India – what to bring
What we will provide – neck wallets with copies of passports, emergency contact info. etc., string backpack, water bottle, bandana
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One roller bag
One carry on day pack
2 pairs zip off pants (zip of pant legs for shorts)
5- 7 short sleeve shirts (dry wicking is best)
1-2 long sleeve dry wicking shirt
1 sweatshirt
1 light weight jacket
1 pair cross-trainer/tennis shoes w/ good tread
1 pair of comfortable shoes, sandals, crocs etc.
7 pairs underwear and socks
Wrist watch
Toiletries, emergency meds, advil etc., Hand sanitizer
Tampons (they don’t always sell them there)
Sunglasses, hat with brim, sunscreen,
FROM PRE-DEPARTURE BOOKLET: Useful Things to Pack:
Most hotels have an efficient and cheap in house laundry service so you don’t need to bring many sets of clothing. 3 lightweight shirts, some people find even tee shirts a bit warm. Long sleeves are useful to guard against mosquitoes in the evenings and light colors assist in keeping them away. 2 or 3 pairs of light weight trousers or skirts.
Ladies, please bear in mind when choosing your trip clothing that India is a very modest country and the women cover up. Please avoid low cut or sleeveless tops, shorts and see through material. It is good to blend is as much as possible with the locals and dressing appropriately helps us do that.
You will be able to purchase Punjabi suits, which the local ladies wear, at various places along the way. If you are visiting ashrams or temples you need to cover your arms, at least short sleeves, and legs. Men also need to cover their legs. A pair of socks can be useful for walking on hot floors.
A jumper / cardigan or jacket for the cooler evening in the hills. When we travel to Darmshala it will be chilly in the evenings: we need warm weather gear – pullover and undergarments, a scarf, mittens, and maybe headgear.
If your particular tour includes visiting a wildlife sanctuary then also keep in mind that dark colors such as green, brown and black are the best to wear when out walking looking for animals.
Comfortable walking shoes for the wildlife sanctuary. Slips on sandals are useful for the days when you visit temples where footwear is removed.
A basic first aid kit. This often ends up being the heaviest thing in your bag and people tend to be very over supplied. You need some antiseptic cream or spray, mosquito repellent, pain killers and Band-Aids. You can purchase most medical requirements easily over the counter.
“Wet Ones” / moist towelettes are very handy for washing your hands before eating as we come into contact with unfamiliar bacteria along the way. Ladies, tampons are difficult to find in India (pads are common but tampons are not).
A torch / flashlight and alarm clock.
An inflatable pillow can be useful for longer portions of the journey – general bedding, including a small pillow is provided on train journeys.
Earplugs for lights sleepers - as street noise tends to go on and on into the wee small hours.
Plenty of film and camera batteries. You will certainly find many excellent photo opportunities every day. Standard film can be found in most places. Having a digital camera seems to have obviated this need.
Toilet paper is supplied in all hotels but it is useful to have some in your bag also - specially if you are caught unawares.
Sunscreen is difficult to find.
A journal for noting your varied experiences.
Travelers have found Essential Oils have assisted them on long journeys:
Ginger oil for nausea, Lemon oil for clearing the head in big cities and heavy traffic.
A 10 oz plastic bottle of Eucalyptus clothes-washing liquid will be most useful for those times you wish to do your own washing and rinsing. At least it will be good for the early days of your journey.
Please keep your luggage to a minimum especially if your tour includes train trips. You will find many wonderful things to buy along the way so leave room for them when you start out!
A small daypack is handy to carry your camera, water bottle and daily needs.
Clothes:
Bring as little as you can. Clothes, should you need them, are cheap and readily available in India wherever you are. There will be time throughout the journey to make purchases, and once you’re at Shantivanam ashram you can have local cottons made into what you need by local tailors. Ladies, remember to provide for your special personal needs.
