What shall I take to go backpacking in India??

Question

Hiya, I'm going backpacking around India (not sure which parts yet) for 3 weeks this August. I'm travelling alone and want to travel as lightly as possible! What from your experience would you say is the absolute minimum I should take? any tips or products that save space or are very light would be helpful. I haven't bought the bag yet so if you have any suggestions for hat also? ooh, also, is it practical to get some sort of locker in the main cities I'll be in so I can store a few things I buy over there and pick them up when going home? any advice appreciated!!

Answer 1

money, passport and 1 set of clothes, water and sun cream :). Live on the edge WOOOOOO

Answer 2

the railways will give you locker service. most backpackers buys cheap cotton clothes in India, to wear for the trip. you will get cotton T-shirts, shorts, pajam type trousers for as little as Rs. 100 (2.5 dollars). you will get everything here - medicines, toileteries. bring a pepper spray if you like, for your safety. tho u will have to check it in, and not carry as hand baggage in planes. would recommend u book your tickets in advance. log on to the thorntree section in the lonelyplanet site for tips on budget hotels.

Answer 3

ive been to egypt (sorta the same) and you HAVE to take suncream, mosquito repellant, alot of water, maybe a translation book. have fun, its a great experiance.

Answer 4

plenty of immodium

Answer 5

I dont know much about India, but i know if i was going i would probably take a mosquito net, a card with my name and details on, a phone with a universal sim, money, some bottles of water, and any medication you might need. I found a website about backpacking around India, i'm not sure whether it will be any good.

Answer 6

yay!  that's brilliant.  have so many fond memories of great times doing exactly that.  

no need to take a huge bag.  i found that a 50 litre on my back with a day sack hooked on the front straps is plenty.  all guest houses have brilliant and cheap laundries (though they dry the clothes by bashing the c**p out of them - so don't take your best stuff).

as for where to go... blimey.  Rajasthan is a bit cliched, but stunning.  I possibly adore Udaipur more than anywhere else on the planet.  Jagat Niwas Palace is a great hotel right on the lake (but a treat at about £20 a night).  If you're going to Goa, Palolem has just the right mix of chill and party.  I'd stay out of the big cities if possible.  The best times are the chilled times :)

enjoy!!!

Answer 7

i think u dont need to take anything bec as i am Indian i can suggest that u get each and everything here.......may be u may need Ur own personal requirement's............ all the best for Ur journey......