Start with the season
Delhi has hot summers, a humid monsoon and cool winters, and what you pack depends on when you go. Check the forecast a few days before you travel, since weather can change from the usual pattern.
A small, flexible set of clothes works better than a large suitcase. You can always buy something local if you need it.
Summer: light, loose and covered
In summer, choose loose cotton or linen that covers shoulders and knees. It keeps the sun off and suits visits to temples and monuments. Add a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Carry a refillable water bottle and take regular breaks in the shade. Plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon.
Monsoon: dry quickly
Pack quick-drying clothes, a light rain jacket or a small umbrella, and shoes that handle wet streets. Keep electronics in a waterproof pouch.
Roads can flood in heavy rain, so give yourself extra travel time and keep a flexible plan.
Winter: layers and a scarf
Winter mornings and evenings are cool, sometimes cold, with fog at times. Bring a warm layer, a scarf and closed shoes. Afternoons can be pleasant, so layers you can remove are useful.
Air quality can drop in cooler months. Some travellers carry a mask and check the current air quality before long outdoor days.
Small items that help
A power adapter, a power bank, a small first-aid kit, hand sanitiser and tissues cover many everyday needs. A cloth day bag with a zip keeps your things safe in crowds.
Carry a photocopy or phone photo of your passport and key documents, kept apart from the originals.
Dress for the places you visit
Many sites in Delhi, including temples, gurdwaras and mosques, ask visitors to cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes. Carry a scarf or shawl that can cover your head if needed, and socks for hot floors.
Easy slip-on shoes save time. Keep your plan simple, and pack for comfort first.
Pack for comfort first
Choose clothes you can wear more than once and mix easily. Neutral colours hide dust and wear, and breathable fabrics keep you comfortable in the heat.
A light laundry bag helps, since many hotels offer quick laundry. Leave some space in your bag for things you may buy.
Think about safety and small habits
Keep valuables in a zipped bag, and avoid carrying everything in one place. A money belt or an inner pocket is useful in crowds, such as markets and metro stations.
Save your hotel address in a form that you can show a driver. A charged phone, a power bank and a paper copy of key details cover most problems.
Know what you can buy locally
Delhi has pharmacies, markets and shops for most basics, so you do not need to bring everything. Sun hats, scarves, sandals and cotton clothes are easy to find, and buying a local item can be part of the trip.
Check airline baggage rules, and leave extra room for gifts. Pack light, and you will thank yourself on a busy travel day.
A short checklist
Before you close your bag, check the basics: passport and visa, tickets, a charger and adapter, medicines in their original packaging, a copy of your insurance and a small amount of cash. Add a scarf, a refillable bottle and a light bag for day trips.
A quick check of this list the night before saves stress on the morning of travel. If you forget something, Delhi has shops for almost everything.
Find out more about ZikPe
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