✅ Essentials Checklist
- Passport valid 6+ months and e-Visa (apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in — UK citizens eligible)
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation
- All vaccinations up to date — Hepatitis A, Typhoid recommended; consult travel clinic
- Anti-malarial medication for rural areas (consult GP/travel clinic)
- Insect repellent — DEET-based
- Reusable water bottle with filter or purification tablets (never drink tap water)
- Oral rehydration sachets — stomach upset is extremely common
- Anti-diarrhoea medication
- Conservative clothing — shoulders and knees covered for temples and rural areas
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- Small padlock for hostel lockers and bag zips
- Cash in Indian Rupees (INR) — many places still cash only
👕 Clothing Checklist
- Lightweight, loose, modest clothing — cotton or linen
- Long trousers and tops that cover shoulders (for temples, mosques, rural areas)
- Comfortable flat shoes or sandals — flipflops are fine in most areas
- Scarf or dupatta (versatile — sun protection, modesty cover, mosquito protection at dusk)
- One warm layer for air-conditioned trains and for hill stations
- Shoes that slip on and off easily (removed constantly at temples)
⭐ Nice to Have
- Indian SIM card (buy at airport — data is incredibly cheap)
- Doorstop alarm for solo travellers (wedges under hotel room door)
- Portable UV water purifier
- Earplugs (Indian cities are extremely loud 24 hours)
- Wet wipes and hand sanitiser (essential between hand-washing opportunities)
- Small torch for power cuts
- Dry bags for monsoon season travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to eat street food in India?
Carefully selected street food is generally safe and is some of India's best. The rules: freshly cooked and served hot, visibly busy stalls with high turnover, avoid salads or anything washed in tap water, avoid cut fruit that may have been washed in local water. Your stomach will need time to adjust regardless — some GI disruption in the first week is almost universal. Starting with bland food and building up helps.
What is the best time to visit India?
October to March is the most comfortable period for most of India — cooler, drier, and the best time for Rajasthan, Kerala, and the Golden Triangle. Summer (April–June) is extremely hot (45°C+ in Rajasthan). The monsoon (July–September) brings heavy rain but also transforms the landscape — Keralan backwaters and Goa are particularly beautiful in the monsoon. The Himalayas are best June–September before the passes close.
How do I get around India?
Indian Railways is the backbone of travel — book through IRCTC or an agent like Cleartrip or MakeMyTrip. Book sleeper trains as far in advance as possible (tourist quotas exist on popular routes). For shorter distances, Ola (India's Uber) works in all major cities. Domestic flights are cheap. Auto-rickshaws for short city hops — always agree the price before getting in.