Okay, well not nothing, but limited amounts of clothing will need to be packed. Almost everyone who commented on packing for a trip to India has recommended packing only the essentials. The price of clothing is very inexpensive in India. You can find the same clothes you would purchase in the U.S. over in India for a fraction of the price! We haven’t even told you the best news yet; all the clothes can be tailored to your specific needs by experienced tailors. Even the tailoring of clothing is less expensive than in the US! A souvenir, light traveling (at least one way) and an excuse to go shopping? What more could you really ask for!
Don’t worry, you will need to bring some clothing and we have everything you’ll need to know before you go:
Prepare for the heat and dust by packing comfortable clothing made of breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen. Additionally, make sure the clothing you are packing is on the conservative side; longer shorts and pants for men and skirts for women below the knee. It is inappropriate for women to wear shorts, short skirts, tank tops or revealing shirts.
Clothing should not be flashy as the Indian culture is not a showy society. Evening wear can be dressy, but keep it casual. The Indian culture is a humble one and regardless of where you come from, as a tourist you need to respect this.
Lastly, wear rubber-soled sandals as canvas and nylon shoes will absorb the dust.
Traditional Indian clothing, worn by the Indians:
Women: SARI or SAREE- a long strip of colorful, multi-patterned cloth that is wrapped around the body. It can be draped in many different ways and is usually worn with a blouse known as a ravika. This is the traditional dress of Indian women and often what we think of when we picture a traditional Indian dress.
Men: KURTA- a long, loose shirt reaching to the knees.
PAJAMA- lightweight, drawstring trouser.
DHOTI- an unstitched cloth that is wrapped around the legs and waist. It is knotted at the waist.
SHERWANI- A long coat buttoned up to the collar. It is supposed to add to the charm and grace of a man. Taller men especially like wearing this coat. It is often worn by men on their wedding day.
Additional items to be packed include:
- plenty of sunscreen
- sun hat or other covering (head scarf for women)
- sunglasses
- eye drops (it can get very dusty)
- comfortable walking shoes
- a water bottle (staying hydrated is important on your trip)
- universal plug (make sure your electronics are compatible)
- insect repellents
- TISSUES- most bathrooms DO NOT provide toilet paper for you.
- hand sanitizer
- traveler guides/ maps
- a camera
… And don’t forget stop at your Passport Health location to pick up your prescription for preventive malaria medication, a malaria kit which includes appropriate repellents containing DEET, as well as a kit for traveler’s diarrhea including antibiotics and re-hydration powders.
What is the one travel essential (clothing) that you never forget to take with you?
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