Offbeat and remote destinations in India offer something so unique that it becomes pretty tough to describe in words. However, venturing into such areas also comes with its own unique challenges. Unlike the popular tourist spots, amenities are not found in offbeat places, which forces you to prepare for the journey without much outside help.
While in the bustling tourist areas, you’ll find 5G and cappuccinos at every two steps, but venturing into the hinterlands, from the valleys of Spiti to the living root bridges of Meghalaya, calls for a whole different kind of preparation. Out in these offbeat corners, infrastructure can be limited, electricity unreliable, and shops few and far between.
Therefore, to make sure your trip is remembered for its stunning views instead of travel hassles, it’s important to pack wisely. Here’s a handpicked list by mapunseen of must-have travel accessories for offbeat destinations in India that will keep you safe, connected, and comfortable on your journey.
1. Carry High-Capacity Power Bank (20,000 mAh+)
In remote Indian villages, electricity is often a rare luxury, with power cuts lasting hours or even days during monsoons and snowfall. While a standard battery pack might get you through a day in Delhi, for a trek in the Himalayas or a stay in a tribal village in Odisha, you’ll need something more powerful. When your phone is serving as your map, translator, and emergency satellite receiver, a 20,000 mAh power bank can be a lifesaver, giving you 4-5 full charges.
Pro Tip: Look for one with “Pass-Through Charging” so you can charge the bank and your phone simultaneously when you finally find a working socket.
2. Water Purification Bottle (Filter Bottle) is a Must
Plastic waste is a massive problem in the Indian mountains, and bottled water isn’t always available in tiny hamlets. More importantly, waterborne illnesses are the most common dampener for travellers. Ensure to grab fresh water in your filter bottle as much as you can in order to avoid water-related diseases that can even prove to be fatal to you.
Consider getting a bottle with a built-in filter (like LifeStraw or LifeStraw Go) that lets you safely drink from taps, rivers, or hand pumps. It’s one of the most essential travel accessories for offbeat destinations in India, helping you save money, cut down on plastic waste, and keep your stomach safe from contamination.
3. Go for a Powerful Headlamp with Red Light Mode
Streetlights are virtually non-existent in offbeat rural destinations when you venture into the night. It is recommended to chill at a homestay during the night, but if you want to live that nocturnal life, then the next accessory for offbeat destinations in India is right for you! In particular, you need to opt for a powerful torch or headlamp.
Remember, there will be many instances when you will be navigating a path to an outdoor toilet in the dark or trekking pre-dawn to catch a sunrise; hands-free lighting is non-negotiable. Furthermore, unlike a phone flashlight, a headlamp leaves your hands free to carry luggage or balance on uneven terrain.
Pro Tip: Choose one with a “Red Light” mode. It preserves your night vision and, crucially, doesn’t attract the swarm of insects that a bright white beam does in our tropical country.
4. Quick-Dry Microfiber Towel is a Great Accessory for Offbeat Destinations in India
In the humid jungles of the Northeast or the damp cold of the North, thick cotton towels struggle to dry properly. They can become heavy, develop unpleasant odours, and serve as a breeding ground for bacteria. In contrast, microfiber towels absorb much more water than cotton, dry in just minutes, and can be compacted to the size of a fist. Many budget homestays either do not provide towels or offer those of questionable cleanliness, which makes having your own microfiber towel an essential hygiene requirement.
5. Universal Adapter with Surge Protection is Very Handy
In India, the standard plug type is Type D, which has round pins. However, in remote homestays, you may encounter loose sockets or older wiring that can damage sensitive electronics due to fluctuations in voltage. To avoid this, it’s wise to bring a high-quality universal adapter that ensures a secure fit for your plug. Additionally, choose an adapter with built-in surge protection, as voltage spikes often occur in rural areas when power is restored after an outage.
6. A “Dust-Buster” Buff or Scarf is a Universal Protector
India’s roads, particularly the unpaved ones that lead to offbeat destinations in India, can be extremely dusty. A multi-functional piece of headwear, like a Buff or a cotton scarf, is a traveller’s best companion. It serves multiple purposes: as a dust mask during open jeep safaris or bus rides, a sweatband while trekking, an eye mask for sleep, and a modest head covering when entering temples, mosques or gurudwaras.
7. Comprehensive “Indian Gut” First Aid Kit
Remote dispensaries might not stock the brands you rely on, so you need to ensure to carry some with you. In addition to the basics like band-aids and antiseptics, your kit should focus on stomach care—after all, “Delhi Belly” can hit anywhere. That’s why it’s important to pack the following essentials to stay safe:
| ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) | Vital for dehydration. |
| Probiotics | To aid digestion. |
| Loperamide | For emergency stoppage of diarrhoea during travel. |
| Odomos | The gold standard of mosquito repellent creams in India. It is highly effective against malaria and dengue carriers. |
8. A Retractable Cable Lock is Necessary for Your Belongings’ Safety
Safety in remote areas of India is generally good, but opportunistic theft can happen, especially during transit on buses and trains rather than at the destination. Therefore, among all travel accessories for offbeat destinations in India, a retractable cable lock offers the most peace of mind. This lock allows you to secure your backpack to a bunk on a sleeper train or a rack on a local bus, so you can sleep without worrying about your belongings.
9. Toilet Hygiene Kit or The “Remote Washroom” Saver
This is especially true for foreign tourists exploring India’s offbeat destinations for the first time. In village stops, Western-style toilets are uncommon, and toilet paper is rarely available in public restrooms or budget dhabas (roadside eateries). The following accessories are must-haves for all travellers, whether local or foreign:
| Paper Soap | Tiny strips of dehydrated soap that melt with water. |
| Hand Sanitiser | For when water isn’t available. |
| Toilet Paper/Wipes | Remove the cardboard roll to save space. |
| Stand-and-Pee Device (for women) | Highly recommended for using less-than-sanitary public toilets without contact. |
| Pee-Safe (for women) | In case you are using a public toilet, use this sanetising spray for decontamination, |
10. Offline Maps and Physical Guide for Pro Navigation
In remote spots like Ladakh, Spiti, or the dense forests of Kerala, GPS signals can disappear at a moment’s notice. Thus, relying only on online Google Maps is a rookie error, so it’s smart to download “Offline Areas” in the app before heading away from civilisation. Still, batteries can run out, so making a physical map or printed guidebook is generally a reliable backup. Remember, often these guidebooks are packed with local gems like hidden waterfalls that tech might overlook.
Conclusion
Before we conclude this post, let mapunseen leave you with some bonus tips, like leaving your hard-shell suitcase at home and travelling light. Remote travel in India often involves walking over cobblestones, dirt tracks, or climbing stairs at homestays. So purchase or carry a 40-50L Backpack with a rain cover, as it is the only practical way to move.
Thus, travelling to the far corners of our vast subcontinent is a rewarding challenge that comes with its unique pain and pleasure. It demands patience and preparation, where you have to prioritise these top 10 travel accessories for offbeat destinations in India. After all, you aren’t just packing “things”; you are packing independence. You are ensuring that a power cut, a stomach bug, or a rough bus ride becomes a minor footnote in your grand adventure story.
FAQs
- Will my phone network work everywhere?
- Likely not. Private carriers (Airtel/Jio) often lose signal in deep valleys or border areas. A post-paid BSNL SIM card is recommended as a backup, as it has the widest coverage in the Indian hinterlands.
- Can I rely on UPI/Digital payments?
- No. UPI apps require the internet, unless you use UPI through the new offline method, but it can still be unreliable in remote zones. Always carry sufficient cash in small denominations (₹100, ₹200), as ATMs are scarce and digital transactions often fail.
- Do I need special permits?
- Yes, for specific regions. Border areas like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim, and parts of Ladakh require an Inner Line Permit (ILP). Check state government websites and apply online before you travel.
- Suitcase or Backpack?
- Definitely a backpack. Remote villages rarely have paved roads or elevators. A backpack is essential for navigating dirt tracks, suspension bridges, and steep stairs where wheeling a suitcase is impossible.
