Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you. Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you.

Pushkar Fair Ride

11 days - Delhi to Delhi

The exuberantly colourful Pushkar Fair takes place in autumn when over 200,000 Rajput traders assemble in this small town to buy and sell livestock. You ride over a wide variety of terrain, including desert and farmlands, rocky gorges, acacia forests, jungle scrub and the fertile Aravali hills. Historically this is one of India's richest regions scattered with magnificent forts and palaces that were once home, and in many cases still are, to royal princes.

You will stay in ancient forts or palaces, which have now been converted into hotels. Amidst their sometimes faded grandeur, it is possible to imagine the buildings in their glory days. The bedrooms are all different, varying in size and decoration but all are comfortable with private bathrooms. Where hotels are not available you will stay under canvas. The tents used are large, colourful and comfortable and have three folding windows besides the entrance. All the tents are carpeted and furnished with proper beds, table and chairs, mirror, and candles with candle stands and towels. The toilets/shower facilities have to be shared whilst camping. Occasionally private homes may have to be used, in which case facilities would also be shared.

A very special feature of our Indian rides is the horses, the locally bred Marwari with their characteristic ears curling in at the top. The Marwari horses on this ride come from the stables at Dundlod Castle, home to Kanwar Raghuvendra Singh, known as Bonnie. Bonnie is a warm and considerate host and also an expert horseman. He is a direct descendent of Kesari Singh who built Dundlod Castle in the 1750's. At Dundlod, Bonnie has set up the largest Marwari stud farm in India and has established a breed improvement programme.

The Pushkar Fair Ride operates in two halves with the fair taking place in the middle. The itinerary shown is for the first half. The second half of the Pushkar Fair Ride starts with a visit to the fair and then continues westwards. The area covered is hillier and Bonnie's horses are not used. Please call 0845 130 6981 for more information.

Day 1
You will be met and transferred from Delhi airport to a hotel where you will spend the night.
Day 2
After breakfast you are driven to Dundlod Fort for a 2-night stay. The Dundlod Fort in the heart of the Shekhawati was built in 1750. This majestic fort surrounded by a moat, is a mix of Mogul and Rajputana architecture. The majestic Diwan Khana (the Audience Hall) is furnished with Louis XIV furniture. This old building has been beautifully maintained and now has all modern comforts. It has a huge banquet hall and each bedroom is different with its own charm. The Fort is located on the edge of a small village of the same name. After lunch you will be driven to Samode Bagh arriving in time to enjoy a gala dinner at the Samode Palace. (B,L,D)
Day 3
Today you will try the horses and ride in and around Dundlod visiting various villages and temples. In the evening another ride around Dundlod. The terrain around this semi-desert area is soft and sandy and is ideal for riding with plenty of opportunities for some good canters. Overnight at Dundlod Castle.(B,L,D)
Day 4
Ride to Mandawa (about 25 kms) passing through villages, farmlands speckled with the Khejri trees. The terrain is quite flat except for the sand dunes, which keep coming up now and then. Arrive Mandawa and ride into the imposing Mandawa Castle where you will overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 5
Ride to Nawalgargh (about 28 kms) and visit the frescoed havelis. The town of Nawalgarh was founded in 1737 A.D. and exudes an old charm with its colourful bazaar having the largest number of painted Havelies in the Shekhawati region. The various Havelies are covered with frescoes depicting the whole gamut of social and religious life. (B,L,D).
Day 6
Ride to Bhairon Ji Temple (about 32 kms.), passing through several villages and farmers dwellings. The landscape changes dramatically on this day as it takes you close to the great Aravali range of hills. After lunch, ride the surrounding farmland, then follow a dry riverbed running parallel to the Aravali hills. Camp overnight in tents near a small temple. (B,L,D)
Day 7
After breakfast, ride for half a day (about 18 kms) to Bajore, a small village, where the ride finishes. After lunch, bid farewell to your horses and grooms and drive to Samode Bagh for an overnight in luxurious tents. (B,L,D)
Day 8
After an early breakfast, drive to Amber (about one and a half hours) just outside Jaipur. On arrival in Amber visit the Amber Fort on elephant back, before continuing on into Jaipur where the night will be spent. (B)
Day 9
This morning will be at leisure before continuing on to Pushkar and having your first opportunity to explore the fair. (B,D)
Day 10
Full day at Pushkar Fair. (B,L,D)
Day 11
After breakfast you will be transferred to Jaipur from where you will fly to Delhi in the evening. (B)
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India Pushkar
  • Departure Dates: 17 October 2009. Departures from the UK are one day earlier. Alternative date can also be arranged on 24 or 28 October. These rides begin with the Pushkar Fair then continue westwards, the area covered is hillier and Bonnie's horses are not used. Please enquire for further itinerary and pricing details.
  • Prices(2009 Land only): £2355 per person
  • Includes: Transfers, internal flights as detailed, accommodation and meals as indicated and all riding.
  • PRICE WITH FLIGHTS FROM LONDON: From £2,885 depending on the season and availability.
  • Single Supplement: None if willing to share. From £900 if not prepared to share or if shared room is unavailable.
  • Non-Riders: Non-riders are welcome and can either follow the ride in the back-up vehicle or in a separate vehicle, which would enable you to visit some sights along the way (an additional fee would be applicable if a separate vehicle was required).
  • Children: Aged 10 and upward are accepted if they have the necessary riding skills and are accompanied by an adult rider. (Please note that although there is a minimum age for children on this ride, riding ability is more important than age. Children should be competent riders capable of controlling a horse at a canter with a group of other riders).
  • Riding ability required: Intermediate upward.
  • Type of ride: Trail Ride
    India Pushkar
  • Trip Code:
    EIPF