This horseback riding vacation contains all the highlights of Rajasthan, encompassing: Delhi, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Jaipur and the Amber Fort, Agra and the Taj Mahal, not to mention attending the Pushkar Fair on horseback, one of India's most famous camel and livestock fairs. Along the way horseback riders visit and stay in the finest Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan, recreating the time of the Raj. The camping is in true luxurious Raj style, with walk-in furnished tents.
The equestrian vacation covers a variety of terrain and passes through many small local villages, giving the opportunity to see rural India on horseback. There is always the chance to observe wildlife and partake in various spiritual ceremonies, and most of the rides are guided by the well-known Kanwar Raghuvendra Singh Dundlod (Bonnie).
Attending the Pushkar Fair on horseback gives one an insight not possible any other way. The unique Marwari horses are warmblooded and responsive. The horseback riding is fast-paced and exciting and viewing Rajasthan in the saddle is possibly the best way to experience this mythical part of India. The fair date is usually in the first half of November (around the full moon). The full moon day is the main day and it was this day, according to legend, that the Hindu god Brahma created the Pushkar Lake, thus riders will see numerous people swimming in its sacred waters.
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Day 1
Arrive Delhi and transfer to Hotel Vasant Continental or similar.
Day 2: Full day sightseeing in Delhi:
Delhi: The old city, built by Shah Jehan in the 17th century, stands today as an epitome of the whole history of Indo-Islamic architecture. New Delhi, with so many buildings designed and constructed by the Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, is a mixture of east and west. The public buildings in red sandstone are in the Moghul style, and has a circular Parliament House and an imposing Central Secretariat covering two blocks which stand at the approaches to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the President of India.
SIGHTSEEING OF OLD DELHI: Visit Jama Mosque and Raj Ghat, where the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.
SIGHTSEEING OF NEW DELHI: Visit Humayun's Tomb aptly called predecessor of the Taj Mahal. Drive past Safdarjung's Tomb, the Qutab Minar, 72 meters high and one of the perfect towers of the Persian World. Nearby, amidst the ruins of the Quwut - ul - Islam Mosque stands the Iron pillar which has stood the vagaries of the weather and not rusted over 1500 years. An orientation drive through New Delhi includes the Embassy area, Government Buildings. Drive past Jantar- Mantar Astronomical observatory and through Connaught Place, New Delhi's main shopping centre.
Overnight Delhi.
Day 3
Leave at 8am for the train to Sawaimadhopur . Arrive Sawaimadhopur at 13:30 and transfer to Tiger Den Resort (or similar) for an afternoon of game viewing in Ranthambore National Park.
Nestling between the Aravali and the Vindhya ranges in southeast Rajasthan, the Ranthambore National Park has been one of India's conservation success stories and is a well known tiger reserve under the "Project Tiger" scheme. The Park's history goes back to the days of the Maharajas when Ranthambore used to be their hunting grounds. It consists of about 400km2 of rocky plains, flat hill tops, gentle slopes and precipitous cliffs covered by dry deciduous forests. Artificial lakes shield the Aravali hills and an 11th century Fort (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) which has helped to make this park very impressive. Besides tigers, the Ranthambore National Park is also home to an expansive variety of other wildlife like the Sambhar and the Cheetal deer, leopard, sloth bear, Chinkara gazelle, wild boar, Indian porcupine, jackal, hyena, marsh crocodile, and he elusive caracal, as well as about 300 species of birds.
Overnight Tiger Den Resort, Ranthambore.
Day 4
Morning game viewing. After breakfast, drive to Pushkar (about 6 hrs drive). Arrive Pushkar and check in at the Aaram Bagh Resort, Pushkar or similar. If time permits riders can visit the town of Pushkar.
Pushkar : On the edge of a small and beautiful lake in eastern Rajasthan, lies the small town of PUSHKAR – a town of 500 temples and 52 bathing ghats. Pushkar prides itself as the only place in the world having a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the Hindu God of creation. Pushkar is, therefore, believed to be the centre of the creation of the world. The origin of Pushkar is lost in a myth. It is believed that Brahma, the creator, was in search of 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 end of October/ November). And on its banks, a mammoth 200000 people and some 50000 camels, cattle and horses become a part of the annual Pushkar fair.
Overnight Pushkar and check in at the Heritage Hotel (or similar)
Day 5
Pushkar. Drive out about 5km out of Pushkar and try out the horses and get used to them before setting out on the safari the next day. After having tried out the horses, drive back to Pushkar and visit the Pushkar Fair and town.
Overnight at the Heritage Hotel (or similar)
Day 6
Drive out of Pushkar for about 6km and then ride to Amarpura (about 21 Kms). The ride out of Pushkar takes riders through a valley dotted with several villages, farmland, sand dunes and a few temples. The ride is very interesting with opportunities of some good canters. Arrive Amarpura and camp away from the village.
Overnight in tented camp.
Day 7
Ride to Roopangarh (about 25km). The ride to Roopangarh is partly through a valley and scenic riding country that is partly open scrub. See ancient villages with ruins of forts on the hilltops. Today might also give a chance to see the Nilgai antelope, the largest antelope of India. After lunch arrive in Roopangarh and stay at the Roopangarh Fort.
ROOPANGARH FORT :The fort was built In 1653 AD by Maharajah Roop Singh, the fifth ruler of Kishangarh. Located 125 kms from Jaipur, it became the capital of Kishangarh for the next hundred years. It has invincible ramparts and several underground passages and ateliers (studios) of the artists. The fort is situated on a mound and was originally made up of nine turreted fortifications. The serpentine entrance which guarded against a frontal attack leads to a splendid medieval Durbar hall beyond which can be seen some of the finest examples of the famed Kishangarh miniature paintings. Besides paintings, the rulers also encouraged and were patrons of music and poetry.
Overnight Roopangarh Fort.
Day 8
Ride to Bakhtawar (about 28km). The ride to Bakhtawar is spectacular with the first half following the range of Aravali hills, villages and farmlands before reaching the salt flats of the Sambhar lake (the biggest salt water lake in India). The salt flats are perfect for a long-distance canter. If there is water in the lake there is a good chance of seeing flamingoes and several other species of birds. Watch for sightings of the Nilgai antelope.
Overnight in tented camp.
Day 9
Cross the salt lake, ride through the salt pans to the Arravalli ravines, lunch en-route to Panchota Camp.
Overnight in tented camp.
Day 10
Ride to Bharija (about 30 kms). Today’s ride is through one of the most spectacular areas of Rajasthan and leads through several winding paths skirting around various village farms. The view is particularly impressive with the contrast of the greenery, the sandy soil, the Khejri trees, and the hills.
Overnight in tented camp.
Day 11
Ride to Danta (about 20 kms). A short but scenic ride comprising of beautiful villages, farmlands and hills. As riders get close to Danta, the twin forts of Danta can be seen from a distance. Danta Kila (kila means fort) was built in 1702 and is a delightful mix of Mogul and Rajput architecture which has been converted into a heritage hotel.
Overnight Danta Fort (or similar)
Day 12
After a leisurely breakfast, bid goodbye to the horses and camp staff and drive to Jaipur (approximately 2.5hr). Arrive Jaipur and check at Hotel Alsisar Haveli (or similar).
P.M: sightseeing of Jaipur
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 of 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 Jaipur.
Day 13
A.M: sightseeing of Amber Fort including elephant ride to the fort:
AMBER FORT : 12km 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: sightseeing and /or at leisure.
Overnight Jaipur.
Day 14
After an early breakfast, drive to Agra (about 4-5 hrs) via Fatehpur Sikri :
FATEHPUR SIKRI : The deserted city of Emperor Akbar literally means "The City of Victory".The audience halls, palaces, and the mosques are still in a state of perfection as are the tomb of Shiekh Salim Chisti, Panchmahal and the Buland Darwaza.
Arrive Agra and check in the hotel Jaypee Palace (or similar)
P.M: sightseeing of Agra Fort : The Agra Fort ( a UNESCO World Heritage site ) is one of the most important and robustly built stronghold of the Mughals, embellished with number of richly decorated buildings encompassing the imposing Mughal style of art and architecture. Spreading over an area of about 94 acres of land, it comprises 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 Jaypee Palace (or similar) Agra.
Day 15
After lunch, drive to Delhi (about 4 to 5 hrs ) and transfer to hotel for dinner. After dinner, transfer to International Airport in time for departing international flights.
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.
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)
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
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. They are lean but very fit horses which makes them most suitable for desert safaris. Your hosts breed these horses and they are kept in absolutely immaculate condition. Marwari horses are warm blooded and thin skinned not unlike Arabians. They are alll very well schooled, responsive, forward going and have no vices.
The tack is all made in India from fine leather of Kanpur. The saddles are known as SAWAR (rider) saddles as they are designed for Cavalry - they are not dissimilar to polo or army saddles, see our pictures for more details. They are comfortable for horses and safe for the riders. The saddle covers and martingales are made up of the Dundlod family colours.
The exotic beauty and vigour of the Marwari horse is their lasting heritage. Marwari was bred to lift the heart in battle and please the eye. He is easily recognised by his proud carriage, upright graceful neck and distinctive aquiline head with deep expressive eyes, the crowning glory of which are the unique inward curling or scimitar shaped ears set high on the poll and without exception unique to the noble Indian horse. The intelligence and natural regal bearing of the Marwari is blended with tremendous equipoise, graceful animated gaits and stamina. He displays an alert stillness when in repose and incredible elan vital in action. Hardiness and longevity have enabled the breed to survive wars, famine and droughts. The Marwari agreeably adapts to different life styles and environmental conditions and performs in various sports and formal riding disciplines. Loyal, tireless and competitive, the Marwari has evolved from one of the world ancient breeds to present a new archetype of beauty, brilliance and personality.
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.
The accomodation is in some of the historic Forts and Palaces of the impressive Rajasthan region. At the Pushkar Fair the accomodation is in a large tented camp site, fully furnished and possibly even more luxurious than the African Safari tents.
The food is varied and fresh. Indian meals are available but a choice of western dishes are always available. The level of spicing is variable but generally milder and vegetarian dishes are also always on offer.
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
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.
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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 clothes: half chaps are recommended, riding gloves, riding boots, walking shoes, fleece, warm jacket, sweatshirt, long sleeved shirts, windcheater/raincoat, plenty of socks, light flip flops/sandals, sunblock, sunglasses with string, insect repellent, torch, camera on a shoulder strap with a pouch which can be secured to your belt, plenty of film and batteries, binoculars, water bottle.
There is no laundry service after arrival in Danta until Jaipur so ample supply of socks and underwear will be necessary. It is recommended that a riding hat is worn, if not you will be grateful for a light scarf to keep dust and grime out of your hair. This will also be useful if visiting any Sikh shrines when the head must be covered. Out of respect to local custom women should avoid bare shoulders, legs and low neck lines.
Many hotels have no heating so make sure that you have warm socks, trousers etc
PERSONAL TOILETRIES: For peace of mind it is recommended that should you require any sanitary ware you take this with you. A toilet roll with inner cardboard tube removed will take up little space and may be an invaluable item.
This is a 15 day/14 night programme with 7 days riding available on a set date each year to coincide with the fair.
2023: 16 November.
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2023 | 15d/14n | 7 | double pp | 3,609 |
| 2023 | 15d/14n | 7 | single supplement | 1,105 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2023 | 15d/14n | 7 | double pp | 4,165 |
| 2023 | 15d/14n | 7 | single supplement | 1,279 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2023 | 15d/14n | 7 | double pp | 4,449 |
| 2023 | 15d/14n | 7 | single supplement | 1,365 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2023 | 15d/14n | 7 | double pp | 48,945 |
| 2023 | 15d/14n | 7 | single supplement | 15,005 |
Lonely Planet Guide/ NEOS Guide to Rajasthan/Delhi & Agra. ‘The City of Djinns’-William Dalrymple, ‘The Great Railway Bazaar’-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’-Matheson S.& Beny R., ‘The Royal Palaces of India’ –Michell G. & Martinelli A., ‘Arts and Crafts in Rajasthan’-Nath A. & Wacziarg F.,‘Plain Tales From The Raj’-Charles Allen, The Bagahvaad Gita and of course many others have been written about this huge, diverse land and its 847 million inhabitants. For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com
An astonishing 50,000 camels converge on the tiny desert town of Pushkar, in India's state of Rajasthan, for the annual Pushkar Fair. It's a fascinating and peculiar sight, and a great opportunity to witness an old traditional style Indian festival.
The original intention behind the Pushkar Camel Fair was to attract local camel and cattle traders to do business during the holy Kartik Purnima festival, held in Pushkar around the full moon in the Hindu lunar month of Kartika. The fair has now also become a major tourist attraction.
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.
