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Shekhawati Forts & Castle Horse Safari

11 nights 12 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 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

Morning ride out with picnic breakfast to the countryside, return in time for lunch. Afternoon free time at the palace.There is a possibility to invite ladies to decorate the palms of lady guests with henna.Then sightseeing of nawalgarh by car/Camel Buggy with guide visiting Havelis, to see frescos and painted houses.Over night at Roopniwas palace.

CROSS COUNTRY SAFARI COMMENCES. Average riding distances are 25-30 kilometers per day.

Day 5: Nawalgarh/Dundlod

The route will be through picturesque villages and farms. The Safari will move about 20 to 30 Kms a day with a lunch halt and breaks for tea coffee and refreshments. Ride from Roop Niwas Palace to Dundlod Fort. After having traveled through 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. You will stay here as special guests in a quaint fort which stands in the middle of the village, almost Scottish in its design. Inside it is an interesting Mughal-style, divan khana or hall, with copies of Louise XIV furniture and old family portraits of the local thakur (chieftain’s) family. Overnight stay at Dundlod Fort.

Day 6: Dundlod/Mandawa

Ride from Dundlod Fort to Mandawa Castle. This morning as you leave your hotel and ride through the town onto dry sandy tracks. Through farmland and lunch will be in a desert woodlot of KER bushes at churi. At this time of the year most land is planted with crops being raised by monsoon rain. Crops being bajra (millet) lentils and guar.

Mandawa was founded mid-18th century, it has interesting murals in the large rugged fort (c1755) built by Thakur Nawal Singh. 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.

Castle Mandawa was built in 1755 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 Diwan Khana (Durbar Hall) looks into the reception and lounge area and provides ample space for the guest to relax over exotic refreshments. The courtyards and the terraces come to life in the evenings with enchanting candle-lit dinners and traditional fire dance. The rooms are large and airy and retained the old flavor using period furniture and local furnishing. They provide a blend of modern comfort in medieval surroundings. Overnight Mandawa Castle

Day 7: Mandawa/Mehansar

Ride from Mandawa Castle to Mehansar Fort.

This morning as you leave your hotel and ride through the town onto dry sandy tracks. Visit a typical local farmer families home at village Dhakas. Lunch halt is 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 peacocks in the wild. Mahensar was founded in mid 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 frieze of the battle scene, as delicate as a miniature painting. The Raghunath Temple with beautiful paintings resembling the Bikaner school of art are worth seeing. Overnight stay at Mehansar Fort.

Day 8: Menhansar/Desert Resort

Ride from Mehansar Fort to Desert Resort. The Desert Resort is recreated in the style of a typical Rajasthani Village. The mystery and romance of the desert are captured in the unusual architecture of the Resort. Created by local craftsmen using mud and brick, the cottages reflect the traditional harmony between man and nature in the region

Each cottage and room is furnished in a distinctive style. The exteriors are decorated with traditional lime paste mandana or rice flour patterns which are redone daily by women from the village, while the interiors are ornamented with mirror-work and glass beads in myriad colors. Authenticity blends seamlessly with modernity. Each cottage has a double bed, an intimate seating area, and a spacious bathroom, complemented by woven fabric and hand-made pottery.Apart from the cottages guests can choose to stay in a spacious deluxe suite of rooms, furnished with old wooden furniture and designed to recreate the royal ambience of the past. Overnight stay at Desert Resort in Mud Cottages.

Day 9: Desert Resort/Naharsingani

Ride from Desert Resort Mandawa to Kothi Naharsingani. The ride takes you through semi-desert farming country a typical shekahawati landscape - field dotted with Khejri trees - low sand dunes, small villages with common grazing woodlots with desert flora and fauna. The route will be Desert Resort to Phuskhani village - Churi Ajitgarh-Mukangarh- 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. Evening traditional folk entertainment around a camp fire followed by a traditional Indian meal. A talk will also be given on the history of the region and customs and traditions that are prevailing in India. Overnight at Naharsinghani Farm house. (Accommodation in Rooms with modern western style toilets) or in oriental Shamiana type tents pitched in the courtyard depending on the weather.

Day 10: Naharsingani/Nawalgarh

Ride from Kothi Naharsinghani to Roop Niwas Palace Nawalgarh. Evening folk musicians, barber to show horse/camel haircut Overnight Roop Niwas Palace

Day 11: Nawalgarh

Morning departure from nawalgarh by private car/coach for Delhi and transferred to The Park, Delhi.

Day 12: Depart Delhi

Depart Delhi for onward journey or fly back home.

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
• Accompanying / invited folk musicians, barber to show horse/camel haircut
• Demonstration and massage-tired guests at lunchtime halt.
• Campfire and folk music entertainment at the safari camps
• Delhi-Nawalgarh-Delhi by Ac mini coach/tempo traveler
• 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.

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 equipment.

Note :

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