Prepare yourself

There is a need to come prepared to India both physically and mentally. We try and help our participants to prepare for India in every possible way through our program guides and orientations upon arrival but we recommend participants to educate themselves about India before they start from their home country.

We advise you to travel light; if possible carry a back pack. However, a suitcase would not be a problem. Sunscreen/ Sun block is important, in the summers we get long days of sunshine with hardly any rains. While you can buy an extra tube of sunscreen in India, at times it is hard to find and you do not have a lot of options. Sunglasses, hats, caps, light cotton scarf for the summer. Stash an umbrella if you plan to visit during the rainy season. Think cotton and light colors. Pick your most comfortable cotton wear. Bring tops in cotton and linen to keep as cool as possible in the heat. Take a few sweaters and a fleece jacket for warmth in the winter. Take comfortable, rubber-soled sandals and shoes. Canvas and nylon will absorb the dirt, so consider shoes with well-worn leather uppers in dark colors. Laundry is very easy and get be done through your hotel. You can always buy cotton t-shirts or cotton kurtas in India. Electronics, ipods, ipads can be useful. Remember to carry a converter for the charging point. Try and avoid carrying a laptop. You might not have too many opportunities to party unless you are headed to nightclubs in Delhi and Mumbai. So carry limited pair of party clothes. Goa is very relaxed with what you wear to party.

Luggage and bags: It is advisable not to pack too many things, as it is possible to buy things in India. Just carry things that can be used up and thrown out at the end (creams, shampoos etc.) Though a lot of variety is available in the big cities.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Few pills for fever, aches, cough and cold will save most disasters. Small case of medicines, for an upset tummy, motion sickness, head ache etc. Most of the hotels have doctors on call, but if you plan to go off a beaten tract, it is worth considering taking a course for malaria, antiseptic cream, few dressings, and insect bite cream. It is advisable and essential to take right injections before visiting India. Kindly consult your doctor before leaving your country. Basic toiletries are very easy to restock in India. All hotels will give you towels. Hand sanitizer is handy, India can be dusty.

Photo Equipment: A camera, with ample roll of films (good quality films are available in the big cities), a pair of binoculars, which can help with looking closer at birds, wildlife and detailed carving on buildings.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: For daily travelling, must consist of a hand towel, a small bar of soap, a toilet roll, face tissue or handkerchiefs and a bottle for water. Good to carry a couple of rolls of Toilet paper. Invariably hotels have toilet paper and can be purchased easily. Trains will not have toilet paper, or if you stop by at restaurants on the highway.

Miscellaneous: Travel Insurance - Is a good idea to make a small payment to cover against theft, loss and medical problems. Electric supply in India is usually 220 V, 50 Hz.

What to wear in India

Summer: light clothes that let your skin breathe. Monsoon - gets very strong in some parts of India, and appropriate clothing may be required. Winter - North India can get pretty cold. It's best to pack for a North Indian winter (and especially if you're hitting the mountains) as you would for climbing the Matterhorn!

Woman

In general try to stick to comfortable t-shirts and long trousers that are about knee length (or pants). Strongly avoid hot pants if you are traveling alone or in smaller towns. Tank tops are best avoided. Showing your legs is still alright, not your tummy. As far as possible avoid low neck t-shirts. Avoid Sleeveless shirts & T-shirts, apply same rule as short shorts. In Goa and the beaches of Kerala you can wear just about anything you would wear to a beach back or closer to home.

Man

Nothing particularly to avoid, a guy can wear sleeves too. Longer shorts are advisable. Indians can get curious and start laughing or staring if they see men in very short shots. (Does not apply to Goa). Places of worship you usually need to be covered i.e. atleast short sleeve shirt and long pants.