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 to 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.
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
- Transfer to comfortable hotel in Delhi. (D)
- Day 2
- Transfer to the domestic airport. Fly to Jodhpur. PM tour before transferring to Fort Luni Chanwa for overnight stay. (B,L,D)
- Day 3
- The ride starts. AM ride through small villages and green fields belonging to the Bishnoi Tribe. Afternoon and overnight at wilderness camp. (B,L,D)
- Day 4
- Ride to Rohet and the Rohet Garh hotel - once the residence of the rulers of Rohet. (B,L,D)
- Day 5
- Ride to Sardar Samand Palace, a former hunting retreat of Maharaja Umaid Singh. (B,L,D)
- Day 6
- AM visit to Sardar Samand Palace. Ride through remote villages to Jungle Camp. (B,L,D)
- Day 7
- Today's ride follows the foothills of the Aravalli range to Auwa Fort, (B,L,D)
- Day 8
- Continue across fertile fields and through numerous villages to Jojawar. (B,L,D)
- Day 9
- Ride on to Ghanerao Castle, which was founded in 1606 by a brave Rajput warr)ior from the Mertia clan. (B,L,D
- Day 10
- Ride through the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. (B,L,D)
- Day 11
- Drive to Udaipur via the 15th century fort of Kumbhalgarh. Overnight Udaipur. (B,L,D)
- Day 12
- Sightseeing in Udaipur. (B,L,D)
- Day 13
- Transfer to the airport for the flight to Delhi. PM tour. Overnight Delhi. (B,L,D)
- Day 14 (B)
- Transfer to Delhi Airport. (B)
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- Departure dates: 12 Oct 2009 & 2010. Departure from the UK needs to be at least one day earlier.
- Prices (2009 Land only): £2245 per person
- Includes: Transfers, internal flights as detailed, accommodation, meals as indicated and all riding.
- Price with flights from London: From £2,775 depending on availability.
- Single supplement: None if willing to share, otherwise £715.
- 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.
- Children: Aged 14 and upwards are accepted if they have the necessary riding skills and are accompanied by an adult rider.
- Riding ability required: Intermediate
- Type of ride: Trail ride
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Trip Code: EIFF
