India - Pushkar Fair and Diwali Festival

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from SH of McArthurs Mills on 24/11/2018

Day 1 (Pre-ride)
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to Hotel Vasant Continental (or similar). Rooms will be available from 12 noon.
P.M - If time permits, enjoy a sightseeing tour of New Delhi, As the political, economic and cultural capital of the world's largest democracy, Delhi has become a renowned tourist destination. Explore Humayun's Tomb, often considered the precursor to the Taj Mahal. Drive past Safdarjung's Tomb, and marvel at the towering Qutab Minarette, standing at 72 metres tall. An orientation drive through New Delhi showcases the Embassy area, Government Buildings and the Birla temple. Return to the hotel for dinner and a restful night's sleep. Overnight stay at Hotel Vasant Continental (or similar). 

Day 2
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Dundlod, which takes approx. 6-7 hrs. Pass through charming towns, picturesque villages, and verdant farmland before arriving at Dundlod Fort for the night. Buily in 1750, Dundlod Fort in nestled in the heart of the Shekhawati region. This historic edifice has been meticulously maintained and offers all modern comforts. Adorned with a large banqueting hall and uniquely decorated bedrooms featuring paintings and photographs of the royal family, it provide a regal retreat.  

Today marks one of India's most significant festivals - Diwali - a magnificent celebration:
DIWALI, also know as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated annually in honour of Lord Rama. People commemorate Diwali by lighting crackers and illuminating their homes with earthen diyas (lamps). On Diwali day, prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, and to Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. It is believed that on this auspicious day, the Goddess of Wealth bestows blessings upon homes. The bustling market are adorned with beautiful decorations, and vibrant crowds dressed in colourful attire add to the festive atmosphere. As night falls, the entire town gleams with the glow of earthen oil lamps, candles, and firewords, resonating with the joyous sounds of crackers and laughter. Overnight stay at Dundlod Fort. 

Day 3
Spend the day riding in and around Dundlod, including a ride out into the surrounding countryside. This is an excellent opportunity to familiarise with the horses before heading out on the main trail. In the afternoon there is time to explore the town before visiting one of the finest Marwari horse studs in the country and enjoy a display of tent pegging, an equestrian sport that originated in India and is rapidly gaining popularity. Overnight stay in Dundlod Fort. 

Day 4
Ride to Churi Ajitgarh, once a trading outpost for ancient caravan routes from China and the Middle East, cover approximately 25 kms. The route passes through several villages and farmlands, with soft and sandy terrain ideal for excellent riding. Arrive at Vivaana Haveli on horseback, one of the many buildings in the area renowned for their frescoes. Overnight stay at Vivaana Churi Ajitgarth.

Day 5
Today's route heads to Mandawa, covering 25km through small villages and farmlands. Along the way, there is a good chance of spotting the Nilgai antelope, the largest antelope in India, and the graceful Chinkara gazelle. Stay in beautiful hut-like rooms equipped with all modern facilities, offering a perfect way to experience village life. The camp for the night is set near high sand dunes, far from any villages. Camp overnight in a desert resort.

Day 6
Ride to Mehansar covering 25km and passing through several villages and farm dwellings. The landscape changes, leading into sandy terrain that is perfect for long canters. After lunch, continue riding through the farmlands towards Menhansar Fort, the overnight accommodation (or similar).

Day 7
Ride to Ramgarth (about 30 kms.). The ride traverses varied terrain, including flat land and sand dunes, and passes through quaint villages and farmland. Keep an eye open for Chinkara, the local deer that sometimes run alonside the horses. After lunch, continue through small villages until arriving at Ramgarth. Admire the frescoes and stay overnight at Vedaaranya Haveli (or similar), or camp for the night.

Day 8
Ride to Churu (25km). It is a short ride to the Malji ka Kamra, a heritage hotel featuring a spectacular mix of architecture and fascinating history. The day's ride moves away from civilization, allowing the group to enjoy cantering through the desert landscape. Upon arriving in the town, the horses are settled outside of the Old Town while riders are transfered to the hotel. Overnight stay at Malji ka Kamra Hotel (or similar).

Day 9 (Post Ride)
After an early breakfast, bid farewell to the horses and the grooms and drive to Pushkar (about 6 hours drive). Upon arrival, transfer to Aaram Bagh Resort (or similar). After lunch, visit the Pushkar Fair. Excitement, gaiety and keen sense of competition fill the air as the long journey to Pushkar begins. Spirited columns of people with camels, horses, bullock-carts, cars and jeeps head for Pushkar soon after Diwali. The origin of Pushkar is steeped in myth. It is believed that Brahma, the creator, sought a place to perform a Vedic yagna (sacrifice). As he pondered, a lotus fell from his hands and water gushed from the spot. Today, the faithful bathe in the holy waters of the Pushkar lake on Kartik Poornima (full moon in November). And on its banks, a mammoth 200,000 people and some 50,000 cattle become a part of the annual Pushkar fair.

Pushkar has been a Pilgrimage centre for centuries, boasting over 500 temples and 52 bathing ghats (steps leading into a river or lake), each with its own miraculous qualities and healing powers. The town's timeless architectural heritage and spiritual ambience draw visitors again and again. The fair provides locals an opportunity to trade cattle and leather goods, while women shop for bangles, clothes, utensils and various household items. The most dramatic events of the festivities are the cattle auction and the camel race, along with various sports involving camels. Equally captivating are the gaily dressed rural folk. Overnight at The Clark's Safari Resort Resort (or similar).

Day 10
 Full day in Pushkar - visiting the fair and the town. Overnight at The Clark's Safari Resort Resort (or similar)

Day 11
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (about 3 hours drive). Upon arrival, transfer to Hotel Alsisar Haveli (or similar). In the afternoon, enjoy sightseeing in Jaipur. Known as the rose-pink capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills crowned with forts. The city, founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, was built in the early eighteenth century. A keen astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh constructed an observatory, Jantar Mantar, which still exists today. This observatory, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is equipped with ancient masonry instruments of remarkable size. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 12
Begin the day with a morning sightseeing tour of Amber Fort, including an elephant ride to reach the fort entrance. In the late afternoon, take a flight to Delhi and transfer to the International Airport in time to fly home. Flights depart late evening/early the next morning.

Optional Extension:

Day 12
Morning sightseeing of Amber Fort as above, including elephant ride to the fort entrance. Afternoon at leisure to rest/shop or more sightseeing. Overnight in Jaipur

Day 13
After an early breakfast, drive to Agra (about 4 hrs drive). En route, visit Fatehpursikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival in Agra, transfer to Hotel Jaypee Palace. In the afternoon, enjoy sightseeing at Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Agra Fort is one of the most important and robustly built strongholds of the Mughals, adorned with numerous richly decorated buildings exemplifying the imposing Mughal style of art and architecture. Constructed between 1565 and 1573, it was renovatated with red sandstone by the order of Emporor Akbar. Approximately 4000 builders worked daily to complete the renovation in 8 years. This powerful fortress is surrounded by a 2.5 kms. long and 21.4 m high fortification wall, having withstood the tests of time, nature and human activity. Spanning around 94 acres Agra Fort includes many fairy-tale palaces such as the Jehangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jehan (the builder of Taj Mahal), audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas, and two very beautiful mosques. Overnight stay in Agra.

Day 14
Begin the day with a morning sightseeing tour of the Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal, this beautiful mausoleum is crafted from pure white marble and is an architectural marvel. After lunch, drive to Delhi (about 4 hrs) and transfer to the International Airport in time for flights home. Flights depart late evening/early the next morning.

Agra Extension 
Please note that you will not need to pay for internal flight on Day 12 with this option.

Single supplement policy
The single supplement is compulsory if booking alone but halved if you are willing to share and we cannot find you a sharer.

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 horses are mostly Marwari horses with a few Kathiawari and Sindhi horses, all of which are indigenous to India and range from 14hh to 16hh. These exceptionally fit horses are ideally sutied for desert safaris. Bred and maintained by the hosts, they are kept in immaculate condition.

Marwari horses, warm-blooded and thin-skinned akin to Arabians, are meticulously schooled, responsive, forward going and free from vices. The tack, crafted in India from fine Kanpur leather, includes SAWAR (rider) saddles designed for cavalry, reminiscent of polo or army saddles. Comfortable for horses and safe for the riders, saddle covers and martingales reflect the colours of the Dundlod family.



The Marwari horse's exotic beauty and vigour are testament to its heritage. Bred for battle and visual delight, they are easily distinguished by their proud carriage, graceful neck, and distinctive aquiline head adorned with deep, expressive eyes and inward-curling ears, unique to this noble Indian breed. Intellectual and naturally regal, Marwaris possess tremendous balance, graceful gaits, and endurance. Depsite wards, famine and droughts, their hardiness and longevity have endured. Adaptable to various lifestyles and environments, Marwaris excel in sports and formal riding disciplines. Loyal, tireless and competitive, they represent a new arhctype of beauty, brilliance, and personality, evolving from ancient roots into a modern embodiment of excellence.

Riders of an intermediate level onwards. There are some steadier horses for nervous riders but beginners or novices cannot be accommodated. There are grooms available who will ride the horses while the rider rests in the jeep if you are feeling tired at any stage. This is a full service trip and no participation by riders is needed in the horse care.

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

Accomodations are in historic forts and palaces, offering a truly immerseive experience. For two nights, guests stay in luxury tented camps featuring fully furnished tents, complete with flushing toilet and hot showers.

The cuisine offered is varied and fresh. While Indian meals, known for their delicious flavours, are always available, guests also have the option of choosing fom a selection of western dishes in most hotels. The level of spicing can vary, but generally leans towards the milder flavours, with vegetarian options available. Don't miss the chance to try some sweet Lassi, a delicious yogurt-based drink that is also serves as a probiotic.

With luxurious accommodations and meticulously prepared meals adhering to excellent hygiene standards, guests can rest assured of a comfortable and safe experience. As always, it is important to maintain personal hygiene precautions throughout your journey.

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.

Riding:
- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 (One can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own)
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers and chaps (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Shirts with long sleeves and collar
- T-Shirts, ideally with collar for sun protection
- Jumper / fleece
- Body warmer (for Dec / Jan rides)
- Wind and rain resistant jacket (for Dec / Jan rides)
- Wooly hat (for Dec / Jan rides) as camp nights can get very cold
- Warm jacket / ski jacket (Dec / Jan rides)
- Light scarf / bandana, for sun and dust/sand protection
- Long riding socks / thick hiking socks with good absorption
- Bum bag, to keep easy to reach items such as camera / sun block etc. The backup jeep is never far away and will carry other required items you may need.
- Seat saver, if you ride with a seat saver, or prefer to use one on longer rides, then please bring it. Dundlod Stables have a limited few for your use at no charge

Non-Riding:
- Comfortable shoes for sightseeing in and to wear around the camps
- Casual clothes for sightseeing in
- 1 - 2 changes of smarter clothes for evenings at the heritage hotels
- Flip-flops for use in the camp shower
- Swimming costume if you wish to swim at the heritage hotels that have pools
- A scarf / pashmina is useful for covering your head when visiting places of worship
- A hat for walking around in, wide-brimmed is recommended for sun protection
** As a sign of respect for rural traditions, men and women should wear trousers (or a calf-length skirt). Try to avoid tank-tops and shorts. As a general rule, knees and shoulders should be covered.
** Towels are provided in the hotels and at the camps, no need to bring a towel (unless you wish)

Equipment:
- Sunglasses. If you choose to ride with sunglasses, it is advisable to have a neck cord or string to stop them falling off.
- Sunblock, and lip-balm with sunblock in it.
- Head torch / hand-held torch for use at the camps. A lantern is provided in each tent, but it is useful when eating at the camps
- Wash bag with all your necessities. A small bar of soap is provided in each camp tent.
- Ear plugs (if you are a light sleeper). The camps can be noisy, as can rural villages.
- Personal medications. Due to riding in the desert, some riders encounter allergies from the sand and the dust, so an antihistamine may be advisable.
- Rehydration sachets.
- Camera and phone chargers and adaptors (and for any other electrical equipment)
- A portable charger is advisable as there is no electricity at the camps.

12d / 11n programme with 6 riding days. Available on a set date each year to coincide with the festivals. There is the option to add a 2 night extension to Agra.

2025: 20 Oct

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Reading List

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) - Sarina Singh

City of Djinns - William Dalrymple

The Great Railway Bazaar: By Train Through Asia - Paul Theroux

An Indian Summer - James Cameron

Into India - John Keay

No Full Stops in India - Mark Tully

Rajasthan; India's Enchanted Land- Raghubir Singh

Rajasthan; Land of Kings - S. Matheson & R. Beny

The Royal Palaces of India – G. Michell & A. Martinelli

Arts and Crafts of Rajasthan - A. Nath & F. Wacziarg

Plain Tales from the Raj - Charles Allen

During the ride it is possible you will see some of the wide range of antelope species which inhabit the area. There are also many interesting birds and reptiles if you look out for them.

PERSONAL TOILETRIES: For peace of mind it is recommended that should you require any sanitaryware you take this with you. A toilet roll with inner cardboard tube removed will take up little space and may be an invaluable item.

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.