PUSHKAR FAIR HORSE SAFARI

15 nights 16 days

Day 1  Delhi

You will arrive Delhi International Airport. Following customs & immigration formalities and baggage collection, a representative will meet you as you exit the arrivals terminal building after which you would be transferred to your hotel.
Upon arrival at the hotel, proceed for check-in to your rooms.
Overnight at the hotel The Park, Delhi

Day 2 Delhi

Today you will have a full-day city tour of Old and New Delhi Delhi has long been a centre of power almost continuously since the 13th Century. No fewer than seven cities have been built on this site, side by side. The huge city is divided into Old and New Delhi; the former also comprises the seventh city, Shahjahanabad and the areas further north; the latter has at its core the plan of the capital created by the British in 1911.

Sightseeing of Old Delhi will include the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Raj Ghat. The Red Fort was built by Shah Jahan on the eastern edge of the city along the Yamuna River. The entrance through the fort is via the imposing Lahori Gate which leads to a roof passage known as Chatta Chowk. At the end of this is the Naquar Khana (drum house) which marks the entrance the royal enclosures. There are six main palaces but one of the best known is the Diwan-I-Am, the hall of public audience which was dominated by the legendary jewel-studded Peacock Throne.

Sightseeing of New Delhi includes the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, which was built by Shah Jehan. Also see Raj Ghat which is a memorial to Mahatma Ghandi. The tour continues with India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Rashtrapati Bhawan was once Viceregal Lodge on Raisina Hill and is now the residence of the President of India. The 16th century Humayun’s Tomb is one of the finest examples of a garden tomb and is of a style which was perfected at the Taj Mahal at Agra. Finally visit the five storied Qutub Minar which was built in 1199 and is now one of Delhi’s landmarks.

Overnight at the hotel The Park, Delhi.

Day 3 Delhi/Nawalgarh

Morning drive to Nawalgarh (5 to 6 hrs) in the Shekhawati region in Rajasthan's districts of Jhunjhunu & Sikar, known for the painted houses or " Havelis " of its wealthy merchant class, the Marwaris. This region could be called the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan. The drive to Shekhawati is through picturesque village and farms. Founded in 1737 AD. by Thakur Nawal Singh, a warrior statesman, whose name is enshrined in history and folklore. The town exudes an old world charm and the colourful bazaar has the largest number of painted Havelis in Shekhawati.
Royal Welcome on arrival at the Roop Niwas Palace with horses, camels, flower garlands, folk musicians and a non alchoholic welcome drink . The palace lies just a kilometer from the town and is a fascinating blend of European and Rajput style of architecture. The Palace has lovely spacious lawns, a billiard room and a swimming pool.
In the late afternoon meet up at the stables, where the riders are introduced to the safari team and the lovely ‘Marwari’ horses and ride around the Palace. The riders have a good chance to choose a horse of their liking. The riding leader Shri Devendra singh advises each rider about the choice of horses. Tea is served at the stables and traditional gifts given to every rider. Riders are given a detailed briefing of the tour and introduction talk on the arid region ecology followed by Dinner.
Overnight at the Roop Niwas Palace.

Day 4 Nawalgarh

Ride out with picnic Breakfast to the country side…. return in time for lunch . In the afternoon sight seeing of Nawalgarh town visiting havelies with paintings and frescos with a car/camel buggy and guide. There is a possibility for the ladies to get their palms painted with henna designs later in the afternoon.

^^ TOP ^^

Day 5 Nawalgarh

Ride out with picnic Breakfast to the country side….return in time for lunch. Afternoon free for individual activities .

CROSS COUNTRY SAFARI BEGINS

Day 6 Nawalgarh/Parasrampura/Lohargal (32km)

Morning ride southeast direction to Lohargal. You follow a dry riverbed with lots of Acacia bushes. The view of Aravali ranges in the distance makes the ride very scenic. Picnic lunch is in an acacia cluster near Parasrampura, Where the Jeep, which also carries folk musicians, has transported lunch. After lunch you move towards the Aravali mountains. At the foothills of Aravalli’s is the Pilgrim town of Lohargal. It is said Bhima the strongest of the five Pandav brothers, one of the heroes of the epic Mahabharat, had his mace cast here. Hence, the name ‘Lohargal’, meaning iron smelting. This has also a place of Hindu pilgrimage. Amidst the many old step wells and ruins old structures is the Birla Rest house facing a 2500ft Sheer rock face. In the grounds are many Banyan trees where our horses and kitchen tents are placed. Guests use the rooms, which are furnished by our camp equipment.
Overnight at the Birla Rest House

Day 7 Lohargal /Rewasa/Sujas (38km)

Morning ride in the southwest direction towards Danta following the mountain range again down a dry riverbed till Raghunathgarh. The stone quarries of Raghunathgarh have resulted in deep ravines. Riding past them is a great experience. Halt for Lunch at mid-day, then cross the highway leaving Sikar district. Now you approach a large marshy tract with Salt Pans. Evening reach campsite which is on a flat area.
Overnight at Camp.

^^ TOP ^^

Day 8 Sujas/Kochor/Sulyas (Ramgarh) 35km

The riding terrain is through semi desert region with lots of Khejri trees and some farmhouses with mud huts. Halt for Lunch at Kochor Village. The ride goes past the Roopgarh fort and mountain pass. We camp near a small water reservoir. Surrounded by acacia bushes.
Overnight at Camp.

Day 9 Sulyas/Ghatwa/Shyamgarh 42km

The ride will go past village Ghatwa, Here a famous battle had taken place between Rao Shekha and Gour Rajputs, where twenty five thousand men laid their lives. The area is still known “Godati” the area of “Gaurs” the erstwhile rulers. From a high sand dune adjoining the mountain ranges riders get a breath taking view of the five famous forts of this region. Lunch is at an ancient water hole, later ride to your camp, set to the backdrop of Shyamgarh fort surrounded by Ker bushes.
Overnight at Camp.

Day 10 Shyamgarh/Bhagwanpura/Nawa Salt Lake 42km

Morning ride towards Nawa Salt Lake. This ride is the most picturesque part of this Safari. After lunch ride takes you around the periphery of the 100 Sq. Kms Salt lake. You will be coming across many shepherds and sheep flocks while you ride . Not to be missed are the beautiful sunrise and sunset while at this camp site.
Overnight at Camp.

Day 11 Nawa Salt Lake/Salemabad 45km

Today we ride through the Salt Lake for 8 to 10 km then follow a stony track along mountain ranges to reach your lunch spot Paner. After lunch you ride into farming and Sheep County to reach your camp that has been set up in a dry water catchment area with a backdrop of “Kuncha” grass and picturesque Aravali Mountains in the fore ground. This was the territory of the erstwhile Maharaja State of Kishangarh. The remaining Ajmer region being governed directly by the British. The people of Ajmer reason have colourful dresses and ornate bright colored turbans
Overnight at Camp.

Day 12 Salemabad/Babicha/Mayapur 35km

Today we cover a total distance of approximately 35 Km through a more fertile land. Most farmers are from Gujar community with colourful dresses. En route you will visit a Gujar Shepard’s home. After lunch ride into a valley to go through a mountain pass and ravines to reach your last campsite.
Overnight at Camp.

Day 13Mayapur/Charanwas/Pushkar 30km

Today we ride about and arriving finally at Pushkar which is surrounded by Orchards and Rose farms. Pushkar is famous for typical Pink Indian roses that have a strong aroma. You arrive in Holy town of Pushkar by late afternoon that has smooth spread of white-domed houses and temples reflected in a tranquil lake.
On arrival visit the Pushkar Horse / Camel and Cattle Fair grounds. The fair takes place each November when traders and pilgrims flock to Pushkar for livestock and camel trading and other festivities, culminating with people gathering at dawn to take a dip in the holy waters on the night of the Full Moon (Kartik Poornima). Pushkar is a festival of sound and colour and provides excellent opportunity for photography.
Overnight stay at the tourist camp.

Day 14 Pushkar Fair

In Pushkar horse riding and exploring the incredible camel & cattle fair. Overnight stay at the tourist camp.

Day 15 Pushkar/Ajmer/Delhi

Morning visit the fair and then drive to Ajmer to connect train for Delhi. On arrival you will be met and transferred to The Park, Delhi.

Day 16 Depart Delhi

Depart Delhi for onward journey or fly back home.

^^ TOP ^^

COST FOR RIDERS & NON RIDERS

Note: Non riders can join the safari travelling in a 4wd jeep with an English speaking guide. Occasionally crossing the ride route and joining the riders for lunch and again at camp.

The given cost includes:

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis at Delhi on bed and breakfast basis only
• Arrival & departure transfer , S/S at Delhi in private Ac vehicle.
• Accommodation on a twin-share basis with attached bathrooms/showers rooms as stated in itinerary.
• Service of English speaking guide, local representatives, tour managers (Wherever required)
• Services of grooms to saddle unsaddle, feed, water and look after the horses
• Accompanying 4 WD jeep to carry hand baggage, (Guest baggage goes with the camp truck), icebox with beverages etc
• Campfire and folk music entertainment at the safari camps
• Royal welcome on arrival, gifts, to each rider and sightseeing of Nawalgarh including entrance ticket and guide.
• Our deluxe camps on safari have fully furnished oriental tents, which have regular camp cots with complete bed linen, floor covering, and chairs, adjoining toilet and bath tents. Towels, soap hot water provided for bath morning and evening.
• A regular dining tent with sits down arrangements. All meals have a choice of Indian and continental dishes.
• Given cost includes all applicable taxes including 4.89% service tax on package.

The given cost does not include:

• Any kind of personal / medical and evacuation insurance.
• Personal expenses like table drinks, phone calls, tips, laundry etc.
• Personal gear.

Note :

• Accommodation will be provided in mentioned hotels / same category.