What to Pack for a Trip to India + Outfit Inspiration

IndiaWhat to Pack

Jul 25

YOU’RE GOING TO India - YAY!

If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re either joining the Gals on one of our India Galavants or in the process of planning a Private Galavant to India; either way, welcome! Packing for India can feel exciting, overwhelming, and a little intimidating all at once, especially if it’s your first visit. Between the climate, cultural considerations, long sightseeing days, and very photo-worthy moments, knowing what to wear (and what to leave at home) makes all the difference.

This guide is designed to serve double duty: it’s the ultimate packing list for a trip to India and a source of outfit inspiration for travelers who want to feel comfortable, confident, and culturally respectful, without sacrificing personal style. While India is a vast country with regional differences, this post is especially tailored for spring and fall travel, when the weather is hot, dry, and ideal for lightweight, breathable clothing.

I’m a firm believer that you should always wear what makes you feel like your best self. That said, when traveling in India, it’s important to remember that you’re a guest in a more traditional culture. Dressing modestly, think long, loose, flowy silhouettes, not only helps you stay cool in the heat, but also minimizes unwanted attention and shows respect for local customs.

In major cities like Delhi, you’ll see plenty of women in Western dress. But in other regions, keeping shoulders and knees covered is generally considered more appropriate (with a little flexibility when temperatures soar). The real golden rule? Layers, breathable fabrics, and comfort first. A lightweight wrap or jacket will be your best friend for planes, early mornings, and cooler evenings.

Whether you’re packing for an India group tour, a solo adventure, or your first big international trip, this list will help you pack smarter and feel confident every step of the way.

Pro Tips Before You Start Packing

PRO TIP #1: Copy the packing list at the bottom of this post into the Notes app on your phone so you can easily reference it while shopping and packing.

PRO TIP #2: Want to elevate your looks without buying a whole new wardrobe? I swear by rental services for trips like this.

Rent the Runway is my go-to for statement dresses and flowy pieces (use code RTRALLEP for 40% off two months).
Nuuly is another favorite, especially size-inclusive and great for boho silhouettes. You’ll get $30 off your first month when you use my referral link.

India MVP’s

1. Flowy Dresses

When it comes to daytime dressing in India, I find that dresses make up the bulk of what I pack. If I can find fabrics that are breathable or don’t wrinkle, that’s a HUGE win. I suggest opting for a dress that is either midi length, like this dress, or maxi length, like this dress. I think the Celandine collection at Anthropologie also has some AMAZING vacation pieces that would be perfect for a trip to India. And I’ll say it again, renting on NUULY is a GREAT option for fun vacation dresses that don’t require you to buy a ton of new things - sharing my code for $30 off your first month again (thank me later!)

2. Caftans!

These are my absolute favorite things to wear in any conservative country I visit. Mostly because they are so comfortable and really breathable too. It feels like you’re getting away with wearing a giant nightgown in the daytime lol. I’ll be honest that I buy most of my Caftans while I’m abroad and from my favorite Vintage stores in Palm Springs, like The Fine Art of Design and The Frippery, or via my Gal Pal Kelly Golightly’s new line. But when I shop online, I find that Trina Turk, Tuckernuck, and if you do a bit of hunting, you can even find some unique (and very affordable) caftans on Etsy!

3. All the linen things

A linen set is perfect for long days exploring, where you want to be cool & comfortable. I LOVE this brand for stocking up on staple pieces. I’ve linked the top here & you can shop the pants here. Both come in a couple of different colors! I also love Athleta’s Linen pieces. I pack this linen top & these linen pants on every warm-weather trip.

7. Bandolier Phone Case

I NEVER travel without a Bandolier phone case. These are fantastic because they have a pouch on the back of the case for your money and ID, so you have everything all in one place. They also have fun clip-ons like this that hold your AirPods. Wearing this at the airport when your hands are always full is truly a game-changer.

5. A Sunhat

No matter where I’m traveling in the world, a hat is a staple. Not only for fashion but mostly so that I can get away with extending the length I can go in between washing my hair, because well…I’m lazy haha. Oh and I guess also for sun protection haha. I buy most of my hats here.

6. Scarves

Scarves are such a practical and versatile accessory - great for adding color to any outfit or to wear as wrap when visiting religious sites or needing a break from the sun! I like to shop for my scarves at Nordstrom, Quince, and if you join us on one of our Group Galavants, you’ll go home with your very own custom Galavant Society Scarf.

7. A great pair of Sunglasses

I always bring wayyy too many sunglasses with me when I travel, but these are always the ones I reach for every day. Also, you’ve gotta check out this Italian-made, woman-owned business.

8. Comfortable Walking Shoes

India is definitely one of those destinations that you will have no problem getting your steps in. Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes that work for uneven surfaces, stairs, and dust. These cute sneakers are the ones I travel with (they are super lightweight & pack down easily).

What to Wear during the Day in India

***An Effortless Maxi Dress***

In India, keeping your **shoulders and knees covered**, especially at temples, is a sign of respect. Dresses like this are my **BFF for India travel**: lightweight, breathable, and effortless, even when temperatures climb into the upper 90s and beyond.

Shop Now

***White button down***

A **linen button-down top** is one of the most versatile daytime staples for India travel. It effortlessly **covers your shoulders**, feels breathable in the heat, and can be worn loose, half-tucked, or tied for different looks. I love pairing one with skirts, linen pants, or over a dress for sun coverage.

Shop Now

***A Variety of Bottoms***

I like to pack a few **lightweight pants and skirts** for India, with **wide-leg linen pants** being my go-to. They’re breathable, easy to style, and far more comfortable than jeans in the heat. From April through early fall, I usually skip denim altogether and stick to pieces that can be **dressed up or down** without weighing me down.

Shop Now

***Matching Sets***

Matching sets are one of my **favorite packing hacks for India travel**. A flowy, colorful top-and-bottom set like this is perfect for long days of exploring. The best part? You can **mix and match** each piece with other items in your suitcase, giving you multiple outfits without packing extra.

Shop Now

What to Wear in the Evenings in India

***Wrap for the Evening***

A **lightweight scarf or wrap** is perfect for cooler evenings or when restaurant air conditioning is blasting. It’s an easy layer to toss in your bag and it can **double as a sarong**, temple cover, or even a travel blanket in a pinch.

shop Now

***An Evening look***

What you wear to dinner will depend on whether the night calls for something **elevated or more low-key**, and in India, you’ll experience a mix of both. I like having a few versatile pieces that can flex either way. **I love this brand** for relaxed, effortless evening looks and when I want to dress things up just a bit.

Shop Now

***A statement two-piece set***

Loose, lightweight **top-and-bottom sets** are one of my go-to choices for dinner while traveling in India. They feel polished without being fussy, stay comfortable in warm evening temperatures, and photograph beautifully. I love that each piece can be styled separately, giving you multiple **effortless dinner looks**.

Shop Now

MOST IMPORTANTLY: If you want to elevate your outfits for this trip without overbuying, I highly recommend renting through Nuuly. It’s my favorite rental service for travel; the selection is incredible, the pieces feel modern and wearable, and it’s also much more size-inclusive (owned by Anthropologie and Free People). I rent from them constantly and love how easy it is to experiment with bold, flowy styles that are perfect for India. If you use this link, you’ll get $30 off your first month.

Rent the Runway is another great option, especially if you’re looking for more formal or statement pieces. It’s been a longtime travel favorite of mine, and you can use my code RTRALLEP for 40% off of two months.

What to wear to the Pool in India

***The Best Swimsuit EVER***

This is hands-down the suit I reach for again and again. It’s incredibly well made, supportive, and actually stays put (no riding up, ever 🙌). I love how easily it doubles as a **bodysuit**, styled with linen pants, a skirt, or a button-down for a chic cover-up moment.

Shop Now

***Sarong***

This brand is a **packing dream**, their swimsuits are **reversible**, giving you two looks in one, and many come with **matching sarongs** to complete the set. It’s basically **two swimsuits for the space of one**. The sarong is incredibly versatile too: wear it as a wrap, a skirt, or even throw it over your shoulders.

Shop Now

***A Sunhat***

A **wide-brim straw hat** is an absolute must for India travel, not just for pool days, but also for sun protection while exploring. It helps keep you cool during sightseeing and instantly elevates any outfit.

Shop Now

***A Swimsuit Set***

This is one of my favorite travel finds. The top works just as well as a **bodysuit**, making it easy to style with linen pants or a skirt for daytime exploring or casual dinners. Paired with the **coordinating button-down**, it becomes a polished cover-up moment that feels intentional, effortless, and perfect for warm-weather travel.

Shop Now

Shoes & Accessories

1 . Sandals

These are hands down my favorite travel sandal & come in a bunch of different colors. They're SO comfy! These have been around for a few years so sometimes sizes are hard to find but a few different retailers carry them so shop around.

2. Sandals for walking around

Having a cute sandal to wear from day to night is PERFECT for India. These are comfortable and can be dressed up or down. There are a few different colors + they’re on major sale!

3. White Sneakers

There’s really nothing more classic to travel with than a white sneaker. I love these white sneakers because they are CRAZY lightweight and come in a few different colors.

4. These waterproof Birkenstocks

When I’m visiting a warm destination, these are a non-negotiable! They are comfortable for long days touring & they’re PERFECT for India because when they get dusty & dirty, you can easily rinse them off. PS - they come in SO many colors, but the gold are a Galavant Society favorite.

5. Toptote hat clip

These are HUGE for me when I travel with a hat. It’s a magnetic clip that attaches to your bag so that you can carry your hat instead of constantly having to wear it.

6. A Statement Evening Bag

A fun , colorful bag for dinners is such a fun way to spice up a look. I LOVE this selection of beaded bags.

7. A Carry-All Bag

I love a slouchy tote bag for carrying around all the things when you’re touring. I like to add on a fun colorful scarf to bags like this to style this up. I’ve got my eyes on this colorful carry-all.