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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Orissa, India

Warm Weather Attire

Puri's tropical climate indicates specific clothing choices.

Summer March-May

  • Loose-fitting, breathable cotton or linen clothing.
  • Light colors reflect heat; avoid synthetics.
  • Ocean breezes can offer some comfort.

Monsoon & Winter Layers

Prepare for rain or cooler evenings with appropriate layers.

Monsoon June-October & Winter Nov-Feb

Footwear for All Occasions

Walking & Exploring

Comfortable, sturdy Walking sandals or breathable closed-toe shoes are ideal for city streets and temple complexes.

Good support for long walks.

Beach & Hotel

Flip-flops or lightweight sandals are perfect for the beach, hotel, or short, casual walks.

Easy to slip on and off.

Temple Visits

Choose footwear that is easy to remove, as shoes must be taken off before entering temples.

Practical for frequent removals.

Essential Documents

Critical Travel Papers

Keeping your documents organized and secure prevents unnecessary stress. Carry both original and copies.

  • Passport and Visa: Originals and copies (digital too).
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Physical and digital copies of details.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): If considering renting a vehicle (self-driving not generally recommended).
  • Vaccination Records & Health Documentation: Plus prescriptions for medications.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital copies of flight, hotel, and tour bookings.
  • Emergency Contact Info: Family, embassy, bank helpline, insurance.
  • Credit Card Photocopies: Front and back (CVV obscured).
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs: For potential discounts.

Technology & Electronics

Connectivity Essentials

Ensure your devices are ready for use in India.

Power and Phone

Charging & Organization

Keep devices powered and data safe.

Power and Data Management

Data Security Measures

Cloud Backup

Utilize cloud services for automatic photo and document synchronization.

Physical Backup

An external hard drive provides a reliable physical copy of your digital memories.

Device Protection

Protect equipment from dust, humidity, and sand, especially near the beach.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit addresses minor issues and promotes comfort.

Essential Contents

Climate Protection

Protect yourself from insects and the strong sun.

Sun & Bug Defense

Other Health Essentials

Common Remedies

  • Motion sickness tablets (if prone to travel sickness).
  • Fever reducer and allergy medication.
  • Antacids for indigestion and topical cream for irritations.

Hygiene & Personal Care

  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Any specific personal hygiene items or preferred brands.
  • Small Travel-sized toiletries for convenience.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Beach Activities

Swimwear and a light beach towel.

  • Swimwear is important.
  • A light Beach towel or sarong is useful.
  • Cover up when away from the immediate beach.
  • Respect local sensibilities.

Boating/Birdwatching

For Chilika Lake explorations.

  • Binoculars are helpful for birdwatching.
  • A camera with good zoom captures wildlife.
  • Comfortable attire for boat rides.
  • Sun protection is advised.

General Exploration

A small daypack is useful for daily excursions.

  • A Small daypack for water, snacks, sunscreen.
  • Comfortable shoes for walking (see Footwear section).
  • Camera for capturing sights.
  • Light rain gear for unexpected showers.

Gear Acquisition Consideration

Cultural & Beach Focus

  • Puri's appeal leans toward cultural experiences and natural beauty.
  • Highly specialized extreme sports gear is not typically needed.
  • Focus on comfortable items and swimwear.
  • Basic weather protection and daily use items are sufficient.

Cost & Convenience

  • Renting specialized items locally might not be practical or easy.
  • Only pack what is genuinely important for your planned activities.
  • Lighter luggage makes travel more agile.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

Enhance your journey with these added items.

Comfort and Safety

Sustainable & Practical Items

Contribute to sustainable travel and everyday convenience.

Eco-Friendly & Handy

  • Reusable water bottle for purified water refills.
  • Reusable shopping bag for market visits.
  • Reusable utensils to lessen plastic waste.
  • Small denomination cash for local purchases and bargaining.

Special Needs & Local Availability

Dietary Needs

Bring special snacks if you have dietary needs.

Medical Supplies

Pack specific medical supplies if needed.

Preferred Toiletries

Bring preferred toiletries that may not be available.

Cost Factor

Items may be expensive or hard to find locally.

Cultural Dress & Beach Etiquette

Cultural Modesty

  • Modest attire for temples and religious sites.
  • Shoulders and knees should remain covered for both men and women.
  • A light scarf or shawl offers head cover in temples and sun protection.

Beach Protocol

  • Swimwear is acceptable on Puri Beach.
  • Cover up with a sarong, shorts, or t-shirt when walking to and from the beach.
  • Respect local sensibilities regarding dress in public areas.

Smart Packing Advice

Consider packing a small, separate bag for temple visits. You can place your shoes in it when entering sacred areas, keeping them clean and secure.