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Horseback riding tours
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Udaipur Riding Safari in Rajasthan
Rajasthan
India
The simple pleasures of horseback riding and the romantic city of Udaipur come together to create a winning combination! Immerse yourself in the Indian way of life and discover the colorful country's many unique delights!
Beautiful Udaipur was founded in 1567 and is situated on the shores of two lakes – Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar. Known as the “Venice of the East”, countless poets, writers and painters were and still are inspired by its white splendor. The City Palace of Udaipur is the largest palace complex in India. It houses a museum, luxurious hotels, a school and the residence of the descendants of the king of Udaipur! Outside the city, tour through the tribal regions of southeastern Rajasthan and experience the special culture of the Bhil tribes. The majority of these villages are still constructed of huts made from the earth and are surrounded by a protective wall of thorns. Traditional handicrafts and customs are still prevalent, the evidence notable throughout the journey. On daily rides out of Udaipur, you will explore the countryside upon the back of your own spirited Marwari horse, a decendant of the war horses prized by the Indian nobility of days gone past. Plenty of sight-seeing options are available each morning for riders to choose from, before participating in the afternoon rides. The horseback high-light of the holiday is an exciting overnight safari to Jaisamand, where a luxury safari camp awaits you in nearby proximity to the second largest man-made lake of Asia.
The Terrain: Mostly open country with the odd hilly areas. Strips of thorn forest and rather dry vegetation.
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodations (tent cam accommodations or Palace Hotel), all meals, daily riding while in Udaipur, sightseeing with English speaking guide.
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP | 8d / 7n | $1610 |
| B | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP low season | 8d / 7n | $1450 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Udaipur included
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2013
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Single supplement
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2013
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Group discount of 10% for 4 or more riders
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This trip starts and end in Udaipur. A sightseeing options from New Delhi via Agra etc is available and can be customized.
Tour Dates for 2013
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| A |
2013
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01/01
- 05/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP
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2
/12
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Reserve
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| B |
2013
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06/01
- 08/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP low season
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2
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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09/01
- 12/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP
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2
/12
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Reserve
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This trip is available any time -except during fixed date riding tours. May and June are usually very hot.
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Rates do not include:
A sightseeing options from New Delhi via Agra is available and can be customized.
Day 1: Arrival in Udaipur, overnight stay in a middle class hotel
Day 2: Sightseeing Udaipur in the morning (english speaking guide), riding in the afternoon
Day 3: Sightseeing Udaipur in the morning (english speaking guide), riding in the afternoon
Day 4: Begin the safari with overnight stay in at camp or in the Boheda rawla
Day 5: Continue the safari till around 4 oclock then transfer back to the hotel in Udaipur
Day 6: Sightseeing Udaipur in the morning (english speaking guide), riding in the afternoon
Day 7: Morning ride, free afternoon to fill on your own
Day 8: Departure
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.
Other options (not included - to pay locally):
Royal Carriage Rides: Have you ever wanted to feel like royalty? Here is your ultimate chance. Take a ride with our antique 200-year-old horse-drawn buggy or gig around Udaipur. With the driver and attendant traditionally dressed up, you will surely draw attention.
~$45 for 4 hrs (4 fit in one carriage)
Camel Rides: No time to go to Jaisalmer or Bikaner? Then let us take you for a Camel ride or Camel Cart drive in Udaipur. It is certainly just as much fun and excitement. And the landscape is much more interesting. Our camels are obedient, well trained and well kept. A typical Indian experience you should not miss!
~$25 per hour
Nature Walks: For people interested in the flora and fauna, join us on a Nature Walk and learn about the local vegetation and plant life. On the way you will be able to spot numerous birds, peacocks and small mammals. You might encounter flocks of goats or sheep. Together with an experienced guide you can visit a small village and experience the rural life of India.
~$15 per hour
Bullock Cart Rides: Experience first-hand an age-old Indian means of transportation. This is something defiantly out of the ordinary and you will be hard-pressed to find it somewhere else. Since we try to make it as comfortable as possible for you, it is a very relaxing and peaceful way of seeing India.
Village Safaris: Do you want to experience the real India? Then come and join us on a Village Safari. You will be taken by jeep to a tribal village where you can see their housing and craftwork. If you like you can try their typical food, which you will not find in any restaurant of Udaipur. An experienced English-speaking guide will accompany you and tell you about their life and customs. He will also translate any questions you might have. This is an off-the-beaten track experience, for people interested in Indian culture
Meeting:
Udaipur
Airport:
New Dehli or Udaipur
Transfer:
Udaipur
This trip starts and end in Udaipur. A sightseeing options from New Delhi via Agra etc is available and can be customized.
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Mawari
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Pace:
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Slow to Moderate with trots and canters
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2
to
2
out of 5) Good Novice+
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
12 riders
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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.
Formerly bred for the purpose of war , the Marwari horse has Arab and Turkmeni ancestors, which were brought to India by Central-Asian and Muslim invaders. His home is the desert kingdom of Marwar from where it spread through the whole of Rajasthan. Its name means quite literally “from the land of death”. Over centuries it was bred in the harsh desert climate of Rajasthan by warring Rajput clans.
The Marwari horse is a medium-sized, elegant horse. The most distinguishing features of the Marwari horse are its lyre-shaped ears, which curve inward and often meet at the tips. Besides providing a sharp hearing, they can be turned by 180 degrees. The Marwari has a longish head with a broad forehead, wide-set and alert eyes and a well-shaped rather small mouth. It is elegantly proportioned with a proud head carried on a well-arched neck. The legs are straight and sound with small and very hard hooves.
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.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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 th. more
Climate:
Summer: 38.3 degree C(Max.) 28.8degree C(Min)
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.
What to bring
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This list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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Riding breeches or comfortable jeans for the ride
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Riding boots (short) + Minichaps
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
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Riding gloves
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Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
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Lightweight Rain coat
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Shorts
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Underwear and socks
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Pyjama
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Bag for dirty clothes
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Swimsuit
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Small backpack or bag to carry with you on the ride
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Insect protection
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for the emergency)
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Small flashlight
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Handkerchiefs
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Adapter for electric appliances
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Camera and enough extra films and batteries
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Sun hat and sun block
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(each horse has two saddle bags, but you lunch packet and water bottles have to fit in already)
Your luggage will be transported by car, so you do not have to take everything with you on horseback. We however recommend you to use lockable bags or suitcases. Princess Trails is not responsible for the loss of any valuables unless they are handed to us before the safari. For each item we will give you a receipt.
Malaria:
Rajasthan has a very low malaria risk and this mainly during the rainy season (end of June till end of August). Rajasthan is in any case a low risk area without the more severe form of malaria tropica prevalent in Africa. We thus do not advice any malaria medication.
Some
non-aggressive mosquitoes can be there in March around certain camp
sites during dusk so we advise our riders to bring some repellent in
order to protect themselves against bites.
Effective repellents can
be also purchased locally at a low cost. In any case usually, a normal
repellent is sufficient to prevent bites.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Overnights will be in a safari camp accommodation. The 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 has 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, reminiscent of the hunting camps of the Maharajas. The tents are 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.
upgrade option: Shiv Niwas Palace, Udaipur
Where royalty has always felt at home, today you are invited to an experience of a lifetime
The crescent-shaped palace was built in the early 20th century, in the
reign of Maharana Fateh Singh (period of reign: 1884-1930), and has been
meticulously maintained and preserved. The palace was reserved
exclusively for visiting dignitaries and guests of the House of Mewar.
Today it is a Grand Heritage Palace for guests, combining the elegance
of the last century with modern 21st century amenities.
Shiv Niwas Palace offers beautiful, yet differing suites and rooms to
choose from 17 individually decorated suites carry original furniture
and portraits that have been with the royal family for generations. All
the suites look out onto the natural panorama of Udaipur. Unparalleled
splendor and spaciousness characterise each room.
Guests to Shiv Niwas Palace like to return time and again. The
hospitality is unchanged from the not-so-distant times when Shiv Niwas
Palace was a royal guesthouse.
The distinctive character of Shiv Niwas Palace contributes substantially
to the success of events of all types. Events benefit from a unique
combination of history, luxury, impressive architecture, personalised
service and the finest cuisine.
The ancient guesthouse of this palace has witnessed the arrival of Queen
Elizabeth II nd also the shooting of the famous James Bond film
Octopussy. It is famous for the traditional Rajputana hospitality The
moment you step inside the doors of this hotel, you are sure to remember
the royal past of the Rajput dynasty. The Shiv Nivas Palace hotel is
three times winner of the prestigious award for the best national hotel
in the Grand Heritage category.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
|
|
English
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Mawari
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Slow to Moderate with trots and canters
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
2
out of 5) Good Novice+
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
12 riders
|
|
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.
Formerly bred for the purpose of war , the Marwari horse has Arab and Turkmeni ancestors, which were brought to India by Central-Asian and Muslim invaders. His home is the desert kingdom of Marwar from where it spread through the whole of Rajasthan. Its name means quite literally “from the land of death”. Over centuries it was bred in the harsh desert climate of Rajasthan by warring Rajput clans.
The Marwari horse is a medium-sized, elegant horse. The most distinguishing features of the Marwari horse are its lyre-shaped ears, which curve inward and often meet at the tips. Besides providing a sharp hearing, they can be turned by 180 degrees. The Marwari has a longish head with a broad forehead, wide-set and alert eyes and a well-shaped rather small mouth. It is elegantly proportioned with a proud head carried on a well-arched neck. The legs are straight and sound with small and very hard hooves.
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.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Udaipur Riding Safari in Rajasthan
Tour Code:
IT-INRT04
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,610.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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