Dubai & India

Feb 21-24 | Dubai | St. Regis Downtown Dubai booked by a client
Feb 24-25 | Dubai Desert | Al Maha
Feb 25-27 | Thattekad | Periyar River Lodge
Feb 27-28 | Munnar | Elakai
Feb 28-Mar 02 | Cochin | 976 Panangad
Mar 02-04 | Varanasi | Brijrama Palace
Mar 04-06 | Delhi | The Lalit
Mar 06-09 | Ranthamore | Sujan Sherbagh
Mar 09-10 | Jaipur | Rambagh Palace

If you need any urgent assistance while traveling, please reach out to your contacts on the ground:

Emergency Contact in Dubai

• A contact: will be provided
  
• A contact: will be provided

Emergency Contact in India

• A contact: will be provided

Scenset Emergency Line

• will be provided

Important: If something needs immediate assistance, your local contact is the best person to call first as they are in the same time zone.

Please find all of your guide contact information below:

Your Guide in Dubai

• A guide: will be provided (for anything not related to the tours, please contact Michelle or Asit)

Your Guide in Kerala

• A guide: will be provided

Your Guide in Varanasi

• A guide: will be provided

Your Guide in Delhi

• A guide: will be provided

Your Guide in Ranthambore

• A guide: will be provided

Your Guide in Jaipur

• A guide: will be provided

Dubai

• US passport holders do not need a visa before traveling to the UAE.
  
• Simply disembark your flight at Dubai International and proceed to immigration, where your passport will be stamped with a 30-day visit visa.

India
US citizens seeking to enter India solely for tourist purposes for stays of less than 60 days may apply for an eVisa several days before arrival.

• Please visit the Indian government's website for electronic travel authorization for additional information and to submit an application.

These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.

Dubai:
February is one of the most popular times to visit the UAE. Dubai is at its coolest which is comfortably warm with average temperatures between 65⁰F to 78⁰F.

India:
February marks a dry period in South India, with the monsoon season concluded in Kerala. The temperatures in these states remain in the 90s, consistent with the region's year-round climate.

In Northern India, temperatures can be a comfortable 75⁰F to 80⁰F in the daytime. Note that early mornings and evenings can be cool in Northern India.

The UAE is a wonderful country, full of cultural wonders and warm people to meet. Despite being a global hub for business, leisure and medical tourism, it is polite to adhere to and show respect for local customs:

• Swimwear is permissible at beaches, waterparks, public pools and spa areas but is not considered appropriate in areas such as business districts and shopping malls.
  
• Dressing conservatively is appreciated in historic neighbourhoods or when in culturally important places.
  
• Modest dress is particularly important when visiting mosques, synagogues, and churches. Ladies should wear loose-fitting, non-see-through clothes and shoulders should be covered.
  
• The UAE has zero tolerance for drugs.
  
• Make sure you check any prescription medicine you are bringing with you is allowed to enter the UAE, as this may be confiscated. You may bring in prescribed medicines for personal use in normal quantities. Many pharmacies in the UAE carry most prescriptions you might need. Click here for more information.
  
• Public displays of affection are best kept to a minimum. Holding hands is acceptable, but kissing and hugging in public areas is not permitted.
  
• Alcohol is served in licensed establishments such as hotels, bars and specialised shops to those over 21 years of age. However, drunk and disorderly conduct and drunk driving are not acceptable in the UAE.

• India is a casual destination and even in luxury hotels formal attire is not required.
  
• For the evenings smart casual is the dress code advice - jackets and ties are not needed – though often after a day of sightseeing you may like to ‘change for dinner’ but dressing up is not expected.
  
• A few restaurants will not allow short pants/shorts or open-toed sandals for men (this will be advised to you).
  
• During the day it is best to wear cotton clothes that breathe, as the sun can get hot in the middle of the day at any time of year.
  
• It can get chilly in the early mornings and late evenings. Therefore, having a jacket or sweater may be appreciated.
  
• Touring: For touring closed shoes or sneakers are the most comfortable because there is often dust and dirt when exploring a market for example but note that often you will take your shoes off when you enter a temple of religious site so you may like to keep this in mind while planning your shoes for touring. The cold marble can be extra cold on bare feet and some temples allow for socks.
  
• Temples and religious sites: It is normal practice to remove ones shoes before entering places of worship. Additionally when visiting the temple of the Jain religion, all leather items have to be removed before entering the temple. Women visiting a temple or religious site should stick to the rule of ‘to the elbow and to the knee’ – so essentially covered as much as possible out of respect. Ladies could also consider carrying a cotton shawl for during sightseeing tours – this can then be used to cover your upper body or while out walking in the sun can be used as a head scarf. In some places, such as the Gurdwara (Sikh Temple), both men and women are required to cover their head; but you will be given the appropriate head wear for such occasions if you are not carrying it. Men can not wear shorts above the knee into a temple – if you are wearing this your guide will find a cover for you (it may not be pretty!).

In addition to your clothing, we recommend to pack the following:

• Very comfortable walking shoes
  
• Hats that shade your face from the sun
  
• A light scarf or shawl to cover shoulders (both for entering religious sites and to protect from the sun)
  
• Sunscreen
  
• Sunglasses and contact lenses if you wear them
  
• Moisturizing creams and chapstick
  
• Insect repellent with a high percentage of DEET
  
• Any prescription glasses
  
• Medication

Don't forget your travel adapter and charging devices or phone charges!

Dubai
The dirham (AED) is the official currency of Dubai, as well as the UAE's six other emirates. The AED currency is pegged at AED3.67 to the US dollar.

MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted at major restaurants, almost all hotels, and many shops.

American Express is less common but is still normally accepted at major hotels.

ATMs are very easy to find and are safe to use. Popular banks and machines you will see in the UAE are Emirates NBD, Mashreq, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB); to name a few.

India
In India, the currency is the Rupee:

• The rupee is considered a 'closed currency' and can't be taken out of the country, cannot be traded, and theoretically isn't available abroad; this means you will be unlikely to exchange money before arriving in India.
  
• Whilst card payments are becoming increasingly popular, India is still a cash society so it's important to have cash with you; and smaller notes where possible. This is especially true when traveling to rural areas or small shops in less-touristic areas that may not accept card.
  
• Cash is usually withdrawn from automatic teller machines at bank branches and within hotels or at the airport.
  
• Remember you can’t take the Rupee out of the country, so try to withdraw just as much as you need, and to keep ATM receipts in case you need to exchange any money before you leave.
  
• A Revolut card is a great way to keep local currency on you with a card payment to avoid transaction fees.

Tipping during your trip is not compulsory. If, however, you want to tip because you have received good service, we have enclosed a brief guideline to assist you:

Currency: We advise clients to take spending money in the form of US Dollar cash, as this is favored for tips.

• Drivers: a small amount per day.
  
• Guides: a moderate amount per day.
  
• Hosts/Greeters: a small amount per day.
  
• Bartenders: round-up the bill.
  
• Wait-staff: 10% of the bill.
  
• Porters: a small amount per bag.
  
• Hotel Room/Staff: a small amount per night.
  
• Crew Staff: a small amount per day.

We've put together these bespoke playlists for you to get ready for your trip! You can listen to these before you go, while you're there and when you return so your trip never has to end:

• Desert Sounds is your answer to desert lounging! Soothing music inspired by the desert to enjoys those endless dunes...
  
• Summer Chill is full of relaxing beats, perfect for the beach!
  
• India is full of Bollywood hits and soothing beats; this playlist showcases the breadth of India's talent!
  
• The Open Road is the perfect soundtrack as you drive through the countryside.

Upon landing, you will be met at the end of your flight’s jet bridge by an airport assistant who will escort you through fast-track immigration. After immigration procedures are complete, the airport assistant will help you with claiming your baggage and escort you through customs to the arrivals hall.

In the arrivals hall, look for a signboard with your name and meet your driver for your private transfer to the hotel.

The St. Regis Downtown, Dubai, Two Deluxe Suites

Booked by clients

No experiences have been arranged for today to allow you to recuperate after your long journey.

Your hotel offers a spa, infinity pool, and five food & beverage outlets - everything you need to relax!

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the morning. You will tour today in the comfort of your own private vehicle.

Visit the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa. At 555 metres, this is the world's highest observation deck.

Dubai is a uniquely modern and cosmopolitan city, and the United Arab Emirates is home to families from all over the world, each with its own distinctive culture. A prominent leader's vision led to the creation of The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) in 1998.


Located in a beautifully restored wind tower house in the historic Al Fahidi Historical neighbourhood in Bur Dubai, the center offers a range of activities, from traditional cuisine to conversations with local Emiratis. Then take a seat on Bedouin-style carpets and pillows and enjoy a selection of traditional dishes while your local host answers questions about life in the emirate.

This experience is scheduled for around midday and lasts about an hour.

Take a traditional Abra boat across Dubai Creek, heading for the Souks.

Lose yourself in the bustling souks of Dubai, where vibrant marketplaces transport you to another era. Explore the Gold Souk, known for its dazzling jewelry, and the Spice Souk, where aromatic spices and herbs fill the air. Engage in the art of bargaining while shopping for souvenirs and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.

You will have about 90 minutes to explore the souks, but please chat with your guide if you would like more time to shop.

Enjoy a drive through the city to get a glimpse of all the new & upcoming structures around Dubai Marina, the world’s biggest waterfront development.

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at midday. You will proceed by private transfer to Al Maha (about an hour).

Al Maha Desert Resort, Two Bedouin Suites

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa, is a private, guest-only oasis nestled among the lush palm groves, emerald canopies and iconic sand dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Our 5 star hotel offers secluded tranquility and iconic vistas of the sweeping plains and Hajar Mountain massif.

Take an unforgettable horse ride, camel trek or nature walk. Join a signature desert safari or practice the distinguished arts of archery and falconry. Our luxury hotel boasts private swimming pools with majestic dune and mountain views and our 42 suites combine discreet refinement with authentic regional antiques, local artifacts and thoughtful nuances.

Meals Included: Full Board

• Breakfast
  
• Lunch
  
• Dinner
  
• 2 Selected Desert Activities tickets including a wildlife drive, nature walk, falconry, and more. A full list can be found here.

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the morning. You will proceed by private transfer to Dubai International Airport (about 1 hour).

Upon arrival independently proceed through immigration & customs. A representative will meet you in the arrivals hall and escort you to your private transfer, which will take you to Thattekad (approximately 2 hours).

Periyar River Lodge, Two Bedroom Luxury Villa with Mountain & Lake View

Situated on the lush green banks of the river Periyar, adjoining Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary also known as Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala. The Periyar River Lodge is an ideal getaway for nature lovers, bird watchers or just about anyone who needs a break from the humdrum of urban life.

Meals Included: Daily Breakfast & Dinner

Your guide will discuss with you a preferred pick up time for touring this morning.

Spend time at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. The over 300 species that reside in these tropical and deciduous forests are testament to the great vision of Dr. Salim Ali.

With your guide you can explore other parts of the region, or you can enjoy the facilities and scenery available at your villa.

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the morning and transfer to Munnar. The drive is quite stunning, as you pass through misty mountains, thick forests, hills covered in a quilt of tea plantations, deep valleys, sparkling streams and waterfalls. The drive takes about 3 hours.

On the way to Munnar you can stop off at Anakulam. If you're lucky, you'll get to see elephants in their natural habitat.

Elakai, Villa

​Situated in the heart of a large private cardamom plantation, Elakai (cardamom in Malayalam) ticks off every item on your hill-station retreat list.

A short drive away from Munnar town, this charming two-bedroom property offers spectacular views of rolling tea gardens and the exquisite lake below.

Meals Included: Daily Breakfast & Dinner

Enjoy a walk through the plantation, learning about the process of cardamom farming and processing.

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the morning, and set out for your morning excursion.

Head to a plantation for a Private Tea Experience. Try your hand at tea picking, visit the on-site factory, and walk through the estate.

Lunch is included.

Transfer about 4 hours to your hotel in Panangad, which is just outside the city of Cochin.

976 Panangad

This quaint four-bedroom property is a mere half hour away from the heart of Ernakulam City & Fort Cochin.

Wake up in rooms with a view. All bedrooms have a large glass wall/door that looks out onto the backwaters in front of the property. If the view outdoors isn't enough, two of the four ensuite rooms here at 976 have attached plunge pools.

The common infinity pool also looks over the backwaters and 976 Panangad is now renowned as much for its spectacular vistas as it is for its fascinating architecture.

Meals Included: Daily Breakfast

Kochi, better known as Cochin, is Kerala’s most cosmopolitan city. It was the main trading center for spices and seafood; the town is, in fact, a collection of narrow islands. While the more modern Ernakulum boasts restaurants, newly built modern shopping malls, and commercial complexes, the Mattancherri and Fort Cochin area is still traditional and retains much of its scenset architecture and old-world charm.

The area is a blend of Dutch, Portuguese, and British architecture; narrow streets are crowded with spice shops, galleries, and cafes, and the Jewish synagogue, the oldest in India. The architecture and cuisine reflect the influences of the many traders who came, visited, and ultimately settled.

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the morning and set out for your private tour.

Choose between a bike, walking, or driving tour to explore Cochin's centre.

In the morning, you'll visit Fort Cochin, known for the Chinese fishing nets, dhobi ghats (open-air laundries), temples, churches, mosques and the beach. It also has spice warehouses, the air rich with the smell of dried ginger, cardamom and pepper. You will also see some interesting graffiti on the walls.

Explore the narrow streets of the historic Jewish Quarter, where antique shops lead to the Pardesi Synagogue, one of the oldest in India.

Visit the Mattancherri Palace, commissioned by the Portuguese for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights. It's built in the traditional Kerala style with 16th-century murals adorning the walls.

You will walk along the seafront where local people come with their families resulting in the most fascinating range of vendors selling everything from plastic toys to wigs!

We note that you have made a reservation at Le Colonial for dinner. We will be happy to take you to the restaurant.

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the morning and set out for your private tour. You will transfer about an hour to Alleppey.

A visit to Kerala is incomplete without a tour of the famous Kerala backwaters. You will drive to Alleppey to explore the narrow canals. The photography opportunities are exceptional, as you will notice a lot of active life on the way.

This is an interactive tour and you will stop at small villages and where you join fishermen throwing out nets to catch fish; women making thatch roofs and weaving mats; watch a toddy tapper who gathers the sap from the flower of the tree to make a local alcoholic drink, try making coir ropes and all the while interacting with the friendly locals who make their lives along these waters.

Drive back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Lunch will be included today.

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the morning and proceed by private transfer to Cochin Airport (about 1 hour, depending on traffic).

Your guide will provide you with your plane tickets.

Connect to your onwards flight.

Meet your guide in the arrivals hall, and proceed by private transfer to your hotel.

Note: Look out for a sign displaying your name.

One of the seven holy Cities of India, Varanasi is the holiest of them all with a spiritual and religious legacy that goes back 5000 years. It is also the oldest living city in the world.

Situated on the banks of the holy river, Varanasi is known as “Kashi”, the city of light. The focal point of the city is the “Ghats” or steps that lead down to the river. This is where pilgrims and local people gather for a cleansing dip in the holy river, worship the rising and setting sun and cremate the dead. It is believed that to be cremated in Varanasi is to escape the cycle of rebirth.

Brijrama Palace, Two Vasundhara Rooms

BrijRama Palace, which stands mighty on the serene banks of Darbhanga Ghat, is one of the oldest man-made structures in the city and is considered to be a top-tier luxury hotel in Varanasi.

The palace is often praised for its striking architecture and design which mirrors the rich heritage and culture of the city that it calls home. One can see the influence of the Maratha Dynasty that was in power during the construction of the palace.

Meals Included: Daily Breakfast

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the early morning and set out for a sunrise cruise.

Visit the river at sunrise when pilgrims and devotees flock to the river to worship the rising sun and start their day with a dip in the holy river.

From the boat you will watch this activity along the river, as people of all ages come and practice rituals which have been practiced unchanged over thousands of years. It is this extraordinary outpouring of devotion and deep belief which should not be missed.

Sarnath is the place where the Buddha came in 500 BC to give his first sermon after gaining enlightenment. Other than the archaeological park which has the remains of the monastery that developed here, of interest is the fairly new Buddhist temple. On the walls are paintings depicting the most significant episodes from the birth of Buddha as Prince Siddhartha, to the time he gained enlightenment and became The Buddha.

Visit a community of silk weavers. Silk is considered to be a pure textile and is therefore used to dress the gods. As a result weaving centers developed in the holy cities around India. In Varanasi, the art reached a zenith under the patronage of the emperors, the weavers producing rich and vibrant brocades.

At late afternoon you will take a short walking tour of the Ghats, following in the footsteps of pilgrims. In contrast to the early mornings when the Ghats are a mass of people performing a wide variety of rituals, at sunset the main sounds are the temple bells as the priests start their preparations for the evening “aarti” ceremony.

In the distance, you will see the fires of the crematorium, and there are a few pilgrims taking a final dip in the river. Whilst the city is still busy, crowded, and noisy, sunset slows and quietens life along the river. You will arrive at the main Ghat in time to watch the evening “Aarti” ceremony, when priests perform a ritual to put the river gods to sleep and to ward off any evils.

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the morning and proceed by private transfer to Varanasi Airport (about 45 minutes).

Your guide will give you your flight tickets.

Meet your guide in the arrivals hall, and proceed by private transfer to your hotel.

Note: Look out for a sign displaying your name.

The capital of India, Delhi is home to 16 million people, making it the third largest city in India. The strategic location of the city made it an attractive location for invading armies, and it served as the capital for many great empires that ruled India.

Many of these Empires built significant monuments, and whilst the Mughal and the British are the most visible, while driving through the city you will see ruins from previous capitals, the earliest dating back to the 12th century.

The LaLiT, Two Luxury Rooms

The LaLiT New Delhi takes center stage in the bustling heart of the city, perfectly positioned near major commercial and business hubs. With 457 luxurious rooms and suites, our property sets the stage for unforgettable experiences. Explore our expansive space, spanning over 39,000 square feet, designed to host remarkable conferences, banquets, weddings and staycations.

Meals Included: Daily Breakfast

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the morning and set out for your private tour.

Visit Old Delhi, built by a Mughal emperor. Once one of the world’s largest cities, today Old Delhi is an extraordinary area to explore. You will stop at Jama Masjid or the Friday Mosque believed to be the largest mosque in India.

Take a cycle rickshaw ride starting at the Red Fort before heading through the labyrinthine lanes of the Chandni Chowk market.

One of the earliest examples of a Mughal Garden Tomb, this mausoleum was designed by a Persian architect, and provided the prototype for future tombs, including the Taj Mahal. Recently taken over by a trust, the gardens have been restored to their former glory, and the tomb and surrounding monuments restored.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwaras in Delhi. Their turbans and beards make the men easily identifiable with the sect. Sikhism developed as an antithesis to the caste ridden and ritualistic forms of Hinduism and developed as a simple religion whose foundation was “sewa” – socially responsibility irrespective of a person’s social standing. Thus every Sikh Temple has the famous community kitchen, where it is considered a privilege to assist cooking the food and serving a simple meal to pilgrim and visitors.

We note that you have made a reservation at Sorrento for dinner. We will be happy to take you to the restaurant.

Meet your driver in the hotel lobby in the morning and proceed by private transfer to Ranthambore. The journey takes about 3.5 hours via a new expressway. Along the way you will get to see local life, small villages and farmlands.

Covering 410 sq. km, Ranthambore runs along the easternmost spur of the Aravalli to the Vindhya ranges. At one time, Ranthambore was the private hunting ground for a royal family, before it was declared a sanctuary and finally in 1972 as brought under the Project Tiger scheme.

The dry deciduous forest covers open valleys with lush vegetation around the lakes, and open grasslands in the higher slopes. This varied flora supports a large number of animals including a variety of deer, the sloth bear, the shy caracal, leopards and of course, the tiger.

A Luxury Tented Camp

Nestled on the borders of world renowned Ranthambore National Park, this tented camp transports you to the 1920s, evoking life on safari during the heyday of the British Raj. A family has played an active role in the conservation effort at Ranthambhore since 1974, and continues to do so more than 40 years on. This is a pioneering camp of 10 luxurious tents, and 2 exceptional tented suites. Enjoy crackling campfires under starlit skies, where naturalists share the facts of the forest. It’s a place where comfort, style and conservation meet.

Meals Included: Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Each day you have two private safaris to the park in the morning and in the evening.

Morning safaris take place for around three and a half hours in the morning.

Afternoon safaris take place for around three and a half hours in the afternoon.

In between game drives you can walk to the Dastakari, a women’s cooperative that dyes and prints textiles and has a very good store.

Spend another day exploring the park. Ranthambore is just under 270 square miles in size and is one of the few places in the world to see the Bengal tiger in the wild.

Meet your driver in the hotel lobby in the morning and take a leisurely 3 hour drive to Jaipur.

A labyrinth of fascinating bazaars, opulent palaces and a futuristic observatory, Jaipur was the inspiration of a ruler, who moved the capital from Amber in 1727. Jaipur was designed by a young architect and together they planned a city along the ancient Hindu treatise of “Shilpa Shastra”, a science similar to the better known Feng Shui. Jaipur is laid out in a geometric grid of streets and squares making it one of the earliest planned cities in India.

In honor of the visit of a royal, the City was painted a rich terracotta, a tradition which has continued through the years. This is the reason why Jaipur is often called the “pink city”. Today it serves as the State capital for Rajasthan.

Visit the sprawling City Palace which, painted pink in keeping with the color theme of the old city, is a blend of predominately Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture.

Next, head to Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1827.

Stop at Studio Bagru where women are trained in block printing. For the rest of the day you'll explore "hidden Jaipur", discovering arts & artisans, traditional medicine practitioners, and the small exquisite architectural jewels tucked away in the lanes and shrines and temples most over 300 years old. You will also walk through the textile market with vibrant silks, cotton, and chiffons spilling out.

Meet with a fourth generation craftsperson specializing in the art of Neelgar (Tie dye) and one of the few remaining within the walled city making the specialized “Leheriya” pattern. Visit their residence where the family work on tie dye, and have a hands on session selecting your own colors and making your own bespoke scarf.

Rambagh Palace, Two Palace Rooms

Originally built in 1835, Rambagh Palace, has stepped gracefully through many royal transitions—from the home of the queen’s favourite handmaiden, to royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and later as the residence of the Maharaja and his queen. Today, this jewel in the Taj’s crown offers 78 stunningly restored grand luxury rooms and suites in Jaipur which were the chambers of the former Maharaja.

Meals Included: Daily Breakfast

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the morning and set out for a private tour of Jaipur.

Head to the stunning Amber Fort from where you will begin a walk through the narrow alleys of the settlements that surround the fort. Explore these lanes, stopping at tea shops offering local snacks, a beautifully carved temple, and a traditional stepwell along the way.

Visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing. The purpose of the museum is to address the challenges facing this traditional printing style, primarily competition from modern manufacturing.

After lunch, you will be driven for about four hours to Delhi Airport to catch your international departure in the evening.

In Dubai Airport, independently connect to your onwards flight.

Note: You have a long layover of approximately 9 hours.

Thank you for traveling with us. We hope this journey will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Scenset is a proud member of The Conscious Travel Foundation, a global community that unites members of the travel industry to reshape the impact of tourism on the world.