what to pack for india: first-time traveller packing list.

planning your first trip to india can feel exciting and slightly overwhelming.

there are the obvious questions about flights and visas, but then you start wondering:

what should i actually pack?

what should i wear in india?

do i need to cover my shoulders?

what shoes should i bring?

how much should i pack?

and what am i going to do if i forget something?

the good news is that you probably need less than you think.

especially when you're travelling on a fully organised journey where your accommodation, transport, meals and activities are already taken care of.

here's my practical guide to packing for your first trip to india.

1. pack lightweight, comfortable clothes

india can be hot, busy and sensory, so comfortable clothing is your friend.

think:

• lightweight trousers or loose pants

• breathable tops

• comfortable dresses or skirts

• lightweight layers

• a light jumper or cardigan for cooler mornings and air-conditioned spaces

• comfortable sleepwear

natural, breathable fabrics are particularly useful in warmer parts of the country.

you don't need a completely new travel wardrobe.

choose clothes you already know you'll feel comfortable walking, sitting and exploring in.

2. think about cultural dress

one of the best things you can do when travelling through india is respect the places you're visiting.

that means having a few options that offer more coverage when we're visiting temples, religious sites or local communities.

a good rule is to have your shoulders and knees covered when appropriate.

a lightweight scarf or shawl is also incredibly useful.

it can cover your shoulders, protect you from the sun, keep you warm in air conditioning and take up almost no room in your bag.

3. bring comfortable walking shoes

you don't need five pairs of shoes.

you need shoes you'll actually want to walk in.

bring:

• comfortable walking shoes or sneakers

• sandals if you like them

• an easy pair of shoes for evenings

break them in before you leave.

this is not the trip to discover that your beautiful new shoes give you blisters after twenty minutes.

4. bring a small day bag

you'll want something smaller than your main luggage for the days we're out exploring.

a comfortable crossbody bag or small backpack is ideal.

use it for:

• phone

• wallet

• sunglasses

• sunscreen

• water

• tissues

• hand sanitiser

• medication

• your camera

keep it comfortable and secure.

5. don’t forget the practical things

a few things are easy to overlook when you're excited about the destination.

add:

• sunscreen

• insect repellent

• lip balm

• hand sanitiser

• tissues

• basic toiletries

• any personal medications

• reusable water bottle

• universal travel adaptor

• portable phone charger

• sunglasses

if you take regular medication, bring enough for your trip and keep it in your carry-on.

6. take a scarf

seriously.

one of the most useful things you can pack for india is a lightweight scarf.

it can be used as a temple covering, a layer on a cool morning, protection from the sun or simply something to throw around your shoulders.

and unlike another pair of shoes, it takes up almost no room.

7. don’t overpack

this one is important.

you will probably buy something.

maybe fabric.

maybe jewellery.

maybe something from a market that you absolutely didn't need but suddenly cannot imagine living without.

leave some room.

you also don't need an outfit for every possible scenario.

you'll be much happier with a smaller bag that you can actually manage.

8. check the weather for your specific journey

india isn't one climate.

that's one of the things that makes travelling through the country so interesting.

kerala feels very different from rajasthan.

mumbai feels different again.

and the mornings and evenings can feel quite different from the middle of the day.

so don't pack for “india” as though the whole country has the same weather.

pack for the specific places and time of year you're travelling.

9. what about dressing for photos?

yes, your photos matter.

but don't let the idea of having the perfect travel wardrobe take over.

bring pieces you love wearing.

bring colour if that's your thing.

bring clothes that make you feel like yourself.

because the best photos usually happen when you're actually enjoying where you are.

not when you're worrying about whether your outfit matches the background.

10. the most important thing to pack

curiosity.

honestly.

come ready to try things.

taste something unfamiliar.

ask questions.

talk to people.

look around.

let yourself be surprised.

you don't need to arrive knowing everything about india.

you just need to arrive open to experiencing it.

travelling to india with jodi.

if the thought of packing is the easy part and organising the rest is what makes you hesitate, that's exactly where a guided journey can make a difference.

for 2027, there are two 15-day india journeys with me.

india uncovered explores kerala, madurai, mumbai and varanasi through sacred spaces, local food, everyday life and experiences beyond the usual tourist route.

colours of india travels through delhi, rajasthan, agra and rishikesh, with holi, the taj mahal, the thar desert, markets, food and local experiences along the way.

both journeys are fully guided, with your accommodation, transport, meals, activities and on-ground logistics organised.

you don't need to work out india on your own.

you just need to decide to go.

jodi x

ready to stop packing and start planning?

knowing what to put in your suitcase is one thing. knowing how you're actually going to experience India is another.

in 2027, i’m taking two small groups through very different sides of India, with the on-ground details organised for you.