Bhubaneswar Odisha, India Travel Guide
Different seasons require different attire. For winter (October - February), light to medium-weight cottons or breathable fabrics are suitable for daytime. Cooler evenings and mornings in December and January call for a Light jacket, a sweater, or a Shawl. Summer (March - May) brings very hot and humid conditions; wear very light, loose-fitting cotton or linen clothing. Long sleeves offer sun protection. Light colors reflect sunlight. Monsoon (June - September) requires light, quick-drying clothing. A Waterproof rain jacket or a sturdy Umbrella is needed. Avoid heavy denim or slow-drying fabrics.
India generally observes a conservative dress code. Women should avoid overly revealing clothing. Loose-fitting trousers (like salwar kameez), long skirts, or jeans paired with modest tops that cover shoulders are appropriate. Men typically wear trousers or long shorts with shirts or T-shirts. When visiting temples and other places of worship, covering your shoulders and knees is mandatory. For ladies, this means wearing long pants or skirts that reach below the knee, and tops that cover the shoulders. Men should also wear long pants or trousers. Take off your shoes before going in any temple or religious space. Some temples may also ask women to cover their heads.
Keep travel documents organized and accessible. Carry both original and copies of required papers.
Bring your original passport (valid 6+ months), e-Visa printout or physical visa, and several photocopies stored in a different place. Keep digital copies on your phone, email, and cloud. Carry travel insurance policy details, IDP (if self-driving), Yellow Fever certificate (if applicable), personal vaccination records, plus medical doctor's notes for prescription medications. Have printed and digital copies of all reservations (flights, hotels, tours). Prepare an emergency contact list, including family, embassy, and insurance hotline. Student, senior, or press IDs may offer discounts.
Original and copies needed.
Passport valid 6+ months, e-Visa or physical visa, photocopies, online backups.
Present passport and e-Visa confirmation. Biometrics and photo at immigration.
Certificates and discount cards.
Yellow Fever certificate (if applicable), personal vaccination records, doctor's notes for prescription meds.
International Driving Permit (IDP) if self-driving. Ids For student/senior/press discounts.
All bookings and emergency info.
Printed and digital copies of flight, hotel, train, bus, and tour confirmations.
List of family, embassy/consulate, and travel insurance hotline. World Nomads for travel insurance.
India uses 230V at 50Hz, with Type C, D, and M plugs. A Universal travel adapter with surge protection is a wise choice. Most modern, unlocked GSM cell phones are compatible. Purchase a local SIM card (Airtel, Jio, Vi) at the airport or official stores with your passport, visa copy, and photo. Activation may take up to 24 hours. Consider an Airalo eSIM for immediate connectivity. Secure your internet connection with NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
A DSLR, Mirrorless camera, or high-quality Smartphone camera covers most photography needs. Pack extra batteries and memory cards. A Portable tripod helps with low-light temple photography (check restrictions). A Portable charger (power bank) is useful for long days of sightseeing. For photography gear, check B&H Photo.
Google Maps for directions. Ola and Uber for transparent taxi/auto-rickshaw booking.
Google Translate with offline language packs (Odia, Hindi).
MakeMyTrip or Goibibo for flights, trains, buses, and hotels within India.
Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud for regular backups of photos and documents.
External hard drive or USB drive for physical data copies.
The equipment you bring depends on the activities you have planned. Bhubaneswar itself offers fewer adventure-specific needs, but day trips might call for specialized gear.
For exploring temples and caves, Comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing are main requirements. If you are a photography enthusiast, a Camera backpack for comfortable carrying, along with extra lenses if needed, is a good idea.
For easy walks or day hikes in nearby nature areas, your own comfortable shoes and clothing suffice. You likely won't rent items like Hiking poles or specialized backpacks in Bhubaneswar. Life jackets are provided for water tours at Nandankanan Lake or Chilika Lake.
Decide what to bring versus what to rent based on quality and availability.
If you plan to visit a zoo or a protected area for wildlife, a pair of Compact binoculars adds to your viewing encounter without adding much bulk to your luggage.
Consider packing a small, discreet alarm or whistle for personal safety, especially if traveling solo.
