India clothes advice please!

[JanBeth]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could advise me on what sort of clothes I need to take for India next March. Would it be okay to wear jeans or would they be too hot? Would you have to have your arms covered all lthe time? I understand they dress more modestly over there than we do but would it be okay to wear long shorts or cropped trousers? Also what sort of clothes for the evening? Sorry about all the questions but I'm trying to plan ahead! Thanks, Jan

[BGray]

(06/08/2012 09:19 AM)JanBeth Wrote:  Hi, I was wondering if anyone could advise me on what sort of clothes I need to take for India next March. Would it be okay to wear jeans or would they be too hot? Would you have to have your arms covered all lthe time? I understand they dress more modestly over there than we do but would it be okay to wear long shorts or cropped trousers? Also what sort of clothes for the evening? Sorry about all the questions but I'm trying to plan ahead! Thanks, Jan

Hi Jan, jeans would definitely be too hot! Most of us wore linen or light cotton and if we were visiting a temple etc, where arms or legs needed to be covered, we were either told beforehand or given a shawl/sarong etc to put on. We were also given disposable slippers to cover our feet. I wore shorts most of the time and was fine. Bring something bright to wear at the Taj, so you stand out in photos! For the evenings some folks dressed up a bit, nothing very flashy or glamorous, but the key is to be comfortable!
Best wishes,
Bob

[Hils]

(06/08/2012 09:19 AM)JanBeth Wrote:  Hi, I was wondering if anyone could advise me on what sort of clothes I need to take for India next March. Would it be okay to wear jeans or would they be too hot? Would you have to have your arms covered all lthe time? I understand they dress more modestly over there than we do but would it be okay to wear long shorts or cropped trousers? Also what sort of clothes for the evening? Sorry about all the questions but I'm trying to plan ahead! Thanks, Jan

Hi Jan,
I went to India this Feb/March and wore light cropped trousers most of the time. If you take clothes that can be washed and dried overnight that would be best - Craghoppers/Rohan etc. It is very cold first thing in the morning for the game drives and the Taj, so suggest you take a fleece or equivalent. For the evening, it is smart casual. Hope this helps. Enjoy, you will have a fantastic time! See my comments on staying healthy in India too.
Cheers, Hils

[shopper21]

Before you go make sure that you watch the Judi Dench film - Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - and take a few tips about clothing from the ladies in the film. I went to India in April and it was very hot so loose cotton clothing is a must. Some ladies wore t shirts and vests but I took my collection of shirts and always felt comfortable and well covered. Long or 3/4 length pants are best - didn't see many Europeans in shorts. Smart, casual is the dress rule for the evening and if you want a few ideas about dressing for the Taj have a look at our group photo in the latest edition of the Page & Moy Discover magazine. Have a great holiday - it's a fabulous adventure.

[Jaya]

Hello

In big Cities people dress like Westeners. March is towards the end of the winter season in India so it will still be a bit chilly in the mornings and evenings. Just take what you feel comfortable in, obviously not 'heavy' clothing. Have a great time.

Jaya

[JanBeth]

To everyone who has replied to me, thank you very much for all the useful advice
To Shopper21, yes I am planning to watch the Marigold Hotel DVD, I have already bought it and just waiting till I have a spare couple of hours! I have also bought Slum Dog Millionnaire and the DVD of Caroline Quentin in India. Can't get enough at the moment!
I also took your advice and downloaded the Discover magazine and saw you guys in front of the Taj - fab photo! Can't wait to book up now!
Thanks again,
Jan

[JuliaC]

I went in March and opted for loose linen or cotton trousers and long tunic tops. Monsoon, Boden and Mantaray at Debenhams are good places to shop.

Bright colours are a great idea at the Taj Mahal.