India is one of southern Asia’s most enduring tourist destinations. Bordering the mighty Himalayas to the north, the western region (Rajasthan) where our Hidden Trails horse riding holidays are located, was once part of the spice and opium trade routes into Pakistan and the middle east. This deserted region is a fascinating mixture of Hindi and Jain temples, mosques, deserts, farmland and mighty Rajput forts. The “Land of the Kings” (as it is known) was once ruled by Rajput kings, who built mighty fortified cities and once waged war with neighboring kingdoms. It is here in Rajasthan that you have the opportunity to horse ride across deserts, trek through stunning mountain reserves, and explore thousand year old palaces.
Rajasthan is a popular tourist route – with many people completing a circuit of Rajasthan before spending time in Delhi, or visiting the famed Taj Mahal in Agra. You will find India a land of extremes – from bartering in the hurly burly of a marketplace, to meditating in a quiet oasis or temple garden.
Horse Riding in India
Rajasthan, with its vast tracks of desert and huge former-royal estates, is a place to explore on horseback. Many of India’s most famed locations belong to Rajasthan – including the fort city of Jaisalmer, the pink city of Jaipur, the holy city of Pushkar (famous for its annual camel fair), Udaipur (home of the floating palace) and a place familiar to many equestrians (if only in name!) – Jodhpur!
Pushkar, the city famed for its holy waters and temple, is also a world-renowned tourist attraction thanks to the massive Pushkar Camel Fair which takes place every October/November. During the fair over 100,000 horses, cattle and camel descend on the tiny town, and visitor numbers swell. It is here that we offer our Pushkar Fair Safari – an exotic taste of Pushkar and its camel heritage.
In the Arvalli Mountains of Rajasthan we offer three distinct horse riding holidays. Enjoy the nature of the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary – home to many rare species, including leopards, panthers, sloth bears and wild boar. Explore the region on our Arvalli Safari or Mewar Safari, or holiday in complete luxury on our Castle to Castle Safari.
Udaipur – known for its famed floating palace – is home to our Udaipur Riding Safari. Udaipur was the location for the Bond film “Octopussy”, and today you will find it is a vibrant tourist city with much to explore (and some excellent rooftop dining!).
On our Indian horseback riding holidays you will find the villages you visit lie far away from the mainstream of tourism. On many trips you will stay in luxurious former palaces, and sometimes in luxury tents - high and roomy, with separate sleeping, dressing, and toilet areas. Explore this exotic “Land of the Kings” as it was once intended – on the back of a Mewari horse.
Rajasthan Weather and Climate
Summer in Rajasthan can be unbearably hot – with the mercury tipping the scales at over 40 degrees Celsius! The best time to visit Rajasthan is September to March (the cooler months), when temperatures are in the mid to high 20s.
Map of Rajasthan
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