It was with the dawn of the Great Mughal Empire that horses were first integrated into everyday life in India and since then riding has been a major means of transport. The fearsome Rajputs, as they stampeded across the plains and mountain passes, depended on the fleetness of their horses for success in battle. They spend years trying to breed superior horses, hoping to outdo their rivals and eventually enabling them to conquer much of the Subcontinent. This rivalry lives on today in the form of fierce competitions at annually held “cattle” fairs: on the glamorous polo fields of Rajasthan; and on India’s thriving race-tracks. The Rajputs swiftest horses were bred in Mewar, Marwar and Kathiwar and still maintain their reputation of superiority today. Travelling on horseback is the best possible way to see the countryside as you journey unhurriedly and often unnoticed from A to B. We outline below on of the best areas of horse riding in Rajastan passing through tribal lands, rolling hills and rural villages; The scenery encountered varies enormously.
Best Time: Mid September to Mid March.
Highlight: Horse safari through the Aravali Hills.
Day 1:- Arrive Delhi
Assistance on arrival and transfer to the Pre-booked hotel. Morning after breakfast time free to re-charge from long flight. Afternoon Guided tour to visit Red Fort, Chandni Chowak (Silver market), Ghandhi Samadhi and the India Gate. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3:- Delhi- Agra ( Train)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Agracheck in at hotel. Afternoon visit Taj Mahal: One of the Seven Wonder of the World was build by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651. This symbol of love was build in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Described as the most extravagant monument ever build for love. It was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, made out of white marble took 22 years to complete. Ustad Ahamad Lahori, a Parsian Architect, is said to be the main designer and planer of this magnificent memorial. On full moon night, the glory of the Taj is at its best. (Taj Mahal remain closed on every Friday)
Day 4:- Agra Fort
Build by the famed Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of the Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, though additions were made up until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan region it has partially become Palace. The fort presents a good sampling of their favoured architectural styles. Akbar drew on Islamic and Hindu traditions and the result is eclectic. By Shah Jahan's time the style had become so homogenized that it is impossible to separate the Hindu and Muslim strands. The Diwan-I-Am (public audience hall) the beautiful Diwan-I-Khas (private audience hall) were also added by Shah Jahan. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5:- Agra- Jaipur ( 5hrs drive)
After breakfast we drive to Jaipur, journey bringing us first to the Sand Stone building of Akbar the Great at Fatehpur Sikiri built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 yrs. Due to scarcity of water. Predominately, a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with emperor’s dream & partakes of both Hindu & Muslim styles. See the graceful buildings including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other places.
Salim Chishti Dargah; built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 yrs. Due to scarcity of water. Predominately, a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with emperor’s dream & partakes of both Hindu & Muslim styles. Salim Chishti (1478-1572) was one of the famous Sufi saints of the Chishti Order in India. Salim Chishti was the descendant of the famous Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti whose tomb is in Ajmer, Rajasthan.
Arrive Jaipur and stay for two night in hotel.
Day 6:- Jaipur- Sightseeing
After breakfast a guided sightseeing to Amber Fort on painted Elephant, and late continue to Hawa Mahal (Place of Winds), city palace. Overnight in hotel.
Day 7:- Jaipur- Rawla Narlai (7hrs)
After breakfast drive 350kms/7hrs to Rawla Narlai- a 400 yrs old castle. If time permits we can visit to Narlai village along with guide . Here the guests are exposed to various aspects of rural life. Narlai alone has About 500 temples within the village. Evening are enriched with Rajasthani cultural programme along with an early dinner as coming days are going to be hectic & full of activities.
Day 8:- Preparation for Horse Safari
After breakfast prepare for ride and we take about 15 Kms ride through the villages and temples, return back to hotel for Lunch and over night. Afternoon time free.
Day 9:- Horse Safari
Early breakfast and after which guests starts their safari from the hotel itself towards Aravali ranges. Ride out to visit the 7th centaury archeological site and return via open country, through volcanic outcrops. Stay overnight in Kotri Raola (A 200 year old Castle).
Day 10 :- Horse safari
Safari passes admist some rough terrains and rocky patches where rider need to go slow and be very careful while crossing the small streams of water. Lunch is arranged enroute by us at Maharani Bagh. Here they would also come across villages belonging to local Tribals and nomad sheperds, riders would also have a glimpse into their lifestyle. Enroute you will also visit the famous Ranakpur Jain temples. Night halt is at Forest rest house. FRH are basic and guests would be provided with clean linen and hygienic food by the bonfire.
Day 11:- Horse safari
After Breakfast safari would continue through this region. The highlight of this day are the Short treks which would be undertaken during the course. The Horse safari would continue from Ranakpur and pass through some archeological sites and the famous muthana lake as well. One can also see the migratory birds. The night halt would be at Ghanerao castle or Kotri Rawla.
Day 12:- Horse Safari
After Breakfast safari continues into one of the most exciting leg of the programme which is passing through Kumbalgarh wildlife Sanctuary. Here the riders would be crossing through dense forest and small ravines. Guests would also visit the Kumbalgarh fort. Night halt would be done at Forest rest house located on top of the hill. All linen would be provided by us and dinner would be served by the Bonfire with traditional flavor added by the local songs.
Day 13:- Kumbalgarh- Udaipur ( Drive/ 3hrs)
After breakfast we say good by to horses, and drive through the rolling hills of Aravali to the romantic Lake city of Udaipur for one night in charming heritage hotel. Afternoon Guided visit to the Jag Mandir by boat. Overnight in hotel.
Day 14:- Udaipur-Delhi ( Fly)
Morning after breakfast guided visit to the splendid City Place overlook the lake and afternoon transfer to the airport for flight back to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to the airport hotel for few hours for dinner and wash. After dinner transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Day 15:- Departure: Early morning fly back.
Each day distance covered during horse safari would be 25-30 KM approx. ( is inclusive of distance covered on horse and trekking, one day 8 we will cover only 15 kms this will be a great day to know your animal and get familiar with Marwardi horses).
About Horses: These are Marwardi horses, in very good condition and are looked after well.