FF

Hi All,

Does anyone have a reference for packing lists for India? Also, are binoculars a good thing to bring along? Will be visiting Delhi, Varanasi and Rajastan (including Ranthambhore Park).
Thanks for your wisdom!
f2

lcuy

Binoculars might be nice, if you have a compact pair and don't mind them getting very dusty.

Take clothing that is cool and can stand up to agressive washing if you intend to use hotel laundry.

I'd take a warm jacket for Ranthambore, as well as a cap, mittens, and a dust mask. It gets very chilly in teh early morning and evenings and the jeeps are open on the very dusty roads. A long cotton scarf was also nice for keeping teh dust and dirt out of hair and face.

For the other spots, warm weather clothing that hides the dust and dirt, and is realatively modest worked for us. You may want to buy a nice pashmina or other warm shawl once there. They are everywhere and pretty cheap. I wore slip-on shoes that could be polished, again due to the dust and dirt.

lcuy

Here's one previous thread about packing for India. You might try entering "packing" in the box above, as well as clicking on India to get more posts on this subject.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34450808

Guenmai

I don't know about binoculars and India, but I travel with them to a lot of places I go to just for the sake of being able to read street signs and other signs at far away distances. I carry the compact ones. Happy Travels!

Cicerone

You will want the binocs for Ranthambore for sure to see the wildlife like civet cats and other smaller animals, they will also be helpful in Varanasi I think for seeing temple details (i.e. on roofs) and also for remote people wathching so you don't feel quite so much the voyeur imposing on family funeral rites. I bring them everywhere I travel and they come in handy in places you wouldn't expect.

I would bring earplugs because you never know if your hotel will be next to a mosque or temple or have street noise or barking dogs. They are also helpful on night trains. You can get them on the flight over and keep them or buy some before you leave.

I would also try very hard to keep a supply of small bills, esp Rs 10 notes, for tips. Small change is hard to come by in India but is very useful for people like the shoe guys in mosques, temples and other sights like the Red Fort and the Taj Mahal. You should leave something for these guys, and Rs 50 is way too much (and Rs 50 notes are also hard to find). If you visit a temple or mosque, its often a welcome gesture to leave some money (like you would in a church). It's a token and Rs 10 is appreciated, although it may seem like nothing to you, it does still go pretty far in India. Try to get change from hotels and when you pay entrance fees at sights.

Bring and wear socks so when you take your shoes off at sites you can keep your feet warm; marble is mighty cold in the winter!

vp_singh

Binoculars are a good idea, especially with the 50X7 optics for these add atleast half an hour to the failing light...very handy on wildlife safaris & for viewing distant objects like abandoned hilltop forts etc.
Bring a lot of wet paper-wipes, rejuvinating Gatorade powder etc.

FanofIndia

Hi,
For going into places like the Taj Mahal, we are required to remove shoes. I recommend a pair of ols socks to put on, and remove afterwards, so you do not have grit in your shoes for the rest of the day. Binos are a must if you go to Ranthambhore.