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Fortress to Fortress Ride

14 days - Delhi to Delhi

The Indian state of Rajasthan was once known as Registhan, "land of desert". It is also a land of kings, of warriors and history. The rajputs of Rajasthan were born to be horse riders (Ashwarohi). The tradition was strongly enforced in ancient times when the cavalry formed the most important flanks of the army. However, the harsh conditions of inner Rajasthan meant that the Indian cavalry needed horses that were capable of surviving long hours under saddle in difficult desert terrain and so the special, indigenous Marwari was bred. The Marwari are hardy, intelligent, agile and noted for their fierce loyalty for their master.

The century old Ashwarohi stables where the Marwari horses used for this ride come from, has been involved in breeding these amazing horses for the army since pre-Independence.

On this challenging ride you will average between 35 and 45 kilometres a day. Great care is taken to choose beautiful locations and secluded places with panoramic views of dams, lakes, riverbeds and fields for your mid-day halts. As you reach the chosen place, your backup crew will be ready to take care of your horse and serve you delicious, fresh cooked traditional Rajasthani cuisine. India

The ride will take you through forests and wildlife reserves, across deserts, past villages and along the foothills of the Aravalli Hills and in to the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a large variety of wild life, some of which are highly endangered species. The wild life includes wolf, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, smabhar, nilgai, chaisingh (the four horned antelope), chinkara and hare. You will stay in converted forts, castles and palaces, redolent of Rajasthan's past and when these are not available you will stay under canvas in large, comfortable tents with private facilities.

Day 1 (D)
On arrival in Delhi Airport you will be transferred to a comfortable hotel. Depending on the time of your arrival there may be time to do a sight-seeing tour.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Transfer back to the airport for the flight to Jodhpur. After a tour of Jodhpur transfer to Jhalamand Fort. Here you meet up with the safari crew.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
After breakfast mount-up and ride south through numerous small villages consisting of mud houses and green fields belonging to the Bishnoi (a community of nature worshippers). After lunch move onwards along sandy tracks to a big temple which is a shelter for the blind. Continue on to Fort Chanwa Luni, a beautiful fort carved out of red sandstone.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
A leisurely start. Leaving Luni Fort behind follow a dry river bed which runs parallel to a railway track. After about two and a half hours ride you will reach the lunch stop, a beautiful secluded railway halt set in the middle of the semiarid desert, with antelope grazing all around. After lunch continue through the desert to Rohet.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
Depart Rohet and ride through the small villages of Gujjar tribe, whose livelihood depends on cattle. Moving south east you'll stop for lunch near a beautiful shady water hole before continuing to the Sardarsamand Palace, your base for the night.
Day 6 (B,L,D)
Time to explore the Sardarsamnd Palace before continuing the ride. Head through acacia scrubland reaching tonight's camp site late afternoon.
Day 7 (B,L,D)
Leaving behind the camp site ride toward the south and the farmlands of Godwar region. You will ride parallel to the Aravalli range, bypassing small rural villages and beautiful lakes. You will come across a variety of colourful people, who belong to the seervi (the "seervi" (Khardiya) caste is a warrior race) and other communities who depend on their live stock and small farmlands. After a leisurely lunch by a waterhole you will ride on to the historical fort of Auwa.
Day 8 (B,L,D)
Leaving behind the rugged fort of Auwa ride through rich fertile fields, with a variety of crops as water is abundant in this area. Stop for lunch at a beautiful farm which grows fresh vegetables and flowers. After lunch continue to Jojawar, situated on the edge of Aravalli hills.
Day 9 (B,L,D)
Continue riding parallel towards the Aravalli range stopping at a deserted sarai (rest room)for lunch. After lunch continue on, crossing through dry river beds and over sandy terrain to a tiny shepherd village, where a brief halt is made. Continue along thorny forest tracks to Ghanerao, an amazing 17th century castle.
Day 10 (B,L,D)
Ride into the Kumbhalgarth Wildlife Sanctuary, home to sloth bears, leopards, antelopes, deer and a variety of birds. The forest is thick in places with steep ascents and descents so it is necessary to dismount and lead the horses in places. Continue on to Aodhi in Kumbhalgarh, once a hunting lodge of the Maharana of Mewar.
Day 11 (B.L,D)
After breakfast visit the magnificent fort of Kumbhalgarh before taking a scenic drive to Udaipur. Afternoon sight seeing tour of the lake city.
Day 12 (B,L,D)
After breakfast visit the city palace. During the afternoon visit the Garden of Fountains before returning to your hotel.
Day 13 (B,L,D)
After breakfast transfer to domestic for the flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi You will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 14 (B)
Transfer to the airport.
India
  • Cost per Person:
  • Ride Only: £2,300.
  • Includes: Transfers, internal flights, accommodation and meals as indicated and all riding.
  • All Inclusive: From £2,865.
  • Includes: Flights, taxes, transfers, accommodation and meals as indicated and all riding.
  • Single Supplement: None if prepared to share. £350 if not prepared to share.
  • Departure Dates: 12 October 08. Additional departures are available at anytime for groups of 4 or more.
  • The Accommodation: Accommodation where possible is at Heritage Hotels. Innumerable forts, palaces, mansions and havelis in Rajasthan have been converted into Heritage Hotels. Each of them has been meticulously planned and sensitively redone to cater to the essential requirements of the tourist whilst retaining an authentic feel of the land. Elegantly furnished with the best in luxurious comforts, Heritage Hotels are a perfect option for discerning travellers to Rajasthan. India

    Where such hotels are not available, accommodation will be provided under canvas, using deluxe tents. The tents used are large, colourful and comfortableand have en-suite facilities. All the tents are carpeted and furnished with proper beds, mirror, and candles with candle stands and towels.

    Occassionally private homes may have to be used, in which case facilities would also be shared.

  • Food & Drink: On the ride picnic lunches are prepared by the camp chef. The hotels normally offer a choice of Indian or International cuisine.India
  • Laundry: Not available.
  • Children: Children of 14 and upwards are welcome providing they are experienced riders and accompanied by an experienced adult rider.
  • Non-Riders: Are welcome and special arrangements can be made to transport the non-riders by jeep between the various overnight stops. Non-riders would be able to meet up with the riders for lunch.India