India is indeed a masala of many wonderful,
interesting things. However, for the first-time traveller, the variety of
elements you have to deal with could be a little dizzying. It is, therefore,
road-smart to equip your backpacks with these useful travel buddies. So as not
to send you into tilt or derail you from making happy holidays, let’s stand by
what #Rover Recommends.
1.
Water
Bottle. While it’s general travel wisdom to keep oneself
always hydrated, it is doubly important to always carry with you a bottle of
water anywhere in India. That is, water that you are already used to. Bottled
water is available everywhere as well as those in jugs with a common glass
readily offered to random passersby. However, your system may not be as ready
to take in different types of water. So, better safe than sore tummy. [One
curious detail though is my preference for that warm, pinkish water that they
usually serve in Kerala homes. This ayurvedic mix is made by boiling water
along with the hard part of the sappan wood or East Indian red wood. It is said
to be both a purifier and a cure for many diseases. But then, again, it needs
some getting used to.]
2.
Wet
Wipes/Toilet Paper. Okay, let’s start from the beginning of
the digestion process. Most of the time, you would be taking food and meals
using your hand. Therefore, it is always wise to wash your hands or in the
absence of water, use wet wipes. By the end of the process, repeat step one.
Trust me on this. Like, really. Sometimes, clean water and soap may not be
available, and many times, toilet paper is still scarce. That leads me to these
amazing…
3.
Green
Pearls. A very concerned friend suggested it to me in one
of my earlier travels around India. These are wonder gems made mainly of Pudina
Satva that provide quick relief from stomach ailments. I’m not sure yet as to
how medically safe they are, but for sure, they have helped me keep the toilet
away, which may not always be around the corner anyway. Especially during long
trips with irregular meal schedules, these green pearls come in handy along
with candies, dark chocolate, and light biscuits. [Personally, I have been
war-trained by my grandmother not to eat during a trip. And so, I could
actually survive an all-nighter without eating. But that’s just between me and
my grandmother.]
4.
Sturdy
Sandals/Chappals. They help you walk the talk. There’s a
lot of walking (and sometimes running and pushing and shoving) involved here in
India, and on roads less travelled or badly beaten at that. Shoes are fine, but
with the weather varying around the subcontinent, an ever reliable pair of
sandals could be one small step for man, one giant leap over potholes and dead
animals sometimes. Rain or shine, chappals could be your stepping-stone to
wanderlust success.
5.
Neck
pillow. When you are not walking, most likely you are on a
bus or on the train. You might as well keep your neck relaxed and secure, whether
on sleep or sightseeing mode. India is big. A three-hour ride is near,
eight-hour trips are normal, and hope springs eternal.
6.
Blanket/Towel.
Please refer to number 2. Well, seriously, your modest accommodation either on
the bus or train or during your stay may not provide for these two important
pieces of cloth. AC buses or trains could get exponentially cold, while
open-air transportation could be a little, well, breezy and/or open to air. Also,
you don’t want to catch yourself after-bath without a towel.
7.
Mosquito
repellent. Quite simply, to repel mosquitoes unless you intend
to spend most of your time body-clapping.
8.
Water-proof
Things/Bags. Aside from the sporadic rain, be ready
for your bag to also get sweaty, moist, sauced, etc. There’s also a lot of
sweating and washing involved, so a ready water-proof bag for wet clothes could
prove to be the hottest deal.
9.
Books/Music/Movies.
Please refer to number 5. Aside from long rides [which I really, really like,
by the way], you will always have some spare time while waiting for your
flight, bus, meal, service, etc. So, while trying to learn the ropes tied to
the Indian sense of timing, you can read a chapter, listen to an album, watch
an episode. In case, these do not suffice. You can go back to sightseeing and
people-watching.
10.
Camera/Diary.
Despite the difficulties and the inconvenience, travelling around India could
prove to be the deepest and most enriching human experience one could ever
have. It is for me. I have never felt so close, elbow to elbow, with humanity,
the essentials of life. It has a way, sometimes charming, sometimes confusing,
of keeping yourself grounded. Of course, without much exoticising or
dramaticising one’s experiences, you’d thank me later for having told you to
keep some memories through photographs and writings. Besides, who knows other people
outside of your family and friends could also benefit from your travel stories.
Take my word for it, literally.
11. Family Picture. As
a family-oriented and friendly bunch, Indians get really curious about your
age, your work, your social status, your family background. Showing them a
picture of your family is like welcoming them into your home back where you come
from. And since all of a sudden you all become one family, a new family selfie
is also required. And the whole world becomes one big happy family.
12.
Smile.
Again, despite the difficulties and the inconvenience, a smile is your map,
guidebook, and welcome and parting gift all in one. It will lead you to open
arms, and doors and homes, and maybe wrong directions, but still more smiles
and even lasting friends. With a smile, come an open mind and a happy
disposition. Then, beyond money and/or any other material remuneration, a smile
could prove to be the best gift and greeting you could give and leave a host or
a stranger. In a world of walls and borders, it is the most effective
icebreaker, to begin with.
So, let’s get this packing started. // for Oasis Holidays
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is a worldwide-eyed wanderer currently based in Bangalore, India. You may follow his musings and wanderings on this blog. is a series of articles based on Mr. Rover's adventures and discoveries in this very interesting and incredible subcontinent.
