So you've decided to take a trip to India. You dreamed of it for a while or have hesitated over whether to go or not...in any case you're now ready to dive into a different culture and enjoy everything a trip to this country has to offer. To make life easier once you're there, it's best to plan in advance. If there's one trip that you should carefully organize, it's this one! So don't forget anything.
First of all, the clothes you'll be needing. These really depend on the season during which you travel and the regions you intend to visit. For example, temperatures in the Ganges Valley or Rajasthan can soar to 40°C+, whilst in the higher altitudes of Ladakh they can plunge to -30C°. Plan what to wear in advance! Avoid short or skimpy clothing - particularly important for women travellers.
During your vacation you may get sick or find hygiene lacking. Prepare a little medical kit with basic medicines but remember to include medication for upset stomachs. Taking along wet wipes is also recommended.
As for documents, take a photocopy of your passport. An ATM card is essential if you want to withdraw cash. There are ATM machines in all the big towns. A camera/camcorder as, despite any inconveniences, India is one of the most photogenic countries in the world. A foreign language/English dictionary if you're English is not up to the mark; bear in mind that not all Indians speak Shakespeare's tongue. Unessential items. Only pack these if you have extra room in your bag. Most important of all is to pack a lot of patience, an open mind and a good dose of tolerance. Be prepared to witness sights and sounds that are out of the ordinary, often shocking.
Things you must pack.
- An open mind, ready to welcome the cultural shock
- A battery charger/batteries
- A camera or camcorder to record all of your amazing adventures
- A torch in case of power outages
- A foreign language/English dictionary to help you communicate
- An ATM card to withdraw cash
- A photocopy of your passport in case of loss
- A medical kit including medicines for upset stomachs
- Warm clothes for the icy weather in Ladakh
- Lightweight clothes for the hotter areas
