India Packing List | Spring & Summer

The following packing list contains general recommendations for an India tiger safari in the warmer spring and summer months (April through June). If you are currently booked on an India adventure with Nat Hab, please consult your pre-departure materials for the most up-to-date packing list for your trip. You will receive these pre-departure materials 60–90 days before your departure.

Adventure Guidelines

• Temperatures can reach well over 100ºF between the months of April and June. Please be prepared with appropriate lightweight, breathable clothing.
• Wildlife drives can be extremely dusty at this time of year. We recommend bringing a dust-proof bag to protect your photo equipment during outings and eye drops if you are sensitive to dust.
• We encourage you to take into account local attitudes toward modesty and propriety. Your style of dress will, in part, determine your acceptance by, and interaction with, local people. Always check with your guide concerning proper dress code for the day’s activities.
• While you may see other tourists wearing these items, in general, shorts and tank tops (clothing that reveals your knees and shoulders) are considered disrespectful and are not culturally appropriate while in Delhi. This is especially true for women.
• In the national park, it is acceptable to wear shorts and short-sleeved shirts while on wildlife drives; however, long sleeves are recommended, as they offer greater protection from the sun.
• In mosques you may be requested to cover your head and remove your shoes.
• Wearing modest clothing is especially important in temples and monasteries. Shorts or other revealing items clothing should never be worn.
  
  

Clothing

• Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-departure package)
  —Also provides sun, wind and/or dust protection.
•  Silk, wool or polypropylene long underwear for layering (tops & bottoms)
• Rain jacket or umbrella 
  — Although our adventure takes place before monsoon season, there is always a chance of rain. We recommend bringing a very lightweight, breathable, waterproof rain jacket with hood for use during wildlife drives, and a compact umbrella, which can be more comfortable in the heat during our city tour.
•  Sturdy walking shoes and/or sport sandals 
  — Bring the most comfortable option for walking. Sturdy sandals such as Tevas, Chacos or Keens can be comfortable while on wildlife drives.

• 2–4 short-sleeved, lightweight shirts 
  — Bring modest shirts that cover your shoulders. It is not recommended that you wear short-sleeved shirts during wildlife drives, as they will not protect you from the sun.
• 2 long-sleeved, lightweight shirts 
  — Helpful for sun protection on wildlife drives.
• 2 pairs of lightweight capris or long pants
• 1 pair of lightweight zip-off pants/shorts
  — Shorts are not recommended while in Delhi. However, zip-off pants can be useful. 
• Long skirt for women (optional)
• Extra pair of comfortable shoes
  — To wear in the evenings after outdoor excursions.
• Socks
  — If you are wearing closed-toe shoes, bring socks made of moisture-wicking material.
• Undergarments
• Sleepwear
• Swimsuit (optional)
  
  

Additional Items

• Cash
  — For discretionary gratuities (you may want to bring envelopes for discreet presentation)
  — For personal spending (souvenirs, Internet use and food and beverages not included in your trip fee)
  — For hotel transfers for early arrival, late departures or staying at a different accommodation (if applicable)
  — Video camera fees (if applicable)
• Binoculars
  — Binoculars are a huge asset for wildlife viewing and are highly recommended. For optimal viewing, we suggest those with specs between 10x42 and 8x42. You may even try 8x35 but only if they contain high-quality glass. Practice using your binoculars before your adventure to make sure they are not too powerful or you do not have trouble holding them steady.
• Water/dust-resistant daypack 
  — To carry camera equipment or other gear during outings.
  — A dust-proof drawstring bag will also be helpful to protect your equipment when traveling in open 4x4s on wildlife drives.
  
• Reusable water bottle (included in your pre-trip package)
  —In our continuing effort to operate our adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, you will receive a reusable water bottle (unless you opted out on your Booking Form) to take with you on your adventure. We will provide drinking water throughout the adventure for you to refill your bottle. By doing this, you will avoid using multiple disposable plastic bottles.
• Headlamp or small flashlight
  — Power outages are not uncommon. Carry spare batteries.
• Sun hat (with wide brim for protection) 
  — A good option is one that also has a “skirt” to cover your neck. 
• Sunglasses (with UV protection)
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
  —We do not advise wearing contact lenses on wildlife drives due to very dusty conditions.
• Earplugs
• Toiletries in reusable containers to minimize waste
  — Shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion are provided at all accommodations.
• Eye drops and nasal spray
  — To help with any irritation that may occur due to excessive dust on wildlife drives.
• Quick-drying washcloth
  — You may wish to bring a washcloth if you prefer to use them, as they may not be provided by all accommodations.
• Toilet paper
  — As toilet paper is not always available in public restrooms, you may want to keep a roll in your daypack. Take out the center roll for easier packing.
• Insect repellent and anti-itch ointment
  — Repellents containing DEET are the most effective against mosquitoes, but please be aware that DEET is a very strong ingredient that can damage plastics, clothing and equipment.
• Sunscreen and lip balm (at least SPF15)
• Electrolyte/flavor crystal packets (optional)
  — Can be added to water to replace fluids in case of intestinal illness and/or enhance the taste to encourage hydration.
• Dry bags or reusable waterproof bags 
  — Great for wet or dirty clothing and to protect camera equipment from the elements.
• Hairdryers are provided at all accommodations.