Top 12 Indian Travel Snacks to Carry on Long Trips

Light, tasty, and perfect for road, train, or air travel

Whether you’re heading to the hills, flying overseas, or hopping on a long train ride, packing the right snacks can make your journey more enjoyable and healthier.

Indian cuisine is rich in portable snacks — many of which are homemade, non-perishable, and full of flavor without being junk food.

Here are 12 top Indian travel snacks I always carry while traveling — as a health-conscious, road-tested traveler.

🥜 1. Roasted Chana (Chickpeas)

Crispy, protein-rich, and mess-free — roasted chana is my go-to dry snack for flights and trains.

✅ Shelf life: 1–2 months
✅ Why it's great: Keeps you full without bloating

🍘 2. Poha Chivda

A lightweight mixture of flattened rice, peanuts, and spices. Make it at home with minimal oil.

✅ Shelf life: 3–5 days
✅ Travel tip: Store in airtight steel or plastic box

🫓 3. Thepla / Methi Paratha

Perfect for longer journeys. Methi and masala varieties stay fresh without refrigeration for 2 days.

✅ Eat with or without pickle
✅ Roll and wrap individually in foil

🍪 4. Oats, Ragi, or Millet Cookies

Homemade or store-bought with minimal sugar — great with travel tea or coffee.

✅ Better than sugary biscuits
✅ Lasts over a week

🍥 5. Dry Samosa / Mini Kachori

Gujarat and Rajasthan-style dry snacks — spicy and crunchy, perfect for munching.

✅ Shelf life: Up to 10 days
✅ Caution: Slightly oily but filling

🍠 6. Sattu Laddoos or Energy Balls

Made from roasted gram flour and jaggery — these traditional Bihari snacks are power-packed.

✅ No refrigeration needed
✅ Great source of protein and iron

🥠 7. Khakhra

Thin, crispy, roasted flatbreads — available in dozens of flavors like methi, jeera, masala.

✅ Very travel-friendly
✅ Pairs well with curd (if short trip) or tea

🥥 8. Coconut & Dry Fruit Laddus

No refined sugar, full of nutrients, and sweet enough to satisfy cravings.

✅ Use dry coconut & jaggery for best shelf life

🥄 9. Homemade Trail Mix with Masala

Mix of nuts, raisins, puffed rice, seeds, and a pinch of chat masala -best mix ever.

✅ Make your own version at home
✅ Avoid salted store-bought packs with preservatives

🍿 10. Murukku or Chakli

Crunchy, spiced rice flour spirals — widely loved South Indian snack.

✅ Stays fresh for days
✅ Non-messy and easy to portion

🍌 11. Banana Chips (Kerala Style)

A great alternative to fried potato chips — crispy, lightly salted, and yum.

✅ Choose non-oily, baked versions if possible

🍛 12. Instant Upma / Poha Mix (Just Add Water)

Homemade or store-bought dry mixes — a savior for overnight travel or hostel stays.

✅ All you need is hot water + cup
✅ Use a reusable thermos or paper bowl

🎒 Pro Packing Tips:

• Use zip-locks, airtight boxes, or steel containers

• Keep dry snacks in one pouch, soft foods in another

• Carry wet wipes + tissue

• Label homemade items with the date if traveling long

✅ Final Thoughts:

You don’t have to rely on junk food or overpriced station meals when traveling. With a little planning, you can enjoy wholesome, flavorful, and energizing Indian snacks anywhere in the world.

So the next time you pack your bags, don’t forget to pack your snack box too — your body (and wallet) will thank you!

💬 What’s your favorite Indian snack to take on a trip? Share in the comments below!