Clothing Attire

For climate and what to pack by season, see Weather. This page covers dress codes and norms.

Religious sites

Modest dress is expected at temples, mosques, gurudwaras and churches alike: shoulders and knees covered is the rule of thumb, and shoes come off before entering almost any place of worship (leave them at the entrance, usually with an attendant or in racks). At Sikh gurudwaras, everyone covers their head regardless of gender or religion; a scarf or bandana is fine, and most gurudwaras keep spares at the entrance. Some mosques ask women to cover their hair as well. Enforcement is rarely aggressive, but showing up prepared beats renting a wrap at a markup or being turned away.

General everyday dress

Outside beach towns and international hotels, dressing modestly is the norm, and it specifically makes travel more comfortable for women: loose clothing covering shoulders and knees draws far less unwanted attention than shorts or tank tops. This is a social norm, not a law; ignoring it mostly means more stares and occasional hassle. Beach destinations (Goa, coastal Kerala) and upscale urban areas are considerably more relaxed than small towns or religious cities like Varanasi.

Buying local clothing

A kurta (a loose tunic, worn by men and women) or kurti (the shorter women's version) is comfortable, weather-appropriate, and available at every price point from street markets to boutiques. Sarees and salwar kameez sets are easy to buy, and many shops in tourist areas will help with draping. Cotton and linen are the practical choices most of the year; wool and layers only matter in hill stations and the north in winter.

Laundry

Most hotels offer laundry, priced per item, often same-day or next-day. In smaller towns a local dhobi (laundry service) is common and cheap. Pack light; laundry is easy to arrange here.