In the land of the Marwari horses (13 days /11 nights)
A ride from Jodhpur to the heart of the land of the remarkable Marwari horses, to visit the great horse and cattle fair of Tilwara. This safari recreates the old days of travelling on horseback. Let your emotions run wild as you ride through the desert, discovering forts, palaces and historic sites. You'll enjoy galloping across the desert and plains, trotting along the hills, riding Indian Marwari horses, undeniable for their finesse and appreciated for their stamina and lively temperament.
Itinerary: Delhi-Jodhpur-Luni-Satlana-Ghana-Karmavas-Asotra-Balotra (Tilwara)
Day 1 France / Delhi
Departure from France for Delhi. Arrival in Delhi, traditional welcome with a necklace of flowers, transfer and installation at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 Delhi / Jodhpur (Night train)
After breakfast, you will set off to explore Old and New Delhi. You will visit the most important and significant places in the Indian capital. During the day, you will admire the Gate of India, a monument to the soldiers who gave their lives in the First World War. You can also visit Humayun's Tomb, a magnificent example of Mughal architecture. You will then discover Jama Masjid, a 17th-century mosque. It is the largest in the country and can hold up to 25,000 people. Lunch during the visit. The Raj Ghat, home to the memorial to Gandhi, the father of the nation. You will be able to contemplate the Qutub Minar, also known as the Victory Tower, which remains the tallest tower in India and the third tallest in the world. Finally, you'll head to the Connaught district, which is characterised by its lively, modern feel. Here you can see the Presidential Palace, Parliament and the country's other institutions. At the end of the day, transfer to the station to catch a night train to Jodhpur. Picnic dinner and overnight on the train.
Day 3 Jodhpur
Arrive at Jodhpur station and transfer to the Ratan Vilas Palace hotel. This palace was built in 1920 by Maharaja Ratan Singh of Raoti, a passionate horseman and one of the greatest polo players of his time. Ratan Vilas, with its imposing facades of red Jodhpur sandstone and its modest but comfortable interior, is an authentic heritage building in a Suranné setting. After lunch, you will discover the camp where your horses and the safari team are waiting for you. The ride leader will help you choose your mount. You will then ride through the nearby countryside to get to know your horse. Dinner and overnight at the Ratan Vilas hotel.
Day 4 Jodhpur
After breakfast, guided tour of Mehrangarh Fort and the old town of Jodhpur. Lunch during the visits. In the afternoon, return to camp and ride through the wide open spaces of Rajasthan. Dinner and overnight at the Ratan Vilas Palace hotel.
Day 5 Jodhpur / Luni / Satlana
After breakfast, the safari begins. Departure for the camp where the horses await you. The first route follows the dry bed of the Luni River. Each day, you will cover a distance of 25 to 30 km through countryside dotted with villages and farms. You will meet villagers from the Bishnoi community, who have made environmental protection their religion. Lunch on the trail. Dinner and overnight at the camp, where you can dance to the rhythm of the musicians.
Day 6 Satlana / Ghana
After breakfast, the ride will take you through villages and desert country to Ghana. Lunch during the ride. Dinner and overnight in camp
Day 7 Ghana / Karmavas
After breakfast, today's hike will take you as far as Karmavas, giving you a view of the Aravali mountains on the horizon. You'll also be able to discover and identify typical desert flora. Lunch during the ride. Dinner and overnight in camp
Day 8 Karmavas / Asotra
After breakfast, you will pass through the village of Manjia. Stop for lunch on the slope of a small hill facing the Luni riverbed. We then hike to Asotra. Dinner and overnight in camp.
Day 9 Asotra / Balotra Fair (Tilwara)
After breakfast ride to Tilwara where you will arrive at the Balotra fair. Lunch during the day. In the evening, campfire and folk show. Dinner and overnight in camp.
Day 10 Balotra Fair
After breakfast, you'll have the day free to visit the fairground, where you can admire the spectacular demonstrations by the horse sellers and stroll along the challans. Horse riding will take place early in the morning and in the evening, to avoid the heat. Lunch during the day. In the evening, campfire and folk show. Dinner and overnight in camp.
Day 11 Balotra
After breakfast, the same organisation as the previous day with free time and a walk in the cooler hours. Lunch during the day. In the evening, campfire and folk show. Dinner and overnight in camp.
day 12 Balotra / Jodhpur / Delhi / France
After breakfast, morning on horseback at the fairground. After lunch, drive to Jodhpur (4 hours). Arrive at the Ratan Vilas where rooms will be available for you to freshen up and change. Transfer to the station to catch your train to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi and welcome at the station. Depending on your flight time, transfer to the international airport to catch your flight to France. End of our services.
Day 13 France
Arrival in France.
