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Shekahawati Forts & Castles Horse Ride
Rajasthan, what better place to ride a horse - the Land of the Kings - and the Marwari horse will quickly become the king of horses in your mind. Rajasthan is steeped in romantic history, chivalry and valour. Formerly known as Rajputana, it boasts the finest forts and fortified palaces, built with sandstone quarried from the land itself. In contrast with the pastel shades of the desert landscape are the brightly coloured costumes of its handsome people. With its turbaned men and richly jewelled women, fairs and festivals, Rajasthan is an outstanding location.
In Rajasthan especially, India’s Rajas and Maharajahs have turned their palaces & fortresses in cities, countryside and forests into hotels. Heritage Hotels is a grouping of 50 such gems, and if you are prepared to face the occasional technical imperfection and eccentricity of service or understanding, a visit to such locations give a rare insight into the world of princely India now largely lost. This horse ride incorporates some of these atmospheric hotels. Luxury Camping Options
We will be trekking through the Shekahawati region of Rajasthan with it's picturesque villages, desert, forts, palaces and farm lands providing an enchanting backdrop. The group will ride about 20 to 30 Kms a day with a lunch halt and also breaks for tea, coffee and refreshments. The riding is not technical, but is not considered suitable for novice riders. If you have a friend or partner who does not ride, we can provide a jeep and a guide for your non-riding friend / partner and the driver / guide will ensure that the jeep and the horses meet up as often as possible each day. The lunch stop is certainly designed for jeep and horse to meet up as well as the evening halt, of course. There is a 10% discount for non riders.
The Monsoon rains at this time of year are less frequent and not very heavy in the desert state of Rajasthan. The climate in August can be very hot and humid.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Dehli and transfer to your hotel. The Ashok Country Resort (if you want to avoid Delhi) or the Connaught Hotel or similar (if you want time in Delhi at this stage).
Day 2 We drive to Nawalgarh in an air conditioned car (6-7 hrs.) or fly or take a train (the exact cost of travelling to and from Nawalgarh and your hotel costs in or near Delhi are subject to your choice and availability). Welcome on arrival at Roop Niwas Palace with horses, camels, folk music flower garlands and non alcoholic drink. Roop Niwas Palace is a fascinating blend of European and Rajput architecture. The Palace has large lawns, a billiard room and a swimming pool, in addition to the stables.
In the early evening we meet at the stables and over tea, welcome gifts are distributed and later your hosts will help you choose your horse. Take a ride around the palace grounds to check them out. Cocktails and detail briefing of the tour and introduction talk on the arid region ecology followed by dinner. Overnight Roop Niwas Palace. B, D.
Day 3
- Nawalgarh
We take a ride and
enjoy a picnic breakfast somewhere in Nawalgarh to
get accustomed to your horses. Afternoon sightseeing to Nawalgarh town by car /
camel buggy with a guide. Overnight Roop Niwas Palace. B, L, D.
Day 4 - Nawalgarh / Dundlod
Fort Ride from Roop Niwas Palace to
Dundlod Fort along sandy tracks of Shekhawati, you
enter the village of Dundlod. the village is noted for its two impressive Goenka
Haveli and its painted Goenka chhatri or cenotaphs.
Your stay at Dundlod Fort will be as special guests in a quaint fort which stands in the middle of the village, almost Scottish in its design. Inside it has an interesting Mughal-style, divan khana (dining hall), with copies of Louise XIV furniture and old family portraits of the local thakur (chieftain’s) family. Overnight stay at Dundlod Fort. B, L, D.
Day 5 Dundlod / Mandawa Ride from Dundlod Fort to Mandawa Castle through farmland and we will stop for lunch in a wood of ker bushes at Churi. At this time of the year most land is heavy with crops which have been nourished by monsoon rains. Crops being bajra (millet) lentils and guar.
Mandawa an 18th century building (c1755), has interesting murals and is a large rugged fort. The fort was was built by Thakur Nawal Singh, a descendent of Rao Shekha, the founder of Shekhavati. Two imposing gateways lead to the central courtyard where canons stand as a reminder of the past when they were used to repel the enemy. The hall has views into the reception and lounge area and provides ample space to relax over exotic refreshments. The courtyards and the terraces come to life in the evenings with enchanting candle-lit dinners and there will be a performance of the traditional fire dance. The rooms are large and airy and contain period furniture and local furnishings. They provide a blend of modern comfort in medieval surroundings.
The Goenka Haveli’s worth visiting include Laduram Tarkesvar (1878) and Dedraj Turmal (1898); the Ladia havelis - Gulab Rai ((1870) and Sneh Ram (1906), Murmuria (1935), Newatia (1910) and the Saraf (1870) havelis are interesting. The Siva temple here has a rock crystal lingam. The Mandawa Haveli near Sonthalia Gate displays local craft. Overnight Mandawa Castle. B, L, D.
Day 6 - Mandawa /
Mehansar
Ride from Mandawa Castle to Mehansar Fort on dry sandy tracks. Visit a typical local farmers home at
the
village of Dhakas.
Lunch is taken
near Nangli on a high sand dune "Gogameri".
Here there is a temple dedicated to famous folk hero "Gogaji". The area has a
large population of wild
peacocks. Mahensar was founded in
the 18th century. It is one of less visited towns of
Shekhavati, but definitely one of the most rewarding. Sone Chandi ki Haveli
(Mansion of Gold and Silver). Which belonged to the Poddar family of jewelers,
has the finest frescoes in Shekhavati. Don’t miss the delicate miniature
painting of a battle scene. Raghunath
Temple with beautiful paintings and the Bikaner School of Art are worth seeing.
Overnight stay at Mehansar Fort. B, L, D.
Day 7 - Mehansar / Jai Niwas Ranch Ride from Mehansar Fort to Jai Niwas Ranch which was recreated in the style of a typical horse ranch of Rajput and portrays the traditional harmony between man and nature. Every stone cottage is furnished in a distinctive style, with a reception area, double bed and a spacious bathroom, Overnight stay at Jai Niwas Kothi. B, L, D.
Day 8 - Jai Niwas / Naharsingani Ride from Jai Niwas to Kothi Naharsingani through semi-desert farming country, a typical Shekahawati landscape of fields dotted with khejri trees, low sand dunes, small villages with common grazing areas with desert flora and fauna. The route will take us to Phuskhani village, then Churi Ajitgarh, Mukangarh, and finally Naharsinghani. Picnic lunch en route.
On arrival stay at Naharsinghani Farm house. The Farm was a desert retreat of the erstwhile Mandawa Family. It is a working farm. In the evening we will enjoy traditional folk entertainment around a camp fire followed by a traditional Indian meal. A talk will also be given on the history, customs and traditions of the region. Overnight at Naharsinghani Farm house. Accommodation in rooms with modern western style toilets or in oriental type tents pitched in the courtyard depending on the weather. B, L, D.
Day 9 - Naharsingani / Nawalgarh Ride from Kothi Naharsingani to Roop Niwas Palace Nawalgarh. Overnight Roop Niwas Palace. B, L, D.
Day 10 - Nawalgarh / Delhi After breakfast transfer back to Delhi by air conditioned train (if not available a car or flight is available at extra cost). You will either be taken to Delhi airport or a local hotel.
Suitable for:
Dates: Various dates between our scheduled rides - Please suggest dates for your
private group during the following periods: 10th - 23rd March 2008 / 07th -
25th October 2008.
Price
Indication per person:
2 – 5 Riders = GBP1480 / USD2915 / Euro 1960
Single supplement: GBP176 / USD330 / Euro250 Email for current price & availability
There are places for 10 guests only. We are also able to offer a selection of rides for small groups on a private basis.
Payment: A deposit of 60% to be made as soon as possible to allow us the best chance possible to reserve the hotel rooms and the balance to be paid no later than the 60th day prior to the start date. The base currency is the Euro , payments made in any other currency are subject to adjustment for the prevailing exchange rate.
Other Scheduled Rides in Rajasthan
What is Included
Hotels, other accommodation and luxury camping as per the itinerary. All
meals as indicated by the code (B, L, D). Airport arrival /departure transfers
in Delhi. Delhi to
Nawalgarh by train
(an air-conditioned car or flights at extra cost).
Nawalgarh
to Delhi by train (an air-conditioned car or flights at extra cost). An English
speaking local guide throughout. Complete services throughout of a horse groom. Transport of personal baggage during the ride by jeep.
What is Not Included
The price allows for joining in Delhi and does
not include international airfare and departure taxes. Meals,
unless indicated by the code (B, L, D). Personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs.
Personal clothing and equipment, tips, all items of a personal nature
and all drinks. Accommodation in Delhi (this can be arranged to suit your
schedule).
Visas
A visa is required for India and this will
cost about £30 in the UK. This can be arranged on arrival, but is
best obtained in advance from the Indian High Commission in London or the
nearest embassy to
you.
Travel Insurance
(for UK clients only)
Comprehensive personal
insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip.
For UK clients we recommend
the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in
evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk
As Insurance is always
provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest
suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.
