In 2022, India surpassed the UK to become the world's 5th largest economy. With a rising middle class, especially in bigger cities, we expect to find most daily essentials easily. Although some product brands might differ, many familiar items are readily available.
We'll be traveling in India from September to December, following the monsoon season. During this period, temperatures will begin to drop, with less rainfall. We can expect temperatures to vary between 36°C (97°F) in the northern regions and 20°C (68°F) in the southern mountainous areas. As a result, we will be packing light, warm-weather attire.
We expect to use a combination of taxis, tuk-tuks, trains, and planes for our journey. In certain cities like Agra, cars are prohibited in specific areas, allowing only tuk-tuks. We'll need to walk if our luggage exceeds the tuk-tuk's capacity. Additionally, the airlines Anel will use for domestic flights within India have a luggage restriction of 15 kg for checked baggage and 7 kg for carry-on.
Most homestays and guest houses we have booked can provide clothes-washing facilities for very reasonable rates.
With the limits on luggage size and weight, the relative ease of buying supplies and clothes, and the availability of clothes-washing facilities, we do not need to travel heavily. So we are not taking that much at all.
Clothing
India has traditional values, and we intend to respect its local customs, particularly when visiting tombs, temples, and palaces. Therefore, we will ensure we have or buy suitable attire locally. For instance, Anel will consider wearing kurtas — loose-fitting tunics paired with trousers, popular and suited to the Indian climate.
Luggage
We both will take minimal luggage - a "personal item" sized bag for items that will travel onboard with us on the flight to India, along with a 20-inch carry-on suitcase.
Tech
India uses Type C, D, and M plugs. We only need to charge small devices like phones, so we can exclusively use Type C plugs. This plug type is also common in parts of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. India uses 230V, 50Hz electricity, which most phone charges can accept without issue.
Our complete list of tech we are taking with us is limited to:
- Phones,
- Watches,
- In-ear headphones (for use during flights, mostly),
- a foil razor for Shaun,
- and portable chargers.
Personal care items
We're only taking enough for the first few days of the trip and will buy as needed. The only exceptions are mosquito repellants, skincare products, and sunscreen — we will take enough of our trusted products for a few weeks. We should be able to find suitable local replacements before they run out.
Medicines
Beyond the prescribed medicine previously mentioned, we will take some basic supplies such as small travel containers of Ibuprofen and Paracetamol / Acetaminophen and basic first aid for minor cuts and scrapes. We will purchase anything else as needed from shops in India.