Transfer Option:

2009 Itinerary (Udaipur-Pushjkar)  Oct 23-Nov 1st.

Day 1: Arrival in Udaipur and time for sightseeing. Dinner and overnight in middle class hotel.
Day 2: Transfer to Banaria, test ride, overnight stay in our safari camp
Day 3: Banaria  - Jormuda
On the first safari day the trail will lead through the low Aravalli Mountains. The route goes through villages and fertile lands. On the way the riders have a chance to visit some temples and see Baoris (step wells) with marble chattris (small pavilions). Around 4 pm they will arrive in the safari camp which is situated at a small lake. If time permits they can visit Jhormuda Fort.
Day 4: Jormuda - Kherda
Another day through the mountains. Today the riders can visit a number of tribal villages. They are usually situated on top of small hills surrounded by a wall of thorn bushes. The houses are built in clusters with thatched roofs and with walls made of mud. Often they are nicely decorated with white tribal paintings. Here the riders can experience first hand the unique culture of the Rajasthani tribes.
Day 5: Kherda - Lalpura
Today the landscape becomes more level and open. The main range of the Aravalli Mountains is laying in the back now. The climate becomes drier and so does the vegetation. Trees give way to thorn bushes and the soil becomes sandy. Stretches of open country invite for an occasional gallop and the horses enjoy the soft and level ground. Camels become a regular sight.
Day 6: Lalpura - Jawaja
On this day the riders will truly feel the nearing desert. The land is now completely level and the hills are left behind. Flocks of cattle, goats, sheep and many camels are passing. All head towards the Pushkar Fair. Occasionally the riders will encounter nomads with colourful turbans and huge moustaches herding their camels to Pushkar. They transport everything they own and need for a living on the back of their animals. The small children and women with infants are allowed to ride, the rest of the family is walking.
Day 7: Jawaja - Kharwa
Pushkar and the Thar Desert are coming near. Another day of riding through the half-desert and encountering hundreds of animals. Again the trail leads through tribal land and the riders can admire their hamlets and villages. After arrival in the camp the massive fort in Kharwa can be visited.
Day 8: Kharwa - Pushkar
On the last day of the safari the trail leads over sand roads through thick thorn bush vegetation. Occasionally a field can be seen where a farmer tries to grow pulses on the infertile land. The main means of livelihood here is animal husbandry. On the way a small temple can be visited and the riders can admire the ruins of ancient forts. Arrival in Pushkar is around 3:30 pm but a part of the Mela (fair) has to be crossed in order to reach our camp which is situated within walking distance of the fairground. The riders will have a short glimpse of the fair and the camel market. In the evening they have a chance to walk over to the fair or attending dance programs.
Day 9: Pushkar Fair
After breakfast the riders can see the Pushkar Fair on horseback. Since the trading ground is on a huge sand dune outside the town, it is a very comfortable and easy way to discover it. Lunch can be either eaten in our camp or, if the riders want, packed and eaten along the way. In the afternoon they can set out on their own to either visit Pushkar or have another round at the fair. At the fairgrounds, colourful programs are taking place all day long. Horse and camel races run, as well as fun competitions such as water pot races or a turban tie competition. Information about the timings will be given by us in the camp.
Day 10: Morning free to do sightseeing in Pushkar and then departure.

*Possibility to add on other sight-seeing options for the tours end.

--- the second week runs in the opposite direction of the first week.

2009 Itinerary (Pushkar-Udaipur) Nov 1-10th.

Day 1: Arrival in Pushkar and transfer to our camp. Afternoon free to explore the Fair and to get to know the horses. Overnight stay in our safari camp.
Day 2: Pushkar Fair
After breakfast the riders can see the Pushkar Fair on horseback. Since the trading ground is on a huge sand dune outside the town, it is a very comfortable and easy way to discover it. Lunch can be either eaten in our camp or, if the riders want, packed and eaten along the way. In the afternoon they can set out on their own to either visit Pushkar or have another round at the fair. At the fairground, colourful programs are taking place all day long. Horse and camel races run, as well as fun competitions such as water pot races or a turban tie competition. Information about the timings will be given by us in the camp.
Day 3: Pushkar - Kharwa
Beginning the safari, the trail leads over sand roads through thick thorn bush vegetation. Occasionally a field can be seen where a farmer tries to grow pulses on the infertile land. The main means of livelihood here is animal husbandry. On the way a small temple can be visited and the riders can admire the ruins of ancient forts. Arrival in Pushkar is around 3:30 pm but a part of the Mela (fair) has to be crossed in order to reach our camp which is situated within walking distance of the fairground. The riders will have a short glimpse of the fair and the camel market. In the evening they have a chance tp walk over to the fair or attending dance programs.
Day 4: Kharwa - Jawaja.
Another day of riding through semi desert, encountering hundreds of animals going to Pushkar or coming from the fair. Today the trail leads through tribal land and the riders can admire their hamlets and villages.
Day 5: Jawaja - Lalpura.
On this day the riders will slowly leave the desert behind. The land however still is level but the hills can be seen in some distance. Flocks of cattle, goats, sheep and  many camels are passing. All head towards the Pushkar Fair or are driven back home. Occasionally the riders will encounter nomads with colourful turbans and huge moustaches herding their camels to Pushkar. They transport everything they own and need for a living on the back of their animals. The small children and women with infants are allowed to ride, the rest of the family is walking.
Day 6: Lalpura - Kherda.
The main range of the Aravalli Mountains is laying in front of the riders now. The climate is still dry and so is the vegetation. But now trees are lining the way and the thorn bush vegetation is left behind. Stretches of open country invite for an occasional gallop and the horses enjoy the soft and level ground. Camels are still a regular sight.
Day 7: Kherda - Jormuda.
Today the landscape becomes hilly. The desert is left behind and the riders enter the lower ranges of the Aravalli Mountains. The riders can visit a number of tribal villages. They are usually situated on top of small hills surrounded by a wall of thorn bushes. The houses are built in clusters with thatched roofs and walls made of mud. Often they are nicely decorated with white tribal paintings. Here the riders can experience first hand the unique culture of the Rajasthani tribes. After arrival in the camp, which is nicely situated at a small lake, Jormuda Fort can be visited.
Day 8: Jormuda - Banaria.
On the last safari day the trail will lead through the low Aravalli Mountains. The route goes through villages and fertile lands. On the way the riders have a chance of visiting temples and see Baoris (step wells) with marble chattris (small pavilions). Around 4 pm the camp will be reached.
Day 9: Transfer back to Udaipur after breakfast, afternoon sightseeing in Udaipur, overnight stay in middle class hotel
Day 10: Program ends after breakfast

               Winter: 28.3 degree C (Max.) 11.6 degree C (Min)

Rainfall: 61 cms

Clothing:  Summer: light tropical

                 Winter: light woolen

Best Season: September- March.

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. So very often the night has to be spend in the nature away from human dwellings.
However all of 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.
Though away from civilization, our camp offers all necessary facilities to the riders. The tents are comfortable and inviting with double or single occupancy. Each tent is equipped with beds, chairs, bedrolls, and floor covering. The camp is having both toilet and shower facilities. Hot water is provided in buckets. Towels, soaps, etc. are supplied.

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). Vegetarian food preparation is possible. Our camp gives a very colorful impression, reminding of the hunting camps of the Maharajas. The tents made in the traditional Indian style with a roofed entrance where the riders can leave their shoes. Grouped around the dinning area they are encircled by a partition enclosure of cloth with a colorful Rajasthan pattern.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

The riding style is different to both English and Western and on the spirited Marwari horse. 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.

Let us introduce you to our special royal Marwari horses, an ancient breed of warhorses whose history is entwined with the history of Rajasthan and the Rajputs. It is rightly said that “one cannot separate a Rajput from his horse” and there is a saying: “If God did not create the horse, he would not have created the Rajput.”

This makes it quite clear what a role the horse played and is still playing in Rajasthan. The cow is holy but the horse is divine and still serves as a symbol of strength and wealth. So a visit to Rajasthan is a visit to a horse country of the finest order. In every village a fort can be found, in every village some horses can be found. And even in these poorer village horses, often thin and over-worked, one can still see a former gleam of royalty in their eyes. 

The Marwari horse used to be the horse of the king and his nobles. Bred for war and show, they still display a remarkable pride and dignity. Their ears are distinctively curved inwards in a lyre-shape and often meet at the tips, which makes them unique and easily recognizable. 

The fortunes of the Marwari horses changed with the ascendancy of the British in India. British officers found the Marwari to be undersized and hot tempered, so they imported shiploads of Australian Whalers who were quick, tough and inexpensive.

The Maharajas turned to luxury and extravagance and copied British ways. Instead of keeping Marwari horses, they bought expensive thoroughbreds or Australian mounts. Having surrendered their very reason d'etre, India's former kings and nobles lost a fundamental part of their soul and left their heritage and traditions behind. 

After independence things did not improve for the Marwari horse, in fact the situation worsened. Being perceived as a symbol for the despised feudalism, many Marwari horses were castrated, killed and scattered. The breed was neglected for decades and few pure specimen survived.

Finally the Marwari horse was saved by its own people. Local land gentry managed to rescue a few animals and started their own breeding programs. Tourism and horseback-safaris have provided a tremendous boost to the revival of the Rajput culture and ultimately to the future of the Marwari horse. Today there are countless breeders in Rajasthan, Gujarat as well as the Punjab and the prospect of the Marwari horse looks brighter than it has for a long time.

The safari is 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. By killing two soldiers who were chasing Maharana Pratap after the battle of Haldi Ghati, Shakti Singh saved his brother's life and was thus rewarded with extensive jagirs (land grants) and titles.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Mawari
Pace:		First slow with a lot of climbing, then long trots, canters and occasional gallops in the sandy desert plain. | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3 to 3 out of 5)    Intermediate
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 12 riders

The riding style is different to both English and Western and on the spirited Marwari horse. 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.

Let us introduce you to our special royal Marwari horses, an ancient breed of warhorses whose history is entwined with the history of Rajasthan and the Rajputs. It is rightly said that “one cannot separate a Rajput from his horse” and there is a saying: “If God did not create the horse, he would not have created the Rajput.”

This makes it quite clear what a role the horse played and is still playing in Rajasthan. The cow is holy but the horse is divine and still serves as a symbol of strength and wealth. So a visit to Rajasthan is a visit to a horse country of the finest order. In every village a fort can be found, in every village some horses can be found. And even in these poorer village horses, often thin and over-worked, one can still see a former gleam of royalty in their eyes. 

The Marwari horse used to be the horse of the king and his nobles. Bred for war and show, they still display a remarkable pride and dignity. Their ears are distinctively curved inwards in a lyre-shape and often meet at the tips, which makes them unique and easily recognizable. 

The fortunes of the Marwari horses changed with the ascendancy of the British in India. British officers found the Marwari to be undersized and hot tempered, so they imported shiploads of Australian Whalers who were quick, tough and inexpensive.

The Maharajas turned to luxury and extravagance and copied British ways. Instead of keeping Marwari horses, they bought expensive thoroughbreds or Australian mounts. Having surrendered their very reason d'etre, India's former kings and nobles lost a fundamental part of their soul and left their heritage and traditions behind. 

After independence things did not improve for the Marwari horse, in fact the situation worsened. Being perceived as a symbol for the despised feudalism, many Marwari horses were castrated, killed and scattered. The breed was neglected for decades and few pure specimen survived.

Finally the Marwari horse was saved by its own people. Local land gentry managed to rescue a few animals and started their own breeding programs. Tourism and horseback-safaris have provided a tremendous boost to the revival of the Rajput culture and ultimately to the future of the Marwari horse. Today there are countless breeders in Rajasthan, Gujarat as well as the Punjab and the prospect of the Marwari horse looks brighter than it has for a long time.

The safari is 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. By killing two soldiers who were chasing Maharana Pratap after the battle of Haldi Ghati, Shakti Singh saved his brother's life and was thus rewarded with extensive jagirs (land grants) and titles.

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.