Boy, did I bring too much stuff. Among the unecessary things I burdened myself with:

1-An expensive virus-filtering water bottle from REI. Unless you are planning on doing a serious trek or camping, or spending more than a day in a very rustic area - good safe bottled water is available literally everywhere, at every train stop and bus stand and corner shop. This was $50.00-plus wasted for me.
2-Eight dollars (US) worth of diarrhea medication (Lomotil). It is available here, and unless you have a long bus ride ahead of you, unnecessary - if you are so stricken, the best thing to do it let it pass, literally.
3-More than one book. Bring the guidebook of your choice; books are so cheap and plentiful here...and yes, in the titles you want.
4-Lots of clothes. For women, bring three Punjabi suits with dupatta scarves, 2 pairs of panties in dark colors, one pair of cotton-blend socks, one or 2 sports bras (one light color, one dark), and one pair of Tevas. Clothes, like books, are cheap, good and plentiful here.
-to be continued! -
Mysore, August 15