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India: Rajasthan: Pushkar Camel Fair: Safari on Horseback |
| What: |
10 day/9 night/7 RD
The Pushkar Camel Fair is the only one of its kind in the world and is one of India's most colorful and vibrant festivals. Featured in numerous magazines, travel shows and films, it is definitely worth attending, doing so from the back of a Marawari horses is moves the experience to the top of the class. Enjoy five full riding days and 2 partial days, enjoy a ride with a fast pace and enjoy one the world’s most vibrant agricultural festival with over a 100,000 farm animals including 10,000 horses and of course, that most curious of creatures, the camel. All of this is crowded into an otherwise sleepy town, replete with jugglers, magicians, everything that was and still is a vital part of India. In addition to the wonderful Marawari horses and great riding, service, care and concern will partner with you on every bit of this magical journey. Our hosts are members of a royal family that participated in the ruling of ‘Rajasthan’. The direct descendants of this family will lead your rides with all the pomp and circumstance that befits a royal family in the 19th century enjoying a trip by horseback or reminiscent of the British hunting party from that era. However our hosts active participants in the democracy that now governs India will also introduce you wherever and whenever possible with the inhabitants of those ancient and little changed country village to share tea or translate stories. |
| Dates and Rates: |
Nov. 13 –22, 2007: Udaipur to Pushkar
Nov. 23 – Dec. 2, 2007: Pushkar to Udaipur
Nov. 2-11, 2008: Udaipur to Pushkar
Nov 11-20: Pushkar to Udaipur
Price per person: $1900.00 US/931 GBP/1335 E.
Including: 9 overnight stays (8 nights in our safari camp and 1 night in a middle class hotel in Udaipur) Full boarding including all non-alcoholic beverages, 5-6 hours riding on safari days (excluding arrival and departure day)Local sightseeing. All transfers
Excluded: Entrance fees. Personal expenses
Non-riding travel extensions can easily be arranged to numerous areas of India including All our safaris can be embedded into a sightseeing tour of Rajasthan.
Our recommended route includes stops in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Pushkar. See itinerary section to read about this non-riding |
| Horsesense: |
Extremely well maintained, Marwari horses with lyre-shaped ears will greet you. They will be in perfect condition, well trained and friendly. Spare horses are taken for backup. Each horse has custom fitted and maintained English or military style saddle and tack. You will enjoy 5 full days of riding and briefer riding periods on two days. The pace of the ride is suitable for intermediate and experienced riders. One of the great characteristics of Indian riding safaris is the unbelievable good care the horses receive, care that would be the envy of the fussiest hunter-jumper horse owning maniac |
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| WHAT TO EXPECT: |
| Getting There : |
Rides begin on alternate dates in Udaipur or Pushkar and we will be happy to advise you on flights into and out of region from one of the major cities in India your international flight will bring you to. Udaipur is in Southern Rajasthan. |
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| Room and Board : |
Accommodation is usually in our tented safari camp but can also be arranged in heritage/resort hotels along the way (on certain routes). Our safari camp consists of spacious double tents with flooring, proper beds including pillows, sheets and blankets, windows for ventilation and a small pre-tent to leave shoes/boots or to enjoy a morning tea. Showers and bathroom facilities are provided in our bathroom trolley with running water (hot water is supplied in buckets). The tents are usually grouped around a central dining area and surrounded by a traditional textile “fence”. The kitchen is open-air, hidden by another textile screen. This camp layout is not modern but in fact very ancient. The Maharajas of old times used to travel through their kingdom in this fashion and later the hunting camps of the British Raj where modeled in the same fashion. Thus our outfitters lean on an old Rajput tradition, which is quite natural as their family descends from an old noble Rajput family of Udaipur.
On safaris the riders normally start in the morning around 8-9 o’clock depending on the season and of course on the riders. Breakfast is taken in the camp while our boys make the horses ready. A normal safari day includes between 5 and 6 hours in the saddle plus a lunch break (lunch is either taken as a lunch packet or brought to the riders by our jeep) and several smaller breaks for sightseeing on the way or a tea stop in the little hamlet by the way. Arrival in the next safari camp is as a rule in the late afternoon. The riders are awaited by tea/coffee and some snacks and of course an inviting shower. Depending upon the place, the rest of the afternoon can be used to do some local sightseeing, a trip to the next village, an evening walk through the countryside or simply some relaxing in the camp which is normally placed at a particular beautiful spot, besides a lake (ideal for bird watchers) or sporting a great view. After nightfall we usually prepare a campfire and sometimes some village musicians/artists from the local village come to the camp to perform for us. Depending on the locality the riders can thus experience local folk dances, theatre, music, puppet shows or even horse dance. In some places the local village women come and show the female riders the age-old traditional henna patterns, which are then applied on hands and feet for decoration. The younger ones usually speak some English; hence this is a great opportunity to learn more about Indian village life.
Thus every day there is something new to experience and to see, our safaris never get boring and we have many surprises for the riders in store. In some places this may include a visit to the local temple at prayer time, a bullock-cart ride, interaction with local village people, a camel ride, horse dance, the participation in an Indian festival or ceremony and many other things. |
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| Weather : |
| Dry warm weather will greet you in Rajathans riding seasons. |
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| ITINERARY |
| 1: Pushkar Fair Safari: |
Udaipur – Pushkar (“Pushkar Fair Safari”)
This safari takes place on the occasion of the Pushkar Camel Fair (October/November) and leads the riders from the heights of the Aravalli Mountains to the sandy plains of the Thar Desert. The terrain varies from day to day. In Pushkar itself the riders can visit and ride over the Camel Fair. This is the ultimate way of getting to and experiencing the Pushkar Fair. Every year up to 100,000 camels, cattle and horses are brought to Pushkar, making this fair the biggest in Rajasthan. Thousands of people flock to attend the festivities, the religious celebrations and the life-stock trading. The sleepy town of Pushkar becomes a flurry of activity with camel and horse races, street theatre and a variety of stalls selling almost everything. Jugglers, musicians, comedians, tourists, traders, animals and devotees, all come together for a couple of days in this Fair. As written in the Lonely Planet “it is truly a feast for the eyes and should not be missed if you are anywhere near”. The Pushkar Fair is the only one of its kind in the world and is one of India's most colorful and vibrant festivals. Featured in numerous magazines, travel shows and films, it is definitely worth attending.
Number of days: 8
Accommodation: Tented camps
Visit: On this route the riders have the opportunity of seeing a lot of fascinating forts and palaces on the way (e.g. in Jhormuda and Kharwa). The absolute highlight of this safari however is the Pushkar Camel Fair. Already some days before reaching Pushkar, the riders will encounter herds of cattle and flocks of camels being guided to the fair. Very often nomads, wandering from fair to fair with their animals can be spotted. They are very colorful, the men with bright turbans and the women in gaudy saris.
On the way the riders pass through a number of villages where they can observe traditional handicrafts such as pottery, weaving or wooden work.
Terrain: From the Aravalli Hills to the flat sandy plains.
Pace of ride: First slow with a lot of climbing, then long trots, canters and occasional gallops in the sandy desert plain. |
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| Day1: |
Arrival in Udaipur: Transfer to your middle class hotel and afternoon sightseeing of Udaipur. |
| Day2: |
Transfer to Banaria: Transfer by car to Banaria, visit to Eklingji and Nagda temples on the way. Arrival in the safari camp around lunchtime or early afternoon. After arrival there is time for an evening ride to get to know the horses. Overnight stay in our safari camp. |
| Day3: |
Banaria – Jormuda: A day ride through the hilly landscape of the Aravalli-Mountains. The riders traverse the typical Indian jungle consisting of light forest with dry deciduous trees such as Sal, Indian teak or Acacia. In the lush green valleys farming is done, mainly with the help of oxen. Arrival in the camp around 4 pm. afterwards visit to Jormuda Fort. |
| Day4: |
Jormuda – Kherda: Another riding day through hill country. Occasionally the riders will be able to spot the elusive Cheetal deer and in the bushes there are plenty of peacocks and monkeys. The area around is mainly tribal and the riders will note the curiously looking tribal villages usually perched on a hilltop surrounded by thorn bushes. The houses are made of brown colored mud, often decorated with drawings or white lines. |
| Day5: |
Kherda – Lalpura: Today the landscape becomes more level and open. The main range of the Aravalli Mountains is laying in the back now. The climate becomes drier and so does the vegetation. Trees give way to thorn bushes and the soil becomes sandy. Stretches of open country invite for an occasional gallop and the horses enjoy the soft and level ground. Camels become a regular sight. |
| Day6: |
Lalpura – Jawaja: On this day the riders will truly feel the nearing desert. The land is now level and the hills are left behind. Flocks of cattle, goats, sheep and lot’s of camels are passing, all heading towards the Pushkar Fair. Occasionally the riders will encounter nomads with colorful turbans and huge moustaches herding their camels to Pushkar. They transport everything they own and need for a living on the back of their animals. The small children and women with infants are allowed to ride, the rest of the family is walking. |
| Day7: |
Jawaja – Kharwa: Pushkar and the Thar Desert are coming near. Another day riding through a half desert, encountering hundreds of animals. Again the trail leads through tribal land and the riders can admire their hamlets and villages. After arrival in the camp the massive fort in Kharwa can be visited. |
| Day8: |
Kharwa - Pushkar: On the last day of the safari the trail leads over sand roads through thick thorn bush vegetation. Occasionally a field can be seen where a farmer tries to grow pulses on the infertile land. The main means of livelihood here is animal husbandry. On the way a small temple can be visited and the riders can admire the ruins of some ancient forts. Arrival in Pushkar is around 3:30 pm but a part of the Mela (fair) has to be crossed in order to reach our camp, which is situated within walking distance of the fairground. The riders will have a short glimpse of the fair and the camel market. In the late afternoon and evening they already have a chance in walking over the fair or attending some dance program. Overnight stay in our safari camp in Pushkar |
| Day9: |
Ride around Pushkar: The last day is dedicated to the Pushkar Fair and Camel Market. The riders can visit the fairground on horseback before going on a ride around Pushkar or first see the Fair on foot and later set out for a ride, this can be decided by the group themselves.
Overnight stay in our safari camp in Pushkar |
| Day10: |
End of the program after breakfast. |
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| Including: |
| 9 overnight stays (8 nights in our safari camp and 1 night in a middle class hotel in Udaipur) Full boarding including all non-alcoholic beverages, 5-6 hours riding on safari days (excluding arrival and departure day)Local sightseeing. All transfers |
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| Excluded: Entrance fees. Personal expenses |
Please note this safari is organized only on fixed dates. Starting point is Udaipur and finishing point is Pushkar. For the Pushkar return safari the starting point is Pushkar and the finishing point is Udaipur. |
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2- Golden Triangle Tour: Non-riding add on tour: |
| Day1: |
Arrival in Delhi, transfer to hotel and sightseeing in the afternoon. Overnight stay in middle class hotel |
| Day2: |
After breakfast drive to Agra, transfer to your hotel and sightseeing Agra in the afternoon (Agra Fort and sights of the city) |
| Day3: |
In the early morning visit to the Taj Mahal, return to your hotel for breakfast and drive to Alwar, overnight stay in a Fort hotel either in Alwar or nearby (depending on the season). In the afternoon local sightseeing or a village safari is possible. Overnight stay in a Heritage Hotel (fort/palace). |
| Day4: |
After breakfast drive to Jaipur, transfer to a middle class hotel in Jaipur. First sightseeing Jaipur in the afternoon. Overnight stay in a middle class hotel. |
| Day5: |
Sightseeing Jaipur and Amber Fort, overnight stay in a middle class hotel in Jaipur. |
| Day6: |
After breakfast drive from Jaipur to Pushkar. Arrival around lunch time and transfer to a middle class hotel. The afternoon is free to explore the holy town, a camel ride over the sand dunes can be arranged. Overnight stay in a middle class hotel. |
| Day7: |
After breakfast drive from Pushkar to Udaipur, arrival in Udaipur in the afternoon and transfer to your middle class hotel. Overnight stay in a middle class hotel. |
| Day8: |
Transfer to airport. |
| Day9: |
Transfer back to Udaipur: After a morning ride you will be taken back to Udaipur. In the afternoon sightseeing and overnight stay in middleclass hotel. |
| Day10: |
End of the program after breakfast. |
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Price per person: $ 1225.00 US/585 GBP/840 E |
| Including: |
- 7 overnight stays in middle class/heritage hotels ( 1 night in Delhi, 1 night in Agra, 1 night near Alwar, 2 nights in Jaipur, 1 night in Pushkar and 1 night in Udaipur)
- Transportation in an AC-Car with driver from Delhi to Udaipur.
- Breakfast and Dinner with all drinks included.
- Sightseeing program.
- All transfers (including airport-pick up in Delhi)
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| Not Included: |
- Lunch
- Entrance fees.
- Extra camel ride (can be arranged and paid locally)
- Personal expenses
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THE INDIAN RIDING HORSE:
MARWARI: |
The Marwari Horse has acquired its name from it's original breeding place Marwar in Rajasthan. The Marwari horse today is descended from the splendid war-horses that served the ruling families and warriors of feudal India, throughout and from the beginning of that country's history. Their prestige was unparalleled, as they were declared divine and superior to all men, including those of Royal blood. Accordingly, only the Rajput families and the Kshatriyas - warrior caste were permitted to mount these exalted animals. Today the breed is once again achieving eminence after over a century of twilight status due to the Imperial presence of the British and further, the new Indian democracy. The Marwari horse, the most potent symbol of the warrior Kings, somehow survived wholesale slaughter, castration and fearful ignorance during the troubled times preceding Independence and for several decades later. It is thanks to the surviving Rajput families and horse lovers from all communities that the resilient and beautiful Marwari has emerged from the shadows onto a bright and hopeful future and out of the threat of extinction.
He is easily recognized by his proud carriage, upright graceful neck and distinctive aquiline head with deep expressive eyes, The crowning glory of which are the unique lyre or scimitar shaped ears set high on the poll and without exception unique to the noble Indian horse.
The intelligence and natural regal bearing of the Marwari is blended with tremendous equipoise, graceful animated gaits and stamina. He displays an alert stillness when in repose and incredible élan, vital in action. Hardiness and longevity have enabled the breed to survive wars, famine and droughts. The Marwari agreeably adapts to different life styles and environmental conditions and performs in various sports and formal riding disciplines. Loyal, tireless and competitive, the Marwari has evolved from one of the world ancient breeds to present a new archetype of beauty, brilliance and personality. |
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