Packing for travel to India can be difficult. The country is undoubtedly tropical, and it's terrain changes as you move from place to place. This, coupled with the cultural values of the region, can make it extremely confusing when packing. In fact, as someone who has travelled to India on several occasions, I still have a tough time deciding what to place into my suitcase. CLOTHING: Let's start with the essentials: underwear, it's a necessity no matter where you go. This one is pretty simple, as long as people can't see it, you're doing it right. Next, let's talk about tops. Try to pack light, flowy materials that you can layer. Even in the "winter" months, much of India experiences a rather hot climate. To escape the heat, wearing breathable materials like cotton is a must. It's important to remember that India, although a very "forward" country, still has social traditions which it maintains, and even though I am a staunch advocate for female empowerment through dressing, I still try to respect the notion of modesty that is practiced within the society. I recommend staying away from extremely low-cut tops that show a lot of cleavage, or completely backless numbers. If you have packed your suitcase all wrong, and are looking for a quick fix, go for a shopping trip within India. The clothing meets all the criteria: cute, affordable, colorful, comfortable, and modest! This "modesty" trend travels from shirts to bottoms. In my recent trips to India, I have seen more and more women in shorts. Most of the time these shorts are what you would consider a midi short length. I personally stay away from shorts altogether. This may be hard to believe considering I pretty much live in shorts back home, but I find that in India straying away from modesty leads to uncomfortable stares and moments. Believe it or not, I don't miss my shorts very much on these trips. I've really started to embrace the mom jean, pallazzo pant, and skirt trends. These options are comfortable for long, hot days plus they make for some really cute outfits. SHOES AND ACCESSORIES: When it comes to shoes, keep it simple. Don't overpack. The three sets of heels that may go with 5 of your outfits are really not worth the limited space in your suitcase. WEAR COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES EVEN IF THEY DON'T GO WITH YOUR OUTFIT (you can crop your pictures to perfection). In India, walking is inevitable and if you don't have the right shoes, you won't be able to enjoy your trip. Stay away from light colored shoes unless you are willing to see them turn into a beautiful brown color. I packed a pair of Vans and a pair of Chacos for my last trip. Another recommendation, pack a couple scarves. Scarves or stolls are very common within Indian culture. I find them perfect to cover up with if you are getting uncomfortable stares or if you want to cover your face in a dusty street. They also come in handy when visiting temples or mosques, which may require women to cover their heads as a sign of respect. Accessories-wise I recommend a watch (or two). I, as extremely extra as it sounds, like to wear two watches when I travel. One watch I set to Eastern time, the other I set to local time. This helps me plan out meals and sleeping times, so that I can beat the monster that is jet lag!
Something else you don't want to forget is a cute pair of sunglasses, even during the monsoon season, the sun does not shy away! MAKEUP/SKINCARE: Makeup is once again, something I recommend going simple with. Unfortunately, under the muggy heat and the smoggy air, make up seems to slide and even melt away. If you do decide to wear makeup, wear a durable primer underneath, and use setting spray on even the simplest of makeup looks. As for skincare, DO NOT GO SIMPLE HERE. The smog-filled air can leave your skin with a nasty coating which can lead to break outs. No matter how tired, take a moment to remove all your makeup, and wash your face before you head-off to bed. For me the long-haul flights left my skin dry so I made sure to moisturize every night. In the morning, even with my melatonin-rich skin (thank you Indian ancestors), I made sure to apply a coat of sunscreen to protect against the rays that never seem to hide behind clouds. Finally for this section, do not forget your favorite and strong deodorant.
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Blue Ridge, a bustling town in Fanin County, GA, can only be described as picturesque. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, the city features both the beauty of the nature and the quaintness of the town. About 2 and half hours north of Atlanta, Blue Ridge is the perfect get away for the day. Make your way to the city as early as possible and enjoy the beautiful sights on the scenic mountain drive. Once you make your way into town, take a stop at Mercier Orchards. Although we were unable to go fruit picking, we were still able to enjoy the view and conduct a mini photo shoot in the picnic area. From what I hear, the Orchards also have a phenomenal selection of pre-made treats which you can purchase (I could smell the sugary deliciousness the moment I walked in). After a few hours picking some peaches to take home and eating a meal at the Orchard's eatery, buckle up and take a trip to the end Aska Rd. to the tubing place across the bridge. I personally recommend this place because it is a family owned business. Not only were they extremely kind, but they also helped push my car out of a muddy slope. Needless to say with such wonderful people running the business, our trip down the river was nothing short of mesmerizing. Enjoy being surrounded by lush greenery and the calming sound of running water. After the hour and half trip down the river. Make your way to downtown Blue Ridge. Find the signs for free parking by the train tracks. Not only is this an economical option, it is also a stunning one. The parking lot is adjacent to an abandoned train, which makes for the perfect place to take pictures( my friend Needhi took this one of me on the train, she's a youtuber and you can find her on youtube at needforhumaninteraction). You can spend some time here taking pictures like we did, or you could even take a scenic train ride through Blue Ridge. You can find the ticket office for the train if you walk along the tracks towards the shops. Another option is walking around the downtown area and window shopping and trying the different flavors of fudge available. The stores include boutiques, wilderness outfitters, gemstone emporiums, and even quaint antique shops. After spending some time working up an appetite, make your way to one of the many restaurants in the area. We ate at Messeria, a pizza/pasta place that seemed to be popular. The food here was great and perfect for a vegetarian or vegan, but feel free to try some of the other options if you are looking for a traditional southern meal.
I decided to start making my way back home around 7 o'clock in the evening, because I didn't want to get stuck navigating the windy mountain roads in the dark, however, another popular option is renting a log cabin in the woods and spending a couple days amongst the serene wilderness. Next time you get a chance to make a trip to Blue Ridge, go for it! It's beauty and charm will not disappoint (I brought my friend from Michigan with me, and we had a blast). What I Wore: high top converse, vintage Tommy Hilfiger denim shorts, an American Eagle one piece swimsuit (no longer available), a striped Aeropostale shirt, a bandana, and finally a pair of sunglasses from Aeropostale! Extra Tips:
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Mahima Siripurapu18 years old. Industrial Engineering major. Dog enthusiast. Aspiring Khaleesi. Foodie. Land dweller. Struggling writer. Horrid chess player. Adequate chef. Thrifting lover. Environmentalist, and yes that does mean I'm a tree hugger. vegetarian. Archives
September 2018
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