There are several things that are must have for all travelers visiting India. If you are visiting India on a strict itinerary then your appointed guide will probably take care of them or inform you beforehand. However, as most of you already know India is a land that is best explored on your own. If you wish to see the ethnic India in its authentic state then forget about planned trips, just wake up the explorer inside you.
When visiting India, the following items will prove to be really helpful and essential. Just add these eight items on your packing list and you are almost ready to go!
1. A good Guide Book of India: a good and informative guide book of India will be worth every penny while planning your trip, and especially so when actually traveling in and around India. It will give you insightful background information about India and its chief attractions. Also, this guide book will inform you about what’s must, what’s doable and what’s avoidable on your trip. Traveling in India will be fun with the right planning and information. To find the best guidebook, check reader’s reviews on sites selling books. You can also ask a friend who has been to India for some references.
2. Language Dictionary: The most widely spoken language in India is Hindi and next is English. English is better understood in the southern states of India. It is quite useful to know some basic lines and words in the local language. Hence, you must buy a Hindi phrase book and a dictionary that helps you brush up your linguistic skills beforehand. Just to give you a head start here are few words and phrases from English to hindi:
Hello-Namaste
How are you?- Aap kaise hain?
I am fine: Main theek hoon
Pleasure meeting you: Aap-se mil-kar ach-cha laga
3. Voltage Converter: If you are planning to use any electronic item from US, you will require a voltage converter as well as a plug adapter. Visitors from Australia and UK with 230V currency will only need a plug adapter for their electronics.
4. Plug Adapter: The power plugs in India come in different sizes. Commonly you will see five round holes in a single socket. The commonly used plug has two or even three round pins.
5. Comfortable shoes: traveling anywhere in the world, not just in India require a pair of comfortable and sturdy shoes. The Indian roads or paths may be uneven and rocky, thus making your shoes more prone to wear and tear. You must pack a comfortable pair of shoes and floaters/sandals. Check how the weather will be in the part of India where you will spend your vacations. In summers some of the places in India are quite hot and humid which makes it impossible for one to explore in shoes, hence sandals which are commonly known as floaters in India is a good option.
6. A Haversack: a haversack is a must have if you are planning to explore India more on foot. The haversack should be big enough to carry your essentials items.
7. Journal: A trip without a travel journal is incomplete. In India you will find such diverse cultures and lifestyles that you are bound to forget the details once you return. Making notes to share them back home with family is a bright idea.
8. Water Bottle: To make sure that you have a healthy trip you must carry a water bottle at all times. Refill it with mineral water or boiled water whenever you get a chance.
