A practical, season-aware packing list — what to wear for temples and forts, the essentials, and what to leave at home.
India rewards the light traveller. Laundry is quick and cheap, markets sell almost anything you forget, and you'll want room in the bag for textiles to carry home. The three rules: keep it light, dress modestly enough for temples and villages, and bring layers — North Indian mornings in winter are colder than visitors expect, even when the afternoons are warm. Here's the checklist we send our travellers.
Loose, breathable cottons; tops that cover the shoulders; trousers or long skirts; one smart outfit for fine dinners. A light scarf or shawl earns its place every day.
For October–March in the north, add a warm layer and a light jacket — desert and hill mornings are genuinely cold.
Comfortable walking shoes plus easy slip-on sandals for temples and homes, where shoes come off at the door.
Any prescription medicines, a basic kit, hand sanitiser, sunscreen and insect repellent. Most else is easy to buy locally.
Passport with e-visa, printed copies, a card or two and some cash for markets and tips. A money belt is handy.
A universal adapter (India uses types C, D and M), a power bank, and your camera — many monuments charge a small camera fee.
Cool season (Oct–Mar): light layers by day, a warm layer for mornings and desert nights.
Hot season (Apr–Jun): the lightest cottons, a sun hat, extra sunscreen and water discipline.
Monsoon (Jul–Sep): a compact rain layer, quick-dry clothes and sandals that handle a puddle.
Not sure when to travel? See our guide to the best time to visit Rajasthan, and the practical notes on our About India page.
Comfortable, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees — loose cotton trousers, long skirts, tunics. A scarf is endlessly useful for temples, sun and the occasional cool evening. You'll be comfortable and culturally respectful at once.
Yes. Shoulders and knees should be covered at most religious sites, shoes come off at the threshold, and some temples ask that heads be covered. Slip-on shoes and a scarf make this effortless.
Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes for forts and cities, plus slip-on sandals you can remove easily at temples and homes. You'll take your shoes off more than you expect.
Skip valuables you'd hate to lose, heavy clothing for a winter-sun trip, and drone equipment (often restricted). Most toiletries and medicines are easy to buy locally — pack light and leave room for textiles to bring home.
