Horseback Riding in Rajasthan

Airport welcome and check in at the hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. You will divide your time between the contrasting Old and New Delhi quarters. In Old Delhi, you will visit fantastic landmarks including the historic Red Fort, the Chandni Chowk bazaar and the resplendent Jama Masjid, the biggest mosque in India. In New Delhi, take a driving tour around the city taking in sights such as the impressive colonial-era Presidential Palace and visit Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar.

Early morning breakfast at hotel Transfer to New Delhi railway station and onboard train to Ajmer, upon arrival met by driver and transfer Pushkar. 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 the Pushkar Fair 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.

Drive out about 05 kms out of Pushkar and try out your 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.

Drive out of Pushkar for about six km and then ride to Amarpura (about 21 km). The ride on this day out of Pushkar takes you 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.

Ride to Roopangarh (about 25 km). The ride to Roopangarh is partly through a valley and a scenic riding country and partly across open scrub. You will see ancient villages and some ruined forts on the hilltops. Today you might also get to see the Nilgai antelope, which is the largest antelope of India. After lunch you will also be able to see the magnificent fort of Roopangarh from a distance. Arrive 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 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. The miniatures of Kishangarh have acquired worldwide acclaim. Besides paintings, the rulers also encouraged and patronised music and poetry.The delicate mausoleum of the 12th century ‘Saint Sultan Pir’, overlooks the main terrace. The distinctive ambience of an individually appointed deluxe room. The combined atmosphere of this magnificent ’17th Century War Fort’ and the Palace within is intoxicating. Added to this are splendid views from the massive terrace on the higher level of the Fort. The ‘Queen’s Suite’ still recalls, faint echoes of the softer footfall, the whisper of silk, of romance and intrigue of the Zenana. Decorated with arms found during the restoration work, this room reflects a heroic past. The double height ‘Durbar Hall’, now the dining room – has latticed windows above for the Queens to view the proceedings below.

Ride to Bakhtawar (about 28 kms). Today’ ride to Bakhtawar is a spectacular ride. The first half is along a beautiful range of Aravali hills, villages and farmlands and then across the salt flats of the Sambhar lake which is the biggest salt water lake in India. When you reach the salt flats, you could canter for long distances (but only enough so that you do not tire out the horses). If there is water in the lake there are good chances that you will get to see the flamingos and several other birds. You are also likely to get good sightings of the Nilgai antelope. Overnight in tented camp.

Ride to Kuchaman (about 28 kms.). The ride to Kauchaman, which is a fairly large town, first takes you close to some hills and then across salt flats of another salt lake which is usually dry. From a distance you can see forts and temples on the hills. The Kuchaman Fort looks very imposing and grand. Overnight in tented camp.

Ride to Bharija (about 30 kms). The ride to Bharija is an interesting ride through several winding paths skirting around various farms of the villagers. The view is particularly wonderful if the crops are standing in the fields. The contrast of the greenery, the sandy soil, the Khejri trees and the hills is very interesting. Today’s ride is through one of the most spectacular areas of Rajasthan. Overnight in tented camp.

Ride to Danta (about 20 km). Today’s ride to Danta is a short one and you ride across a very scenic area comprising of beautiful villages, farmlands and hills. As you get close to Danta, you can see the twin forts of Danta from a distance. Danta Kila (kila means fort), built in 1702, is a delightful mix of Mogul and Rajput architecture and is now a heritage hotel. Overnight Danta Fort

After a leisurely breakfast, bid goodbye to your horses and camp staff and drive to Jaipur (approximately two and a half hours). Arrive Jaipur and check at Hotel, where you will spend the night. See the sights of Jaipur this afternoon. 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 Maharajah’s palace stands in the center of the city amidst lovely gardens. Houses with latticed windows line the streets, their rose-pink color 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 Maharaja 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. This observatory ( called Jantar Mantar) is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.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 armory; 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.

Start today with a visit to Jaipur’s intriguing milk market, where dairy farmers from across the region congregate to trade on a wholesale basis. Observe the intriguing ways by which the buyers judge the purity of milk, and take a front row seat as negotiations unfold. Afterwards continue to Amber Fort – a stunning fort which holds a hilltop position above the city. ‘Amer’ was the former capital of Jaipur state; construction of this key fort began in 16th century, with embellishments continually added by successive rulers. A comprehensive look around the Fort should include the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience, and the beautiful manicured gardens. In the afternoon you will continue uncovering Jaipur’s highlights with visits to visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar (a medieval observatory) and a drive past Hawa Mahal (palace of winds). The City Palace is situated in the heart of the city. The whole complex is wonderfully laid out with large courtyards, balconies, cupolas, arched entrances and gardens, which are a combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The museum here displays the rich heritage of the Jaipur family in miniature paintings, textiles, garments, books & manuscripts, carpets, palanquins and weapons dating back to the 15th century. Moving on to Jantar Mantar, this medieval observatory has a curious collection of sculptures which were used to calculate astronomical and astrological events. Each of these structures were built following relentless study of books, manuscripts and discussions with scholars from all over the world. Finally, you will take a quick look at Hawa Mahal. Constructing in 1799, the Palace of Winds is a landmark of Jaipur city, although it is little more than a façade. The five-storey structure, built to enable the women of the harem to observe of the comings and goings of the outside world, without being seen themselves. After the sightseeing return to your hotel to relax.

This morning transfer to Agra by surface. Upon arrival visit to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is effectively a walled city within a city, built of red sandstone and the long-time seat of the Mughal emperors. More importantly, it's somewhere the children can run off some energy as well.   Check-in at hotel and time to relax. By sunset you we will take you to Mehtabh Bagh, across the Yamuna River to a special viewing spot where you can gaze across at the Taj Mahal reflected in the water as the sun sets and the white marble turns slowly red.

Early morning tea or coffee at hotel Visit the Taj Mahal, possibly the most famous building on the planet. It's another early start, though, because you can then appreciate this magical place at what photographers call 'the golden hour' - either sunrise or sunset - and before the hordes of tourists arrive. Return to hotel for breakfast and leave for Delhi, couple of hours in capital of India before onboard return flight.