Posted on April 2, 2020
In this blog, I want to help you choose the best itinerary for you and the type of holiday you want – whether you’re already a fan of this colourful country or still need a little encouragement.
India is a firm favourite of mine since I first visited in November 2015 and I will take any opportunity to talk about my adventures there.
This is me, leaving the Pushkar Fair on my Marwari horse
This itinerary is designed by and exclusive to In The Saddle. We created this itinerary to include the most popular destinations but to also have a variety of sightseeing, within the cities and out in the countryside. You start this 14 night itinerary in Delhi with a tour of both the Old and New parts of the city, including a rickshaw ride. From there, you transfer to Dundlod – where the horses are stabled and the home of your guide, Bonnie.
After a short introductory ride on your Marwari horse you head north/north-east for the six days of riding. At night you might stay in a heritage hotel or an old fort and there is two nights of camping.
The riding ends in Alsisar and you transfer south by car to Jaipur where you see all the famous sites and celebrate the Diwali Festival. From Jaipur, your next stop is Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur. This famous sanctuary hosts thousands of birds and will show you a different side of India, away from the busy cities.
Still heading east, you transfer to Agra to see one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ – the incredible Taj Mahal.
Before heading back to Delhi and completing the route of the Golden Triangle, you visit Bateshwar, the largest cattle and horse fair in the world – a fair which is seen by few tourists.
If you are short on time or have already visited Agra, it is possible to depart this itinerary from Jaipur.
Fairs & Festivals
The Marwari horses
This itinerary starts the same as the Fairs & Festivals, beginning in Delhi before transferring to Dundlod. This time you ride south for six days of riding south. You will celebrate the Diwali Festival and then transfer by car to Pushkar, where the largest camel fair will be in full swing.
From the Pushkar Fair you continue onto Jaipur, then Agra and finally finishing back in Delhi.
This 13 night itinerary can also be shortened by departing from Jaipur.
Pushkar Fair Forts & Palaces
The sights of the Pushkar Fair
Like with the other itineraries you start your Indian holiday in Delhi with a tour and rickshaw ride. From Delhi you travel by train heading south to visit Ranthambore National Park, where you will hopefully see the majestic tiger in it’s natural habitat, as well as lots of other wildlife and birds.
From Ranthambore, you continue to the Pushkar Fair where you meet your horses for 6 days riding heading north-east, finishing in Danta. This itinerary then continues in the same way as the Pushkar Fair Forts & Palaces, with sightseeing of Jaipur, Agra and back to Delhi.
This itinerary can be shortened by missing the nights in Ranthambore. From Delhi you would transfer straight to Pushkar Fair.
Pushkar Fair – with Ranthambore
Some of the wildlife at Ranthambore National Park
This itinerary is great for people who want lots of riding, or for people that have already visited Agra. From Delhi, you transfer to Dundlod and ride for eight days heading north/north-west. You celebrate Christmas on horseback. New Years day is in Jaipur before heading back to Delhi.
Christmas Ride
This itinerary is a great opportunity for people who want to get away in January. The riding follows a similar route to the Fairs & Festivals itinerary. After leaving the horses, you have the opportunity to complete the infamous Golden Triangle with stops in Jaipur and Agra.
Shekhawati Desert Ride
The Taj Mahal, City Palace, Delhi and Arga Fort
This is the last itinerary of the season and commonly booked by guests returning to ride with Bonnie and his team. This ride takes you to a completely different region in the far west of Rajasthan. From Delhi, you fly to Bikaner where you meet the horses for five days of riding south. Since you are in a more remote area this itinerary includes five nights of camping. The climax is the fascinating Nagaur Fair.
After the riding itinerary you continue to the former capital of the Marwar State – Jodhpur. Another flight will then take you back to Delhi.
Naguar Fair
Whichever itinerary you choose, you will ride the wonderful native breed of India – the Marwari Horse. With their curled ears they are easily recognisable. The care provided to these horses by Bonnie and his team is impressive; it’s a pleasure riding these fit and happy animals.
Marwari Horse
For people who want to immerse themselves in India including the experience of a traditional livestock fair, celebrating like a local during important festivals and seeing the contrast between village and city life, we have the Fairs & Festivals and Pushkar Forts & Palaces.
For more wildlife and the chance to see the diurnal tigers, as well as seeing the most popular sights in India, choose the Pushkar Trail (with Ranthambore).
If it’s all about the horses, the Christmas Ride, Nagaur Fair and Shekawati Ride are a great chance to get away from busy day to day life.
Ride Summary
If you still can’t decide, please do not hesitate to contact me on +441299 272 238 or lucy@inthesaddle.com. I look forward to speaking to you about one of the best holidays I ever joined.
Such a very detailed itinerary. Can’t wait to travel again! 🙂