Madhya Pradesh And Chhattisgarh, India
India’s general custom includes modest dress, especially when visiting religious sites. Choose fabrics that breathe well in summer and monsoon, like cotton or linen. Layer for winter evenings. Light colors reflect sunlight. Loose-fitting long sleeves and pants offer protection from sun and heat.
Dressing modestly is advisable for both men and women, particularly when visiting religious sites or local markets. Shoulders and knees should be covered. For women, kurtas (long tunics), long dresses, or pants with tunics are appropriate. A Lightweight scarf or shawl provides modesty or Sun protection.
Choose Shoes with good support for extensive walking at historical sites.
Convenient for easy removal at temples and for casual wear.
For monsoon season, Waterproof sandals or Crocs are practical for wet conditions.
Keeping your documents organized and secure supports your travel. Have both physical and digital copies of everything, stored separately.
India uses Type C, D, and M electrical outlets (230V, 50Hz). Bring a Universal travel adapter. If your devices are not dual voltage, you may also require a Voltage converter. Your mobile phone needs to be unlocked for an Indian SIM card. Major providers include Airtel and Jio, available at airports or authorized stores. You will need your passport, visa copy, and a passport-sized photo for activation.
A good Travel camera (DSLR, Mirrorless, or quality Smartphone) captures Orchha's beauty. Bring extra batteries and memory cards. A Lightweight tripod assists low-light photography. Download Google Maps (offline maps) and Google Translate (Hindi pack) for navigation and communication. For secure internet, consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN. For e-SIMs, Airalo.
Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox for backing up photos and scanned documents.
An External hard drive or USB stick provides additional photo backup.
A Travel document organizer keeps everything in one place.
A well-stocked health and wellness kit prepares for common travel ailments and unexpected situations. Include items for minor cuts, pain relief, and digestive issues.
Carry prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's documentation. Include over-the-counter remedies for cold/flu, antacids, or motion sickness. Pack insect repellent (DEET-based) and Sunscreen. A Water filter bottle can be a backup. Bring specific brands of hygiene products you might not find locally. Hand sanitizer and wet wipes are always useful.
If serious about photography, bring your camera, desired lenses, a lightweight tripod, and a cleaning kit. Rental options for high-quality equipment are not available in Orchha.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring sites on foot. A small daypack for water, snacks, and personal items. A hat or cap for sun protection is recommended.
If you plan a gentle float on the Betwa River (seasonal), quick-dry clothing and water shoes are useful. Orchha’s river rafting is typically calm, not white-water.
Do not overlook these smaller items that contribute to overall comfort and security during your trip. These can greatly improve long journeys and help safeguard your valuables.
Carry reusable items to minimize waste. This list also includes items that may be difficult or expensive to purchase locally, ensuring you have preferred brands or specialized products.
Minimize plastic waste.
Reduce plastic bags.
Turn off lights and AC.
Dispose waste responsibly.
Pack light for easier movement, especially if using trains or auto-rickshaws. Consider rolling your clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles.
Use packing cubes to organize your belongings and separate clean from dirty clothes. Always leave some extra space for souvenirs!