GHANERAO SAFARI TOURS


	Some of the things you need to know to have a safe and comfortable journey.

What is the best time of the year for a horse-riding safari in Rajasthan? We recommend the period October to March. 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.

What are the horses we ride and style? The horses are mostly pure bred Marwari horses. They vary in size from 14.2 to 16 hands. They are warm bloods and need to be ridden more with the seat. We do not ride on the mouth as one would ride a thoroughbred. We sit deep almost western style and use the reins very lightly. The horses generally have a soft mouth.

What level of riding is required? We have itineraries for Intermediate and Advanced riders. The Intermediate Rides are generally 4 days and entail riding for 3 - 4 hrs a day. The Advanced Ride is for a week and entails long days of 7 - 8 hour rides. However if you are a novice then you would have to ensure that you come out at a time when there is no other group operating and for which we can customize a special program of learning, while staying at one place.

What are the saddles like? The saddles are steel arch cavalry. They are made of leather fitted on a steel frame and the advantage is that they do not sit on the wither of the horse. This way you ride a natural deep seat and it is beneficial for the horse on long rides.

What is the accommodation like? We have devised our itineraries such that we ride from one Heritage resort to another - be it a palace, hunting lodge or rawla (nobleman’s mansion). Most of these properties are off the beaten track, and we are most likely the only guests. All properties are approved by the heritage hotels association of India have en suite bathrooms, and are being personally managed by their owners who were the former Royals of Rajasthan.

What about food?
All applicable meals are included in the cost, including a full english breakfast at the hotel with cereals / eggs / toast / tea / coffee etc. Lunch and Dinner, at the hotel would be a mix of some Indian and some continental dishes. During the advanced ride we would provide you an Indian Picnic lunch. (An Indian meal normally consists of rice, dal, chapatti’s, two vegetarian dishes and one or two non-vegetarian dishes.)

What about soft drinks/beverages/mineral water/alcohol etc.?
Mineral water will be provided to you free of cost from our Jeeps - during the day on the ride. While at the hotel, mineral water and other beverages will be charged extra.

What should I bring with me?
Riding boots/Half chaps & boots/shoes
Riding gloves
Riding britches/jodhpurs/jeans
Long sleeved shirts
Scarves for the dust
Riding Helmet/wide brimmed hat/peak cap
Sunscreen lotion
Insect repellent, anti - malaria pills & other personal medications
Jacket/cardigan for the evenings and mornings
Swimming gear (some of the resorts have nice pools.)

Do we have to groom and saddle our own horses?
No - we have grooms to do that for you. All you have to do is get up in time for breakfast. The grooms will also be meeting the ride at water stops along the route to water the horses and adjust the saddles. You may if you wish help in massaging you horse after the ride.

How do I get there?

By air:
The nearest international airport hubs are Delhi and Mumbai. Though now Jaipur and Ahmedabad have become International Airports too. Ideally one should fly into Jodhpur and out of Udaipur (or vice versa) to take advantage of visiting both heritage cities. We are situated exactly half way in between them i.e. (2 ½ hrs) either way from these airports.

By train:
The nearest terminus is Falna (1 hr drive away), which is connected by train from Jaipur and Mumbai.

Note:
Transfers to and from the safari are not included in our cost, however we can make arrangements for pick up and drop through our local transporters, at extra cost.