A week-long equestrian break in the beautiful Ghanerao area of India to celebrate the New Year. Stay in selected hotels and castles. Follow the horseback trail to visit shrines, temples, forts and palaces along the route. New Year's Eve celebrations are held at the Kotri Rawla. What better way to welcome the New Year than on horseback!
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Day 1
Meet the guide at Udaipur airport and transfer to the hotel. Check in and relax before enjoying a sunset boat ride around Lake Pichola. Dinner follows, marking the first night of this adventure. Overnight at Hotel Pichola/Udai Kothi, or similar accommodation.
Day 2
After breakfast, riders spend the morning exploring the sights, smells and colours of Udaipur, considered one of the most romantic places in Rajasthan. Visit the City Palace, with its balconies overlooking the lake and the Lake Palace appearing to float on the water's surface. Walk through the crooked streets, visiting temples, shrines, shops and stalls. After lunch, road transfer to Kumbhalgarh (2hrs) for an overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 3
This morning riders visit the Kumbhalgarh Fort. Built in the 15th-century, this "unconquerable" fortress boasts a 36km long wall, considered by some to be the second-longest after the Great Wall of China. The complex features numerous temples, palaces and gardens to explore. In the afternoon, riders will meet the horses and start the journey through the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, stopping for a late picnic lunch before spending the night at Castle Ghanerao.
Day 4
Today is a full-day ride to Ranakpur, a village surrounded by the Aravalli Hills and home to the most important temple in Jain faith, Chaumukha Mandir. This 15th-century marvel is constructed entirely from white marble and comprises a staggering 29 halls, 80 domes, 400 columns and 1,444 individually engraved pillars. It is a sight that is hard to forget. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route. Overnight at a hotel in Ranakpur.
Day 5
Leave in the morning for a full-day ride through the Aravelli landscape to Jodha Stud Farm and on to Kotri (2024). Pass villages and rural farmsteads, while travelling through the volcanic smooth rock formations, stopping in the shade for a picnic lunch and arriving at the ‘Palace for Horses’ set on the edge of a riverbed. Early evening ‘dress up’ and drinks for a spectacular and very special New Years Eve dinner and celebrations. Overnight: Kotri Rawala (20 min from stables) or Jodha Stud (dependednt on group size)
Day 6
After a late start, head to Rawla Narlai, a delightful 17th century property which was once a favourite hunting lodge of the Jodhpur Royal Family. It is still owned by members of the Jodhpur family who have invested vast amounts of time, money, love and care into restoring this gem. The rooms are scattered around the property and each varies in size and décor. This is where the ride ends. Say goodby to the horses before enjoying dinner.
Day 7
After breakfast, depart for Jodhpur by road stopping along the way for lunch and a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort rising 400ft above the suppronding plains. Overnight at a hotel in Jodhpur (Balsamand Lake Palace or Ranbanka Palace - or similar)
Day 8
After breakfast, transfer to Jodhpur airport.
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 horses are indigenous to India and range from 15hh to 16hh. Bred to lift the heart in battle and please the eye, the Marwari is easily recognised by its proud carriage, upright graceful neck and distinctive aquiline head. Their unique inward curling or scimitar shaped ears, set high on the poll, are characteristic of the breed.
Marwaris are warm-blooded, forward-going and very light to ride, similar to Arab and Thoroughbred horses. They are kind-natured, intelligent, surefooted and swift to respond to their riders' wishes. The riding style is English, and the tack utilised is cavalry saddles and usually snaffle bridles. The Marwari is loyal, tireless, and competitive, making it the perfect mount for this exciting adventure.
Indian Sawar saddles are used on the ride.
Riders should be happy to ride fit, responsive horses at a walk, trot and canter. There is plenty of assistance on hand with mounting and dismounting and this is a full service ride (so no need to groom or tack up the horses). Riders carry their riding gear with them. Suitcases are transported from Udaipur to departure in Jodhpur
The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
Accommodation is in a selection of castles, palaces and heritage hotels on twin-share basis offering a wonderful local flavour in some impressive settings. Meals have an Indian flavour, but European dishes are also provided upon request. Hygiene standards are high and bottled mineral water is always available.
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) will 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/unboiled milk.
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.
Electricity is available on all hotel nights for charging electronic equipment. Mobile phone reception and 3G is widely available, many hotels have wifi. If using a GoPro please obtain the permission from the group to be filmed.
While the days are warm (25 - 35°C), the nights can get a bit chilly (04 - 15°C). The coldest months are December and January.
- Riding Helmet- we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- 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
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent, anti malaria pills
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! 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
8d / 7n programme with 4 riding days. Set departure dates.
2025: 27 Dec - 3 Jan 2026
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 4 | double pp | 3,135 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 4 | single supplement | 299 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 4 | double pp | 3,709 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 4 | single supplement | 355 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 4 | double pp | 3,835 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 4 | single supplement | 369 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 4 | double pp | 44,209 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 4 | single supplement | 4,075 |
We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information.
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
Ghanerao, is rich in wildlife.
Commonly sighted in the sanctuary - Leopards, Hyenas, Nilgai (Blue Bull)
Birdlife: Ghanerao is home to a variety of bird species, including peacocks, partridges, quails, and various raptors.
Reptiles: Including various species of snakes, lizards and crocodiles.
BEGGARS: You will not visit India without coming into contact with many distressing facets of this unfortunate community. Without appearing harsh, it is strongly advised by the Indian Authorities and charity workers in the country not to give to these people. Should you wish to do something extra to help these communities then a donation to an established charity will go much further and give you a relatively hassle free visit.
TAXIS/RICKSHAWS; In major cities these should be metered and have a tariff rate. If in doubt agree a fare before departing and check that the meter is used. Do not be persuaded to go where the drivers get commission
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.
