tourist areas. Sunscreen is expensive and often poor quality - bring your own.
How often will I do laundry?: Every 3-4 days. Most guesthouses offer laundry service for $1-3, or you can wash in your sink. Clothes dry in 4-6 hours in dry climates, up to 2 days during monsoon season in humid areas.
What about shoes for temples and daily wear?: Bring one pair of comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops. You'll remove shoes constantly for temples, guesthouses, and some restaurants. Sneakers get destroyed quickly on dusty roads - consider buying local leather sandals that last longer.
Do I need special electronics or adapters?: Bring a universal adapter and surge protector. Power cuts are common, voltage fluctuates, and cheap electronics fry easily. A portable battery pack is essential. Consider buying a local SIM card and cheap backup phone.