Day 1
Riding: No riding.
Arrival to Udaipur in time to enjoy a late afternoon boat trip around Lake Pichola. Udaipur is one of the most romantic settings of Rajasthan and arguably all of India, with the ridges of the Aravalli Hills in the distance and a range of incredible buildings from palaces and temples to havelis. The crooked and colourful streets add a human element to the city's natural charms.
Overnight in a hotel in Udaipur.
Day 2
Riding: No riding.
This morning is spent sightseeing in Udaipur and is a chance to enjoy its beautiful hues of cream, rose and honeysuckle. The City Palace lies on the eastern shore of Lake Pichola and features balconies which gaze out towards Lake Palace, the other famous landmark of the city. The palace seems to float on the water, as if from a fairytale.
In the east, away from the shores of the lake, is the inner city which is a delight to explore - a mix of temples, homes and shops.
In the afternoon you will transfer north by road to Kumbhalgarh, a journey of around two hours. Overnight in a hotel there.
Day 3
Riding: 2 - 3 hours
This morning you will visit Kumbhalgarh Fort which is the second most important in Rajasthan (the first being Chittorgarh). This fortress, deemed unconquerable, is protected by the Aravalli ranges. It was built during the 15th century by Maharana Rana Kumbha and is surrounding by thirteen mountain peaks. The fort is built at 1914m above sea level and its fortifications extend to 36km - it is purported to be the second longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. The fort complex features various palaces, temples and gardens which make it all the more special.
Late in the morning you will meet your horses for the first time. You will ride down through the Khumbalgarh Sanctuary and Ghanerao forest, entering the sanctuary near the fort and following old paths to the forest's edge, crossing small rivers along the way. This is a shaded, quiet trail but is home to much wildlife.
A lunch picnic is eaten on the way and you will arrive at Muthana Lake by dusk, with your first overnight in camp to follow.
Day 4
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
Today is a full day ride to Dantiwara Lake. The route takes you through villages and onto the plains of the Aravalli hills, enjoying a picnic lunch en route. Your camp tonight is situated in front of the lake.
Day 5
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
This is a full day ride to Bali Forest. You will make your way along the bottom of the Aravalli hills in a south-westerly direction to Perwa, passing by rural farmsteads and more villages for a look at local life. The terrain today includes smooth rock formations, volcanic in origin. Lunch will be a long, relaxed picnic in a shady spot. Overnight in camp.
Day 6
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
Full day ride to Jawai Bandh. This lies in the heart of an unspoilt wilderness, a place where leopards can still roam free. The landscape is surrounded by granite formations of caves, hills, Anogeissus plant scrub and winding riverbeds of sand.
In the evening you will enjoy your first jeep safari to look for the elusive leopard.
Camp overnight (you are here for two nights).
Day 7
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
This morning's ride is to search for leopard. This area is where “the hills throw the moon out and just as soon absorb its glow into their gorges. Where nomadic Rabari herdsmen are as much a part of the earth's tales as the mysterious felines that grace these hills and vanish at will into their folds. Where pastoral fields meet and merge with wild grasslands and the swells of the JAWAI Bandh's waters lap at the toes of mighty granite forms. Where flamingos flock and cranes in their hundreds dance to springtime. This special location, the unique flavour of this land and its offerings, provide for an entirely different experience from the rest of Rajasthan”.
In the evening you will take another jeep safari on the lookout for leopards. Overnight in camp.
Day 8
Riding: No riding.
After breakfast you will be transferred back to Udaipur for your journey home.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.
