India in November

[anatara]

We are going to India next month, very excited but could do with some packing help. We’re travelling the classic golden triangle route, Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ranthambore. Can anyone give advice on the dress code and what I’ll need for the weather. We’re staying in more luxury end hotels, can I wear knee length dresses in the hotel (thinking out and about do need to be covered), or do I need to go maxi and trousers? How cool will the evenings be? Will summer dresses be okay or jeans and jumpers? Thanks

Knee length dresses definitely fine in the hotel.

YMMV on the cold but I'd expect you might want to bring some layers in case of chilly evenings or mornings (think cardigans not huge woollen knits).

Have fun!

Thanks Booksandclocks, that's so helpful, so just a layer over a dress. Do you know what I need to wear in Ranthambore for the safaris? Can I just wear linen trousers and Birkenstocks, or is it more hardcore?

I've been to Ranthambore at Christmas it was surprisingly cold especially with the wind travelling in an open top vehicle. It warmed up in the afternoon and was cold at night.

Might help

I would say it might be nippy - light jumper / jeans / trainers with socks / scarf that might also be a blanket for me. I think hand gloves and mufflers sounds a little OTT. I grew up only a little south of Ranthambore and it was the "cool" thing for teenagers to refuse to wear any jumpers or warm clothing to school and we were all completely okay. But that said you know best how well you tolerate the cold so definitely look up expected temperatures and get some layers so you have the option to bundle up.

Thanks for your help, I'll pack a couple of layers. Do you know what I need to wear for the safaris?

You'll be travelling in a jeep or a cantor which will be open top. The wind was really cold but we travelled at Christmas so November will be milder. As pp mentioned layers will be the practical solution.

Thanks Mercurial123, I guess trousers and trainers rather than Birkenstocks then?

You go out very early in the morning on the safari so need to wrap up. We were out all day and saw lots of unusual birds but no tigers!

When are you visiting early or late November that might affect what you take with you. I had one of those ski headbands as my ears get cold easily.

We visited some temple ruins near the park. There were hundreds of langur monkeys sun bathing probably defrosting after the bitterly cold mornings. They were enjoying the heat SO much.

We're there about mid November, I think 12th to 15th, I hadn't even considered it would be cold!

Maybe ask the tour operator regarding temperatures. People on our group bought summer clothes and not much warm clothing. They suffered. Our hotel had no heating which made the experience even less pleasant. You should be provided with blankets by the tour company.

That’s a good idea, I’m glad I asked on here, I’d rather pack a couple of extra layers and not need them than be cold!

Delhi will be hot during the day (t-shirt weather), evenings are fine with a longer sleeve or a cardigan on top. In the bigger cities your fine in most western clothes, on safari it will get colder in the early morning/after sunset so a light puffer like the ultra lights from Uniqlo would be handy, plus they pack down to practically nothing