Ride through the ancient kingdoms of Shekhawati and experience the complete spectrum of life in Rajasthan from subsistence farmers who maintain a very simple existence to the privileged life of the pr...
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Ride through the ancient kingdoms of Shekhawati and experience the complete spectrum of life in Rajasthan from subsistence farmers who maintain a very simple existence to the privileged life of the princes.
The Indian state of Rajasthan, where our rides are located, was once known as Registhan, "land of desert". You ride over a wide variety of terrain, including not only desert but farmlands, rocky gorges, acacia forests, jungle scrub and the fertile Aravali hills.
Historically this is one of India's richest regions littered with magnificent forts and palaces that were once home, and in many cases still are, to royal princes. Some of these are now hotels where you stay during the ride. Amidst the sometimes faded grandeur, it is possible to imagine the buildings in their glory days. The bedrooms are all different, varying in size and decoration but all are comfortable with private bathrooms. On some nights you stay in safari style camps in large spacious twin bedded tents. Shower and toilet facilities are set up and hot water is provided.
A very special feature of the ride is the horses, the Marwari with their characteristic ears curling in at the top. The horses are forward going and fun to ride. The tack is English style Indian Army saddlery. These Marwari horses come from the stables at Dundlod Castle, home to Kanwar Raghuvendra Singh, known as Bonnie. Bonnie is a warm and considerate host and also an expert horseman. He is a direct descendent of Kesari Singh who built Dundlod Castle in the 1750's. At Dundlod, Bonnie has set up the largest Marwari stud farm in India and has established a breed improvement programme.
On the riding days you should expect to cover 25km to 30km each day, possibly more on some days. There are long lunch stops of about two hours.
The Fairs and Festivals is a seven day ride in Rajasthan followed by visits to Jaipur, the bird sanctuary at Bharatpur, one of the largest cattle and horse fairs at Bateshwar and the glorious Taj Mahal at Agra. This is a great itinerary for those visiting India for the first time.
The Christmas Ride follows a similar riding route but the sightseeing is in Delhi and Jaipur only. Please see below for the full itinerary.
We also offer riding holidays without any sightseeing and it is also possible to join a ride and visit the Pushkar Fair or Nagaur Fair. Trips can be tailor-made for two or more people. Please ask for details of all itineraries.