Horse India

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.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You should arrive at Udaipur by midday to be collected from the airport and transferred to the hotel. There will be a sunset boat trip around Lake Pichola. Beside Lake Pichola, with the ochre and purple rides of the wooded Aravalli Hills stretching away in every direction, Udaipur has a romantic setting unmatched in Rajasthan and arguably all India. It offers fantastic palaces, temples, havelis and many narrow, winding, colourful streets which all add to the charm of this atmospheric city.
Tonight you will stay at the Udaipur Hotel.

Day 2

Riding: 1 - 2 hours

After a good night's sleep in the morning you can enjoy shopping and visiting the City Palace complex. After lunch at 1 pm you will be transferred by road to Narlai which will take around three hours.

In the afternoon after checking into the hotel, and changing you will get to meet your Marwari horse for a later afternoon trial ride from the hotel to Jodha Stud Farm, the home of the horses. This will take around one hour. Here you will enjoy a delicious home cooked Rajasthani dinner which is served within the magic of the stable complex.

The hotel Rawla Narlai is a delightful 17th century property which was once a favourite hunting lodge of the Jodphur Royal Family. It is still owned by members of the Jodphur family who have invested vast amounts of time, money, love and care into restoring this little gem. Over the years it has transformed from a simple lodge into a stunning, stylish boutique hotel, albeit with all its original character and structure retained. The rooms are scattered all around the property and each varies significantly in shape size and décor.

Day 3

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

Today you will enjoy a full day ride to Dantiwara, You will pass through villages and ride in the plains of the Aravalli hills. You will stop for a picnic lunch and eventually reach the camp situated in front of the lake. All tents have ensuite bathrooms and come fully equipped with all furniture, linen, towels etc. Today you will camp overnight.

Day 4

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

Today you will make another full day ride to Perwa in the Bali Forest. You will make your away along the bottom of the Aravalli hills riding south west to the village of Perwa. You will pass villages and rural farmsteads, making your way through the volcanic smooth rock formations and stopping in the shade for a long picnic lunch. You will spend the night in a comfortable camp.

Day 5

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

In the early morning you will have the opportunity to spot leopards. After breakfast you will ride to Jawai Bandh. Today you continue onwards to reach the reservoir. It lies at the heart of an an untrammelled wilderness where leopards roam wild and free encapsulated in a landscape surrounded by craggy granite formations of caves, kopjes, Anogeissus scrub and winding sand river beds.

In the late afternoon/early evening you will take a jeep ride to search for leopard. You will camp overnight.

Day 6

Riding: No riding.

Today you are transferred in the morning to the Jodphur hotel. In the afternoon you will go sightseeing at the Mehrangarh Fort. The fort stands a hundred feet in splendour on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred feet above the sky line of Jodphur. It is very imposing with burnished red sand stone which seems to make it invincible and yet with a strange haunting beauty. Much has been written about the Citadel of the Sun for it truly is one of the most impressive in all Rajasthan. Rudyard Kipling called it "the work of giants" as its proportions are so colossal. Today it is acknowledged as one of the best preserved forts in India. This evening you can go shopping in the market and also a warehouse full of antiquities.

Day 7

Riding: No riding.

This morning you will be transferred by road to the Jodphur Hotel, This afternoon you will enjoy some sightseeing at the Mehrangarh Fort. This Fort stands a hundred feet in splendour on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred feet above the sky line of Jodphur. Tonight you will stay at the Jodphur Hotel.

Day 8

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

This morning there will be a short road transfer to Mathania where you will meet up again with your Marwari horse. Today you will enjoy a full day ride to Osian. You will head north west making your way over the pink granite local to the area and which was used to build the Meharangarh Fort, You will pass farmsteads and small hamlets and enjoy the vistas from the edge of the Great Thar Desert of Tajasthan. You will stop for a picnic lunch and a little siesta. You will get back in the saddle and head off to reach the next camp on the outskirts of Osian where you will spend the night,

Day 9

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

Today is another full day in the saddle riding from Osian to Hacra. You will start to head deeper in the sand and dunes. You will see the local huts with thatched roofs as well as the scrub of desert vegetation, acacia bushes etc, You may encounter wild nilgai (Asian antelopes), small chinkara gazelle, mongoose as well as other flora and fauna local to this desert environment. You arrive at the tented camp close to the community hamlet of Hacra. Overnight in the tented camp.

Day 10

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

Today you will head North for a full day ride from Hacra to Cullu. The sand is deeper but your trusted Marwari will have a stamina not known in other breeds. They are desert horses and you will be ridng in the heart of the Marwar district from where their name derives. Again you will spend a night in a tented camp.

Day 11

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

This is your final day of riding and you will enjoy a full day in the saddle riding from Cullu to Khichan. By now you will have built up a good relationship with your horse and you can take advantage of the open lands. You will arrive at Khichan, famous for the demoiselle cranes that visit during the winter seasons (October to March). The birds migrate here from the Mongolian steppes and at the peak (December, January and February) the numbers reach over 10,000 which is a sight to see. You will say a sad farewell to your horse as they travel home for a well earned rest. You will overnight at the Hotel Kurja Resort at Khichan.

Day 12

Riding: No riding.

You can enjoy an early morning visit to the nearby bird feeding grounds - what a sight! After breakfast you will be transferred by road to Jodphur airport - a journey of two hours,

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will arrive at Udaipur by midday and will be transferred from the airport to the hotel. You will enjoy a sunset boat trip around Lake Pichola. Beside the Lake, the Aravalli Hills and woodlands stretch in every direction with its ochre and purple ridges. Udaipur is set in a romantic setting unmatched in Rajhastan and arguably all India, It boasts fantastic palaces, temples, havelis and countless, narrow, crooked colourful streets which add to the city's natural charms. You will overnight at the Udaipur Hotel.

Day 2

Riding: 1 - 1 hours

In the morning you will enjoy sightseeing at the City Palace complex and perhaps do some shopping. After lunch you will transfer at 1 pm by road to Narlai which takes around three hours. You will check in to the hotel and quickly change because this afternoon you will meet your Marwari horse for a late afternoon one hour trial ride from the hotel to Jodha Stud farm which is the home of the horses. Here you will enjoy a delicious home cooked Rajasthani dinner eaten within the magic of the stable complex.

Your hotel, Rawla Narlai is a delightful 17th century property which was once a favourite hunting lodge of the Jodphur Royal Family. It is still owned by members of the Jodphur family who have invested vast amounts of time, money, love and care into restoring this wonderful little gem. Over the years it has transformed from a simple lodge into a stunning, stylish, boutique hotel, albeit with all its original character and structure retained. The rooms are scattered all around the property and each varies significantly in shape, size and décor. Here you will overnight.

Day 3

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

Today is a full day ride to Dantiwara. You will pass through villages and ride in the plains to the Aravalli hills , stopping for a picnic lunch. You will reach the camp which is situated in front of the lake. All tents have an ensuite bathroom and come fully equipped with all furniture, linen and towels, etc.

Day 4

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

Today is another full day ride to Perwa in the Bali Forest, You will make your way along the bottom of the Aravalli hills riding south west to the village of Perwa. You will pass villages and rural farmsteads making your way through the volcanic smooth rock formations, stopping in the shade for a long picnic lunch. You will camp overnight.

Day 5

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

In the early morning before breakfast you will have the opportunity to go leopard spotting. You will then ride onto Jawai Bandh. Today you continue onwards to reach the reservoir. It lies at the heart of an untrammelled wilderness where leopards roam wild and free encapsulated in a landscaped surrounded by craggy granite formations of caves, kopjes, Anogeissus scrub and winding sand river beds.

In the late afternoon/early evening you will have the opportunity to search for leopard in a jeep. Tonight you will camp.

Day 6

Riding: No riding.

This morning you will be transferred by road to Jodphur and to your hotel. This afternoon you can explore the Mehrangarh Fort. The Fort stands a hundred feet in splendour on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred feet above the sky line of Jodphur. The burnished red stand stone is very imposing but has a strange haunting beauty. Much has been written about the Citadel of the Sun as it is one of the most impressive in all Rajasthan. if not in all of India. Rudolph Kipling called it "the work of giants" because of its colossal proportions. This evening you can enjoy some shopping in the market and a warehouse full of antiquities. You will overnight in the Jodphur Hotel.

Day 7

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

In the morning after breakfast you will take a short road transfer to Mathania to meet up again with your Marwari horses. Today will be a full day ride from Mathania to Osian. The ride will take you north west making your way over the pink granite which is local to the area and was used to build the Meharangarh Fort. You will pass small hamlets and farmsteads taking in the vistas from the the edge of the Great That Desert of Rajasthan. You will stop for a picnic lunch and a little siesta before heading off again to reach the next camp on the outskirts of Osian. You will overnight in the comfortable tented camp.

Day 8

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

Today is another full day in the saddle riding from Osian to Hacra. You will start to head deeper in the sand and dunes. You will see the local huts with thatched roofs as well as the scrub of desert vegetation, acacia bushes etc, You may encounter wild nilgai (Asian antelopes), small chinkara gazelle, mongoose as well as other flora and fauna local to this desert environment. You arrive at the tented camp close to the community hamlet of Hacra. Overnight in the tented camp.

Day 9

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

Today you will head North for a full day ride from Hacra to Cullu. The sand is deeper but your trusted Marwari will have a stamina not known in other breeds. They are desert horses and you will be ridng in the heart of the Marwar district from where their name derives. Again you will spend a night in a tented camp.

Day 10

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

This is your final day of riding and you will enjoy a full day in the saddle riding from Cullu to Khichan. By now you will have built up a good relationship with your horse and you can take advantage of the open lands. You will arrive at Khichan, famous for the demoiselle cranes that visit during the winter seasons (October to March). The birds migrate here from the Mongolian steppes and at the peak (December, January and February) the numbers reach over 10,000 which is a sight to see. You will say a sad farewell to your horse as they travel home for a well earned rest. You will overnight at the Hotel Kurja Resort at Khichan.

Day 11

Riding: No riding.

This morning you are able to visit a bird feeding ground nearby which is a fantastic sight. After breakfast you will be transferred by road to Pushkar which takes around 4 hours. This fair is one of the largest horse and camel fairs in Rajhasthan. You will visit the fair in the mornings and evenings. You will see different styles of dress as people make the trek from all corners of Rajhastan in order to trade horses, camels and cattle. In the evening when you visit the fair, you can climb the hill and survey the fair watching the sun go down in the 'golden hour' or as it is known, 'cow dust time'. You will camp overnight.

Day 12

Riding: No riding.

Today you will spend a full day at the Pushkar Camel Fair - this is one of India's most highly rated travel experiences, a spectacle on an epic scale, attracting more than 11,000 camels, horses and cattle and it is vistied by over 400,000 people during the 14 days.

For visitors it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the colour, spectacle and carnival of one of the last great traditional mela's. We are nearing the full moon (on Friday 23rd November) when all pilgrims come to bathe in the holy lake on this auspicious day and last minute trading deals are done before horse and camels depart for another year. You will overnight in the tented camp.

Day 13

Riding: No riding.

Today you take an early morning transfer to Jaipur which takes three hours. You will have lunch and have a chance for some last minute shopping before an early afternoon transfer to the aiport for your departure to home or your next destination.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will arrive Udaipur and enjoy a late afternoon boat ride around Lake Pichola. Beside Lake Pichola you will see the ochre and purple ridges of the wooded Aravalli Hills stretching away in every direction, Udaipur is a romantic setting unmatched in Rajasthan and arguably in all India. Fantastic palaces, temples, havelis and countless narrow, crooked, colourful streets add a human element to the charm of the city. Tonight you stay at a hotel in Udaipur.

Day 2

Riding: No riding.

Today you will have the opportunity to do some sightseeing in Udaipur. It truly is the city of cream, rose and honeysuckle hues and looks very beautiful in the sunshine. The huge, cupola-crowned City Palace lines the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, with its balconies gazing out at Udaipur’s other famous landmark, the Lake Palace – a fairy-tale confection that seems to float on the lake’s waters, gleaming by day and spotlit by night. To the east, away from the lake shore, extends a tangled inner city of lanes lined with homes, temples, shops and businesses that is fascinating to explore.

After lunch you will transfer by road north to Kumbhalgarh a journey of around 2 hours. You will overnight at a hotel in Kumbhalgarh.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

This morning you will visit Kumbhalgarh Fort which is the second most important fort of Rajasthan after Chittorgarh. This unconquerable fortress is settled under the kind protection of the Aravali ranges. Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Maharana Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. Encircled by thirteen elevated mountain peaks, the fort is constructed on the top most ridges around 1,914 meters above sea level. The fortifications of the fort extend to the length of 36 kilometers and because of this fact the fort has international recognition. It is stated to be the second longest wall in the world, the first being ''the Great Wall of China''. The huge complex of the Fort has numerous palaces, temples and gardens making it more magnificent.

Later in the morning you will start your safari by horse. You will meet your Marwari horse and ride slowly down through the Khumbalgarh Sanctuary and Ghanerao forest. You will enter the sanctuary near Kumbhalgarh Fort and pick your way through the wood using old paths, crossing small rivers to the edge of the Ghanerao forest. The route is shaded and quiet, although harbours much wildlife . Keeping your eyes open, you may see some animals are watching you through the trees. You will enjoy a late picnic lunch en route.

Standing watch over the small village of Ghanerao is the Ghanerao Rawla (castle). This is a magnificent showcase of marble and red sandstone. With Rajput Architecture the castle was built in 1606 and serves as the home of the royal family who still reside here. There is a nostalgic air of past glory and of the royal lifestyle that the Thakurs led. The castle has 17 beautiful rooms, having their own unique sit outs and verandhas. A recent developing project is a museum where you can see the old elephant hodas and palkis which were used by the rulers when elephants and horses were the only means of travel.
The House of Ghanerao has also been patron of the unique style Rajput miniature paintings. A School of Ghanerao Paintings is still functioning in the village employing local artists. Tonight you will stay at Ghanerao Castle

Day 4

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Today is a full day ride to Ranakpur. You will pass through villages and ride in the plains of the Aravalli hills, stopping for a picnic lunch. You will visit the marble Jain Temple at Ranakpur, built in the 15th Century and with its intricate carving and is one of the most spectacular Jain temples in Rajasthan. Tonight you stay in Ranakpur.

Day 5

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Today is another full day ride - this time heading to Jodha Stud. You will ride along the bottom of the Aravalli hills heading to the horse's home at Jodha Stud, Shobhawas. You will pass villages and rural farmsteads, making your way through the volcanic smooth rock formations, stopping in the shade, or under the shade of the trees for a picnic lunch and arriving at the ‘Palace for Horses’ set on the edge of a riverbed. You will overnight at the Jodha Stud.

Day 6

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Today is another full Day ride passing lakes and villages to arrive at the old haveli in the village of Narlai.
Rawla Narlai is a delightful 17th century property, which was once a favourite hunting lodge of the Jodhpur Royal Family. It is still owned by members of the Jodhpur family who have invested vast amounts of time, money, love and care into restoring this little gem. Over the years it has transformed from a simple lodge into a stunning, stylish boutique hotel, albeit with all its original character and structure retained. The rooms are scattered all around the property and each varies significantly in shape, size and décor. Here we say goodbye to our horses. You will stay here overnight at this delightful property.

Day 7

Riding: No riding.

Today you will leave early to make your way to Jodhpur by road. In the afternoon you will enjoy sightseeing at Mehrangarh Fort. Mehrangarh Fort stands a hundred feet in splendour on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred feet above the sky line of Jodhpur. The burnished red sand stone, is imposing, invincible and yet has an inviting haunting beauty. Much has been written about the Citadel of the Sun, for truly, it is one of the most impressive in all Rajasthan. So colossal are its proportions that Rudyard Kipling called it “the work of giants”. Today, it is acknowledged as one of the best preserved fort in India. Overnight in the Hotel Jodphur.

Day 8

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast, departure for onward destination