GHANERAO SAFARI TOURS


	The Safari passes through lands & villages which were administered by local Thakurs who were appointed by the house of Ghanerao. You will be hosted by the descendants of those proud and noble warriors. Your trail boss is a member of the Ghanerao family.

The Thakurs (erstwhile feudal lords) of Ghanerao draw their lineage from the Rathore clan of the Royal Family of Jodhpur. In the early 13th century, the Mertia Rathores of Ghanerao first set up their capital at Merta - near Ajmer. From the 13th century until the 16th century, they fought alongside the rulers of Mewar in defending the state against frequent Mughal invasions.

For their role in these wars, they were awarded the region of Godwad - a strategic fertile belt running along the foothills of the Aravalli ranges. The Thakur chieftains of Ghanerao - the head of the Mertia clan of Rathores - administered 84 villages in the region of Godwad. The House of Ghanerao maintained a judiciary and an army - a part of which was the cavalry of Marwari horses.

After India's independence from the British in 1947, all feudal land was handed over to the Indian Union, the cavalry was disbanded and the horses found homes among the smaller noble houses. These noblemen maintained and bred the horses. And it wouldn't be amiss to mention that the equines deserve a lot of respect - some of them have a far finer lineage than most.

The Marwari is a distinctively indigenous horse of the principality of Marwar-Jodhpur (hence the name Marwari). The most distinctive feature of this equine are the inward curving ears which swivel around asking instruction from the rider. The deep seat makes for a very fluid and comfortable trot and canter. The animal is generally between 14.2 to 16 hands in height. This warm-blooded equine is related to the Arab and as such is noted for its endurance. More so the indulgent upbringing by its owners makes this horse more of a family pet.

Ghanerao Safari Tours was established in 1992 by Thakur Khem Singh, a nobleman of the House of Ghanerao. It all started with casual day rides through the Kumbhalgarh sanctuary and acquiring an understanding of the visitors' need to explore the rich heritage that is Rajasthan. An idea took shape to weave the perfect fabric - a mix of the culture of rural Rajasthan, the grandeur of forts and palaces, and the freedom of galloping through open fields - unhindered, unconstrained…