Tours of the Raj, India
Overview
Programmes
Horses
Type of horses:
All Indian pure breeds - Marwaris, Kathiawadis and the Sindhis; for the layman they are horses with curly and touching ears
Nature of horses:
Very spirited and lively but well schooled and responsive to the rider
Number of horses:
32
Height of horses:
14-15.2 hh
Weight limit:
90kgs
Tack type:
Indian cavalry 'Sawar' saddle
Pricing
Trail Riding in Shekhawati
The cost of this 9 day safari is £1270 for groups between 2 and 5 and £1062 for groups between 6 and 12. This rate is valid until 31st December 2007.
Aravalli Range Horse Safari
The cost of this 6 day safari is £973 for groups between 2 and 5 and £805 for groups between 6 and 12.
Pushkar Fair Safari
The cost of this 13 night ride is £1540. There is a single supplement of £140 for your time in Pushkar. Please contact our office for more detailed pricing information and for 2008 prices.
Taalchapper Safari
The cost of this 10 day safari is £1260 per person
Balotra Horse Fair Safari
The cost of this 12 night ride is £1650. Please note there is a single supplement of £40 for the nights in Jodhpur. There are no single supplements on the safari.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Experience the thrill of riding through the magnificent former Raj kingdoms on pure bred Indian horses.
Although each ride is unique all the itineraries planned provide an unusual and interesting experience with horses/camels along with a complete insight into the desert life style, a chance to view the flora and fauna of Rajasthan and to interact with the local population by way of village visits.
Lunch halts and camping sights are in unique settings. Unlike routes of mountain trails, these routes pass through semi deserted terrain , forests, salt lake, marshes and flat grass lands.
Each ride offers opportunities for all types of riding from walking through to galloping.
A fleet of vehicles which includes three large trucks, one mini-truck, one four wheel drive jeep/trailer, one tractor/trolley, and camel cart water tanks follows the ride each which enables us to operate efficiently and means you have nothing to worry about but your own enjoyment.
There are five main safari routes which range from seven to ten nights although it is requested that you arrive at least two days before hand to familiarise yourself with your horse and the nature of your chosen route.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation is split between one of the best palace hotels in Rajasthan, selected guests houses on route and luxurious tented campsites when you are on safari.
Usually on arrival at your destination you spend 2-3 days at the palace hotel which is a fascinating blend of European and Rajput architecture. The palace has spacious lawns, a billiards room and a swimming pool.
The Camp consists of tented accommodation in Shamiana type oriental tents on twin sharing / single basis. Each tent cubicle is provided with cots, chairs, linen, white sheets, quilts, blankets, pillows, mosquito nets, hot water bottles and a full floor covering , lighting in tents is by kerosene lamps. The dining tent and kitchen are lit by petromex/gas lamps.
There are also toilet and bath tents. These are one piece units with a covered roof and zippers. The bath tents have wooden floors, foot mats and hangers for clothes. The toilet tents have a wooden / metal commode with a pit. Hot water for bathing is provided in buckets both in the morning and evening. Soaps, towels, looking mirrors and wash basins are provided.
Your food is prepared by an-ex Army cook who has a lifetime of experience cooking for officers moving with the Paltans. In army language this type of lunch is called 'haver sack'. The variety of menus is astounding and no two lunches have a common menu. Instead of giving individual lunch boxes, a buffet is laid out. Tea/Coffee is served piping hot in insulated containers. Portable stools are carried in the jeep, to be used by the guests at lunch time.
The dining tent has regular sit down arrangement with chairs and tables. Fixed menu meals with a choice of Indian and continental dishes for every meal are provided. Tea and coffee after each meal and soup at dinner is for unlimited consumption.
The camp is set out with a large rectangular courtyard for camp fires and folk entertainment. Each evening a different demonstration or talk is given ranging from local horse medicine, wildlife, Indian cooking or the caste system. The dining tent is on one side while the other three sides are guest tents. The adjacent space is utilised for bath and toilet tents.
Activities
These rides are point to point so each day will bring new and exciting activities. Aside from the spectacular landscape, you will have the opportunity to visit a private home and meet the family members, learn how to cook traditional Indian dishes and share them with your group and enjoy the nightly folk music performed by the team.
Some guests might choose to relax during a massage after a long day of riding whilst those visiting in March can experience the vibrancy and excitement of the world famous Balotra horse fair. Ladies have the opportunity to see how Indian henna is applied and might even choose a design for themselves to be painted on.
Non riders are welcome to accompany their riding partners on the trip and travel by jeep to each destination. They are an integral part of the trip and participate in all activities except riding.
Further Details
Languages: English
Health requirements: In order to enjoy this trip you have to be fit and a confident rider on all paces. Riders should be prepared for 25-40 kms of riding a day.
Age limit: No specific age limit but see health requirements.
Tuition: Yes
Included: All riding, accommodation, all meals, accompanying English speaking escort, services of the grooms, nightly music and entertainment, guide and entrance tickets to some activities
Not included: Flights and transfers, pre and post safari tours/drinks/transfers/gratuities and personal insurance, telephone calls, faxes and internet, alcoholic drinks.
Travel Information
Flights operate to New Delhi and Jaipur from London airports.
Transfers will be organised for you at an additional cost.
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
Alternative Airport: Sanganer International Airport, Jaipur
Programmes
Trail Riding in Shekhawati
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This ride takes you into the Shekhawati region on Marwari horses. You will have the opportunity to spend a few days exploring the palace grounds before setting off on safari. During the rest of the ride you will pass through countryside, stopping to visit havelis to see frescoes, and meet local farmers who keep this particular breed of horses. Day 1 - New Delhi airport transfer, hotel to be arranged if required. Day 2 - Delhi to Nawalgarh. Settle in to palace hotel and wander across the spacious lawns or take a dip in the swimming pool. After lunch you will be taken to the stables where you will be introduced to the team for the safari. It will be followed by a briefing on horse riding in India. Later your host will introduce you to your horse, followed by a ride around the field tracks near the palace. In case riders are uncomfortable they can try another horse. Overnight at the palace. Day 3 - Morning ride out with picnic breakfast to the countryside, return in time for lunch. Afternoon free time at the palace where ladies are invied to decorate the palms of female guests with henne, then sight seeing of Nawalgarh by car with your guide. Visit havelis to see frescos and painted houses Day 4 - Morning ride around Nawalgarh. During the ride visit farmhouses and village homes of people who keep and breed Marwari horses. Visit the stables and have interactive meetings with the farmers. Picnic lunch enroute. During the afternoon you will be given a talk on Marwari horses followed by an interactive discussion on how to encourage local horse owners and lovers to continure breeding them and the beliefs of the Indian people about horses. Traditional folk and entertainment dinner. Overnight at the palace hotel. Day 5 - Ride through semi desert areas with small farms and countryside dotted with Khejri trees. En route picnic lunch. Ride through countryside to reach a small wooded lot and dry waterhole surrounded be Ker bushes. Many flocks of bluebell antelopes can be seen around this camp. Overnight at the camp. Day 6 - Moring ride through the semi desert region and Fatehpur. Picnic lunch near typical Shekhawati architecture. You may get the chance to see desert foxes, jackals, blue bulls and deer. Overnight night at the most picturesque spot on the safari. Day 7 - Riding north for 20 kms you will go further into the Shekhawati region . the sand dunes are dotted with greenery where farmers have found water from deep tube wells. Ramgarh is a town with many painted frescoes with an interesting market place. Overnight camp at a farm. Day 8 - You will pass through very high sand dunes and desert villages, to reach the beautiful village of Mehansar of Shekhawati region. The hotel is a charming family run hotel with basic comforts but very tasty home cooked food. Overnight at Mehansar castle. Day 9 - Ride out with a picnic lunch. Late afternoon is sightseeing visiting the Gopinath temple and the famous 'Sone Chandi Ki Haveli'. Overnight at castle. Day 10 - Early morning ride then say goodbye to your horses. Transfer back to airport. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | You must be a relatively experienced rider with a high level of physical fitness. |
| Type of ride: | Some half day rides to start followed by safari |
| Total riding time: | Long hours in the saddle |
| Departure dates: | Anytime when regular safaris are not on between October and February |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Aravalli Range Horse Safari
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This safari creates the age-old charm of horseback travel. Let your senses sway to the romance of the desert as you pass forts, palaces and historical landmarks. Gallop on the deserts, plains and canter through the hills. Spend the evening in luxurious camps and swing to the folk dances. Day 1 - New Delhi airport transfer, hotel to be arranged if required. Day 2 - Delhi to Nawalgarh. Settle in to palace hotel and wander across the spacious lawns or take a dip in the swimming pool. After lunch you will be taken to the stables where you will be introduced to the team for the safari. It will be followed by a briefing on horse riding in India. Later your host will introduce you to your horse, followed by a ride around the field tracks near the palace. In case riders are uncomfortable they can try another horse. Overnight at the palace. Day 3 - Morning ride out with picnic breakfast to the countryside, return in time for lunch. Afternoon free time at the palace where ladies are invied to decorate the palms of female guests with henne, then sight seeing of Nawalgarh by car with your guide. Visit havelis to see frescos and painted houses. Day 4 - An 18 km ride southeast towards the Aravali ranges. Riding on sand tracks thorugh the arid farmlands with patches of green where farmers have struck an aquifer. You will follow a dry riverbed with lots of Acacia bushes whilst enjoying the sight of the imposing Aravali mountains before reaching your campsite at Parasrampura. Here the safari staff will have set up camp and transported lunch reading and waiting for you. After lunch you move towards the Aravali mountains and overnight in a camp. Day 5 - An 18 km ride down the dry sandy riverbed to the foothills of the Aravalli's to the Pilgrim town of Lohargal. This is a historical location where legend has it a local hero had his mace cast here, hence the name, Lohargal, meaning iron smelting. This is also a site of Hindu pilgrimages. In the grounds are many Banyan trees where the horses and kitchen tents are situated. Guests use the roomms which are furnished by the camp equipment. Overnight at Birla Rest house. Day 6 - A 25 km ride in the morning moving southwest towards Sikar following the mountain range again down a dry river bed until you reach Raghunathgarh. The stone quarries here resulted in deep ravines and riding past them is an exhilarating experience. Halt for lunch at midday and then on to overnight camp at a farm. Day 7 - Early morning ride followed by late breakfast then say goodbye to your horses. Transfer by car to airport. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Riders must be physically fit and confident in canter and gallop for extended periods. |
| Type of ride: | Safari |
| Total riding time: | Long hours in the saddle |
| Departure dates: | Can be arranged anytime when regular safaris are not running between October and February. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Pushkar Fair Safari
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Ride from Nawalgarh to the heartland of the famous Marwari horse to visit India's most popular horse and cattle fair at Pushkar. The safari recreates the old age charm of horseback travel. You will pass through the haunting desert riding towards forts, palaces and historical landmarks. Gallop on the deserts, plains and canter through the hills. Spend evenings camping and listening to folk music. Day 1 - New Delhi airport transfer, hotel to be arranged if required. Day 2 - Delhi to Nawalgarh. Settle in to palace hotel and wander across the spacious lawns or take a dip in the swimming pool. After lunch you will be taken to the stables where you will be introduced to the team for the safari. It will be followed by a briefing on horse riding in India. Evening meet at the stables for tea, distribution of welcome gifts, then choose your horse and ride around the palace grounds. In case riders are uncomfortable they can try another horse. Cocktails and detailed briefing of the tour and introduction talk on the arid ecology of the region followed by dinner. Overnight at the palace. Day 3 - Ride out with picnic breakfast to the countryside. Afternoon sightseeing of Nawalgarh town visiting havelies with paintings and frescoes. Overnight at palace. Day 4 - Morning ride out with breakfast followed by a visit to farms and meet village folk. Overnight at palace Day 5 - A ride southeast towards the Aravali ranges. Riding on sand tracks thorugh the arid farmlands with patches of green where farmers have struck an aquifer. You will follow a dry riverbed with lots of Acacia bushes whilst enjoying the sight of the imposing Aravali mountains before reaching your campsite at Parasrampura. Here the safari staff will have set up camp and transported lunch reading and waiting for you. After lunch you move towards the Aravali mountains and overnight in a camp. Overnight at Birla Rest House Day 6 - A morning ride moving southwest towards Danta following the mountain range again down a dry river bed until you reach Raghunathgarh. Then crossing the highway you will leave the Sikar district. Halt for lunch at midday and then on to overnight camp at a farm. Day 7 - The riding terrain is through a semi desert region with lots of Khajri trees and some farmhouses with mud huts. Halt for lunch at Kochor village then the ride passes by the Roogarh fort near a mountain pass. You will camp near a small dry water hole surrounded by acacia trees. Day 8 - Ride along farm tracks then via a mountain pass at Roopgarh. Rides will pass through Ghatwa where a famous battle took place where 25,000 men lost their lives. From a high sand dune ajoining the mountain range riders get a breath taking view of the five famous forts of this region. Lunch is at an ancient watering hole. Later ride to your camp, set up against the backdrop of the Shyamgarh fort. Overnight at camp. Day 9 - Morning ride towards Nawa Salt Lake. This is the most picturesque part of the safari. After lunch the ride takes you around the periphery of the 100km squared salt lake. You will come across many shepherds and sheep flocks around you during the ride all culminating in a beautiful sunset. Overnight at camp. Day 10 - Today you will ride through the Salt Lake for 8-10kms then follow a stony track along mountain ranges to reach your lunch spot Paner. After lunch you ride into farming and sheep country to reach your camp that has been set up in a dry water catchment area with a backdrop of Kuncha grass and picturesque Aravali mountains in the background. Overnight camps. Day 11 - Visit a Gujar shepherd's traditional home. After lunch, ride into a valley to go through a mountain pass and ravines to reach your final campsite. Day 12 - Ride approx 25 kms and arrive at Pushkar which is surrounded by orchards and rose farms. Pushkar is famous for typical pink Indian roses which have a strong aroma. You arrive in the village in the afternoon and can see the white domed houses and temples reflected in a tranquil lake. Overnight at Pushkar tented camp. Day 13 - In Pushkar explore the incredible camel and cattle fair. Ride morning and evening with the safari leader Shri. Overnight at camp. Day 14 - Morning visit to the fair and then drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Sightseeing of Jaipur visiting the city palace museum, astronomical observatory, and then after lunch drive to Delhi via the Amber Fort. Sscend to the fort by elephants if available. End tour at Jaipur and transfer home. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Must be a confident rider used to long hours riding each day. |
| Type of ride: | Safari |
| Total riding time: | Long hours in the saddle |
| Departure dates: | 7th November - 20th November 2007, 27th October - 8th November 2008 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Taalchapper Safari
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This ride takes you on an exciting journey through a variety of terrain from semi desert where you can spot wildlife, to sweeping sand dunes. You will spend 5 nights camping with the remaining nights at the palace hotel and one at a guest house. Expect long hours of challenging yet exhilarating riding broken with unique visits to ancient sites and a chance to meet local breeders and villagers. Day 1 - New Delhi airport transfer, hotel to be arranged if required. Day 2 - Delhi to Nawalgarh. Settle in to palace hotel and wander across the spacious lawns or take a dip in the swimming pool. After lunch you will be taken to the stables where you will be introduced to the team for the safari. It will be followed by a briefing on horse riding in India. Later your host will introduce you to your horse, followed by a ride around the field tracks near the palace. In case riders are uncomfortable they can try another horse. Overnight at the palace. Day 3 - Morning ride out with picnic breakfast to the countryside, return in time for lunch. Afternoon free time at the palace where ladies are invied to decorate the palms of female guests with henne, then sight seeing of Nawalgarh by car with your guide. Visit havelis to see frescos and painted houses. Day 4 - Morning ride around Nawalgarh. During the ride visit farmhouses and village homes of people who keep and breed Marwari horses. Visit the stables and have interactive meetings with the farmers. Picnic lunch enroute. During the afternoon you will be given a talk on Marwari horses followed by an interactive discussion on how to encourage local horse owners and lovers to continure breeding them and the beliefs of the Indian people about horses. A chance to see the ancient horse medicine book of 'Salotra' which is a hand written manual about Marwari horses passed down through families. Traditional folk and entertainment dinner. Overnight at the palace hotel. Day 5 - Ride 26 kms through semi desert areas with small farms and countryside dotted with Khejri trees. En route picnic lunch. Visit farms where female farmers are supported by Non Government Organisations to encourage natural resource management and use of eco friendly techniques to increase yields. Evening stay at Naharsinghani Jod - an old ranch house. Day 6 - Ride 22 kms through countryside to reach a small wooded lot and dry waterhole surrounded be Ker bushes. Many flocks of bluebell antelopes can be seen around this camp. Overnight at the camp. Day 7 - Morning 30 km ride through the semi desert region and Fatehpur. Picnic lunch near typical Shekhawati architecture. You may get the chance to see desert foxes, jackals, blue bulls and deer. Overnight night at the most picturesque spot on the safari. Day 8 - Riding 34 kms west today you will enter the territory of the Bikaner state. There will be a sudden change in terrain to large sand dunes. Going will be slow after lunch. Overnight at camp at the protected woodlot of the rock edifice temple. Day 9 - Today you will ride 31 kms and leave the sand dunes reaching flat loam soil ground. Most of the ride will be through or around the peripheries of Tal Chappar, the famous black buck game sanctuary. The scarfs/turbans will be useful as a fine dust arises when you ride across this terrain. You will get to see black buck deer and other deer species during the ride. Overnight camp on the edge of the sanctuary. Day 10 - Full day to ride and explore the periphral area around Talchappar Wildlife Sanctuary. You may see herds of black buck antelop, chinkara gazelle, desert cats and foxes, as well as a range of birds. A picnic lunch and then return to camp. Overnight at the edge of the sanctuary. Day 11 - Early morning ride around the camp and then a goodbye to your horses. On arrival lunch at a hotel, then sightseeing after lunch at Bikaner visiting the Junagarh Fort and if time permits, the royal cenotaphs. Evening transfer to the railway station for overnight train to Delhi. Day 12 - Early morning in Delhi and transfer to airport or spend the day at leisure before an evening flight. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | You must be an experienced rider used to long periods in the saddle with a high level of physical fitness. |
| Type of ride: | Safari |
| Total riding time: | Long hours in the saddle |
| Departure dates: | 7-18th October 2007 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Balotra Horse Fair Safari
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This ride takes you on a journey from Jodhpur to the heartland of the famous Marwari horse and cattle fair at Tilwara (Balotra). Visit a traditional Maharaj villa, gallop along dry river beds and see seven thousand horses at the famous Balotra horse and camel fair. Monday 24th March - Day 1 Arrival in New Delhi. Stay in New Delhi overnight. Tuesday 25th March - Day 2 Sightseeing in New Delhi. Evening train to Jodhpur. Wednesday 26th March - Day 3 Arrival in Jodhpur and transfer to hotel. Built in 1920, by Maharaj Ratan Singh, a keen horse lover and one of the greatest polo players of his time, this hotel has an imposing red sandstone carved exterior and simple yet comfortable interior. Drive 45 minutes to the base camp where the horses and safari team have arrived from Nawalgarh. You are welcomed with folk music and given welcome gifts. The safari riding leader will help you choose a horse, which is followed by a ride around the local countryside. Overnight at the hotel. Thursday 27th March - Day 4 Sightseeing of the Mehrangarh Fort and explore parts of the old city of Jodhpur with car and guide. The Fort is spread over 5 kms on a hill and is an intricately adorned palace with long carved panels and latticed windows. It also has a museum with a rich collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniature paintings and costumes. After lunch an afternoon drive to the base camp and then riding in the countryside. Overnight at Ratan Vilas Palace or similar. Friday 28th March - Day 5 Morning drive to base camp to commence your safari.. The lunch stop is in a small rain catchment area beside a temple to folk divinity 'mamoji'. Each day you will cover a distance of 25 to 30 kms riding through open countryside farms and villages. The route follows the dry riverbed of river LUNI. Overnight stay will be in tents and each evening there will be camp folk musicians and entertainment. Saturday 29th March - Day 6 You will ride upstream across a large expanse of dry riverbed of the Luni river. Being very sandy, the going can be slow. After leaving the river bed the ride takes you through villages and dry scrub land. The festival of colour Holi has just passed so in this region people are still celebrating with dancing and drum music. Before reaching the camp you will cross 9 kms of protected bushland close to a temple. Overnight at a camp. Sunday 30th March - Day 7 Ride through dry desert which is arid but not sandy. Riders will be surprised at the clean and well maintained clay houses of the villages. The movement will be to the northwest and riders will approach the campsite with low hills of Aravali range visible on the horizon. Overnight at a camp. Monday 31st March - Day 8 Riding towards the hills passing acacia clusters you will cross a local village 'mangla'. The lunch stop is against a backdrop of a hillock facing the dry Luni riverbed. Lunch and then ride on to an aquifer and then camp overnight. Tuesday 1st April - Day 9 Ride until the evening when you will reach Tilwara. Watch the owners preparing their horses for display and also see camels and bullocks. The last function was attended by the Maharaja of Jodhpur and people come from all over India to attend this fair and purchase animals. Explore the fair grounds on arrival and then evening campfire and folk entertainment. Overnight in camp. Wednesday 2nd April - Day 10 Morning and evening rides. An afternoon to explore the fairgrounds. Evening campfire and folk entertainment. Overnight at camp. Thursday 3rd April - Day 11 Morning and evening rides. Afternoon to explore the fairgrounds. Evening campfire and folk entertainment. Overnight at camp. Expect to see between 5 and 7 thousand horses, 15-20 thousand camels and 30-40 thousand bullocks at this famous fair. The fair is a photographers paradise. The camp is set up only 1 km from the fair so you can take your horse and ride around the fair. You should be warned that temperatures in March can be much hotter than the rest of the year and can reach 35 degrees Celsius. However, you cannot fail to enjoy this exciting event which is much larger than the Pushkar or Naguar fairs and is not frequented by tourists. At sunrise and sunset there is a spectacular horse display. Friday 4th April - Day 12 Morning ride and then lunch followed by transfer to Jodhpur (4 hours) and dinner at a villa. Rooms are available to wash and change. Later transfer to railway station for train onto Delhi. Tour ends. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | You must be a relatively experienced rider with a high level of physical fitness |
| Type of ride: | Safari |
| Total riding time: | Long hours in the saddle |
| Departure dates: | 24th March - 4th April 2008 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |