I compiled a packing list for South India based on my own experience. I usually travel with a medium-size backpack as carry-on and an old and weathered Samsonite light-weight travel bag for check-in to stay relatively light while traveling. I wear the heavy clothing like jeans, tennis shoes, and a not too heavy jacket during the trip preferably a rain jacket.

My carry-on backpack contains at least one set of clothing and slippers in case my check-in bag gets delayed or even lost.

I don’t recommend any luggage with rollers. Though convenient, they easily break off.

Upon arrival in India I go shopping for a thin and super light towel, laundry soap, tooth paste, and bar soap. Its cheaper in India and makes the luggage lighter.

PASSPORT & VISA

1. Passport & Visa. Make sure your passport is still 6 months valid after you return home from your India trip and your tourist visa is valid for the duration of your trip.
2. Flight Ticket. Keep your flight ticket with your passport.

CLOTHING & SHOES

1. Clothing. Bring light cotton clothing for 3 to 5 days. Anything revealing is a no-no. Leave your shorts and tank tops at home. India is conservative in clothing unless you visit one of the five big cities where it gradually changes influenced by the western world. Clothing is inexpensive to get locally if needed or desired.
2. Meditation / Yoga Clothing. Bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You can purchase a yoga mat locally.
3. Towel. As you will be hand-washing your clothing, it is advisable to bring a light towel and leave your favorite fluffy but heavy terry cloth towel at home. It gives extra space in your travel bag too and dries faster in the sun. The same goes for jeans or other heavy pants.
4. Slippers. Bring an extra pair of cheap slippers. Slippers often get mixed up or lost.
5. Laundry. Place dirty clothing in a plastic bag until you are ready for washing them. Your laundry is hand-washed in a bucket of usually cold water and hung dry on a clothes line or you may give it to a laundry service. It is relatively inexpensive to do this.
6. Ironing. The washer man or woman often has an ironing service too. They still use charcoal-loaded irons so it is good for cotton clothing only as the temperature cannot be regulated.
7. Shoes. Use plastic grocery bags for packing your shoes.

MEDICATION

1. Medication. Bring enough medication that lasts for the duration of the trip. Though it is easy to get prescription medication in India, it comes with a different brand name which may complicates acquiring the right medication for you.
2. Diarrhea Pills. Bring your diarrhea pills. No matter how careful you are with your food and water, it is easy to get diarrhea in India.

HYGIENE PRODUCTS

1. Soap, tooth paste, and hand sanitizer. Pack travel-size versions of these items and buy larger sizes in India. Highly recommended is Vicco Toothpaste as it is fluoride-free.
2. Toilet Paper. Bring a role of toilet paper along to get you started. Typical tourist areas often have toilet paper but just in case, be prepared.
3. Hygiene Products. Women bring your personal hygiene products. Some products are available in town but the quality may differ.

MISC ESSENTIALS

1. Mosquito Repellent. If you attract mosquitoes, bring a repellent or get a herbal one locally.
2. Flashlight. Bring a flashlight as electricity is not always stable in India.
3. Clothes Pins. To dry your hand-washed clothing bring clothes pins or get locally.

ELECTRONICS

1. Phone. Bring your cell phone and get a SIM Card locally. Airtel is a good provider.
2. Camera Equipment. Keep it simple. Best to bring a small compact camera only or use your cell phone to take photographs. Don’t take anything outstanding.
3. Laptop. Leave your laptop at home unless it is really needed. India has many internet browsing centers.
4. Power Converter. A power converter may be needed depending on your electronics. India uses 220-240 Volts.

VALUABLES & MONEY

1. Valuables. Leave your valuables like expensive jewelry or your favorite golden wrist watch at home.
2. Money. Bring your debit card. There are plenty of ATM machines where you can withdraw cash for your trip. Credit cards or Travel Rewards Cards are not commonly accepted unless you are in bigger cities. Bring cash in the local currency or exchange it in town. Do not exchange money at the airport as the exchange rate there is very high.

In the comments below share your experience on what to pack visiting India. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Ma Udaysree has lived in South India for six years and is the founder of Sacred Temple Journeys. She offers small group spiritual temple journeys to Tiruvannamalai, Kumbakonam, Madurai, Bidadi, and other places in South India. Udaysree is the author of ‘Living at Arunachala.’