This unique trail leads 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 with dry savannah and cultivated areas. The plain is 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 to be visited. The trail leads the riders through the outskirts of picturesque Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary where they 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.

The visit to Sita-Mata is the highlight as well as the end of this trail. The park is probably the best place in Rajasthan to really watch animals as it is located away from all main streets and only little frequented-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, a quite shapeless-looking animal, which is similar to the African Kudu. The male animals have a blue gleaming coat, therefore the Indian name Nilgai-blue cow. Here and there, our 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.

As a special highlight of this trail, the flowering period of the Flame Tree in spring or many different Indian festivals in autumn await you. This is a special journey on the horseback to experience the original and authentic culture and traditions in a part of Rajasthan - that has remained uncrowded, unspoilt and hugely hospitable.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive New Delhi. Traditional garland welcome and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: Delhi - Udaipur

Morning board about one hour inland flight to Udaipur-also called the Venice of the East. Afternoon sightseeing to see palaces and temples and overnight stay in a charming heritage hotel overlooking the Lake Pichola.

Day 03: Udaipur – Jaisamand

After breakfast transfer to Jaisamand Lake. A short boat ride will be organised on the lake to get you in the right mood for this splendid landscape. Lunch at the old temple site of Jagat and afterwards drive to the tented camp. In the afternoon about 2 hrs test riding of the horses. Overnight stay at safari camp.

Day 04: Jaisamand- Khurabar

First safari day. Ride from the foothills of the Aravalli-Mountains around the Jaisamand Lake down to the Malwa Plain. The trail leads through the outskirts of the Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary and with some luck you encounter Nilgai antelopes or other animals. The area is quite rocky and here and there we have to overcome little gorges and clefts.

In the evening a night drive will be organised with a jeep for riders in order to watch night active animals of the region such as jungle cats, hyenas, antelopes or leopards.

Day 05: Khurabar – Bambora.

The first part of the day stage leads through the fertile valleys around Kharabar. You will ride over sandy paths passing green fields that farmers still till and plough with the help of oxen. Women in colourful saris carry 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. You will have to manage a few climbs, which will be rewarded with spectacular views over the mountains.

Day 06: Bambora- Badwei

The Aravalli-Mountains are now behind you and the trail leads over the last rocky hills into the fertile plain, which already belongs geographically 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 goes through a few villages and you will pass farmhouses and some ruinous Havelis.

Today, the safari camp is located at a large lake that is, in spring, home to a number of migrating birds like cranes, storks and local water birds such as flamingos, kingfishers and ducks.

After arrival at the camp in late afternoon, village safari to the nearby Bhinder including visiting the fort.

Day 07: Bhinder - Barisadri

Today’s day ride brings you from the Badwei Lake to Barisadri, once the largest Jagir of Mewar. The trail leads through the core part of the Malwa Plain and crosses a small railway line connecting 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 way invote for long trots and canters. Palm trees and flame trees border the way and again and again you will come through small villages.

Your safari camp today is situated in the former pleasure garden of the Palace of Barisadri. Today large parts of the gardens are used for farming, however small parts of it are still reminders of the glorious days long gone by. Here, you will stay overnight under mango trees and next to smelling jasmine hedges.

After arrival at the camp in late afternoon, the palace can be visited.

Day 08: Barisadri - Boheda

Fifth safari day in the Malwa Plain. Today the ride leads through rich fields and villages to Boheda, the old fiefdom. The riding pace is quick today too and the horses enjoy the soft ground under their hooves. Lunch will be taken in a ruined fort along way, which seems to tell stories about the glorious days long gone by.

Arrival in Boheda in late afternoon and overnight stay in a safari camp a bit outside of the village. If possible a bullock cart ride through the village is arranged in the late afternoon.

Day 09: Ride through Sita-Mata Wildlife Sanctuary

Sixth safari day and ride through Sita-Mata. Today, you will start early in the morning for your day ride through one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in South Rajasthan. The Wildlife Sanctuary is situated far away from all touristic circuits and very few visitors find their way to this place. Therefore, the animals which are endemic to this park like leopards, jungle cats, Chinkara gazelle, Nilgai antelopes, Chital and Sambar deer as well as monkeys, are not timid than elsewhere. 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 enchants the nature lovers.

Return to Boheda in the evening, to relax at Sunset, followed by a farewell dinner with local folk music!!

Day 10: Boheda- Chittorgarh

Morning a short horse ride, then transfer by Jeep to Chittorgarh - the legendary medieval fort. In the afternoon, sightseeing. After dinner board overnight train to New Delhi. Overnight in Train.

Day 11: Early morning arrive New Delhi railway station and transfer to your day use hotel. Afternoon free for optional sighseeing or shoping. Late evening transfer to International airport. Board your return flight taking back the romantic memories of traveling with Discovery Journeys.