Christine Chauvin (Ltd.)
430 East 56th Street
New York, NY 10022

Tel: 212 421-0671
Fax: 212 935-0559

e-mail:
christine@adventuresonhorseback.com

 

INDIA

Shekhawati Heritage and Desert Ride
Jaipur and Agra

February 16 – March 3, 2007

Introduction
Travel back in time as you ride across the golden sands of the Thar Desert, along the ancient trade route from Central Asia.  Stay in romantic “Heritage” properties, a select group of palaces, fortresses and “havelis” (mansions) that have been lovingly refurbished by their owners, descendants of the ruling families of “Rajputana”, and converted into delightful hotels.

The beautiful and proud “Marwari” horses, famous for their endurance and perfectly curved ears will carry you through a dream world of chivalry and legendary heroism of the Rajputs, those noble warriors of Rajasthan! 

North of Jaipur, beyond the Arravalli Hills, lies the easternmost extent of the Thar Desert, known as the Shekhawati where small attractive towns, once part of the spice road, rest between sand dunes. Here impressive forts, “havelis”, palaces and cenotaphs are decorated inside and out with painted murals of the 18^th and the 19^th century, unparalleled in all of India. The first few days of the ride will take us through some of the main towns of this distinctive region. We then travel westwards across a more rugged landscape punctuated with forts and small villages to Kuchaman, a stunning fortress recently refurbished, that commands an unparalleled 360-degree view. It is here that we say goodbye to our horses. 

On the riding portion of the trip, Asha Bathnagar will conduct her popular evening Yoga classes. A combination of Yoga breathing /stretching exercises are the perfect way to re-energize the body after a day in the saddle!

The trip ends with a few more days visiting famous strongholds such as Amber, the pink city of Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan and Agra famous for its Taj Mahal.

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THE RIDE

1- (Fri. 2/16)
Arr. Delhi – meet & greet, transfer to hotel O/N Imperial Hotel 5*L

2- (Sat. 2/17)
Delhi - Morning at leisure
PM flight to Jaipur, transfer to Samode Bagh O/N Samode Bagh

3- (Sun. 2/18)
AM at leisure visit Samode area & Palace
After lunch Drive to Alsisar (4.1/2 hrs) O/N
Alsisar Mahal

4- (Mon. 2/19)
Alsisar – Introduction to horses - Day-Ride O/N
Alsisar Mahal

5- (Tue. 2/20)
Ride to Mandawa  O/N
Castle Mandawa

6- (Wed. 2/21)
1⁄2 day ride around Mandawa O/N Castle Mandawa

7- (Th. 2/22)
Ride Mandawa to Dundlod
Afternoon tent pegging etc… O/N
Dundlod Fort

8- (Fr. 2/23)
Ride from Dundlod to Camp 1 O/N
mobile private tented camp

9- (Sat. 2/24)
Day Ride to Camp 2 O/N
mobile private tented camp

10- (Sun. 2/25)
Ride to Kuchaman (goodbye horses). O/N
Kuchaman Fort

11- (Mon.2/26)
Drive to Jaipur, arr. for lunch O/N
PM sightseeing City Palace & Observatory.
Dinner on own
Rambagh Palace 5*L

12- (Tue. 2/27)
AM sightseeing of Amber Palace/Fort
PM shopping at leisure Asha’s Dinner party O/N Rambagh Palace 5*L

13- (Wed. 2/28)
Jaipur at leisure (shopping, sightseeing….) O/N Rambagh Palace 5*L

14- (Th. 3/1)
Drive to Agra, visit of Fathepur Sikri en route. O/N
Amarvilas 5*L

15- (Fr. 3/2 *)
Visit Red Fort & Mini Taj – PM at leisure O/N
Amarvilas 5*L

16- (Sa. 3/3)
Visit Taj Mahal - After lunch drive to Delhi Intl. Airport.

End of Services

* Agra - Please note the Taj Mahal is closed to visitors on Fridays.

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ACCOMDATIONS

SAMODE BAGH
A garden paradise enclosed by a 15 ft high stone-wall and modeled on the geometric style of the Mughal garden. Here members of the Samode family used to enjoy rare moments of privacy and relax in the airy pavilions surrounded by rippling water fountains. In the main courtyard, elegantly appointed tents are designed around a floral theme, each with own en-suite marble bathroom.

ALSISAR MAHAL
More than five centuries ago, the grandson of Maharaja Udaikaran of Amer, Rao Shekhaji, founded the sub-clan popularly known as Shekhawat. Alsisar Mahal is owned by this branch of the Kachawa clan of Rajputs. The descendants of the family have tastefully refurbished this impressive property into a modern day heritage hotel while maintaining the feel of the days of the Raj.

CASTLE MANDAWA
Is located in the desert town of Mandawa made famous for its colorful frescoed murals. Built in 1755, this rugged fort has been beautifully restored and converted into a lovely Heritage hotel by its owners.

DUNDLOD FORT
The family of Dundlod are the descendants of Kesari Singh, who built Dera Dunlod Kila in 1750. This majestic fortress surrounded by a moat, is a mix of Mogul and Rajputana architecture, and is home to:
The Royal Equestrian & Polo Center
The only horse safari center in the country to be recognized and affiliated with the Equestrian Federation of India. The Thikana of Dundlod which had it's own Risala of 200 horses as late as 1920 is closely associated with the tradition of horsemanship, The present Thakur Lt. Col. Raghuvir Singhji has had the honor of being cavalry officer with the Jaipur Lancers, Rajendra Hazari Guards, Kachawa Horse, Gwalior Lancers and the 61st Cavalary of the integrated Indian Army. In 2000 Dundlod hosted the National Endurance, Tent Pegging and Indigenous Horse Shows, International Tent Pegging, and the Invitational 100 km Endurance race

KUCHAMAN FORT
With its high and massive ramparts, 32 bastions, 10 gates and various defenses the impressive Fort of Kuchaman is situated on top of a hill like an eagle’s nest overlooking the city of the same name. It was first established as a chowk” (garrison) by the Gurjar Pratihar Dynasty between 450 and 750 AD to control the ancient trade route from Central Asia. Over the centuries a succession of rulers and dynasties added their mark. The Rathores were the last to rule this area from 1724 until the independence of India and the merger of the erstwhile princely States. During many years, the descendants of this family have painstakingly restored Kuchaman using original techniques so as not to change the architectural character of this magnificent edifice.

THE RAMBAGH PALACE - JAIPUR
An architectural masterpiece, Rambagh presents a fine blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Spreading over 47 acres of tranquil, landscaped gardens, Rambagh is Jaipur’s foremost Royal Palace residence. Built in 1835 as a hunting lodge, converted to a palace in 1925 as the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur and finally converted as India’s first palace hotel in 1957. The Rambagh underwent a complete restoration in 2002.

THE AMARVILAS - AGRA
The Oberoi Amarvilas - Sanskrit for ‘Eternal Haven’ - is set among lush and serene Mughal-inspired pools and terraced gardens. Ancient and traditional Persian and Moorish influences combine with the very best in modern Indian interior design. The Amarvilas is the only hotel with direct, uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal. The hotel lies just 600 meters from one of the greatest wonders of the world. The Amarvilas opened in January 2001 and is a breathtakingly luxurious hotel.

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COST of Ride on double/twin sharing basis:
10 riders $6,500 p/person (single supplement $2,130)
8 riders $8,125 p/person (single supplement $2,130)

Air Fare Delhi/Jaipur $82 p/p (subject to increase)

The cost includes all accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary on full board except in Delhi Jaipur and Agra where it is on bed and breakfast basis, drinks (soft drinks and beer, no wine) with meals on the ride portion only, Deluxe tented Camps w/open bar, all riding arrangements, yoga evening stretch-class during the ride, all transfers/sightseeing by AC cars/coach, English speaking guide for sightseeing in Jaipur & Agra, all monument entrances fees and Elephant Ride charges in Jaipur, all monument entrance fees in Agra and Fatehpur Sikri.

The cost does not include lunches and dinners (unless otherwise specified) or drinks in Delhi Jaipur & Agra, camera fees, tips, and items of personal nature such as, laundry, drinks taken at hotel bars, telephone calls, etc.

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For further information about this ride please call
Christine at (1) 212-421 0671, or email christine@adventuresonhorseback

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Samode Bagh: A garden paradise