What to bring to India: highlighted

Highlighted items:

• Documents: passport that is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. An online and/or offline copy of your passport is not an unnecessary luxury in India.
• Money: outside the cities, a lot of cash is used. So make sure you have a supply of Indian rupees with you.
• Care: sunscreen with a high factor, which is difficult to obtain and you will definitely need it. A good facial cleanser can't hurt either because of all that air pollution.
• Outdoor and conveniences: cap or hat and sunglasses, but perhaps not a luxury brand.
• Mosquito net: if it is not already available in accommodations.
• Clothing: for both the heat, the humidity (depending on your destinations in India) and the cool (to cold) mountain areas. Clothing that covers shoulders, legs and décolleté is appreciated at the many temples.
• Shoes: good shoes for long days of walking and slippers for quick comfort.
• Medicines and travel kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers, anti-diarrhea, hand sanitizer and ORS (dehydration is important!). A set of mosquito repellents against the nasty mosquitoes in the country.
• Safety: a money belt is certainly not an unnecessary luxury when you are walking on the street, or traveling on overcrowded trains or buses.
• Technology and equipment: sometimes your Dutch plug fits, but often it is not comfortable... So a travel plug is handy.
• Woman: take a light shawl with you. This is handy for visiting temples, but also to cover yourself if you want less attention.

What else can you take with you:

• Reusable water bottle with filter, because tap water is technically drinkable, but often tastes strange.
• Rain gear: if you go during the rainy season, don't forget to take rain gear, it can pour unbelievably.
• Toilet paper or wet wipes, in case you need a while to get used to the bidets. What knowledge is useful when you go to India?
• Knowledge about the customs and local habits, not only when you visit temples, but for normal interactions with who you meet

How to keep yourself safe, especially as a woman

• How to get from the airport to your accommodation, so that you are not overwhelmed by all the tuk-tuk drivers.
• What seasons are the best to be where.

Are there mosquitoes in India?

• Mosquitoes are a problem throughout India, but in some states more than others and in some seasons more than others.
• Mosquitoes can transmit various diseases and that is not pleasant. It is therefore important to protect yourself well.

Are there sand flies in India?

• There are several species of sand flies in India, some of which can transmit Leishmaniasis.
• Most cases occur in the four states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. In other states, a case occurs very occasionally.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in India?

• You can buy mosquito repellents in pharmacies and some supermarkets. You can also find products with deet and picaridin online.
• In India, they also make extensive use of natural mosquito repellents.
• And of course, you can get body-covering cotton clothing everywhere in beautiful colours and varieties. That way, you immediately have a good souvenir.

Where can you get your food and drinks in India?

• Are you in the big cities? Then there are large and small supermarkets with everything you need.
• In the villages, you will find smaller shops with basic necessities and especially lots of cookies and sweets.
• It is a paradise for people who love street food, although you may have to use those anti-diarrheal drugs for the common Delhi Belly.
• Restaurants come in all shapes and sizes - from super luxurious to super basic.
• You can also sometimes get food at the temple. Especially at Krishna temples, free food is often offered. Fun to experience once!

Can you buy a beer or wine in India, or take it with you to India?

• Generally, you can get alcohol in liquor stores, restaurants, bars, etc. There are a few states where alcohol sales and consumption are prohibited - Nagaland, Lakshadweep (except Bangaram Island), Bihar and Mizoram (where only local wine is allowed).
• If you really want to experience the drinking and partying India, you should go to Goa. Many locals also go there because of the cheaper alcohol.
• Drinking in public is generally not allowed.

Can you buy a joint or weed in India, or take it with you to India?

• Cannabis has a long history in India. It appears in the holy books and stories and has been used in many ways in the traditional medicine system for thousands of years.
• And although quite a bit of weed is still smoked by locals, it is actually illegal in India today.
• You don't have to bring it with you (which also saves you a hefty prison sentence), because it grows like crazy there.