NAGUAR FAIR, RAJASTHAN - INDIA

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This ride gives you the opportunity to visit and stay in some of the finest Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan in India. A combination of seeing rural India on horse back and visiting well know Fairs as well as including the sights of Agra (Taj Mahal), Jaipur and Delhi make these itineraries good all round visits to India. The rides cover a variety of terrain and passes through many small local villages. This offers you a unique chance to experience rural India and its cultures/people. There are opportunities to observe wildlife and partake in various spiritual ceremonies and festivals during the riding.

Trip length 15 days/ 14 nights Flight Inclusive Price from £3,699 Ride only price 2009 £3,205 Departure dates 2009: 23 January - 7 February Approximate riding time per day 4 to 6 hours Riding ability required Intermediate onwards Group size 8-15 Meeting point (getting there) Delhi Airport, India Transfer All included from meeting point, internal flights, road and train transfers. Flight guide London - Delhi return £400 - £600 Single supplement 2009 £885 but if you are prepared to share and no sharer can be found this will be halved.

SAMPLE ITINERARY - NAGUAR FAIR, RAJASTHAN

Day 1
Arrive in Delhi where you will be picked up at the airport and taken to the Hotel Oberoi or similar. Rooms will be available after 12:00 noon. If arriving late night of the day before, or early morning on this day, additional accommodations can be arranged.

Day 2
The day is free to visit Delhi and rest. In the evening, board the overnight sleeper train for Bikaner.

Day 3
Arrive in Bikaner in the morning, staying in the lovely Laxmi Niwas Palace : Laxmi Niwas Palace lies on the outskirts of the city. This imposing red sandstone palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh, in commemoration of his father Maharaja Lal Singh in the early 20th Century. This oriental fantasy designed by Sir Swinton Jacob is among the purest forms of a Rajput palace, full of European luxury. Sightseeing of Bikaner and a visit to the Camel Breeding Farm : Bikaner : This city lies on the northern point on the triangle of the desert cities. Bikaner is another royal walled city dating back to 1486 AD. It was established by a Rathore prince, Bika and came to be called Bikaner after him. Bika was the eldest son of the founder of Jodhpur state - Rao Jodha. Bikaner was well protected from its enemies by the harsh desert which surrounded this rich city. It was, however, a major trade centre as it stood on the ancient caravan route which linked Central Asia and North India with the Gujarat seaports. Other outside influences were minimal and this city was able to keep its medieval flavour alive - in fact, this is true of the city even today The main shopping area lies around Kote Gate which has interesting bazaars where it is possible to see rustic men and women in their traditional clothes rub shoulders with their modern counterparts as they go about their daily chores. While other cities of Rajasthan are rich in lakes and pleasure pavilions, Bikaner seems quite bare in that respect. Given its severe climatic architectural heritage lies in its forts, palaces and temples. The Junagarh Fort is one of the best preserved Indian heritage Fort today. The oldest structures are the 14th century Jain temples built by two brothers and named after them - the Bhandeshwar temple and the Sandeshwar temple. While the former is rich in mirror work and frescoes, the latter has stylised enamel and gold leaf wall paintings.

Day 4
After breakfast, drive to Nagaur – about three and a half hours drive and arrive in time for lunch at the camp which would have been set up away from the town- and meet up with your horses. After lunch, your riding holiday really begins as you try out the horses and later visit the Fair : The Nagaur Camel and Cattle Fair is held every year in the month of January/February at the town of Nagaur (close to Bikaner) and is one of the largest Camel, Horse and Cattle fairs of Rajasthan. This fair is basically an animal fair and people come from all over Rajasthan and adjoining states to buy and sell work animals. Thousands and thousands of Camels and bullocks and several good horses can be seen here along with the colourfully dressed people of Rajasthan and other places. The Nagaur bulls are renowned for their size, strength and beauty attracting buyers and sellers from all over the country. A typical day at the fair starts with buyers and sellers engaged in earnest bargains. Bargaining, barter deals, colourful costumes, exquisite jewelry, hand embroidered coverings and ornaments/decorations for the animals are basic features of the fair. People throng in great numbers to be part of this annual gaiety and enthusiasm. Once the price of a horse, bullock or probably a camel has been settled, the day draws to a close with fun and festivity. The fair has much more to offer to its visitors. Wayside entertainment and cultural programmes are arranged which create a melodious rapture that echoes in the surroundings. Not only so, one can even go on a shopping spree, picking exotic handicrafts which are in itself rare works of art.

Day 5
Spend the day in Nagaur visiting the fair on horseback and on foot. There are about 25,000 camels on display as well as a number of horses and cattle. People come from hundreds of miles away to buy and sell, and it is an excellent chance to see the ways of ancient India. There are many shops selling handicrafts, cloth, jewelry, etc. Few tourists visit this fair, as it is little known abroad and is mainly for the local people. Overnight in camp.

Day 6
Ride to Khari village - about 30 kms - through several villages, farmlands and sand dunes. After leaving Nagaur, the terrain is soft and sandy and good for easy riding. As you get closer to the village, you get to see a lot of Chinkara Gazelles grazing or jumping all around the area. Today you will get a chance to climb up on a very large sand dune with a temple on top of it and from where you get a lovely view of the desert around this place. Night at camp.

Day 7
In the morning ride out about 35 kms. towards Kakku village through the Thar Desert passing through remote villages. Trees and grass are sparse. In some places the wind and shifting sands have created spectacular sand dunes which tower above the plain. Despite the austerity of the land a surprising number of people have learned to eek out a living here. Enroute you will pass several small villages and farmer's dwellings. Arrive Kakku and overnight in an old haveli and in some new bungalows adjacent to it. You will be entertained in the evening by fire dancers who walk barefoot on live coals and carry them in their mouths in an ancient ceremony which seems to defy nature. Overnight in Kakku.

Day 8
Ride about 30 kms to Tantwas village and make another camp in the desert. While riding through this area you see several Chinkara gazelles and if lucky, you might also come across the Desert Fox. Overnight in Camp.

Day 9
Ride out for about 35 kms. passing through a couple of small villages and several farmlands. The camp on this day would be set up in a very scenic surrounding at the base of a spectacular sand dune. Night in Camp.

Day 10
On this last day of riding you ride about 30 kms. to Khimsar. The ride on this day takes you across several sand dunes, farms, small villages and a beautiful landscape. Today, if lucky, you would also get a chance of seeing the Black Buck antelope – this is one of the areas where they are surviving in Rajasthan. Arrive Khimsar and transfer to Khimsar Fort hotel where you spend the night in great luxury. Khimsar is quite a large desert village with a magnificent castle built by an oasis centuries ago. It has been beautifully restored and converted into a splendid hotel with all the luxuries of Steam bath and Sauna, the traditional Ayurvedic massage and a lovely swimming pool – all of which are going to be very welcome after the ride in the desert !! KHIMSAR : Perched on the edge of the great Thar Desert in the heart of rural India, the unique fort at Khimsar offers a wide range of experiences. The battle scarred walls and turrets remind one of a glorious past as a centre of much warfare, as well as commerce and trade. The fort was built by Rao Karamsiji, the 8th son of the Jodhpur founder, Rao Jodha, who moved to this region and founded the royal dynasty at Khimsar . The initial construction of the fort began in 1523, but the family moved in during the 18th century when a new "zenana" (ladies) wing was constructed. Today the Khimsar Fort ranks high among the premier classified heritage hotels of India.

Day 11
After breakfast, drive to Jaisalmer ( about 04 to 05 hrs drive) and transfer to Hotel Fort Rajwada – which is one of the best hotels in Jaisalmer. In the afternoon visit Jaisalmer which has the reputation of being one of the most picturesque walled towns in the world : JAISALMER : A 12th century desert stronghold called "a mirage of golden stone" in the Thar Desert. Very few cities can boast of the magnificence, sheer magic and brilliance of this Desert city. Here is a Fort that seems to rise out of the desert haze, its yellow sand stone walls and 99 bastions taking on a golden hue in the afternoon sun. Rawal Jaisal laid the foundation of this city in 1156 A.D. and built the city through which caravans laden with precious cargoes of spices and silk crossed. Not only the Princes but also the merchants prospered and their riches were displayed in the exquisitely carved and ornamental "havelies" (houses) which they built. We especially enjoy visiting these havelies, formerly the homes of wealthy Jain merchants who were displaced by the British Raj. Their houses, now under the protection of the government, are notable for their intricate 18th and 19th century workmanship and sandstone carvings.

Day 12
A.M Sightseeing of Jaisalmer. P.M. : At leisure to relax and/or to shop. Overnight in Jaisalmer.

Day 13
After an early breakfast, drive to Jodhpur ( about 05 hrs drive). Arrive Jodhpur and transfer to Bal Samand Palace – which is a lovely hotel belonging to the Royal Family of Jodhpur : Five kilometres north to the city of Jodhpur lies the Balsamand Lake. This outstanding location is the site for the Bal Samand Palace, a fine specimen of Rajput arhitecture in red sandstone surrounded by wide expanses of lush green gardens. Built on the banks of Bal Samand Lake, a 13th century artificial lake, the palace has been an exquisite setting for royal leisure and recreation. After lunch, sightseeing of Mehrangarh Fort and parts of the old city of Jodhpur : JODHPUR : This former capital of Marwar state was found by Rao Jodha Singh. A flourishing trading centre in 16th century, today the city has grown to become the second largest city of Rajasthan and is still one of the leading centres for wood, cattle, camels, salt and agriculture in Rajasthan. However, the past is never far behind and the city boasts of some very fine reminders of this glorious past -- Palaces, Forts, Temples and other elegant monuments of architectural and historical value. Mehrangarh Fort : From its towering height of 400 ft, atop a steep hill , Mehrangarh Fort is Jodhpur's most remarkable monument, enclosing within its mighty ramparts a complex of ethereal palaces notable for their exquisite lattice work. Work began on this massive citadel, in 1479 by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur. Certain halls in the palaces have been made into a museum with a display of the royal collection of arms, palanquins, howdahs, cradles, miniature paintings, and personal heirlooms. From here, the view of the city is breathtaking; in the words of James Tod:" The sons of Jodha could command from the windows of the palace a range of vision almost comprehending the limits of their away. Overnight in Jodhpur.

Day 14
Take early morning train to Jaipur. Arrive and check into Hotel Raj Palace or similar. After lunch, of the City Palace, museum and observatory : JAIPUR : The rose-pink capital of Rajasthan, is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts. Enclosed by embattled walls, the city was built early in the eighteenth century. The Maharaja's palace stands in the centre of the city amidst lovely gardens. Houses with latticed windows line the streets, their rose-pink colour lending enchantment to the scene and almost magical at sunset. Jaipur is aptly called the " Pink City of India". It takes its name from the famous Maharana Sawai Jai Singh, who founded the city in 1728. A keen astronomer, he built an observatory which still exists and is equipped with quaint masonry instruments of remarkable size. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen skilled in the art of cutting precious stones and famed for its garnets and rubies. It is equally well known for brass inlay work, lacquer work and the printings on muslin. CITY SIGHTSEEING : The City Palace which now houses a museum containing rare manuscripts, painting and an armoury; the Jantar Mantar observatory- built in the 17th century by Jai Singh- with a sundial 90ft.high; the Museum amidst the Ram Niwas Palace Gardens founded in 1876 with a large collection of antiques; the palace of Winds, a landmark of Jaipur made of pink sandstone and of unique design. Overnight in Jiapur.

Day 15
Sightseeing of Amber Fort : AMBER FORT : 12 Kms. from Jaipur lies the city of Amber with an ancient imposing fort cum Palace overlooking the lake at the entrance to a rocky mountain grove. Built in the 17th century, the palace is a distinguished specimen of of Rajput architecture. The Jai Mandir (hall of victory) is so delicately ornamented with fine inlay work that it glows. The fort of Jaigarh, crowning the summit of a peak is of amazing beauty and grandeur. P.M. : Transfer to Jaipur airport in time for flight to Delhi arriving in Delhi at 1900 hrs. Arrive Delhi and transfer to International Airport in time for flight home.

The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation,full board on riding portion and Pushkar, breakfast in the cities, all riding, luggage transfer, back up vehicles, full camp staff, English speaking guide, all internal transfers (road, train transfers and airfare Delhi to Delhi), sightseeing in cities, some monument entrance fees. Flight inclusive price includes direct reurn flights from London to Delhi with BA world traveller class. Regional departures can be arranged but may incur a surcharge.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International airfare (except flight inclusive price), lunch and dinner in cities, drinks, monument entrance fees in Delhi, camera fees, laundry, tips.

FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.

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