Road Trip Packing Checklist India: Complete List of Documents, Essentials & Emergency Kit

A great road trip in India starts with great packing. Whether you are driving to the mountains, heading to the desert, or cruising the highway to the coast, having the right essentials can make or break your experience. This comprehensive road trip packing checklist covers everything: documents, clothing, snacks, tech gear, emergency kit, and a vehicle preparation checklist. Print this list before your next trip with Triveni Cabs.

Documents Checklist (Must-Carry)

• Driving license (if self-driving) - original, valid, and not expired
• Vehicle RC (Registration Certificate) - original required at state borders
• Insurance papers - valid, comprehensive coverage recommended
• PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate - mandatory, checked at state borders
• FASTag - linked and with sufficient balance (check balance before departure)
• ID proof - Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID for hotel check-ins
• Permits - Inner Line Permits for restricted areas (Ladakh, Arunachal, etc.)
• Hotel bookings - printed confirmations (phone battery may die)
• Emergency contacts list - printed, including family, roadside assistance, insurance helpline

Pro Tip: If booking a cab with Triveni Cabs, our driver carries all vehicle documents. You only need your personal ID and hotel bookings.

Clothing Checklist

For Hill Station Trips

• Warm jacket or fleece (temperatures drop 6°C per 1,000m altitude gain)
• Thermals for trips above 2,000m (Manali, Shimla in winter)
• Comfortable trekking shoes with grip (not smooth-soled)
• Rain jacket or windcheater
• Warm socks and gloves (winter trips)
• Sun hat and sunglasses (UV is stronger at altitude)

For Desert/Rajasthan Trips

• Light, loose cotton clothing (covers skin from sun)
• Scarf or stole for dust protection
• Wide-brimmed hat or cap
• Sunscreen SPF 50+
• Comfortable sandals AND closed shoes

Universal Clothing Items

• 2-3 sets of comfortable clothes (avoid jeans for long drives - restricting)
• Sleepwear
• Modest outfit for temple visits (covers shoulders and knees)
• Extra set in a sealed plastic bag (in case luggage gets wet)

Tech & Gadgets Checklist

• Phone charger + car charger: Google Maps drains battery fast; a car charger is essential
• Power bank (20,000 mAh): For areas with no charging access
• Offline maps: Download Google Maps offline for your route (network dies in mountains)
• Headphones: For music and podcasts without disturbing others
• Camera: If you have one, road trips offer the best photo opportunities
• Extension cord/multi-charger: Hotel rooms often have one plug near the bed
• Torch/flashlight: For night stops, camping, or emergencies

Snacks & Food Essentials

• Water bottles: Minimum 2 litres per person for the drive (more in summer)
• Dry snacks: Namkeen, biscuits, chikki, dry fruits, muesli bars
• Fruits: Bananas and apples travel well without mess
• Glucose/ORS packets: Essential for dehydration prevention
• Chewing gum: Helps with ear pressure on mountain roads
• Wet wipes and tissues: Highway restroom standards vary
• Reusable water bottle: Refill at restaurants to reduce plastic waste
• Small garbage bag: Keep the car clean; dispose responsibly at stops

Health & Emergency Kit

• First aid basics: Band-aids, antiseptic cream, cotton, gauze
• Medicines: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, anti-allergic (Cetirizine), antacid, anti-diarrheal (Loperamide)
• Motion sickness: Avomine or Ondansetron (essential for mountain trips)
• Personal medications: Enough supply for the entire trip + 2 extra days
• Mosquito repellent: Cream/spray, especially for monsoon and evening stops
• Sunscreen: SPF 50+ for all destinations
• Hand sanitizer: For highway food stops
• Altitude sickness medicine: Diamox if traveling above 3,000m (Ladakh, Spiti)

Vehicle Emergency Kit

If self-driving, ensure your vehicle has these items. If traveling with Triveni Cabs, our vehicles come equipped with standard emergency gear.

• Spare tyre (inflated and in good condition) + jack + wheel spanner
• Jumper cables for dead battery
• Tow rope (nylon, 3-tonne capacity)
• Basic tool kit (screwdriver set, pliers, adjustable wrench)
• Reflective warning triangle
• Duct tape and cable ties (temporary fixes)
• Extra engine oil and coolant
• Snow chains (for winter mountain trips above 2,500m)

Related Reading

Now that you are packed, plan your destination:

• Best Road Trips from Delhi - top 15 road trip destinations
• Road Trips from Jaipur - explore Rajasthan by road
• Summer Hill Station Trips - pack for the mountains with our temperature guide
• Monsoon Road Trips - special monsoon packing essentials and destinations
• Outstation Cab Booking Tips - book the right vehicle for your trip
• Toll Charges Guide - budget the toll costs for popular routes
• Tempo Traveller Booking Guide - group trips with spacious luggage room
• Book Your Road Trip Cab - well-maintained vehicles with emergency kits

Packing Tips

• Use soft bags: Soft duffel bags fit into car boots better than hard suitcases
• One bag per person: Keep it minimal. You can always buy essentials on the road
• Day bag accessible: Keep a small backpack with water, snacks, phone charger, and camera accessible (not in the boot)
• Separate dirty clothes bag: A plastic bag for used clothes keeps your luggage organized
• Valuables on you: Cash, cards, phone, and important documents should stay in your personal bag, not in the boot

Destination-Specific Packing Add-Ons

For Agra/Golden Triangle

• Comfortable walking shoes (you will cover 8-10 km at monuments)
• Scarf or shawl for mosque entry at Taj Mahal complex
• Hat and sunglasses (open marble courtyards reflect intense sunlight)
• Small backpack that passes security screening (no large bags at Taj)

For Rajasthan Desert Trips

• Dust mask or scarf (desert wind carries fine sand)
• Lip balm with SPF (dry air cracks lips quickly)
• Light-coloured, loose cotton clothing (absorbs less heat)
• Extra water capacity (3+ litres per person for desert stretches)

For Spiritual/Pilgrimage Trips

• Head covering (required at gurudwaras, some mosques, and some temples)
• Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temple entry
• Socks (shoes must be removed at all temples; hot floors in summer)
• Small pooja items if required (flowers, coconut - ask the driver to stop at a local shop)

What You Do NOT Need to Pack (When Traveling with a Cab)

One advantage of traveling with a pre-booked cab service like Triveni Cabs is that several common road trip concerns are handled for you:

• Vehicle documents: Our driver carries all RC, insurance, PUC, and permits
• FASTag: Active on every vehicle with sufficient balance
• Emergency tools: Spare tyre, jack, jumper cables, and basic tools are in every cab
• Navigation: Our drivers know the routes; no need for you to run Google Maps
• Car charger: Available in all vehicles (but bring your own cable)

Since 2015, Triveni Cabs has completed over 500+ road trips across North India. Every vehicle undergoes a comprehensive trip-readiness check before departure: tyres, brakes, AC, fluids, wipers, and lights. Our drivers carry a fully stocked vehicle emergency kit. Contact us at 366 Dandupura, Agra or call 7668570551. Check our safety standards and customer reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much luggage can I bring in a cab?

A sedan (Swift Dzire) fits 2 large suitcases + 1 cabin bag in the boot. An SUV (Innova) fits 4 large suitcases + cabin bags. For families with strollers or heavy luggage, upgrade to an SUV. Tempo travellers have dedicated rear luggage space and optional roof carriers for excess bags.

Can I eat in the cab?

Dry snacks and water are fine. For meals, we recommend stopping at restaurants along the way - your driver will suggest good options. Our drivers know the best highway food stops on every major route. Please keep the vehicle reasonably clean for the next passengers.

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