Malwa Plain of Rajasthan, India
Horses
Type of horses:
Marwari horses
Nature of horses:
Well schooled and forward going.
Height of horses:
16 hh and above
Weight limit:
90 kgs
Tack type:
Comfortable English tack
Weather
Current Conditions:
Haze, 28 C
Forecast:
Fri - Scattered Thunderstorms. High: 33 Low: 27
Sat - Scattered Thunderstorms. High: 33 Low: 27
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
please telephone the Far and Ride office for 2010 pricing information
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
This unique trail leads you from Udaipur through the undiscovered Malwa Plain east of the Aravali-Hills. Malwa is a fertile plain, which extends from Rajasthan to Central India and which had been hard-fought until the 19th century. Here, proud Rajputs, Mughals, Marathas and Afghans fought against each other and built fortifications, forts and castles of which some even exist today. The landscape of the Malwa Plain is very attractive with many small lakes and forested areas that alternate between dry savannah and cultivated areas. The plain provides an ideal riding terrain, only here and there intermitted by some clefts or gorges. This area is particularly attractive in spring time, from January to April, as it is the flowering period for the Dhak Tree, also called Flame Tree, due to its impressive orange flowers and for the poppy fields which blossom white in this region.
This territory is very peaceful, undisturbed by mass-tourism but offers many undiscovered jewels worth visiting. The park is probably the best place in Rajasthan to really watch the animals as it is located away from all main streets - seemingly untouched for centuries. The last large forested area of the Malwa Plain is above all home to the leopard and the biggest Indian type of antelope, the Nilgai, quite a shapeless-looking animal, which is similar to the African Kudu. The male animals have a blue gleaming coat, therefore their Indian name is the Nilgai-blue cow. Now and then if you are lucky enough riders can glimpse the rare four-horned antelopes or the graceful Chinkara gazelle. Particularly gentle are the monkeys as well as the Rajasthani heraldic bird, the peacock.
Visits will include the historically important and imposing 8th century Fort of Chittorgarh - Tower of Victory.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation varies throughout your stay. Whilst in New Delhi you will stay in comfortable hotel accommodation. The hotel offers upscale high-quality and spacious rooms surrounded by scenic grandeur and greenery which exhibits atmosphere, great facilities and a swimming pool.
Once you are in Udaipur you will stay in one of two beautiful heritage hotels. One offers a unique panorama of the old city, Lake Pichola, Ghanghaur Ghat, Mohan Mandir, Lake Palace, Jagmandir and the beautiful Aravali ranges. The hotel exhibits excellent Indian cuisine and select Continental dishes.
The other option is an early 17th century heritage with charm and attractive aesthetics nestled in the fertile valley on the eastern banks of the famous Lake Pichola. This unique cluster of houses with its rooms restored back to their old charm and glory are surrounded by the ancient havelis and temples, they are situated around a central courtyard which is approached through a narrow archway from the Jagdish temple and the old city.
The haveli is made in a typical Mewar architecture and provides guests with a very relaxing and regal haveli atmosphere and style. The haveli situated right on the bank of Lake Pichola provides an excellent view of all the Palaces of Udaipur.
During the horse Safari you will stay in big tented campsites with comfortable beds, all camping equipment is provided.
The food is nourishing, of high quality with a varied menu. Guests will get the change to experience some authentic Indian cuisine as well as enjoying some Continental dishes.
Activities
There are lots of opportunities for sight-seeing, taking in the local history and culture of the areas you visit. There are also plenty of walks to be enjoyed. Non riders are welcome and will be transported in the 4x4 Jeeps with the riders.
Further Details
Languages: English
Health requirements: A good physical fitness is a must.
Age limit: 18 - 65
Tuition: No
Included: All accommodation, full board during the Safari, bed and breakfast in Delhi, transfers of sightseeing, camping equipment and tents, entrance fees as detailed, tour manager and guide, English speaking cultural guide, train ticket, bottled mineral during the ride, boat rides as mentioned, basic first aid, airport assistance and welcome garland.
Not included: Flights (international and domestic), travel/medical insurance, lunch and dinner in Delhi, personal expenses; tips, beverages etc, refreshments when you are not on the riding tour.
Travel Information
You will need to take an international flight to Indira Gandhi International Airport. You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Domestic airfare from Delhi to Udaipur: £105 per person, economy class.
Train ticket from Chittaurgarh to Delhi in 2nd class sleeper coach included in the price.
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
Programme
Malwa to Mewar Horse Safari
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A special journey on the horseback where you will experience the original and authentic culture and traditions in a part of Rajasthan that has remained free from crowds, unspoilt and hugely hospitable. This trail leads riders through the outskirts of the picturesque Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary where you will be able to spot antelopes or other animals such as monkeys, mongooses and countless birds. The trail continues from Lake Jaisamand down to the Malwa Plain through one of the most interesting historical areas of Rajasthan. Once, the Jagirs (feudal land owned by a noble) of the most important nobles of Mewar were located here and even today, numerous havelis, rawlas and palaces show the grandiosity of former times. Explore an old fiefdom, in Boheda, one of the best starting points to explore the Sita-Mata Sanctuary. You will also see the everyday life of Bhils, Minas and other tribals enroute. Spring and Autumn offers special beauty as the flowering period of the Flame Tree is in spring and many different Indian festivals await you in the Autumn. The visit to Sita-Mata signifies the end of the trail and provides an ending on a high. Itinerary Day 01: You arrive in New Delhi where you will be greeted with a traditional garland by your assistant. Later you will receive a transfer to your hotel where you will spend the night. Day 02: Delhi - Udaipur (B) Following breakfast you will board your domestic flight in the morning, the flight lasts about one hour before arriving in Udaipur, also called the Venice of the East. The afternoon is spent sightseeing; visit Palaces and Temples. Overnight is spent in a charming heritage hotel overlooking the Lake Pichola. Day 03: Udaipur – Jaisamand (B,L,D) After breakfast you will be transferred to Jaisamand Lake. A short boat ride will be organised on the lake to give riders an insight of the splendid landscape to come. Lunch is at the old temple site of Jagat. Afterwards you will be driven to the tented campsite. On arrival you will meet the guides and horses before embarking on a two hour test ride. Overnight stay at safari camp where you will enjoy dinner. Day 04 : Jaisamand- Khurabar (B,L,D) First day of the safari. After breakfast you will ride from the foothills of the Aravalli-Mountains, around the Jaisamand Lake and down to the Malwa Plain. The trail leads you round the outskirts of the Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary, with some luck you encounter Nilgai antelopes or other animals. The area is quite rocky where you might have to overcome little gorges and clefts. In the evening you will receive a night drive in the jeep providing you with the opportunity to watch the active night animals of the region such as jungle cats, hyenas, antelopes or leopards. Day 05: Khurabar – Bambora (B,L,D) The first part of the day leads you through the fertile valleys around Kharabar. You ride over sandy paths, passing green fields that farmers still plough with the help of oxen. You will see women in colourful saris, carrying water jars on their heads and children wave shyly to the riders. Towards midday, the trail continues in the mountains and the area becomes wilder and more barren. Horse and rider will need to climb but once you reach the top you will be rewarded with a spectacular view over the mountains. Day 06: Bambora- Badwei (B,L,D) After breakfast you set off, the Aravalli-Mountains are now behind you and the trail leads you over the last rocky hills into the fertile plain, which already geographically belongs to Malwa, Central India. The most prosperous villages of Rajasthan can be found here because the black soil brings a rich crop yield. The ride continues through some villages and you will pass farmhouses and some ruins of ancient Havelis. Today, the safari camp is located by a large lake that is, in spring, home to a number of migrating birds like cranes, storks, flamingos, kingfishers and ducks. After arrival at the camp in late afternoon you will receive a village safari to the nearby Bhinder including visiting the fort. Day 07: Bhinder - Barisadri (B,L,D) Today’s day ride takes you from the Badwei Lake to Barisadri, once the largest Jagir of Mewar. The trail leads you through the core part of the Malwa Plain and crosses a small railway line which connects Barisadri and Mauvi once a week with a steam engine. Between December and March, Opium is grown in small fields, under severe restrictions though. The cultivation of opium is historical and reason for lengthy wars between Rajputs, Marathas and Mughals. Fertile fields and barren nature rotate today. Broad, sandy paths and open stretches of land invote for long trots and canters. Palm trees and flame trees border the way and again you will ride through small villages. Your safari camp today is situated in the former pleasure garden of the Palace of Barisadri. Large parts of the gardens are used for farming however, small parts of it still exhibit the glorious days long gone by. You spend the night under mango trees and next to the beautiful smelling jasmine hedges. You will also get the chance to visit the Palace. Day 08: Barisadri - Boheda (B,L,D) Fifth day of safari in the Malwa Plain. Today the ride takes you through rich fields and villages to Boheda, the old fiefdom. The riding pace is quick today and the horses enjoy the soft ground under their hooves. Lunch will be enjoyed in a ruined fort along way, which tells stories of the past. You will arrive in Boheda late afternoon and your overnight stay will be in camp just outside of the village. If possible a bullock cart ride through the village is arranged late afternoon. Day 09: Ride through Sita-Mata Wildlife Sanctuary (B,L,D) You ride through Sita-Mata. Today you will start early in the morning for a day ride through one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in South Rajasthan. The Wildlife Sanctuary is situated far away from all touristic circuits with very few visitors finding their way to this place. Therefore, the animals which are endemic to this park include leopards, jungle cats, Chinkara gazelle, Nilgai antelopes, Chital and Sambar deer as well as monkeys, which are not timid. Sita - Mata is home to more than 250 local bird species, from the smallest Colibri to the Majestic Peacock. It is one of the last remaining woodlands of the Malwa Plain and its untouched nature is enchanting. You return to Boheda in the evening, to relax at sunset. This is followed by a farewell dinner with some local folk music!! Day 10: Boheda- Chittorgarh (B,L,D) After breakfast you will enjoy a short morning ride before being transferred by Jeep to Chittorgarh - the legendary medieval fort. The afternoon will be spent sightseeing. After dinner you will board the overnight train to New Delhi. Overnight is spent in the train. Day 11: Early morning arrival at New Delhi railway station where you will be transferred to your day use in the hotel. The afternoon is free for optional sighseeing or shopping. A late evening transfer to the International airport is provided. Board your return flight taking back with you the magical memories of your travels. |
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| Accommodation: | Accommodation varies throughout your stay from very comfortable hotels in Delhi to beautiful heritage hotels and comfortable campsites during the horse Safari. |
| Minimum group size: | 4 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate and above, physical fitness is a must. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | Six safari days (long hours in the saddle) and two shorter rides. |
| Departure dates: | Mid October to Mid April (please contact office for dates) |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |