HORSE SAFARI INDIA
Duration
: 7 nights / 8 days
Places Covered :
Jodhpur - Luni - Bishnoi - Rohetgarh - Kotri Raola - Rawla Narlai
- Ghanerao - Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary - Kumbhalgarh Fort - Deogarh
- Udaipur |
We offer five different horse safaris of varying lengths.
While
each ride takes its own particular path and has its own atmosphere, the trip
essentials are common to all. Here we hope to answer all the questions you might
have about joining us in India
Your horses and tack
You will be riding on pure-bred Marwaris, which are different in nature and
build to British horses. Each mount is chosen to suit riders from the 22 bred
and stabled at Roop Niwas Palace. The traditional battle horse of Rajasthan,
Marwaris are lean, strong and spirited, with tremendous stamina for long-distance
endurance riding; they can cover many miles at a trot or slow canter, Their
ears are crescent shaped and point inwards, giving them their distinctive appearance.
Average height 14-15hh, Marwaris are excellent weight carriers Three horses
share one groom who tacks up, feeds, waters and brushes them each day; in the
evening horses are encouraged to roll in the warm sand -an invigorating massage
for tired joints.
We use the comfortable and strong Indian cavalry 'Sawar' saddles -as kind to
the horse as to the rider.
Your accommodation
The camp is luxurious and colourful spacious oriental Moghul-style tents in
bright colours form a large circle around the camp fire, Each tent contains
beds with firm, cotton-stuffed mattresses, white linen, quilts, blankets, pillows,
mosquito nets -and hot water bottles for cold nights, The floor is fully covered
in soft dhurri rugs; tents are lit with kerosene lamps.
Loo and bath tents are sentry box-type units with a covered roof and zips, The
bath tents have wooden floors and hooks for clothes; the Loo tents contain a
sturdy and comfortable commode over a pit. Hot water for baths is heated by
fire morning and evening. Also provided is soap, towels; mirrors and a wash
basin.
Your meals
All food is freshly prepared in the kitchen tent by our excellent chef . A variety
of Indian dishes (part vegetarian) are cooked each night; western-style food
is also available. The dining tent is furnished with table and chairs. Lunches
are a cold buffet with plentiful fruit and water, laid out to greet the riders
mid-trek.
Your ability
Much of the trail allows for some fast riding, therefore you should be a competent
rider. If you feel unsure about your ability, please call us.
Your group
Each ride keeps a varied pace to accommodate the group's abilities. Maximum
group size is 12 (unless customized for private groups, where it could be as
small as 2), together with leader, flag bearer and one or more outriders depending
on numbers.
A complementary holiday for the 8th person in a private group of 8 or more.
Non-riding partners
You will travel with Thakur Durga Singh in a comfortable WW II-design Jeep,
visiting places of cultural interest en route to the lunch spot. Eat and relax
with the riders, then arrive early in camp with time to unwind or explore. Ideal
for birdwatchers, artists and walkers.
The Rides
Our five horse safaris explore the colourful heart of rural Rajasthan at a forward-going
pace, riding through farmland, forest, semi-desert and mountain foothills. You
might be more interested in architecture than wildlife; you may wish to stay
in palaces rather than sleep in a tent. You might prefer a private ride to a
group ride. Rides A, B & C are group safaris with fixed dates; D & E
are tailor-made for private groups and individuals; C can accommodate both.
Here we help you choose the right ride to suit your stamina and tastes.
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Here For Reservation
RIDE A ( Balotra Horse
Fair Safari )
Ride from Jodhpur to the heartland of the
Marwari
horse for India's biggest rural horse and cattle fair 12 nights, 13 days (5
full & 4 half riding days)
ROUTE
After an afternoon's escorted sightseeing and overnight stay in a three star
Delhi hotel, fly to Jodhpur on the eastern fringe of the Thar Desert to spend
tv/o nights in a heritage hotel owned by the grandson of a Maharajah. Here you
explore Jodhpur's forts and palaces as well as choose and get to know your horse,
riding out around the groom's camp.
The safari starts on day four just outside the city: you will be riding through
open countryside, farms and villages, while spending nights in a luxurious traveling
camp. After five days' riding you reach the spectacular and untouristed Balotra
Fair -thousands of animals, owners and colourful market stalls camped along
a dry river bed. Your camp has a great vantage point from the banks of a river
one mile distant, For two days you ride locally morning and evening, spending
afternoons exploring the fair. Your last morning will be spent riding around
the fairground, before being transferred back to the Jodhpur hotel for dinner.
The trip ends with an evening flight back to Delhi to join your international
flight home.
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Here For Reservation
RIDE B ( Pushkar Camel
Fair Safari )
An exhilarating ride through ever-changing semi-desert landscape to the famed
camel and cattle fair 13 nights, 14 days (8 full & 3 half riding days)
ROUTE
After an afternoon's sightseeing and a night in Delhi, you are transferred to
Roop Niwas Palace in Nawalgarh (6 hour drive). Here you spend three days relaxing
and getting to know your horses, riding out around the Palace with your royal
hosts and exploring the painted Haveli houses of Nawalgarh.
The safari begins on day five, riding to the foothills of the Aravali mountains
(a place of Hindu pilgrimage) and setting up camp in and around an atmospheric
old guest house for pilgrims. From here on you will be sleeping under canvas
in our luxurious travelling camp, as the ride takes you through semi-desertous
farmland, across a vast salt lake and along mountain ranges to the holy village
of
Pushkar, surrounded by orchards and rose farms (reached on the eighth day of
riding) Staying two nights at a permanent tented camp you will ride morning
and evening, spending the rest of your time at the fair watching camel racing,
livestock trading and other ritual festivities.
On the last day of your trip transfer to the historic 'Pink City' of Jaipur
for a day of escorted sightseeing. Evening flight to Delhi to connect with your
international flight home.
DATES
02 November 2005
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RIDE C ( Shekhawati
Forts and Castle Safari )
A richly rewarding cultural tour, from palace to fort to farmhouse on horseback.
No camping 9 nights, 10 days (6 full & 2 half riding days)
ROUTE
After an afternoon's sightseeing and night in Delhi, you are transferred to
the Roop Niwas Palace in Nawalgarh, Rajasthan (6 hour drive through picturesque
villages and farmland) for two nights. Here you spend time getting to know your
horses, riding out from the Palace and learning about the region from your royal
hosts.
On day four your safari begins: from Roop Niwas you
ride
through tranquil, semi-desert farmland to the characterful Dunlod Fort where
you stay as special guests. The next day takes you to the imposing Mandawa Castle;
then onwards to Mehansar Fort; then to the Desert Resort built in the style
of a typical Rajasthani village; finally to the atmospheric Naharsinghani Farm
House, From here you ride back to the Palace where your journey began (following
day transfer to Delhi for your return flight).
Throughout the ride you stop and explore places of interest, seeing fine examples
of Shekhawati frescoes in palaces, forts and towns off the tourist trail.
DATE
August-March 2004/5 (private - minimum two riders)
16 August 2004 /05 (group)
Private groups of eight or more: eighth person goes free.
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Here For Reservation
RIDE D ( Nawalgarh to
Churu Safari )
A shorter trail through stunning scenery and changing terrain, from farmland
to desert to wildlife haven 8 nights, 9 days (4 full & 3 half riding days)
ROUTE
You will be transfered from Delhi airport straight to Nawalgarh in Rajasthan
a 6 hour drive through picturesque villages and farms. At the Roop Niwas Palace
your royal hosts will greet you and introduce you to the horses. For two days
you get to know your mount, riding out each morning through the picturesque
surrounding farmland, exploring the painted Haveli houses of Nawalgarh town
in the afternoons.
The safari starts on day four, riding north through small farms towards the
desert, where castles and temples provide an exotic backdrop. On the fourth
day of the trail you cross high sand dunes into the old princely state of Bikaner,
camping by a desert oasis where herds of gazelle come to water. Here you camp
for two nights before a morning transfer to Delhi airport.
DATE
Flexible: Any time of the year 2004/5 (private)
Private rides -minimum riders four
Private groups of eight or more: eighth person goes free.
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Here For Reservation
RIDE E
(
Shekhawati and Aravali Mountains Safari )
A short safari and palace stay giving a unique taste of the region's culture
and landscape
7 nights, 8 days (2 full & 3 half riding days)
ROUTE
After an afternoon's sightseeing and a night in Delhi, transfer to Roop Niwas
Palace at Nawalgarh (6 hour drive) where your royal hosts greet you. The next
two days are spent riding out into surrounding farmland, exploring Nawalgarh
town and unwinding at the Palace, Traditional puppet shows, dance, folk music
and other surprises entertain guests every evening as dusk falls.
On day five the short safari begins, riding south-east along a sandy river bed
with the blue Aravali mountains as a backdrop. Camp is set up in an acacia grove.
The next day you ride into the mountains' foothills, spending the night in an
atmospheric old pilgrim's guesthouse specially furnished with our camp equipment.
After a stunning morning's ride along the Aravali ranges the safari ends: you
are transfered back to your Delhi hotel before flying home the next day.
DATE
Flexible: August - April 2004/5 (private)
Private rides - minimum riders two.
Private groups of eight or more: eighth person goes free.
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Here For Reservation
