What to pack for India
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India's hot enough without having a bag that luggage handlers would mark: “HEAVY - handle with caution”!
What to pack for India - Bags
In the travelling world, designer suitcases are out, rucksacks are in. As long you buy a decent rucksack and adjust it so it sits where it's supposed to sit, it should be relatively comfortable on your back and far easier to transport around than anything you carry or wheel along. A rucksack with a waterproof cover is a godsend if you're caught in the rain.
What to pack for India - Documents
Pack your passport once, then pack it again, then leave it at home. Or rather, pack the original and two photocopies in your rucksack, and leave another photocopy safely at home. Your passport and insurance documents are probably your most important possessions and it's a good idea to check you have them whenever you leave a hostel or get off a train. Wrap them in something waterproof to keep them dry - like a plastic folder or map case. To be doubly sure your documents are safe, you could use our online safe facility, which allows you to scan and save copies of your documents and then download them should your documents ever be lost or stolen.
What to pack for India - Clothes
Not all of India stays hot all year round, and you'd be wise to put in a couple of warmer things. There's nothing worse than shivering your way through a gap year! If temperatures are going to be high, go for loose and cool, rather than tight and tiny. By British standards, dress is conservative: shorts, miniskirts and strappy tops will offend some people, particularly if you visit religious buildings. Wearing long-sleeved tops and trousers will create a better impression - and reduce the amount of sun cream you have to slather on.
A sarong or shawl doesn't take up much room and can easily be spread over offending body parts.
What to pack for India - Shoes
Sparkly flip-flops should stay at home with your designer suitcase. More fashionable versions of the sandals that Jesus was always portrayed in are available and will make for more comfortable sightseeing, particularly as roads in India tend to be uneven. In colder weather, trainers are a good bet.
What to pack for India - Towel
A white towel will probably look a bit disgusting after a while - colourful patterns hide a multitude of stains. Lightweight towels, which have been specially designed for travelling, take up less space but can feel thin. Good old carrier bags will stop a wet towel soaking through your bag.
What to pack for India - Camera
Whether you're a contender for Travel Photographer of the Year or just want souvenirs of your trip, a camera is a must, as are film, memory cards, batteries, a charger etc. A photo speaks a thousand words - especially if the photo's of the Taj Mahal!
What to pack for India - Toiletries
A bit of improvisation can save you a bottle or too - try 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, shower gel as shampoo (probably more popular with guys!) and baby lotion as moisturiser, cleanser and make-up remover. When you're trying to find a hostel in Dehli in 40 degree heat, having the contents of the bathroom cabinet on your back might not seem like such a good idea.
Anti-bacterial gel - the self-drying soap stuff you might have used at festivals - is a good idea.
What to pack for India - First aid kit
A scaled-down version of your first aid kit at home should probably suffice - plasters, scissors, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, disposable gloves and treatment for a case of Delhi-belly should cover most eventualities.
What to pack for India - Guide book
Thousands of travellers have written their experience into guide books and it might take you a few trips to work out which series you prefer, and whether you're happy with a pocket-sized guide or something more detailed. (You'll just have to travel again…!)
What to pack for India - Pen and something to write on
A pen that doesn't look like it'll leak (you might want to put it in a plastic bag to be sure) will almost certainly come in handy at some point.
What to pack for India - Entertainment
A good book can entertain you on long journeys, as can an iPod or a pack of cards. Don't forget your charger.
What to pack for India - Adapter
An adapter will be needed to plug any chargers in.
Bits and bobs to pack for India
- A padlock and bike chain
Padlocks can be used to secure hostel lockers (many places charge for the use of a lock) and bike locks to chain bags to luggage racks.
- Safety pins
Ideal for holding sarongs in place, replacing buttons or zips, pinning keys to your bag - the list goes on!
- A sleep sack
A sheet is all you'll want to sleep under if it's hot, and you might feel better under your own bedding.
- Flip-flops
The rubber kind are great for taking showers in.
- Alarm clock
Don't miss out on valuable sightseeing time! Good for when you're booked onto an early bus or train, too.
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Give some much-needed help to social or labour projects in Indian villages. You might carry out restoration work or raise awareness of AIDS, and will get a real feel for village life. Trips to top attractions are included. |
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Experience India from different angles, through the sights of Delhi, the ‘yoga city’ of Rishikesh, the Taj Mahal, pink Jaipur, a tiger safari, a volunteer placement in West Bengal and more. |
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Animal lovers can play an active role in caring for mistreated cats, dogs, monkeys, camels and other creatures. Your duties could also include touring with the animal ambulance, manning the rescue hotline and helping with the vaccination programme. |
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A varied programme that sees volunteers working on childcare projects in the Rajasthan Desert then on a community project near Goa’s beautiful beaches. You’ll change people’s lives while soaking up the scenery. Cultural activities included. |
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Mix sports coaching with community projects and give children in India some much needed structure and inspiration. Your community work could be in education or childcare and you’ll round the project off with a week of travelling. |
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Put your skills to good use in a friendly but deprived area of India. Teach in schools or help in childcare centres and run sports sessions for children. You’ll make them smile and improve their health. |
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Combine trekking, a stay in a tribal village, a yoga course and volunteering with children or adults. You’ll get a real taste of India and help areas that haven’t benefited from international money. |
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Make a real difference to the lives of people in Himalayan India. Your work in orphanages, day centres and schools will have a direct impact and will be much appreciated. Cultural activities and a trip to the Taj Mahal included.
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Work in a school, a childcare centre or a school for children of snake charmers! Your time in any of these places will be rewarding and gratefully received. Excursions including camel and tiger safaris are included.
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Carry out work that will benefit an entire Indian community. Your role will be to empower an isolated community and give them the means to tackle poverty, social stigma and lack of education. |
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This programme is temporarily unavailable. Please contact us for details. This 40 hour online TEFL course allows you to learn at your own pace, when and where you like, to fit around your life schedule allowing flexibility and plenty of time for you to gain the most out of the course. |
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This programme is temporarily unavailable. Please contact us for details. A 60 hour online TEFL course that is slightly more comprehensive with an extra 20 hours gaining a specialist certificate in grammar. Learn at your own pace online and gain your TEFL qualification in your own time! |
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This programme is temporarily unavailable. Please contact us for details. A complete and comprehensive 80 hour online TEFL course that includes everything that the 40 and 60 hour courses include with the addition of 20 hours in 4 specialist teaching certificates and a lifetime access to teaching helpdesk. |
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Travel through the USA, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand and India during an unforgettable gap year. Fit in volunteer placements, excursions, paid work opportunities, cultural activities and loads more – but also have time to do your own thing. |
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Discover why so many travellers love this part of the world! Volunteer in India, spend eight weeks in Thailand and work with the wildlife in Malaysia. You’ll get to see things many people miss. |
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