India Packing List — 25 Things Our Guides Always Tell First-Timers

Meera Patel · February 7, 2026 · 5 min read

Meera Patel

Travel Expert & Writer

February 7, 2026

5 min read

Scarves, voltage adapters, mosquito repellent and modest clothing for temples. The master list our team uses for every tour briefing.

After guiding thousands of international travellers through India, here's what we always tell first-timers to pack.

Essentials

Universal adapter, mosquito repellent, sunscreen SPF50, a scarf (covers shoulders in temples), comfortable walking shoes.

Packing Travel Tips First-Timers

Written by

Meera Patel

Our travel experts have over 25 years of experience crafting unforgettable India journeys. Every article is based on first-hand travel experience.

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📅 Booking Process

Fill our free enquiry form or call +91-9212777225. A travel specialist replies within 24 hours with a personalised itinerary and quote. Once you confirm, a 25% deposit secures your dates. The balance is due 30 days before departure. We accept bank transfer, credit/debit cards and UPI.

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Absolutely — every Tour My India itinerary is 100% customised. We don't run group coaches or fixed packages. Share your interests, travel dates, budget and group size. Our specialists design a private, tailor-made journey built entirely around you — completely free to enquire.

🌤️ Travel Seasons

October – March is India's golden season — ideal for Rajasthan, Agra, Delhi, Kerala, Goa and the Andamans. April – June is perfect for Himalayan destinations like Ladakh, Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. July – September monsoon season is magical for Northeast India, Kerala and the Valley of Flowers.

🛡️ Safety

India is very safe when you travel with a reputable, recognised operator. All our guides are vetted, licensed and certified. We provide pre-screened accommodation, 24/7 emergency helpline and real-time trip monitoring. Millions of international visitors — including solo women travellers — explore India safely every year.

📋 What's Included

All our packages include accommodation (2★–5★ as selected), daily breakfast, private AC vehicle with chauffeur, English-speaking licensed guide, all monument entry fees, and 24/7 support. Airport transfers are always included. Flights, lunches and dinners can be added. International packages include visa guidance.

🛂 Visa

Most nationalities can apply for an India e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in — processed within 72 hours, valid for 30–180 days. We assist with all visa documentation as part of your booking. Citizens of certain countries like Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa. We advise on your specific nationality during the booking process.

↩️ Cancellations

Cancellation 60+ days before: full refund. 45–60 days: 75% refund. 30–45 days: 50% refund. Under 30 days: no refund. We strongly recommend travel insurance. Contact us to discuss flexible rescheduling — we always try to accommodate changes where possible.

⏱️ Duration Guide

7–10 days is ideal for a single region like Rajasthan or Kerala. 12–15 days allows you to combine two regions — for example the Golden Triangle plus Rajasthan, or Kerala plus Goa. 18–21 days covers a grand India circuit with North and South. Even a 4–5 day trip can be very rewarding with the right focus.

🌐 Languages

All our guides are fluent in English. We also offer guides in German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Arabic on request — just mention it during booking. Our guides hold official government-certified licences and are experts in the history, culture and stories of their regions.

🌏 Multi-Country

Yes — we offer combined tours for India + Nepal (Kathmandu, Everest Base Camp trekking), India + Sri Lanka, India + Bhutan, and India + Maldives. These are very popular for international travellers making the most of one long-haul trip to South Asia. Ask us to design a combined itinerary.

India Packing List — 25 Things Our Guides Always Tell First-Timers

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