Embark on an equestrian round trip through Rajasthan on horseback, starting and finishing in the picturesque city of Udaipur. The main focus is seeking out the elusive leopards of Jawai Bandh as we ride across one of India's most beautiful landscapes. Of course we also take in the temples and sacred shrines en-route. The itinerary offers an immersion in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the area.
Udaipur is famous for its serene lakes and majestic palaces. From there, we spend the next four days trail riding through the captivating Aravalli Hills. Riding through rural areas on horseback allows us a glimpse into the traditional way of life of its inhabitants.
Accommodation during the ride includes two nights in a comfortable hotel in Udaipur, a relaxing start and finish to your adventure. For the remaining five nights, accommodation is in luxurious, well-appointed, fully-furnished tents.
This horseback riding vacation is tailored for fit, strong novice and intermediate riders, with daily rides of up to 6 hours, depending on the day's itinerary and terrain.
Throughout the journey, you will have opportunities to visit and explore ancient temples and shrines, adding a spiritual and cultural dimension to your adventure. The highlight of the trip is the search for the secretive leopards of Jawai Bandh, a chance to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
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Day 1
Arrive in Udaipur and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a late afternoon boat ride around Lake Pichola, with the ochre and purple ridges of the wooded Aravalli Hills stretching away in every direction. Udaipur has a setting that is unmatched in Rajasthan, and arguably in all India. Fantastical palaces, temples, havelis and countless narrow, crooked, colourful streets add the human counterpoint to the city’s natural charms. Overnight: Hotel at Udaipur
Day 2
Morning sightseeing Udaipur: Udaipur is the city of cream and rose hues. The huge, cupola-crowned City Palace lines the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, with its balconies gazing out at Udaipur’s other famous landmark, the Lake Palace is a fairy-tale confection that seems to float on the lake’s waters, gleaming by day and spotlit by night. Eastward, away from the lake shore, extends a tangled inner city of lanes lined with homes, temples, shops and businesses that are fascinating to explore. Afternoon: Transfer by road North to Kumbhalgarh 2 hours. Overnight: hotel at Kumbhalgarh
Day 3
Morning visit to Kumbhalgarh Fort: As the second most important fort of Rajasthan and was built in the 15th century. It is encircled by thirteen elevated mountain peaks and sits at around 1900 meters above sea level. The fortifications extend to the length of 36 kilometers making it the second longest wall in the world, the first being the Great Wall of China. The huge complex of the Fort has numerous palaces, temples and gardens.
Start the horse safari in the late afternon, riding through the Khumbalgarh Sanctuary and Ghanerao forest. Enter the sanctuary near Kumbhalgarh Fort and ride through the wooded sanctuary using old paths nd crossing small rivers to the edge of the Ghanerao forest. The route is shaded and quiet, but harbours much wildlife. Late picnic lunch en route, arriving at Muthana Lake at dusk. Overnight: Camp
Day 4
Full day ride to Dantiwara Lake: Pass through villages while riding on the plains of the Aravalli hills, stopping for a picnic lunch before reaching the camp situated in front of the lake. Camp overnight.
Day 5
Full day ride to Bali Forest: Head along the bottom of the Aravelli hills South West to Perwa, passing villages and rural farmsteads, while travelling through the smooth volcanic rock formations, stopping in the shade for a long picnic lunch. Camp overnight.
Day 6
Full day ride to Jawai Bandh. Continue onwards to reach Jawai Bandh in the heart of the wilderness. Leopards roam wild and free in a landscape surrounded by craggy granite formations of caves, kopjes (small hills), scrub and winding sand river–beds. Camp overnight.
Day 7
Morning ride to search for Leopard: The nomadic Rabari herdsmen are as much a part of the earth's tales as the mysterious felines that grace these hills and vanish at will into their folds. This is where pastoral fields meet and merge with wild grasslands and the swells of the Jawai Bandh's waters lap at the mighty granite forms. This is a popular spot for flamingos and cranes that flock in their hundreds during springtime. This special location provides for an entirely different experience from the rest of Rajasthan. Evenight jeep safari to look for leopard. Camp overnight
Day 8
After breakfast, departure to Udaipur and for onward destination.
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
The Marwari horse breed is one of five recognised indigenous horses of India. The name derives from its homeland, the Marwar region of Rajasthan. They are capable of covering long distances with good speed and can withstand intense heat and adverse climatic conditions. Marwari are known for their intelligence, spirit, stamina, endurance, alertness, loyalty, elegance, beauty, and animated gait. They average between 15hh ~ 16hh, are naturally lean, but the most recognised feature is their unique lyre shaped ears that rotate as well as touch at the tips. Their conformation, adapted for desert conditions, gives them an unequalled grace and balance.
There are 80 Marwari, most home bred and trained to English riding, using the Indian Sawar saddle, ensuring the right horse for each rider. They are very intuitive and responsive and are accustomed to a bit of neck raining / riding with one hand.
Riders will need to be able to control fit, responsive horses at a walk, trot and canter in a group, and be able to ride up to 6 hrs daily.
Riding fit and comfortable at all gaits including cantering on open ground. 4 - 6 hours riding on 5 days. Minimum rider age limit 12 years old. Maximum weight limit 90kg. Not suitable for non riders.
The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
The two nights accommodation are in a hotels in twin rooms with en-suite ablutions. The balance of the evenings are spent in well-appointed tents, fully equipped with made-up beds, rugs and comfortable furnishings and private bathrooms. There is a social tent used for meals and gatherings in the evenings.
All meals are prepared by the staff and include both Indian and Western meals. Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice. Please advise when booking.
Hotel Udai Kothi Udaipur
Tented Camp
Accommodations used on tour:
1 x Night Hotel in Udaipur
1 x Night Hotel in Kumbhalgarh
5 x Nights tented camp
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. You’ll need to get a visa before travelling to India. This can be applied for online at the following website, www.indianvisaonline.gov.in Make sure you get the right visa for your travel and that it’s valid for the purpose and duration of your stay. If you enter India on the wrong visa, you could be detained on arrival and you may be deported and blacklisted, meaning that you cannot enter India again. Make sure you meet entry requirements. You can find further information on the Indian High Commission website or the Indian Immigration Bureau website. To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India. Your passport must be machine readable, with 2 blank pages for your visa and valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of your visa application. Always keep a copy of your passport and your Indian visa separate from your passport, in case of loss Airport tax User Development Fees (UDF) apply at many airports. The fees are around Rs.1,000 per international passenger and Rs.150 to 260 per domestic passenger. This should already be included in the cost of airline tickets. If for any reason the fee is not included in your ticket it will be collected at the airport check-in counter in Indian rupees. Passport and Visa requirements can change regularly depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india In the USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
The temperature although warm during the day (max 30C) can drop in the evenings to approx 13C. It is therefore essential to have a warm fleece to hand especially when camping
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever occur all year round. There’s been an increase in the number of cases of dengue fever, including in New Delhi.
Health authorities have classified India as having a risk of Zika virus transmission.
Cases of Chikungunya Virus have been confirmed in India, including in New Delhi. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in India and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
You should make sure you have sufficient medical supplies (including prescription medicines) for the duration of your stay and any unforeseen delays, adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.
Sunscreen and insect repellent is advised.
As with all countries where the bacteria present in water and around food are not those to which we are accustomed you are advised to exercise a degree of care. Bottled water is widely available, but check that bottle seals are intact and water levels reach the top. Fruit and raw vegetables which can be peeled are fine. Avoid ice cubes, diluted fruit juices and any unpasteurized/un-boiled milk.
Check with your doctor or travel clinic as to what vaccinations you already have and what you are missing or may require. The usual are Tetanus, Typhoid, Polio, Diphtheria, Rabies etc.
Malaria - Rajasthan is in the low zone for Malaria - you can take tablets and/or just use deet spray/roll ons / wristbands, but talk to your travel clinic to judge whether its necessary and to get the correct tablets as they are different to say Africa or USA mosquitos.
In India the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.
Most of the time there is a good signal 4G or 5G with only the occasional black spot- usually due to mountains in the way.
We suggest buying a local INDIA eSIM from AIRALO for their smartphone for cheap data at local rates - they just switch off their home provider on arrival in India and switch on the AIRALO eSIM. It is inexpensive and the eSIM selects the nearest and best signal so not tied to one network provider. If using a GoPro please ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed.
Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone
Gloves
Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
Long sleeved shirts
Scarves for the dust
Jacket/cardigan for the evenings and mornings
Thermal underwear
Change of shoes for evenings
Windcheater or light waterproof
Warm woollen or fleece clothing
Thick socks
Swimming gear (some of the resorts have nice pools.)
Wide brimmed hat
Camera / phone chargers. It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
Photocopy of passport and visa (keep in plastic bag if on rides) - keep somewhere different to the originals.
This ride has an 8 day / 7 night / 5 riding day itinerary available throughout the year.
Year round
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025/6 | 8d/7n | 4 | per person sharing | 2,935 |
| 2025/6 | 8d/7n | 4 | single supplement | 299 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025/6 | 8d/7n | 4 | per person sharing | 3,425 |
| 2025/6 | 8d/7n | 4 | single supplement | 349 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025/6 | 8d/7n | 4 | per person sharing | 4,035 |
| 2025/6 | 8d/7n | 4 | single supplement | 399 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025/6 | 8d/7n | 4 | per person sharing | 38,785 |
| 2025/6 | 8d/7n | 4 | single supplement | 3,865 |
India (Lonely Planet Country Guides)
City of Djinns 
The Great Railway Bazaar: By Train Through Asia 
An Indian Summer
Into India
No Full Stops in India
Rajasthan; India's Enchanted Land
Rajasthan; Land of Kings
The Royal Palaces of India
Arts and Crafts of Rajasthan
Plain Tales from the Raj
During the ride it is possible you will see some of the wide range of small antelope species which inhabit the area. There are also many interesting birds and reptiles
Do NOT buy alcohol in duty free airside on arrival to India because you are now not allowed to take it on through to the internal / domestic flight to Udaipur - they will confiscate it.
Ladies, please cover your shoulders, especially in temples and the rural areas and be aware of low cut tops (wear a scarf if necessary). If you wish to change into shorts at lunchtime during the ride please ask the guides first. as riders may be near a farmers house or temple, where it would be frowned upon locally to show your legs.
India forms a natural sub-continent with the Himalayas to the north. The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, which are sections of the Indian Ocean, lie to the west and east respectively.
The official language of India is Hindi written in the Devanagari script and spoken by some 30% of the population as a first language. Since 1965 English has been recognised as an 'associated language'. In addition there are 18 main and regional languages recognised for adoption as official state languages. There are another 24 languages, 720 dialects and 23 tribal languages.
India will sideswipe you with its size, clamour and diversity - especially if you enjoy delving into convoluted cosmologies and thrive on sensual overload. Nothing in the country is ever quite predictable; the only thing to expect is the unexpected, which comes in many forms and will always want to sit next to you.
The time difference for India is GMT/UTC +5.5hrs and the dialling code is +91. India has adopted metric weights and measures.
