emma69

I will be visiting Dehlhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, Agra, and a few places in between in October.

I have read that cleavage and bare shoulders are a bit of a no-no, so have purchased some tunic style tops (that are also long enough to cover my butt). I have headscarves to match should I need them for temples etc.

I did have a question about the lower half of my body - I have a number of long skirts and loose trousers, which I plan to wear most of the time (and certainly to temples etc.) But I was wondering whether knee length shorts (think yoga pants cut off at the knee rather than tailored) would be acceptable for 'around and about' generally sightseeing (forts etc.) with a tunic top? I tend to live in them in the summer here, as they are tech material that stops me getting too hot, and stretchy so are comfy for walking around, sitting for long periods of time etc. But I don't want to cause offence.

This sort of idea: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Women-Seamle...-/111659681619

Thanks for your advice!

GUWonder

Knee-length shorts beyond the hotel are likely to attract some more of the kind of attention there that you may not want. And even without that, given insects and dust and all the other stuff, clothes covering more of the legs may make sense. Outside of hotels, local women are commonly not found wearing shorts in public. In some of the Indian languages, shorts and underwear (of the panties/briefs sort) are referred to with the same word.

Keyser

i often see tourists wearing shorts & while they may attract some extra looks by the locals, there is nothing wrong with wearing them & it would certainly not offend anyone....

the places you have mentioned have very pleasant weather in october & the evenings would not be ideal shorts wearing weather in any case....but once again, nothing wrong with wearing them....

emma69

Thank you both. I wouldn't be wearing shorts in the evenings, it would be more light hiking around during the day (part of me thinks legs are easier to wash dust off than the hems of my long trousers and skirts!)

If it won't cause offence (my main concern) I think I will pack some, and then take my cue from what other tourists seem to be wearing, and how bad any stares may be! I will have a local guide with me, so can check with him (and hopefully he will be a deterrent to any stares / cat calls!)

yrs

Shorts and knee length skirts in your hotel and at major shopping/tourist spots (Connaught Place in Delhi) should not be a problem. The local people are used to seeing tourists. Otherwise please dress conservatively but comfortably.

Covering your head is not required in India. Probably in gurudwaras, if you chose to visit one.

emma69

Thank you. I believe our itinerary does have a variety of holy places for different religions, including mosques, so they recommended a scarf to cover my head.

The reason for my post is I am trying to understand what conservative means in the context of northern India - it varies so much around the world. Where I live, knee length skirts would be considered utterly conservative, people wear them out and about, to work, to court, etc. but in Saudi Arabia it is against the law for a woman to wear a knee length skirt in the street. I am trying to understand what is appropriate so I don't cause offence.

GUWonder

Going into places of worship on the tourist scene with shorts? Well, let's just say I've seen men and women admonished for that or getting some looks and (non-English) comments that I'd consider unwelcome.

Calf-length pants or shorts of an almost equal length and dresses/skirts that go to the calf/ankle is playing it safe to avoid most of that stuff in India.

What's locally-accepted attire varies by locality/context there too.

HMPS

OP, by and large you will be OK with what you have planned. Some orthodox temhave no problem with what you have. You can keep a thin sarong type wrap in your handbag for "emergency use !ples may require pants and full sleeves tops......most metro heavy tourist traffic sites will be just fine but if you can keep a sarong type wrap in your handbag.
Most everyone is very friendly and eager to help. Lots of English speakers too.
Have a few camera cards and extra batteries.
Looks like you are on an escorted tour ?

Indian Miles

As such, none of the items you mentioned are "against the law" or "forbidden". In Delhi, you can probably wear any of the items and it would not be a problem. You are likely to be stared at and asked for photos etc irrespective of what you wear, which most foreign tourists, male or female, tend to experience. You should be fine in the other towns as well, just expect some extra attention when wearing shorts or baring shoulders.

emma69

I did say in my first post:

"I have a number of long skirts and loose trousers, which I plan to wear most of the time (and certainly to temples etc.)"

The shorts would be more for walking / light hiking (as I do at home)

emma69

Thank you. I have a private car and driver arranged (rather than being part of a tour group), so it is very easy for me to have changes of clothes with me for different purposes. I have a number of large scarfs / sarongs, so it sounds like I am on the right track.

WeddingPlanning901

I am looking at places in New Delhi too!

HMPS

Folks if I can answer any more Qs, here or by PM, let it fly.

Tizzette

It is just part of travel to adapt your style of dress to avoid negative attention and opinion. I don't see lycra shorts as being worth the packing space for what little opportunity there will be to wear them.

shak121

I think, traditional Indian Punjabi dresses are good. However, it's just an option, if you like it.