Rajasthan, which is a real introduction to India, makes you feel like you’re in the world of the 1001 nights. Thanks to the freedom of a private vehicle, we first follow the roads, from the Taj Mahal to Ghanerao, via the mythical cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur.
Far from the crowd of the city, we go to ride horses for a 5 days safari and we’ll be fascinated by the amazing landscapes and people of the countryside : sunrise on the dry desert where acacias trees seem to dance, lanes paved in stone and mud houses embellished by the statues of Ganesh which bring luck, women going to the wells, wearing their bright coloured saris, peppers drying in the sun, village festivals and turbaned musicians, temples of mysterious gods...
With its magnificent & luxurious Maharajas palaces, its superb fortresses, its elegant “havelis”, and its proud Rajpout lords, Rajasthan is one of the most chivalrous regions. It’s also one of the most appropriated region to ride horses : The traditional “marwaris” horses are well trained, light, docile and easy to ride. The sandy tracks taken will allow us frequent good speed. With an itinerary that allow us to visit sites totally out of track, we’ll be accommodated by Rajputs families (lords) who’s welcome is legendary. We lodge sometimes in forts, transformed in hotel of charm.
From the world of the hills to the irrigated fields, to the Thar desert, Rebari shepherds, dromedaries and gazelles domain, we travel through a region with thousand years traditions which is the occasion of a real immersion with the people encountered. 35 to 45 Km per day. The saddles that we use are English, and are suitable for the best horse riders.
Day 1 : Arrival in Delhi
Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel in the center of Delhi for overnight stay.
Day 2 : Delhi/Agra [4 H - 200 Km]
Travel to Agra in the morning and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, a visit of the Red fort and before sun set, a visit of the fabulous Taj Mahal. Night at the hotel.
Day 3: Agra/Jaipur [5 H - 230 Km]
Road from Agra to Jaipur. On the way, visit of Fatehpur Sikriand continuation to Jaipur, the pink city. Transfer and night at the hotel.
Day 4 : Jaipur
Visit of the Amber Fort and of the very lively old pink city. Night at the hotel.
Day 5 : Jaipur/Jodhpur [7 H - 340 Km]
Departure in morning in direction of Jodhpur, popular and swarming city dominated by a massive fortress. Visit of the old city and night at the hotel.
Day 6 : Jodhpur/Kumbalgarh [5 H - 180 Km]
Visit of the imposing Meherangarh fort. Road to the citadel of Kumbalgarh where we meet our guide, his staff and the horses. Visit of the citadel. Night at the hotel.
Day 7 : Kumbalgarh/Ghanerao
Beginning of the horse riding safari, through green and wooded landscapes of the Aravellis Mounts. We travel through Thandiveri natural reserve before descending to the semi desert plain of Marwar (ancient state which capital was Jodhpur). Night in the fort of Ghanerao.
Day 8 : Ghanerao/Narlai
Visit of the arts and crafts village of Ghanerao. Horse riding in direction to Narlai in beautiful landscapes and granite chaos and going through traditional villages. Night at the hotel.
Day 9 : Narlai/Ranakpur
Towards south direction, the first part of this stage is in the plain. Then we get to the mountains when we get close to Ranakpur and its Jaïn temple of Adinath that we visit. Night in hotel of charm.
Day 10 : Ranakpur/Muchala Mahaver
This stage is mainly in the mountain. The track winds between acacias and the big banians. Night in hunting house of the lord of Ghanerao
Day 11 : Muchala Mahaver/Ghanerao
Last stage, mainly in the plain. On the way visit of the temples of Desuri village. Night in the fort of Ghanerao.
Day 12 : Ghanerao/Udaipur [2/3 H - 100 Km]
In the morning, road to Udaipur through the beautiful mountainous landscapes of Mewar. Free afternoon. Night in hotel.
Day 13 : Udaipur
Visit of “ Venice of the East” built around the lake Pichola and surrounded by peaks. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 14 : Udaipur/Delhi - International airport [1 H 15 of flight]
Flight for Delhi (around 1H15). Transfer to the hotel and transfer to the international airport in the evening.