India Packing List for a 2-Week Trip from the US

Okay, real talk. I just spent three hours staring at my suitcase last month before my India trip, and honestly? I was terrified I'd pack all wrong and end up looking like a total tourist disaster. 

You know that feeling when you've watched every YouTube video about India travel, read dozens of blog posts, and somehow you're MORE confused than when you started? Yeah, that was me. One website said pack for arctic conditions, another said bring nothing but tank tops. What the heck? 

Look, I learned the hard way that getting your India packing list wrong doesn't just mean you'll be uncomfortable. It means you might miss out on some seriously life-changing stuff. 

Why Your India Packing List Actually Matters (More Than You Think) 

Here's what happened to my friend Sarah last year – she showed up to this incredible temple in Pushkar wearing shorts and a sleeveless top. Guess what? They wouldn't let her in. She had to buy overpriced clothes from a nearby shop and missed the evening prayer ceremony she'd been planning for months. 

Then there's my cousin Mike who thought flip-flops would work everywhere. By day three in Mumbai, his feet were destroyed from walking on hot pavement and uneven streets. He spent two days in his hotel room instead of exploring. 

I've been working with Ghum India Ghum for the past couple years, and I've seen this happen way too often. The travelers who nail their packing? They're the ones having adventures while others are dealing with preventable problems. 

The India Packing List That Actually Works (From Someone Who's Been There) 

Dress Modestly - Loose Fitting and Breathable Clothing 

This isn't just about being respectful (though that's huge). It's about survival in India's crazy weather. I made the mistake of bringing fitted jeans on my first trip – big mistake. By noon, I felt like I was being slowly cooked. 

Pack loose cotton shirts, breathable pants, and at least one nice outfit for temples. Trust me on this one – you'll want 5-6 tops and 3-4 bottoms minimum. And yes, even if you're going in winter, you still need breathable fabrics. 

Scarf 

I used to think scarves were just fashion accessories. Wrong. In India, a scarf is basically a survival tool. I used mine to cover my head in temples, wrap around my neck during dusty train rides, and even as a makeshift blanket during an unexpected overnight bus delay. 

Get 2-3 lightweight ones. You'll use them constantly. 

Comfortable Shoes 

This is non-negotiable. India involves SO much walking – through markets, up temple steps, across uneven ground. I brought one pair of broken-in sneakers, sturdy sandals, and basic flip-flops for hotel bathrooms. 

Pro tip: Don't even think about bringing new shoes. Blisters in 100-degree heat while navigating Delhi traffic? Not fun. 

Train Kit 

Indian trains are an experience, not just transportation. Whether you're doing a Buddhist Circuit Tour or heading to the mountains, you'll probably take some long train rides. 

Pack a small pillow, light blanket, downloaded entertainment, snacks, and a portable charger. I learned this after spending 14 hours on a train with nothing but my phone battery dying. 

Electronics 

Universal adapter is essential – India's outlets are different. Bring a good portable battery pack too. Power outages happen, and you don't want to miss capturing those incredible sunset moments because your phone died. 

Bug Spray 

Mosquitoes in India are relentless. I'm talking about reapplying DEET spray every few hours, especially around sunset. This isn't just comfort – it's health. Pack the strong stuff (at least 20% DEET). 

Sunscreen 

Even in December, India's sun will surprise you. I got sunburned in January in Rajasthan because I thought winter meant no sun protection needed. Wrong. SPF 30 minimum, and reapply constantly. 

Dry Shampoo 

Sometimes you just can't wash your hair properly – maybe the hot water's out, maybe you're too exhausted after a Char Dham Yatra. Dry shampoo keeps you feeling human. 

Medication 

Pack more than you think you need. Basic pain relievers, anti-diarrheal meds (yes, really), band-aids, and any prescriptions. Finding specific medications when you're sick in a foreign country is stressful. 

Water Bottle 

Filtered water bottle = game changer. You'll save money and avoid constantly buying plastic bottles. Plus, staying hydrated in India's heat is serious business. 

Don't Let Bad Packing Ruin Your Trip 

Here's the thing – your India packing list determines whether you spend your time dealing with problems or creating memories. When you're properly prepared, you can focus on the incredible stuff: connecting with locals, trying street food without worry, and diving deep into experiences that'll change how you see the world. 

At Ghum India Ghum, we've seen it hundreds of times. Well-prepared travelers don't just visit India – they fall in love with it. They come back with stories that make everyone else want to book a flight immediately. 

Your two weeks in India can be transformative. But first, pack smart. Your future self will thank you when you're exploring ancient temples instead of hunting for basic supplies in a foreign country.