What to Pack for an Ayurveda Retreat in India (and What to Leave Behind)

The most useful packing advice we can give you fits in one sentence: bring clothes you never want to see again. Almost everything you wear during Ayurvedic oil practices will end up with oil in it, and some of that oil won’t come out.

The rest of this list is what first-time guests most often wish they’d known.

Clothes

• ◆5–7 sets of loose, dark cotton clothes. Oil shows less on dark colours. Linen and cotton breathe in the humidity.
• ◆Old underwear. Seriously.
• ◆One or two comfortable yoga outfits. Nothing tight, nothing precious.
• ◆A light shawl or cardigan for air-conditioned rooms and cooler monsoon evenings.
• ◆Slip-on sandals. You’ll take shoes off many times a day.
• ◆Modest clothing for temple visits: shoulders and knees covered, if you plan to see the Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi on a rest day.
• ◆A scarf or bandana to cover oiled hair after head practices.

You’ll need fewer clothes than you think.

For the oil

• ◆Old pillowcases or a small towel to put over your pillow after Shirodhara or head massage.
• ◆Hair ties and a wide-tooth comb.
• ◆Mild, unscented soap or shampoo: your therapist may suggest a herbal powder instead.

Health and documents

• ◆Every medication you take, in original packaging, plus enough for a few extra days.
• ◆A written list of medications, supplements, allergies and surgeries. Our doctors will ask; having it on paper saves time.
• ◆Recent medical reports, if you have any relevant ones.
• ◆Travel insurance that covers your full stay.
• ◆Visa documents and copies.

“Guests forget to mention the small, ongoing things,” says Dr Deepthi Konamme, “a sleeping tablet taken most nights, a supplement bought online, an old knee injury they have stopped thinking about. None of it is dramatic, but all of it changes what we plan for you, so we would rather hear it on day one than notice it on day five.”

For the weather

December to February: sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat. March to May: all of the above, plus extra light clothes: it’s hot and humid. June to September (monsoon): a light rain jacket or compact umbrella, quick-dry clothes, a waterproof pouch for your phone, sandals that grip when wet.

Mosquito repellent is worth packing all year.

For the quiet hours

There’s more free time than people expect, especially in the preparation phase.

• ◆A paper book or two. Screens pull you back into your usual life.
• ◆A notebook. Many guests end up writing more than they planned.
• ◆Earplugs and an eye mask. Birds start early.
• ◆A small torch for evening walks on the grounds.

Tech

• ◆Plug adapter. India mostly uses Type C, D and M sockets at 230 V.
• ◆Phone and charger:and a plan to use them less. We’ll talk about a digital routine on day one.
• ◆Rooms have Wi-Fi. Whether you use it much is between you and your doctor.

Money, SIM cards and staying connected

• ◆Cash. Carry some Indian rupees for small purchases in town, tips and tuk-tuks. ATMs are easy to find in Udupi.
• ◆Cards. Widely accepted in larger shops, hotels and restaurants; less so at small stalls.
• ◆Mobile data. An international eSIM is the simplest option. A local SIM needs your passport, visa and a photo, and can take a day to activate.
• ◆Wi-Fi. Rooms have high-speed Wi-Fi. Your doctor will talk with you about how much to use it.
• ◆Travel insurance. Make sure it covers the full length of your stay and wellness programmes. Keep the policy number on paper as well as your phone.

What to leave behind

• ◆Snacks and outside food. Meals are part of your programme, and outside food isn’t allowed without your doctor’s approval.
• ◆Alcohol, cigarettes and vaping products. Not permitted on campus.
• ◆Coffee sachets. Ask your doctor first: caffeine is often paused during Panchakarma.
• ◆Strong perfumes and heavy make-up. They clash with the oils and you won’t need them.
• ◆Expensive jewellery. You’ll take it off for every practice anyway.
• ◆Too many clothes. See the top of this list.
• ◆A packed work calendar. The hardest thing to leave behind, and the most worth it.

Packing by programme length

• ◆3–5 days: 3–4 practice-clothes sets · 2 everyday outfits · 1 book · carry-on is enough
• ◆7 days: 5–6 practice-clothes sets · 3 everyday outfits · 2 books · carry-on is possible if you plan to use laundry
• ◆14 days: 6–7 practice-clothes sets · 3–4 everyday outfits · 3 books · plan on laundry once or twice
• ◆21 days: 7 practice-clothes sets · 4 everyday outfits · 3–4 books · pack a few things you’ll happily leave behind

Practice clothes get oily fast, so rotate them.

Bringing herbal preparations home

If your doctor sends you home with herbal preparations, a little admin avoids trouble at the airport:

• ◆Ask for a printed ingredient list and keep the bill.
• ◆Keep everything in original, labelled packaging.
• ◆Declare plant-based products where your destination requires it. Australia and New Zealand are particularly strict about biosecurity; the United States, United Kingdom and European Union restrict some ingredients.
• ◆Check your destination’s customs website before you fly.
• ◆Show the list to your own doctor once you’re home, especially if you take other medication.

If someone is travelling with you

Partners and family staying as attenders don’t join the oil practices unless they book their own programme, so they can pack like normal holiday-makers. Two things are still worth bringing: modest clothes for temple visits, and something to do during the long quiet afternoons.

The full packing list

Clothes

• ◆Loose dark cotton sets × 5–6: for practices; expect staining
• ◆Everyday outfits × 3: including one modest outfit for temples
• ◆Yoga outfit × 1–2: comfortable, not precious
• ◆Old underwear × 7
• ◆Shawl or light cardigan × 1: air conditioning and monsoon evenings
• ◆Slip-on sandals × 1 pair: grip for wet paths in monsoon

Oil care

• ◆Scarf or bandana × 2: for oiled hair
• ◆Old pillowcase or small towel × 1–2
• ◆Hair ties, wide-tooth comb

Health

• ◆All medications + extra days: original packaging
• ◆Written list of medications, allergies, surgeries: hand to your doctor on day one
• ◆Recent medical reports: if relevant
• ◆Mosquito repellent, sunscreen × 1 each

Documents

• ◆Passport, visa, copies
• ◆Travel insurance details: on paper too

Weather

• ◆Rain jacket or compact umbrella × 1: June to September
• ◆Hat and sunglasses × 1 each: December to May

Quiet hours

• ◆Paper books × 2
• ◆Notebook and pen × 1
• ◆Earplugs, eye mask, small torch × 1 each

Tech

• ◆Plug adapter (Type C, D or M) × 1: 230 V
• ◆Phone and charger: use less than you think

Money

• ◆Some rupees in cash: small purchases in town

FAQ

What should I wear during Panchakarma? Loose, dark, cotton clothes you don’t mind staining.

Do I need to bring towels? Bring one old towel for oiled hair regardless.

Can I bring my own supplements? Bring them and show them to your doctor on day one. Some may be paused during your programme.

Is it OK to bring my laptop? Yes. Your doctor will talk with you about how much to use it.

Should I bring a yoga mat? Most guests don’t need to bring one.

Can I buy clothes in Udupi if I forget something? Yes. Light cotton kurtas and trousers are easy and inexpensive to buy in town, often ideal for practices.

Are toiletries provided? Bring your own mild, unscented products if you have sensitive skin.

What should I wear for the flight home after Panchakarma? Warm, loose layers and a scarf. Your body may feel the cold of air conditioning more than usual in the days after.

Packed and still have questions?

Our guest team answers pre-arrival questions every day, from plug sockets to prescriptions.

Diet and conduct rules follow Kanasu’s terms and conditions. Individual experiences vary.