This ride takes you through the rather greener part of this desert state of India. Route features include farmlands, villages, forts and havelies, archaeological sites, dams, riverbeds, sand dunes as well as hilly stretches of the Aravali range. You also get to interact with local village people and experience local folk dance and music. A visit to the local horse breeders and seeing their beautiful Marwari horses will be a rewarding experience.
Native wildlife that you may encounter on the trail include Desert Fox, Wild Cat, Nilgai (largest Indian antelope). Birdlife is plenty.
You will ride astride indigenous horse breeds, namely “Marwari”, “Kathiawadi” and “Sindhi”. These horses come from a lineage of erstwhile war horses of India. They are beautiful and elegant horses with an over-all look of refinement, known for its inward curved ears. They are an exotic breed loved world over by horse lovers. Their height averages between 14 and 16 hands high.
This ride will bring you to the state of Rajasthan. Located in the west of India, it is the largest province of the Republic of India by land area. The state comprises most of the area of the large, inhospitable Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert. Jaipur is the capital city of the state.
The ride is based in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. The region is often referred to as the “open air art gallery” and is famous for its historical monuments, archeological sites and extraordinary painted havelis (traditional, ornately decorated residences which enclose one or more courtyards), highlighted with dazzling murals. The region charms you with its tiny towns, connected to each other by single-track roads that run through lonely, arid countryside.
Day 1 - Arrival in Jaipur / Delhi. Sightseeing activities as the day permits.
Day 2 - Visit the Amer Fort in Jaipur. Drive to village of Banura, your ride start point. Late afternoon ride around Banura village. Try out your horses. Overnight in camp.
Day 3 - Ride 25 KM to Harsh. Overnight in camp.
Day 4 - Early morning visits to Harshnath temple and archiological site. Ride 25 KM to Singhasan. Overnight in a heritage property hotel.
Day 5 - Ride 30 KM to Katrathal through countryside farmlands and dunes. Overnight at Home Stay Cottages with a local family.
Day 6 - Ride 30 KM to Parasrampura through countryside farmlands and dunes. Overnight in camp.
Day 7 - Drive to Nawalgarh. Visit fresco decorated havelies. Post lunch, drive to Bharatpur. Overnight in hotel.
Day 8 - Early morning visit to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Post lunch drive to Agra. Overnight in Agra.
Day 9 - Visit “The Taj” and the fort of “Fatehpur Sikri”. Drive to Jaipur / Delhi. Overnight in Jaipur / Delhi.
Day 10 - Sightseeing / shopping activities as the day permits. Drive to the Airport to catch your international flight home.
Accommodation in the cities Jaipur, Delhi and Agra are in category 4 Star Hotels with comfortable rooms and amenities.
While on the trail ride, accommodation will comprise of Safari tents and camp, Heritage properties and farm stays.
During your stay in the city hotel properties at Jaipur, Delhi and Bharatpur, food will be as served in the menu options available at the hotel. This includes a good selection of Indian and continental food.
While on the trail, all food is cooked fresh in camp kitchen and includes Indian and Continental dishes, accommodated as much as possible as per your diet request. The food may mostly be vegetarian in certain camp sites depending on local cultural sensitivities. Apologies - no Beef or Game Meat is served. Nonalcoholic beverages will include soft drinks, tea, coffee and juices.
The ride is open from October to February and can accommodate flexible dates as per your request. Minimum group size is 2 riders.
Prices -
Inclusions – Accommodation Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) All internal transfers indicated in the itenarary Guide Horses Backup support vehicle and luggage transport Support Team Taxes Wi-Fi
Exclusions - International flights Personal injury & health insurance Alcoholic Drinks Items and services of personal nature such as laundry (can be arranged) Telephone or Fax services Emergency evacuation costs Legal fees Entry fees and camera charges for forts, monuments, museums, parks etc Gratuity
Runs - October/February Distances - Delhi – Banura = 140 KMs Jaipur – Banura = 313 KMs Average travelling speed by road = 70 KM/HR Temperatures - Oct to Feb Min from below 0 °C Max about 25 °C
Packing advice - Comfortable Clothes, Breeches / Jodhpurs, Riding Boots / Chaps / Gaiters, Sneakers / Sport Shoe, Slippers, Prescribed Medications, Sunscreen, Shades / Sunglasses, Warmers, Travel documents
Rider Profile -