India, Cool & Dry
A curated packing list for your trip from Delhi to the Rajasthan desert and the Kerala backwaters. Built for crowded streets, dust, the dry winter heat of the north, and the unhurried green of the south.
Border & arrival
What customs and immigration expect.
On the ground
How life actually works once you arrive.
e-Visa is fast and cheap
US citizens get an e-Tourist Visa online: $25 for 30 days (Apr-Jun), $40 (Jul-Mar), $40 for 1 year, $80 for 5 years. UK and other nationality fees vary, check the portal. Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Pay the fee at least 4 days before travel. You must enter on the same passport you applied with. Print or screenshot the approved e-Visa for boarding.
UPI One World is a game-changer
India is largely cashless thanks to UPI (QR-code payments). UPI One World launched in 2023 lets foreign tourists use UPI without an Indian bank account: top up at airport kiosks, scan QR codes everywhere from chai stalls to taxis. Carry ₹5,000-10,000 cash for rural spots and tipping.
Tipping is expected at most service points
Restaurants: 5-10% (check if service charge is added). Hotel bellboys: ₹50-100 per bag. Housekeeping: ₹50-100 per day. Drivers: ₹100-300 for a full day. Tour guides: ₹200-500. Cash directly to the person; small bills are essential.
Modest dress, especially for women
Shoulders covered, knees covered, ideally in cities and absolutely at religious sites. Loose cotton (kurtas, palazzo pants, maxi dresses) is the local solution and works beautifully with the heat. Skip shorts in Delhi, the desert, and rural areas. A scarf earns its place every day.
Bottled water only, even for brushing
Tap water is not safe to drink, full stop. Use sealed bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and rinsing fruit. Order drinks "without ice" at smaller spots. Big hotels and chain restaurants have safe ice; everywhere else, skip it.
Type C, D, and M plugs at 230V
Older buildings have Type D (three large round pins, India-specific). Newer ones use Type C and the heavy-duty Type M. UK Type G plugs do not fit. Voltage is 230V/50Hz: most modern phone, laptop, and camera chargers handle it; single-voltage US-only hair tools will burn out without a step-down converter.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Bookings, applications, and admin for the weeks before departure. Work backwards from your trip date.
- 6 weeks out
- 4 weeks out
- 2 weeks out
- 1 week out
- Day before
- Day of
Clothing
Modest, breathable, layered for the north-south temperature swing. Loose cotton is the local solution.
Shoes
Off at every temple, fort, and many homes. Slip-on saves real time across a long trip.
Toiletries & Personal Care
Pharmacies are plentiful and cheap. Bring your essentials, restock at any chemist.
Health & Medications
Stomach issues are nearly universal at some point. Bring serious supplies and trust them.
Documents & Money
e-Visa printed, UPI One World loaded, cash for backup.
Tech & Electronics
Type C, D, and M plugs. Universal adapter is the safe choice.
Luggage & Organization
Soft-sided bags travel trains, tuk-tuks, and crowded stations far better than wheels.
Comfort & In-Transit
Long flights, longer trains. Indian rail is iconic but earns its travel-survival reputation.
Weather & Climate Gear
Dust and sun in the north, humidity in the south. The cool season is genuinely cool.
Cultural & Activity-Specific
Temples, palaces, and homes each ask for something specific. Cover up, gift up, take it slow.
Safety & Precautions
Stay alert in crowds, especially train stations. Solo female travelers benefit most from group taxis (Uber/Ola) at night.