Safaris

The best way to experience Rajasthan is undoubtedly on the back of a horse A holiday on horseback is one of the best means of sampling the flavour of India's old world hospitality and charm in original ethnic surroundings. You can try your hand at this activity at surprisingly affordable prices. Just by opting to ride off the beaten track on an organised horse safari, with any of a growing number of aristocrat entrepreneurs belonging to the erstwhile Royal families of Rajputana, you can revel in the heady feeling of belonging to a different age, in a timeless and ancient land. The best way to see the real Rajasthan is to move quietly through the countryside on horseback. On a horse, you become a part of the landscape, and can visit places a car bound tourist would never see. You can communicate with the locals and travel at the leisurely pace intended by nature.

Not only do you meet the descendants of the erstwhile ruling families but also encounter tribes of shepherds and camel drovers and Bishnoi villagers whose belief in nature's supremacy has turned them into one of the oldest 'Green' conservationist communities on this planet. Black buck gather over scrubland, you may catch crocodile snoozing by the lakes, and the lakes are full of numerous species of birds, some that have migrated all the way from Siberia to winter here. The tribals and villagers wear fiery colours, electric blues, acid green and blood reds- veiled women sashay past in swaying skirts and armfuls of silver and bone bangles. Men fiercely guard their heritage in twisted turbans and intimidating moustaches. All adding to the colour and magic that is RAJASTHAN

As dusk falls you arrive at Forts or Castles, Rawlas or Palaces that dot the region. These Heritage Hotels are replete with modern amenities. There's nothing like a hot shower and a comfortable bed to rejuvenate you for the next days ride. Some of these small hotels (10 to 15 rooms) have an almost exclusive charm and an atmosphere that is very difficult to create or describe. Tales are woven around bonfires, your hosts charm you with tales of their chivalrous past, tribal dancers create an enchanting spell and you relive an ancient way of life. Meals are a mix of Rajasthani flavours and western preferences and are always freshly prepared.

What awaits you is an overwhelming and heady experience - no wonder people keep coming back for more. If you choose a Horse Safari as a holiday you will have to bring your own Hard Hats and Boots. A light sweater and Jacket are required for the evenings, and don't forget that pair of binoculars. In corresponding with your tour operator, it is a good idea to advise them of your height, weight and riding experience to enable them to match Horse to Rider.

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It goes without saying that you need to be reasonably fit to be able to ride a horse. Persons with back ailments should give this a miss.

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It definitely helps if you have some prior riding experience and can tell one end of the horse from the other. However, even if you are a relative novice at riding, the day trips are designed to accommodate all skill levels.

Where to go

Anokhi
The Jaipur Polo and Equestrian Academy is located amongst the picturesque surroundings of the Anokhi Village on the outskirts of the city, five Km. from the airport. You can ride along numerous trails that lead you to the interesting countryside or take riding lessons from expert instructors. Polo lessons and chukkers can also be planned on prior intimation.

Shikarbadi
Located at Udaipur, Shikarbadi used to be the hunting lodge of the Royal Family of Mewar. Today, it is a well-equipped resort with a number of modern amenities. There is also a special tented village, a small private lake, a deer park and the Imperial Stud farm within the resort. The countryside offers numerous possibilities for day-long safaris. You could also visit the historical city of Udaipur which has a number of interesting palaces and forts worth seeing.

Shikarbadi has some of the finest stables in the country. It's horse safaris give you an ideal opportunity to travel off the beaten track and to discover new facets of the colourful land of Rajasthan. Campfire dinners with folk dances and cocktails under clear starlit skies are a part of the itinerary and are sure to find a place in your memory for years to come.

There are short safaris starting from Shikarbadi and Aodhi on a regular basis. Longer safaris from a number of locations in Rajasthan are also organised on prior notice for groups of more than ten riders

Aodhi
Aodhi serves as an ideal base for exploring the imposing Kumbhalgarh Fort. Surrounded by a thickly wooded forest, the ramparts stretch some 36 km. and encompass a lost world of exquisitely carved temples, a tribal village and ruins of an old settlement for you to discover. There are a number of interesting riding trails to whet your appetite for adventure. At the end of the day, you could relax at the cozy resort, which has a bar and a swimming pool.

Ghanerao
Khem Singh the Trail Boss; of Ghanerao Safari Tours is a Rajput of the Rathore clan of Ghanerao. His ancestors ruled the Godvad region for over 400 years, and he still lives in his family castle (circa 1606). It is in this region that you will ride. Khem is a keen naturalist and his knowledge of the local people, their history and the flora and fauna gives you a deep insight into Rajasthan and its culture.

The horses are pure bred Marwari, with deep seats and characterised by ears that meet at the tip forming a heart. In addition, thoroughbreds and half breeds, all from the Polo Stables of the Maharana of Udaipur are also used. The grooms accompany the ride travelling in jeeps to meet the ride every 10-15 km to take charge of the mounts while the riders refresh themselves from the complimentary Ice Box. The grooms take care of the horses at all night halts feeding, brushing, saddling, unsaddling etc.

The tours operate between October and March when Rajasthan is at its best. If you choose to ride any other time they will gladly custom design an itinerary for you. The maximum permissible size of a group that they will accept is 15 persons.

When to go

Most operators are happy to arrange rides at any time of the year. The best season, however is from September to March.

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Detailed itinerary and tariffs vary according to the package that you choose, and are available on request. However, expect an average tariff of US$ 150-200 per day. This usually includes ponies with grooms, full saddlery, accommodation, all applicable meals, refreshments during the ride, English speaking riding escort & guide. Tariff is also usually non-exclusive of night accommodation prior to start of the safari, transfers to & from safari, bar/beverage bills at night halts in hotels.

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Safaris