Mewar Riding Safari in Rajasthan Rajasthan India Our Mewar Riding Safari takes you over the plains of South-East Rajasthan, in an area known as Malwa. It is a paradise for riders with its soft level ground and wild savannah allowing for long trots, canters and gallops. It is a region of great fertility and rich soils thus the plain is dotted with villages, fields and farmsteads. Starting from a little hamlet in the hills, 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 many undiscovered jewels to be visited by our riders. Due to the relative agricultural richness of this area, they will pass small palaces, old hill forts and beautiful adorned farmhouses. The riders will camp at the shore of two serene flat-water lakes (for 2 nights), a heaven for birds and animals. On this safari the riders will also discover the Sita-Mata Wildlife Sanctuary one of the last virgin forests of Rajasthan and home to many different animals from flying squirrels to leopards. Inside the forest we will visit the mythical warm springs of Sita Mata. Camping Ride with vehicle support Safari Ride Meeting: Udaipur Airport:   Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur (UDR) Transfer: Udaipur airport or railway station Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

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

Sample itinerary - 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.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel Boheda Palace 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel Boheda Palace 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Badwei
 
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Boheda
 
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Boheda

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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Boheda
 
Day 7: Boheda to Mangalwad
Today's route 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. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Mangalwad 
 
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. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Mangalwad 
 
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur

Day 10: Departure day                     
End of the program after breakfast
Meals included: Breakfast

-----------------

Sample Itinerary: Special 2021 Holi Program - 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 in Udaipur.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur
 
Day 2: 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Badwei
 
Day 3: 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Boheda
 
Day 4: 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Boheda

Day 5: 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Boheda
 
Day 6: Boheda to Mangalwad
Today's route 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. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Mangalwad 
 
Day 7: 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur

Day 8: Udaipur Sightseeing and Holika Dahan Festival
Morning ride around our farm. Afterwards there is time for some additional sightseeing and shopping in Udaipur.
In the afternoon, we attend the Holika Dahan festival in the City Palace in Udaipur. This celebration is an ancient Hindu tradition and signifies the victory of good over evil. Evil is burned in form of the Holika, a figure of straw and wood. The Maharana of Udaipur traditionally arrives in his carriage with his family and opens the ceremony. Together with several priests the pyre is lit and amid drums and dancing dervishes the Holika is burned. After the ceremony snacks and drinks are served and the guests can meet the Maharana and chat with him.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur

Day 9: Holi Festival Celebrations
Today is the main day of the Hindu Spring Festival Holi. People meet and put colored powder and water on each other. Sweets and alcohol are consumed. Celebrate with us and our family in a safe and fun way. We provide you with the colors and you can play with us, our family and our staff. We will visit different places so that you get an idea how the festival is celebrated by Indian families. Finally, we will return to the farm where we will play music and provide food, sweets and drinks. By the end of the day, you can take a shower and get clean again before we return to the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur

Day 10: Departure day                     
End of the program after breakfast
Meals included: Breakfast


Notes: Special programs for 2021
- The March 2021 safari takes place during the Holi Festival (see special program above).
- The October 5-14 2021 safari takes place during the Navratri Festival so the program will be slightly different. On the last day, the riders can participate in the horse blessing ceremony of Ashwa Pooja at the City Palace. A once in a lifetime experience!
- The October 27 to November 5 2021 safari takes place during the Diwali Festival.

                                                Udaipur area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	76	83	92	100	104	99	90	87	90	92	86	79
Average Low Temperature (°F)	49	54	63	73	81	81	78	76	74	67	59	51
Average High Temperature (°C)	24	28	34	38	40	37	32	31	32	33	30	26
Average Low Temperature (°C)	9	12	17	23	27	27	26	24	23	19	15	11

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The largest state in India, Rajasthan's climate can be divided into 4 seasons: summer, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter. Temperatures vary depending on the season and the region.

Summer (April to June)
Summers in Rajasthan are particularly hot with temperatures rising up to 48°C during the day. However, in places like Mount Abu, Kumbhalgarh or Ranakpur, the weather is pleasant and the views offered are breath-taking.

Monsoon season (July to September)
Monsoon is a far more pleasant experience, the temperatures tend to drop across the state and the rain showers transform the arid landscape of Rajasthan. It is a particularly good time to visit if you wish to avoid the crowds you'd usually find during peak tourist season.

Post Monsoon and Winter (October to March)
The temperatures continue to drop once the monsoon has passed, and come October winter sets in that lasts till March. During December and January, there can be a severe variation in temperatures during the day and the night. In fact, temperatures are known to drop as low as 0°C. This is the best time to visit Rajasthan as the desert sun is not as intense and the days are pleasant.

Your luggage will be transported by car, so you do not have to take everything with you on horseback. We do, however, recommend that you 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.

Each horse has two saddle bags, but your lunch packet and water bottles have to fit in before anything else can.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding breeches or comfortable jeans for the ride

Riding boots (short) + Minichaps

Riding helmet  (recommended for all trips)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

Lightweight Rain coat

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjama

Bag for dirty clothes

Swimsuit

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Small backpack  or bag to carry with you on when you ride

Insect protection

Personal medications

Small flashlight

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra films and batteries

Sun hat and sun block

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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.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur
Night 3: Camping near Badwei
Night 4, 5 & 6: Camping near Boheda
Night 7 & 8: Camping near Mangalwad
Night 9: Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur

Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur
This small hotel has been classified as an heritage building thanks to its traditional architecture. Each of the 16 rooms all come equipped with a TV, air conditioning, private facilities and free Wi-Fi access. The hotel’s most appreciated feature is without doubt its rooftop terrace offering panoramic views over the city. There are laundry facilities onsite (extra charge).



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.


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.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Marwari
Pace:		Long trots and canters, open stretches invite for gallops. 5-6 hours riding for 6 riding days | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3 to 3 out of 5)    Intermediate
Riders:		Min 2	Max 12

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.

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