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For
others, a backpack is still the best carrying container. Many packs
these days are lockable, otherwise you can make it a bit more
thief-proof by sewing on tabs so you can padlock it shut. It's worth
paying the money for a strong, good quality pack as it's much more
likely to withstand the rigours of Indian travel. An
alternative is a large, soft, zip bag with a wide shoulder strap. This
obviously not an option if you plan to do any trekking. If
you are undertaking a longer trip, whatever you carry you gear in, the
usual budget travellers' rule applies - bring as little as possible. If
you are spending time in the hill stations, especially during the cool
season, you will need a reasonably warm top or jacket for chilly nights. A
reasonable list would include: Underwear
and swimming gear. One
pair of cotton trousers. One
pair of shorts (men)/one long cotton skirt (women) A
few T-shirts or lightweight shirts. Sweater
for cool nights in the hills. One
pair of sneakers or shoes. Socks-useful
for visiting temples, especially for traipsing over areas exposed to the
sun. Sandals. Flip
flops (thongs)- handy to wear when showering. Lightweight
jacket or raincoat. A
set of 'dress up' clothes. A
hat/umbrella. Walking
boots - these must give good ankle support and have a sole flexible
enough to meet the anticipated walking conditions. Ensure your boots are
well broken in beforehand. Warm
jacket. Wool
shirt or pullover. Breeches
or shorts are ideal but should not be worn in places where they may
cause offence to locals. Shirts-T-shirts
are OK, but shirts with collars and sleeves will give added protection
against the sun. Socks
- a sufficient supply of thick and thin pairs should be taken. A
sun hat. A
multi-fuel stove (optional). Bedding A sleeping bag, although a hassle to carry, can come handy.
You can use it to spread over unsavoury-looking hotel bedding, as a
cushion on hard train seats, and as a seat for long waits on railway
platforms. If you are planning on camping or spending time in the hills
(especially during the cool season) a sleeping bag will suffice if you
are going to be spending all your time in hot, tropical places.
Men
can safely leave their shaving gear at home. One of the pleasures of
travelling in India is a shave in a barbershop every few days. With
HIV/AIDS becoming more widespread in India, however, make sure you
choose a barber's shop that looks clean, avoid roadside barbers, and
make sure that a fresh blade is used. For just a few rupees you'll get
the full treatment lathering, followed by a shave, more lathering,
another shave, and finally the hot, damp towel and sometimes talcum
powder, or even a scalp massage. Miscellaneous
Items A
padlock, especially for budget travellers - most cheap hotels and quite
a number of mid range places have doors locked by a flimsy latch and
padlock. You'll find having your own sturdy lock on the door does
wonders for your peace of mind. A
knife (preferably Swiss Army)- it has a whole range of uses, such as
peeling fruit etc. A
mini electric element-to boil water in a cup. A
sarong - can be used as a bed sheet, an item of clothing, an emergency
towel and a pillow. Insect
repellent, a box of mosquito coils or an electric mosquito zapper - you
can buy them in most places; try any medical store (remember, however,
that many parts of India are subject to power cuts). A mosquito net can
be very useful - bring tape with you if it doesn't come with a portable
frame. A
torch (flash light) and/or candles-power cuts (euphemistically known as
'load shedding') are not uncommon and there's little street lighting at
night. A
voltage stabiliser - for those travellers who may bring sensitive
electronic equipment. An
inflatable pillow - available in India for \Rs 50 to 60. Moisture-impregnated
disposable tissues - for your hands and face. A
spare set of glasses and your spectacle prescription. If your wear
contact glasses, bring enough solution to last your trip. Earplugs
(to shut out the din in some hotels) and a sleeping mask. A
sun hat and sunglasses - if you hate sweaty hats, buy an umbrella in
India (it provides shade plus air circulation). A
water bottle - it should always be by your side. Use water purification
tablets to avoid adding to India's growing plastic problem. High-factor
sunscreen - though becoming more widely available in India it's
expensive! Lip
balm - handy if you're planning to spend a lot of time on beaches on in
the mountains. String
- useful as a makeshift clothesline if you have no pegs). You can buy
small, inexpensive sachets of washing powder everywhere. A
pair of binoculars-if you plan to be bird watching and wild life
spotting. A
high-pitched whistle- some women carry them as a possible deterrent to
would-be assailants.
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