Packages and Options

This trip starts and end in Udaipur. A sightseeing options from New Delhi via Agra etc is available and can be customized.

Day 1:  Arrival in Udaipur - test ride, overnight stay in middleclass hotel
Day 2: Sightseeing Udaipur in the morning, riding in the afternoon; overnight stay in middleclass hotel
Day 3: Udaipur – Eklingji
The first day of the safari leads the riders from the Udaipur valley into the Aravalli Mountains up to the little village of Eklingji where the famous temple of the royal family of Mewar (Udaipur) is situated. On the way the ancient temples of Nagda invite for a visit. They were built in the 9th century and sport fine stone carvings some of which show scenes from the Kamasutra. The terrain is easygoing with wide sandy paths inviting for trots and canters. Around 4 pm the riders will reach our safari camp situated at the shore of a small lake.
Day 4: Eklingji – Haldi Ghati
Today the trail leads through a beautiful valley in the mountains. The riders will pass Haldi Ghati, where in 1546 the famous battle between the Mogul Emperor Akbar and Maharana Pratap of Mewar (Udaipur) took place. Maharana Pratap lost and had to flee the battlefield. His horse Chetak, though wounded with one leg severed above the fetlock, brought him to safety by jumping a wide river. There he died in his master’s arms who later erected a monument in the honour of his valiant horse who saved his life and the existence of his lineage. This chattri (monument) still exists today and can be visited by the riders. If time permits a visit to the nearby Maharana Pratap Museum gives further inside in the history of Mewar. The pace at this day is quick with trots, canters and an occasional gallop. Haldi Ghati by the way, means yellow valley, highlighting the special colour of the earth there.
Day 5: Haldi Ghati – Kumbhalgarh
On this day the trail leads through steeper terrain. The riders enter the higher reaches of the Aravalli Mountains. The vegetation becomes denser and the population sparser. Birds and smaller animals can be seen frequently and with some luck the riders can spot deer or antelopes. Rarely a leopard can be glimpsed. Our camp is usually situated near the great fort at Kumbhalgarh. It dates back to the 15th century and was a place of retreat in times of danger for the kings of Mewar (Udaipur). Perched on top of the highest mountain and surrounded by a huge wall, it was captured only once in history and even then it took the combined armies of Mogul Emperor Akbar, Marwar (Jodhpur) and Amber (Jaipur). Today it is surely one of the most fascinating sites in Southern Rajasthan, seeing however surprisingly few tourists. The riders can visit it either today after the ride or tomorrow morning
Day 6:   Kumbhalgarh – Ranakpur
Today the riders cross the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary on their way to Ranakpur, a small hamlet in the Aravalli Mountains famous for its Jain temple. The terrain is steep with lots of climbing and the trail leads through virgin dry deciduous forest, which once covered the whole of the Aravalli Mountains. The pace is slow and the riders can enjoy the scenery, so different from what one expects of Rajasthan. Small streams have to be crossed and lunch will be taken in one of the forest rest houses on the way. Since the route leads through the Wildlife Sanctuary the riders have to stick to the sandy paths, which are however sometimes really narrow and overgrown by weeds and bushes. Very rarely they will encounter other human beings. After lunch the riders will descend slowly to the valley of Ranakpur and leave the Sanctuary behind. The country becomes more open and little hamlets are on either sides of the way. Here the riders can still encounter traditional forms of agriculture and craftsmanship. It is like a step back into time. The farmers still use oxen to plough their fields and the only vehicles are bullock carts, horse-drawn carriages or bicycles with an occasional motor scooter seeming to be strangely out of place. The riders will encounter women in colourful saris carrying water pots on their heads, men with huge turbans guiding their flock of sheep and of course plenty of children shouting “namaste”, the Indian welcome. Around 4 pm the camp will be reached and today the riders will be very tired after an especially exciting ride.
Day 7: Ride through Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary After breakfast the riders have the chance of visiting the white Jain temples of Ranakpur. Famed all over India for its beautiful exquisite marble carving, the main temple rests upon 1444 pillars each with a different design. A major site of pilgrimage it stands no less than any medieval cathedral of Europe and its airy and elegant beauty is simply breathtaking. Afterwards the riders will again mount their horses and ride through the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Today the ride is a little relaxing as the trail basically leads through the valley. The riders will pass a couple of villages before entering again into the Sanctuary. Before the backdrop of the mountains they will ride along sandy paths and roads passing great rocks and mounds of various shapes. Peacocks and jungle fowls are common, occasionally a mongoose or even a snake can be spotted. On the water holes are cranes and kingfishers and above their heads big black kites are circling for pray. From time to time villagers with flocks of sheep or goats are passing and occasionally a herd of camels, driven by tribal people to the next market. Around 4 pm the riders will reach the safari camp in Ranakpur.
Day 8: After breakfast, transfer back to Udaipur, chance for sightseeing or shopping - departure.

Your guides:
Our trails are run by a member of the noble family of Boheda Shaktwat and his wife. The Shaktawats of Boheda trace their lineage to Shakti Singh (1540-1594), brother of Maharana Pratap.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Passports
Passport valid for at least 190 days required by all nationals referred to in the chart.

Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Visa Note
Certain parts of the country have been designated protected or restricted areas that require special permits and in some cases prior government authorisation. Intent to visit a specific restricted region should be indicated when applying for a visa and a permit will be granted to visit that region only. An additional form must be completed. Passengers are advised to check with the tourist board for up-to-date information before departure.
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist visa: £30 (multiple-entry; six months); £50 (multiple-entry; one year). Business visa: £105 (one year); £160 (more than one year). Transit: £8 (single/double-entry). Prices for certain other nationals vary, nationals are advised to contact the embassy to check cost.
Validity
Tourist: six months or one year for multiple entry. Transit: maximum stays of 15 days within three months. Business: three or six months, or up to two years for multiple entry.
Applications to:
Embassy or high commission (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses. There are also Indian Visa Application Centres in London, Birmingham and Edinburgh.
Working Days Required
Personal applications can normally be processed the same day. Applications made at the visa centres will take at least 2-3 working days. Postal applications take a minimum of 10 working days. Where referrals are required, applications may require 20-25 working days.