Mewar Safari

Introduction
Rajasthan India
Our Mewar Riding Safari in Rajasthan brings our riders in the South-Eastern corner of the state. This safari brings our riders from the rugged landscape of the Jaisamand Lake, the second-largest man-made lake in Asia, to the open Malwa Plain, a paradise for riders with its broad sandy paths and wild savannah, perfectly suited for long trots, canters and gallops.

Starting from Jaisamand and its Wildlife Sanctuary where Nilgai antelopes, Cheetal deer and countless birds can be observed, the trail continues through rocky terrain down into the Malwa Plain, a region geographically belonging to Central India which is so fertile that even Opium is grown here. This is a part of Rajasthan undisturbed by tourism, thus unspoiled and still rather traditional in outlook and appearance. There are no big touristic sights but rather a many undiscovered jewels to be visited by our riders.

The highlights of this safari are Jaisamand Lake and its Wildlife Sanctuary, the ancient temple complex at Jagat, also called “Little Khajurao” due to its exquisite stone carving, the medieval fort of Parsoligarh, Badwei Lake, home of many indigenous and in winter also migratory birds including flamingos, cranes and kingfishers, Barisadri Palace, till today home of the once most powerful noble family of the kingdom of Mewar, Boheda Rawla and the rarely frequented Sita Mata National Park.

Boheda, our ancestral village on the Malwa Plain is the perfect base for the exploration of the Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary, the best place in Rajasthan to spot Leopards, Nilgai antelopes, Sambar and Cheetal Deer, Chinkara gazelles and many other animals and birds of the Indian fauna. Due to its remoteness from all major roads and tourist places, very little visitors find their way to this natural paradise. 

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a wilderness ride, so nights will be spent in a combination of hotels and camps. You will spend 3 nights in hotels and 6 nights in tents.

Description
Accommodation during the riding portion of the tour (in most cases) will be in a safari camp. The reason for this is that many of our routes lead through scarcely populated areas away from the usual tourist paths. Very often the night has to be spent in the nature away from human dwellings.

Hotel
Featuring the architecture of a bygone era and located just 1.9 mi from Udaipur City Palace and Lake Pichola, Hotel Boheda Palace offers free WIFI throughout the property, a rooftop restaurant, and a 24-hour front desk. It has a gorgeous terrace with views of the surrounding area, the hotel also offers luggage storage and laundry facilities as well as a tour desk. Each air-conditioned room features local décor and is equipped with a wardrobe, work desk and a satellite TV. The attached bathroom has shower facilities and contains complimentary toiletries. Laundry is available for an additional cost.



Camps
Our campsites are chosen with great care and offer a maximum safety and superb views. Away from the busy Indian towns or villages, they are a paradise for nature lovers and bird-watchers. The camp offers all necessary facilities to the riders. The tents are comfortable and inviting Indian hunting tents with high ceilings, double or single occupancy. The tents are made in the traditional Indian style with a roofed entrance where the riders can leave their shoes. Each tent is equipped with mattresses, sheets, pillow, cushion, quilts, and woolen blankets. The camp has bathroom trolleys with two showers (bucket shower with hot water) and toilets. Hot water is provided in buckets. Towels, soaps, etc. are supplied. Grouped around the dinning area, they are encircled by a partition enclosure of cloth with a colorful Rajasthan pattern.

Accommodation Itinerary
Night 1 & 2: Boheda Palace Hotel
Night 3: Camping in Badwei
Night 4-7: Camping in Boheda
Nigh 8: Camping near Mangalwar Lake
Night 9: Boheda Palace Hotel


Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 10. Breakfast and dinner is served in our dining area, an open space with a sunroof, tables and chairs. Breakfast is Continental style with fruits of the season, eggs, and toast. Lunch will be either taken as package on the trail or brought to you by Jeep. Dinner is a traditional 3-course menu of Indian food (non-spicy). Alcoholic beverages are not included but alcohol can be purchased (not expensive) or brought. Beer, whine (Indian), whiskey, rum, gin and vodka are available.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Daily Schedule
A normal safari day includes between 5 and 6 hours in the saddle plus a lunch break (lunch is either taken as a lunch packet or brought to the riders by our jeep) and several smaller breaks for sightseeing on the way or a tea stop in the little hamlet by the way.

Our Horses
Nearly all the horses we use for safaris and trail riding are Marwari horses. This breed is native in Rajasthan and best suited for long rides in this region.
Our horses live in comfortable stables and paddocks and are left to roam free during the day on our farm. All our horses have been handpicked by us as we wanted to have only the best suited horses for our safari. As we have some foals every year, some of our riding horses were born in our stable and raised and trained by us. In fact, we are very proud that today we have a stable of finest Marwari horses fit for riding and breeding.
We believe in the principle of Natural Horsemanship which means that we keep our horses as natural as possible and train them according to NHS. Some of them are ridden with a hackamore, just a halter or even a simple neck rope. All are very well trained, obedient and a pleasure to ride. Our horses are cared for with love and affection. They are properly fed, vaccinated, de-wormed and shoed.
On the safaris we take only horses which are 100% fit and prepared. Already before the safari, we try to find a suitable horse for each rider according to riding skill and preference. Spare horses go along each trail in case another horse goes lame or one rider wants to change.



Tack & Riding Style
We have imported saddle tack for all our horses in order to maximize comfort for horse and rider.
The riding style is different to both English and Western. We offer lessons on the horses prior to the ride. A couple of extra days for pre-safari lessons may make your riding experience more enjoyable. Please let Hidden Trails know if you would like to book lessons before your ride.

Guides
The safari is run by a member of the oldest and most honored noble families of Udaipur, whose history is interwoven with horses for many centuries, and his German wife.

Itinerary

Sample itinerary 2019- subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival in Udaipur
Arrival in Udaipur, we collect you from the airport/train station and bring you to a comfortable Haveli-style middle class hotel in Udaipur. In the afternoon sightseeing Udaipur. Overnight stay in a Haveli Hotel (middle class) in Udaipur.

Day 2: Day ride through the Aravalli Mountains
After breakfast the riders are taken to our farm where they can meet the horses and guide. Today they ride through the Aravalli Mountains around Udaipur. The ride leads through river beds which are sometimes dry and sometimes have water, goat paths over the mountains passing tribal villages and rugged countryside. The ride is well suited for the riders to get to know their horses. Arrival back to the farm in the afternoon. Overnight stay at a middle class hotel in Udaipur.

Day 3: Khurabar – Badwei
After breakfast we take the riders to the little village of Khurabar from where the safari starts. It is a great day ride through fertile farmland broken by occasional parts of wild forest country and open wilderness. Today you will leave the Aravalli-Mountains behind and descend on the Malwa Plain with its fertile soil and rich farms. Discover the fascinating rural life of Rajasthan where the fieldwork is still done with oxen and handwork. The village kids guard flocks of goats and sheep and great the riders enthusiastically with a “Namaste”, the Indian hello. Meet the women fetching water from the village well, wearing bright and colorful saris.
Riding through this country is like a journey back into the past.
Today’s camp will be situated near Badwei Lake, where a lot of water birds such as ducks, teals, flamingos or kingfishers, can be observed. In winter, European storks migrate to Badwei where they stay till March. Another highlight is the sighting of Sarus cranes, one of the largest birds in India. They are regular inhabitants of the Badwei Lake. All in all Badwei makes a small paradise for bird lovers who can spot many different varieties. Overnight stay in our safari camp at the lake shore.

Day 4: Badwei - Boheda
Another day ride through a fantastic countryside. The soil is now so fertile that even Opium is grown in small fields. It flowers between January and March, with many small white flowers.
You will cross the small railway line connecting Barisadri with Mauvi once a week with a steam engine. Around here the villages are much richer than anywhere else in Rajasthan due to the rich soil. Most farmhouses sport richly ornamented entry gates and even the bullock carts are made of carved wood.
Arrival in Boheda around 4 pm. Today our safari camp is situated at our farm near the village. Here our riders have the possibility to charge all electronic devices as we have plugs in our little farmhouse.

Day 5: Boheda – Sita-Mata Sanctuary - Boheda
Today you will ride through the Sita-Mata Wildlife Sanctuary, a wild and untamed piece of land, home of the last leopards of this area.
The Wildlife-Sanctuary is situated far away from all touristic circuits and very few visitor find their way to this natural jewel. That is one of the reasons why it is the best place for sighting animals.
With some luck the riders can observe cheetal and sambar deer, Nilgai antelopes, monkeys, gazelles, mongoose and many smaller animals and birds, including the majestic peacock, national bird of India.
Return to Boheda is around late afternoon. If possible a bullock cart ride through the village is arranged in the evening.

Day 6: Boheda – Parsoligarh - Boheda
Another day ride through a fantastic countryside. The soil is now so fertile that even Opium is grown in small fields. It flowers between January and March, with many small white flowers.
Around late morning the riders will reach a more lonely and hilly area. Here the old ruined fort of Parsoligarh is situated. Have lunch in the fort with enough time to enjoy the great views over the countryside and discover the remnants of the fort.
Return to the plains in the afternoon and overnight stay in our safari camp at Boheda.

Day 7: Boheda – Bansi – Boheda
Today we start again from our farm in Boheda but turning into another direction, riding to the village of Bansi. It is a beautiful ride through fields and rugged countryside. After lunch we return to Boheda where tea and coffee is waiting for the riders. In the afternoon the riders are taken to the forest rest-house at Sita Mata for an evening excursion of the Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary to observe Flying Squirrels. With some luck we might also see other night active animals such as foxes, jackals or wild cats. Return to our camp in the late evening. Overnight stay at out safari camp at Boheda.

Day 8: Barisadri – Mangalwad
The last riding day leads the riders over a large plain, sometimes dotted with fields and villages, sometimes arid and empty. The soft level ground invites for long canters and gallops over the plain. Again and again Nilgai antelopes can be spotted, resting in the shade or grazing on the dry grass. Around late afternoon the riders reach the beautiful lake of Mangalwad where our safari camp is situated. Overnight stay in our camp near the lakeshore.

Day 9: Transfer back to Udaipur
After breakfast you will be taken back to Udaipur. In the afternoon sightseeing and overnight stay in a Haveli style middle class hotel in Udaipur.

Day 10: Departure
End of the program after breakfast

Special ride from September 28th to October 7th 2019
During this special trip, participants will have the opportunity to take part in the Ashwa Pooja (traditional horse blessing) in the City Palace of Udaipur. This is a beautiful ceremony and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Riders will also be able to take part in the Indian festival of Navrati (dancing festival spanning over 9-nights).

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Sample itinerary 2020- subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival in Udaipur
Arrival in Udaipur, we collect you from the airport/train station and bring you to a comfortable Haveli-style middle class hotel in Udaipur. In the afternoon sightseeing Udaipur.
Overnight stay at a middle class hotel in Udaipur.
 
Day 2: Ride through the Aravalli Mountains
After breakfast, riders are taken to the farm where they can meet the horses and guide. Today we ride through the Aravalli Mountains around Udaipur. The ride leads through riverbeds, which are sometimes dry, goat paths and pass by tribal villages and rugged countryside. The ride is well suited for the riders to get to know their horses. Arrival back to the farm in the afternoon where we will serve lunch. There are some sightseeing opportunities in the afternoon.
Overnight stay at a middle class hotel in Udaipur.
 
Day 3: Khurabar to Badwei
After breakfast, we take the riders to the little village of Khurabar from where the safari starts. It is a great day ride through fertile farmland broken by occasional parts of wild forest country and open wilderness. Today you will leave the Aravalli-Mountains behind and descend on the Malwa Plain with its fertile soil and rich farms. Discover the fascinating rural life of Rajasthan where the fieldwork is still done with oxen and handwork. The village kids guard flocks of goats and sheep and great the riders enthusiastically with a “Namaste”, the Indian hello. Meet the women fetching water from the village well, wearing bright and colorful saris. Riding through this country is like a journey back into the past.
Today’s camp will be situated near Badwei Lake, where a lot of water birds such as ducks, teals, flamingos or kingfishers, can be observed. In winter, European storks migrate to Badwei where they stay untill March. Another highlight is the sighting of Sarus cranes, one of the largest birds in India. They are regular inhabitants of the Badwei Lake. All in all Badwei makes a small paradise for bird lovers who can spot many different varieties.
Overnight stay in our safari camp at the lakeshore.
 
Day 4: Badwei to Boheda
Another day ride through a fantastic countryside. The soil is now so fertile that even Opium is grown in small fields. It flowers between January and March, with many small white flowers.
You will cross the small railway line connecting Barisadri with Mauvi (the train passes by once a week with a steam engine). Around here, the villages are much richer than anywhere else in Rajasthan due to the rich soil. Most farmhouses sport richly ornamented entry gates and even the bullock carts are made of carved wood.
Arrival in Boheda around 4 pm. Today our safari camp is situated at our farm near the village. Here, riders have the possibility to charge all electronic devices as we have plugs in our little farmhouse.
Overnight stay in our safari camp.
 
Day 5: Ride to Sita-Mata Sanctuary
Today you will ride through the Sita-Mata Wildlife Sanctuary, a wild and untamed piece of land, home of the last leopards of this area.
The Wildlife-Sanctuary is situated far away from all touristic circuits and very few visitor find their way to this natural jewel. That is one of the reasons why it is the best place for sighting animals.
With some luck the riders can observe cheetal and sambar deer, Nilgai antelopes, monkeys, gazelles, mongoose and many smaller animals and birds, including the majestic peacock, national bird of India.
Return to Boheda is around late afternoon. If possible a bullock cart ride through the village is arranged in the evening.
Overnight stay in our safari camp.

Day 6: Ride to Parsoligarh
Another day ride through a fantastic countryside. The soil is now so fertile that even Opium is grown in small fields. It flowers between January and March, with many small white flowers.
Around late morning the riders will reach a more lonely and hilly area. Here the old ruined fort of Parsoligarh is still standing. Have lunch in the fort with enough time to enjoy the great views over the countryside and discover the remains of the fort.
Return to the plains in the afternoon and overnight stay in our safari camp at Boheda.
Overnight stay in our camp.
 
Day 7: Boheda to Mangalwad
The last riding day leads the riders over a large plain, sometimes dotted with fields and villages, sometimes arid and empty. The soft level ground invites for long canters and gallops over the plain. Again and again Nilgai antelopes can be spotted, resting in the shade or grazing on the dry grass. Around late afternoon, the riders reach the beautiful lake of Mangalwad where our safari camp is situated.
Overnight stay in our camp.
 
Day 8: Day ride around Manglwad
Start another day ride after breakfast, riding around the flat, open countryside at Mangalwad. The ride will lead you through open bush land passing some village and fields. It is perfect terrain for long trots and canters and with some luck, you can spot herds of Nilgai antelopes, who love this terrain. Around lunchtime, you will reach another flat-water lake, a heaven for birds. Besides teals, ducks and smaller water birds you might be able to spot spoonbills, pained or white-necked storks and Sarus cranes, the largest still-ale-to-fly bird in the world. Return to Mangalwad in the afternoon and enjoy a sun-downer at the lakeshore watching birds or just enjoying the peace and serenity of the Indian countryside.
Overnight stay in our camp near the lakeshore.
 
Day 9: Transfer back to Udaipur
After breakfast, you will be taken back to Udaipur. In the afternoon sightseeing and overnight, stay in a Haveli style middle class hotel in Udaipur.
Overnight stay at a middle class hotel in Udaipur.

Day 10: Departure day                     
End of the program after breakfast

Rates and Dates for Mewar Safari

Dates Note:
This trip is available any time during the season with a minimum of 2 riders.

Other Info
Meeting: Udaipur
Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur (UDR)
Transfer: Udaipur airport or railway station

Climate:
                                                Udaipur area