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If you’re preparing for a trip to India, you’re in for a chaotic and yet peaceful adventure. From clifftop beaches to Himalayan foothills, from sacred ashrams to spice-scented markets, India offers a full-spectrum experience. When it comes to packing, less is definitely more, but preparation is key. Make sure to check out our India travel guide for backpackers for the full route and tips.
We spent four months travelling through India from December to April, beginning in the lush tropics of the south and ending in the cooler climates of the north. Here’s our guide to packing for India as a woman with a focus on natural fibres, functionality, comfort, and modesty.
Climate: What to Expect
Southern India (December to February)
Expect tropical heat, coastal breeze, and the occasional downpour. In Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Goa, daytime temperatures sit around 25–30°C, with slightly cooler mornings and evenings. Humidity is high, so light, breathable clothing is essential.
Northern India (March to April)
In places like Jaipur, Rishikesh or the Himalayan foothills, the weather warms quickly as spring rolls in. Daytime temperatures reach 25–35°C, but mornings and nights in the mountains can feel crisp. Bring layers, light jumpers, and scarves will go a long way.
The golden rule is modesty and breathability. Tourist towns are more relaxed, but when visiting temples, ashrams, or rural areas, dressing respectfully makes a difference.
Tops
- Loose cotton or linen T-shirts
- Tank tops (perfect for layering — pair with a scarf or light shirt
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirt for sun and mosquito protection
Bottoms
- Loose-fitting long trousers (linen, cotton, or yoga-style)
- Long skirt (ideal for temple visits and hot days)
- Yoga trousers and tops for movement, travel or ashram stays.
- A pair of modest shorts (for beach areas like Varkala or South Goa)
Dresses
- Dress below the knee with a modest neckline and sleeves
- One outfit you feel good in for going out or special occasions. We brought a Western-style evening dress that worked well in Goa and Varkala, and could be made modest with a scarf or shirt.
Swimwear
- A modest swimsuit is essential. In local areas and natural spots like waterfalls, we found it more appropriate to wear swim shorts and a T-shirt over a swimsuit.
- A regular bikini is fine on popular tourist beaches, but for most other spots, it’s respectful to cover up a bit more.
Extras
- Light rain jacket (particularly useful in the south or a windbreaker in the north)
- Baseball cap or wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
- Light merino wool pullover for mountain evenings or AC
- Scarf or shawl: the most versatile item in your bag
- Cotton underwear, comfortable bras, and a sports bra
A Note on Fabrics
Choose natural fibres like cotton, linen, or hemp wherever possible. They’re breathable, gentle on your skin, and dry quickly. Avoid synthetic fabrics as they trap heat and sweat, and tend to smell more quickly in humid weather.
Footwear
- Lightweight enclosed shoes: great for hiking, cooler days and travel. We loved our barefoot running shoes for their versatility and packability.
- Sandals: Earth Runners, Xero sandals, Tevas, or Birkenstocks are ideal for everyday wear.
- Flip-flops or slip-ons: perfect for hostel showers, quick walks, or airport lounges.
Electronics and Tech
- Universal travel adaptor
- Power bank for long journeys
- Two charger cables in case one breaks
- E-reader: We made the mistake of bringing ten paperbacks. Books in English are easily found in India, especially new fiction and self-development genres.
- Download an offline maps app (like Maps.me or downloaded Google Maps)
Toiletries and Personal Care
- A battery-powered toothbrush like Suri (the battery lasts for a long time)
- Reusable cotton face pads
- Tampons and sanitary towels — not always easy to find. Bullet-style tampons take up less space.
- Lightweight natural makeup
- Non-toxic sunscreen
- Aloe vera gel (also available in India)
- Silk floss
- Natural deodorant
- Menstrual cup or reusable pads
- Shampoo and conditioner bars (low waste and leak-proof)
- Essential oils: tea tree (anti-bacterial), lavender (calming), peppermint (energising or for bug bites)
- Mini first-aid kit with plasters, antiseptic, tweezers, electrolytes
- Period underwear
Useful Extras
- Foldable daypack, we like this Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Pack
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Stainless steel or BPA-free water bottle
- Portable water filter — we used an army-grade one, from Survivor Filter, and it worked incredibly well.
- Sunglasses
- Carabiners or clips for your bag
- Mini sewing kit
- Journal and pens for reflections, notes, or writing down your dreams
- Travel towel (microfibre dries fastest)
- Silk blackout sleep mask and reusable earplugs for noisy nights, hostels and travel days.
- Neck pillow for long trains or overnight buses
- Silk pillowcase
- Stainless steel tupperware — ideal for hiking snacks, takeaways, or reducing plastic
Packing Tips for India
- Leave space in your backpack. You’ll want to pick up handmade clothes, Ayurvedic oils, spices, books, and more.
- Travel light. You’ll wear the same few outfits on rotation, and that’s absolutely fine.
- Compression packing cubes help keep things tidy in hostels and on the move.
- Reusable tote bag for market trips and errands.
At Barefoot Backpackers, we’re passionate about helping you navigate the world with purpose. Our site is a hub for holistic health, conscious travel tips, and sustainable living advice. With every guide, we aim to help you create meaningful adventures while staying true to your values. Our content always comes from real experiences and knowledge that is truly aligned with us.
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