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Ride World Wide, Staddon Farm, North Tawton, Devon, EX20 2BX - UK. |
| Asia & Middle East | India | ||
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General Description
The rich, colourful heritage of Rajasthan, its splendid ancient forts and magnificent palaces and its proud tradition of horses all combine to create a fascinating setting for these rides. Using polo ponies and the native Marwari horses with their characteristic bell-ears, these rides show you Rajasthan's immense contrasts. From its rural subsistance villages, the acacia scrub and wilderness of the Thar desert to the splendid hunting lodges, ancient forts and charming country estates in the Aravalli hills. Most rides include visits to the bustling centres of Jaipur, Jodphur or Udaipur and some take you to the lively camel fairs of Pushkar and Nagaur, an intoxicating mix of camel traders, hawkers, bazaars, craftsmen and entertainers. Accommodation is in a combination of opulent palace hotels, some of which were once private residences of the ancient Rajput rulers, in forts, havelis and in comfortable Raj style camps. All in all an enchanting view of a magical India.
Rides are run between October and late March with fixed date rides of 10 to 18 nights offered. Tailor-made trips for 2 or more and one base rides from Dundlod Fort are also possible on request.
Summary
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Riding: 4-7 hours a day. | ||
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Horses: Marwari, Kathiari cross. | ||
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Pace: moderate, with good chances to canter; can be fast in places. | ||
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Riding ability: confident intermediate to experienced riders. | ||
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Weight limit: about 95kg (15 stone) but please call to discuss if you are over 90kgs (14st 2lbs). | ||
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Accommodation: 3*, 4* and 5* palace hotels, 4* camping. | ||
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Group size: max 14 (may be less depending on itinerary). |
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2008 Dates:  |
Shekhawati Heritage Ride - 12th to 23rd February | |
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Some other itineraries can also be organised on request from dates to suit for groups - please call to discuss. | ||
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Season: |
October to March | |
Horses and Riding
The horses are mainly pure or cross bred native Kathiari or Marwari horses (an elegant, spirited breed with lovely 'bell' shaped ears). Some of the horses are used for polo, and most are between 15hh and 16hh. They are slim and athletic, generally narrower in build and thinner than horses in the west, and a forward going and responsive ride. Most are trained to neck rein. English style saddles are used and saddlebags are provided where necessary. Rides are limited to a maximum of 14 guests though groups are often less than this.
Hours: There is usually between 4 and 6 hours riding a day, moving from place to place, broken with rests, for lunch and sightseeing.
Pace and experience required: These rides are for reasonably experienced riders who are comfortable, secure and in control on a well schooled horse at the walk, trot and fast canter and are used to riding in open country and over varied terrain. The horses are a well mannered ride but they are naturally fairly spirited, so best suited to reasonably experienced riders. The pace on the rides is moderate overall, but it can be fast at times. Participants should also have a reasonably good level of general and riding fitness.
Accommodation
Accommodation is either in 4* and 5* Palace hotels, in other good quality and comfortable hotels, forts or havelis that are run as hotels or in private tented camps set up for you by staff. Many of the Palace hotels are renown for their unique setting and wonderful (though often slightly faded) grandeur. Rooms have private bathrooms. When a camp is set up, large, walk in twin bedded tents are used with camp beds and bed linen and a table and chairs or stools provided. Camps have a shared shower and washing facilities and meals are prepared for you.
Rates & Travel
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Rates 2008: |
Shekhawati Heritage Ride 2008 (11 nights) - £1435 |
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Rates include - twin accommodation, all riding, meals except in cities (Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Udaipur), mineral water when riding (one bottle a day), sightseeing, the services of an English speaking guide, collection and return to Delhi with the group and transfers within the ride itinerary. | |
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Rates exclude - international flights to Delhi, meals in cities (Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur), some monument entrances, transfers from / back to Delhi outside set times, personal medical insurance (compulsory), extra drinks, any camera fees, visa fees and items of personal nature such as tips, laundry, extra drinks etc. |
Travel
The meeting point for the rides is Delhi, India's capital. Several airlines fly from
London to Delhi and British Airways, Virgin and Air India have direct flights. For flights from London budget around £450 to £650 economy return
(varies with the airline and season).
Itinerary in Brief
Various itineraries are offered, some of which include visits to festivals such as the Nagaur and Pushkar Camel Fairs. Example Itinerary (Nagaur Fair Ride - 2008 itinerary):
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Day 1 |
You will be met in Delhi and transferred to the Imperial Hotel or similar. Overnight in Delhi. |
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Day 2 |
The day for guided sightseeing in Delhi, then take the overnight train to Bikaner. |
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Day 3 |
Arrive Bikaner and transfer to the Lalgarh Palace Hotel or similar. The day for guided sightseeing. |
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Day 4 |
Drive from Bikaner to Gajner to meet the horses. Time to try the horses after lunch. Dinner and night Gajner Palace Hotel. |
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Days 5-9 |
Five days riding from village to village through the Thar Desert with nights in comfortable desert camps and local havelis. |
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Day 10 |
A full day to visit the colourful Nagaur camel fair by horse and on foot. Dinner and overnight in a camp. |
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Day 11 |
Breakfast and drive to the beautiful Khimsar Fort. Time to relax and enjoy this wonderful heritage hotel. Dinner and night at Khimsar Fort. |
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Day 12 |
Breakfast and then you will be driven to Jaiselmer. The night in the Hotel Fort Rajwada or similar. |
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Day 13 |
The day for guided sightseeing in Jaiselmer. Overnight at the hotel. |
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Day 14 |
Drive to Jodhpur and a day of guided sightseeing. The night in the Bal Samand Palace or similar. |
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Day 15 |
Morning train to Jaipur and the afternoon for guided sightseeing in Jaipur. Overnight in a 5* Jaipur hotel. |
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Day 16 |
The morning for sightseeing, perhaps visiting the famous Amber Fort. In the late afternoon a short flight back to Delhi and your onward journey. |
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Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and if you have any questions. |
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