Rajasthan horse adventure

11 days

From 9 tot 19 November 2019

Max. 13 participans (only 4 spots left!)

Price: 3200 euro

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On this tour we first visit (without horses) the legendary Pushkar Festival; a religious pilgrimage combined with the world's largest camel and horse market. Here the most unlikely scenes are piling up at a rapid pace!
We will stay in Pushkar for two days, after which we will drive to the starting point of our horse trek: Dundlod, the home of Maharaja Bonnie Dundlod who will accompany our tours.
We drive through the Shekawati desert for six days, from village to village, and stay in Haveli's, the ancient city palaces that were once built by traders who amassed their fortune on the Silk Road.

We ride the legendary Marwari horses, a breed that is known for its orientation ability and that was used as a horse during the conquest of India by the Moguls as it always brought the injured rider back to the camp. After the English colonization of India, the Marwari race was threatened with extinction because the English did not want others other than themselves to ride horses. Thanks to the efforts of our host Bonnie Dundlod and his stud, the breed was saved and can shine in all its glory again. The Marwari horses are recognizable by the curled ear tips and their ability to turn their ears back, to prevent the desert sand from blowing in.


November 9, 2019
Arrival and stay in a comfortable hotel in Delhi

November 10, 2019
We take the comfortable train early in the morning from the beautiful historic train station of Delhi to the colorful Ajmer (Rajasthan). From there it goes with a private bus to the legendary city of Pushkar, where one of the only two Hindu temples in India is dedicated to Brahma. The moment we visit Pushkar, the annual pilgrimage takes place here that lures countless Hindus to this oasis in the desert, where the world's largest horse and camel market is held.

Overnight in Pushkar

November 11, 2019
Today we have the whole day to admire the crazy, colorful festivities in Pushkar with big eyes: you can see poodle-naked Sahdus (holy men) who have been standing on one leg for years, or have been carrying a weight on their penis all their lives ; you can't think of it that way or in Pushkar you come across it. You can admire the sacred lake of Pushkar, where everyone wants to take a bath to wash away their sins, there are camel and horse races, thousands of felt tents are set up on the outskirts of the desert town, so it looks like you're in you are walking around a biblical scene. Women with large bowls with dried camel and horse figs on them, which they use as source material for their fires, come and go. The atmosphere is unforgettable, your senses go into overdrive and you thank science for inventing digital photography, because you are going to take so many photos that you have to provide an extra disc with a few gigas.



November 12, 2019
Today we drive from Pushkar to Dundlod, the departure point of our horseback safari through the Shekatwati desert.

Arrival in Dundlod and transfer to Dundlod Fort, where we will spend two nights. This is not a standard hotel, the charming fortress is the palace of our host Bonnie, a true Maharaja with a heart for the Marwari horses that he has kept from extinction through his breeding program. Dundlod Fort feels more like a home and this is the atmospheric starting point of our trek through the desert of Shekhawati.
The Dundlod Fort in the heart of the Shekhawati was built in 1750. This majestic fort is surrounded by a moat and is a mix of Mogul and Rajputana architecture. The majestic Diwan Khana (the audience hall) is decorated with furniture from Louis XIV.
Overnight at Dundlod Fort for two nights.


November 13, 2019
This morning we visit the stables with some of the best and most beautiful Marwari horses (a unique Indian breed) in the country. We try the horses and take a ride in and around Dundlod.
In the afternoon there is time to relax and visit the town of Dundlod and see the famous frescoes.
Stay overnight at Fort Dundlod.

November 14, 2019
After breakfast we drive to Mandawa (about 25 km). The terrain is fairly flat, except for the sand dunes that keep coming. The path runs through villages and farmlands that are dotted with Khejri trees, also called "desert tree." This is the symbol tree of Rajasthan. The fruit of the tree is boiled and mixed with the fruits of the Kair, another dominant vegetation in the desert area and served as a delicious vegetable (sangria)
The Desert Tree, as the tree is also known, was traditionally the lifeblood of the people in West Rajasthan in the old days. He supplied firewood and the leaves even functioned as cash.
Arrival in Mandawa.

The villages and settlements Churi Ajitgarh, Dundlod, Mandawa, Mehansar and Alsisar are part of the Shekhawati desert. This region is the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan. No other region in India or perhaps even in the world has such a large concentration of high-quality frescoes made between 1750 and 1930. The Shekhawati is sometimes called the Open Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan. Overnight stay at Vivaana Culture Hotel or similar.Day 4
Overnight at the Mandawa fort.

November 15, 2019
Today we drive to Mehansar (about 25 km) and we pass a very beautiful landscape with sand dunes, farmland and villages.
There is a reasonable chance that we will see some wildlife, such as the Nilgai antelope (the largest antelope in India) and the graceful Chinkara gazelle. Once in Mehansar we drive straight into the Narishi Niwas fort. The Narayan Niwas fort is a private residence and the amenities are fairly simple. Hot water is supplied in buckets. Do not expect luxury here, but more authenticity and charm!
Overnight in Roop Niwas Kothi.

November 16, 2019
We continue to Bhagasar (approximately 30 km). A very interesting trip through an unspoilt desert area. We drive over sand dunes and visit small farms. Usually the terrain is soft and sandy and there are good opportunities to spot the Chinkara Gazelle and the Nilgai antelope.
Accommodation in a tented camp. A unique experience!

November 17, 2019
Today we drive to Sukhu-ka-Bas (about 30 km). The ride today goes through the desert again, a unique and unspoilt landscape. The pace of the ride is quite fast and there is room for a number of good gallopades. Here we get to see some large sand dunes and also the chance to climb on them.
Accommodation in a tented camp. Camping for men, with beds, bedside tables and all!

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November 18, 2019
Today we drive to Danta. The ride on this day is again fantastic along and over beautiful sand dunes, through small hamlets and farmlands.
Today we drive to the famous fort of Danta, which has been transformed into a 'heritage hotel', a beautiful hotel to end an unforgettable and fairy-tale trek through the most colorful state of India.
Overnight at Danta Fort.

November 19, 2019
After breakfast we board the private bus for our return to Delhi. From there you can fly back home at night or continue your journey in India. It is of course also possible to stay in Rajasthan and continue from Danta to visit the beautiful cities of Rajasthan.



TRAVEL DATE

9 to 19 November 2019

Price: 3200 euros based on a shared double room


INCLUDED

- All transfers, train journeys, bus journeys

- All overnight stays, breakfast, lunch and dinner

- Entrance to museums, places of interest, where applicable

- Guided Horse trek



NOT INCLUDED

- Flight to/from Delhi

- Transfers from airport to hotel in Delhi

- Alcoholic beverages

- Personal expenses

- Cancellation and travel insurance

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