Check list

Here's a handy checklist of things that you may bring along when you come to India. Not every item listed below is essential for any single case of travel to India. Please use your discretion to ensure the items most essential for you. While most of the things are available in India, there may be some difference in quality and price, and it's always a good idea to have familiar things around you.

Clothes

  • Cotton trousers including denims
  • A pair of shorts.
  • Long cotton skirts for women.
  • Light colored shirts and T-shirts (cotton).
  • A hand towel.
  • Good number of cotton underwear.
  • A hat.
  • A sweater if traveling to hill stations.
  • Sandals and easy slip-on for frequent removals while visiting temples.
  • Cotton socks to wear when you find the floor of such sites hot.
  • Slippers if there are frequent long distance train travels.
  • A pair of sneakers.
  • Swimming gear.
  • A set of formal clothing.

General

  • A small, handy and effective torch to be always carried along.
  • A multi-purpose knife set like Swiss Army knife.
  • Water purification tablets if visiting remote locations where mineral water is unavailable.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen lotions (High factor).
  • A pair of binoculars if planning a wildlife or birding trip.
  • A lightweight bed sheet if some of your accommodation consist of simple rest houses and budget hotels.
  • Mosquito repellent or mosquito net (lightweight, permethrin-impregnated).
  • Hand and face tissues.
  • An inflatable pillow. Neck-rest pillow for long bus journeys.
  • Ear plugs as noise cancellers.
  • Shampoo and conditioner.
  • Lip balm.
  • Water bottle (handy).
  • A small bag to be tucked at back to carry essential things while on sightseeing.
  • Air cushions for hard seating.
  • Contact lens cleaning equipment.
  • Eye mask.
  • Shower gel.
  • Spare batteries.
  • Umbrella.
  • Wipes.
  • Toilet paper.
  • Money belt. Your favorite candies, chocolates and snacks. Cameras and accessories. Medicines.
  • Your prescription medicines, if any, in labeled containers. Physician's prescription is necessary.
  • Medicine for diarrhoea (Imodium, Lomotil) and an upset stomach (Gelusil).
  • Medicine for cough and cold, such as pseudoephedrine tablets (Sudafed) and cough syrups (Tossex, Linctus Codeine).
  • Pain-relieving medicines, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin (Crocin, Disprin).
  • Decongestants and antihistamines (Avil, Benadryl) for treating allergies.
  • Antibiotic ointments (Neosporin), bandages, Band-Aids, surgical adhesive tape, sterile gauze, cotton-wool buds, corn pads.
  • Medicines for preventing motion sickness, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and anti-nausea drug promethazine (Phenergan).
  • Anti-infective ointments like cetrimide.
  • Dusting powder for feet against fungal attack.
  • First Aid kit alongwith syringes, needles, disposable gloves, scissors, tweezers, nail clippers, pocket knife, thermometer, and mirror.
  • Chapsticks and vaseline are useful for colder climates; and a steroid cream (Eumosone) is helpful to relieve the itching caused by insect bites.
  • Condoms and contraceptives.

Documents

  • Passport and VISA. Keep separate photostat copies.
  • Confirmed air tickets for all sectors.
  • Clearly filled up vouchers of your tour operator with all service details.
  • Contact person's names and round the clock numbers.
  • All confirmed hotels names and addresses.
  • Confirmation faxes/letters/e-mails from tour operator, hotels and other service providers already booked.
  • Complete information on itinerary, sights, and important places of assistance.
  • Spare passport-size photographs.
  • International driving license.
  • All permits, Indrail passes and other documents if applicable.