When I left for India in March I had a vague idea of what to pack; but now with the benefit of hindsight I feel I can give this advice to anyone who intends to travel to India and/or an ashram, as I did.

The list of things to bring was not actually that long, but they were all fairly important items. As I mentioned previously, India is a country where it is generally warm at any time of year — at least during the day. So you should favour light, comfortable clothing, preferably cotton or linen in light colours.

Photo by Simona Forti

I therefore chose to bring some short-sleeved t-shirts but above all cotton kurtas and long tunics to pair with loose, non-fitted cotton trousers; a pair of light sandals and a pair of trainers.

I believe that when visiting a foreign country it is a duty to show respect and observe the local culture, its customs and traditions, its beliefs. In Indian culture women’s shoulders must always be covered, so it is wise to bring clothing that covers them — try not to bring only spaghetti-strap tops. If you truly cannot do without them, bring a shawl or scarf to put on when needed, especially if you intend to visit temples. A light, light-coloured pashmina will be useful for covering your head — required at the entrance to some temples — or your shoulders and neck in the evening when it tends to get cooler, especially if you are staying outside the major cities. Bring one or two sweatshirts and a light jumper as well. Avoid shorts or very short skirts; women dressed this way are considered “scandalous” by the Indian population.

India, as is well known, is not famous for its hygiene standards — or at least they are very distant from ours. So if you do not intend to stay in more expensive hotels where the level of cleanliness is usually higher, I suggest bringing one of those sleeping-bag liner sheets that can be found in any camping equipment shop. I often use it when travelling even without a sleeping bag; folded it becomes a small square that takes up very little space, and it is extremely useful: you spread it on the bed before lying down and you are sorted. Another very useful thing is a small torch — bring some rechargeable batteries and an electrical plug adaptor. Finally, something absolutely not to be forgotten: a small first-aid kit with medicines.

First Aid Kit - Photo by Simona Forti

As I mentioned, there are no compulsory vaccinations for India, but certain precautions are a must. Our antibodies — and our intestines — are not accustomed to certain habits, including dietary ones, so if you do not want to risk spending much of your trip contemplating a white porcelain throne you absolutely must bring some medicine. Even though I myself do not like them and generally prefer natural remedies, I had to give in. So here is what I brought for two weeks in India: an antipyretic for fever, enterogermina or similar for intestinal infections, a medicine for acidity and similar stomach complaints, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, an intestinal anti-infective, mineral supplements because it is very hot, you sweat and you need to replenish somehow, a disinfectant — something like hand sanitiser gel and some wipes for wounds or similar; a thermometer, plasters and sterile gauze, an insect repellent and a post-bite cream, an anti-diarrhoeal like Imodium because dysentery is always lurking, a calendula cream for abrasions and irritations and an arnica cream for muscle pain, trauma and the like. I also brought ginger, tea tree essential oil and peppermint oil.

Bring potent probiotic supplements to take every day. I started taking them a week before leaving, continuing daily for the entire duration of my stay. This small precaution saved me from every kind of intestinal ailment and let me return from India unscathed :-) Also remember a notebook or tablet for taking notes, a spare memory card for your camera, a good book or e-reader to pass the time during journeys, sun cream and after-sun lotion, wet wipes and of course plenty of curiosity and desire to explore a new place!

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