Rajasthan, india

The Royal Marwar Safari

Ride on the land of the Maharajas

Ride overview

FIXED GROUP DEPARTURES FOR 2024 SEASON :

  • 15th to 27th MARCH – 3 saddles left
  • 5th to 16th APRIL
  • 30th OCTOBER to 11th NOVEMBER
  • 27th DECEMBER to 3rd JANUARY

FIXED GROUP DEPARTURES FOR 2025 SEASON :

  • 26th JANUARY to 7th FEBRUARY
  • 4th to 16th MARCH
  • 25th MARCH to 5th APRIL
  • 18th to 30th OCTOBER
  • 27th DECEMBER to 3rd JANUARY

TAILOR-MADE JOURNEYS :

Tailor-made journeys are available for private groups (>2 people). Our partnerships with luxury estates, along with trusted touring partners, grant us exclusive access to first-class accomodations and activities to craft the journey of your dreams. Tell us about it, and we will turn it into a reality : Inquire for a Tailor-Made Journey.

The best time to embark on this adventure is between November and March, when the weather in Rajasthan, India, is most pleasant and ideal for horseback riding.

FROM DELHI TO UDAIPUR OR JODHPUR

The starting point of the Royal Marwar Safari is either Jodhpur or Udaipur’s Airport, with national flight connections available from Delhi, making it convenient for travelers to reach this stunning destination.

INTERMEDIATE TO EXPERIENCED RIDERS ON GROUP DEPARTURES & BEGINNERS ON TAILOR-MADE

For Fixed Group Departures, the Royal Marwar Safari is tailored to accommodate intermediate to experienced riders, ensuring everyone can enjoy this horseback adventure.

The Tailor-Made journeys, as they are private are crafted to accommodate all riding levels: From beginners to experienced riders.

TIME SPENT IN THE SADDLE

On the Fixed Group Departures, you will be spend between  3 to 5 hours in the saddle each day. On the Tailor-Made Journeys, you can choose the time you spend in the saddle, visiting the villages, etc.

Accomodations

For more than 30 years, our guides have been perfecting The Royal Marwar Safari, carefully curating the best places to stay for their guests. Thanks to the guides’ personal connections with many of the palaces and heritage hotels’ founders, guests can expect exceptional service for a truly comfortable experience. Upon riding and visiting historically rich sites, we invite you to relax in the luxurious surroundings of 16th-century Rajput Architecture and magnificent Art Deco Royal Palaces, each offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity. All accommodations proposed on the Safari are very spacious and comfortable, offering you an oasis of tranquility where you can truly rest as well as treat yourself with spa treatments and traditional ayurvedic massages.

The schedule

ARRIVAL TO JODHPUR

☼ A.M – Upon arrival from your national flight, our driver will be waiting for you at Jodhpur’s airport and will take you to the hotel. You can take a rest in the fabulous suites and enjoy the gardens of 5-stars Balsamand Lake Palace.

☽ P.M – If you feel like discovering Jodhpur’s rich heritage sites, our driver will take you to the magnificient Mehrangarh Fort and near-by markets to discover traditional Rajasthani handicrafts.

From jodhpur to narlai

☼ A.M – Once you’ve treated yourself to a delicious breakfast from the Palace’s buffet, our driver will be ready to take you to Rawla Narlai, a stunning Heritage Hotel in the middle of an ancient village, and your home away from home for the next two nights. (2 hours drive)

☽ P.M – Meet your horses at the stables and ride in the surroundings of Rawla Narlai to get to know your new companion for the next days.

NARLAI ROCKY HILLS

☼ A.M – Meet your Marwari horses and take a ride through the open farmland of Narlai, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding rocky hills along the way.

☽ P.M – If you’re up for more adventure you can go and climb the Rock of Narad and enjoy more of those striking views. Meanwhile, those interested in exploring the cultural heritage of the village can visit the numerous temples in the Narlai area. If you’re seeking a relaxing escape, we invite you to luxuriate in the serene beauty of the lush gardens and take a refreshing dip in the pool.

FROM NARLAI TO RANAKPUR

☼ A.M – Back to the stables to ride out past charming farms and picturesque lakes, where you may come across the colourful shepherds – The Rabaris – with their flocks of sheep. The Jeep will be waiting for you at a nearby lake to embark on an open air drive to Ranakpur. — 3 hours ride & 30 mins drive

☽ P.M – After enjoying lunch from Maharani Bagh’s buffet or à la carte, you can visit the famous 15th Century Temple 10mins away by Jeep. The Ranakpur Temple is a true masterpiece of art and architecture and one of the most important temples of Jain Culture. Its delicately carved sculptures and massive foundations will transport you to the deepest of India’s religious and artistic heritage.

ARAVALLI HILLS & GHANERAO

☼ A.M – Saddle up and explore the crystal-clear lake nestled among the majestic Aravalli Hills. From horseback, take in the stunning panorama view of the lush, mountainous terrain and the remnants of an ancient fort before reaching the charming 17th-century village of Ghanerao.

☽ P.M – For a dose of cultural immersion, we invite you to take a walk in the village, pass through the temples as well as meet Ghanerao’s locals. If you are seeking some rest, the pool will be waiting for you. We recommend that you enjoy the sunset from the Castle’s rooftop, that offers a stunning view over the Aravalli Hills.

KUMBALGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

☼ A.M – Meet your horses and venture into the Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, riding up a steep trail up to 2000 ft, coming across Tribal Garasia villages. The sanctuary is the home to a variety of wildlife, including endangered species. Khem being a keen naturalist and bird-enthusiast, you will be guided through the different fauna and flora that call this sanctuary home.

☽ P.M – If you are eager for further activity, you can walk up to the sumptuous Kumbhalgarh Fort, led by a knowledgeable guide. This 14th century fortress, also referred to as the “Great Wall of India”, has a rich and mysterious history, steeped in numerous myths and legends that will transport you back in time.

FROM KUMBALGARH TO UDAIPUR

☼ A.M – After enjoying breakfast, our driver will take you to the picturesque city of Udaipur (1h30 Drive). After arriving at your sumptuous Heritage Hotel perched on the banks of Lake Pichola, you can enjoy an exquisite lunch with an unmatched view of the Jagdish Temple, City Palace and Jag Mandir.

☽ P.M – Also known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities of India, nestled between the glassy water of its lakes. Although Udaipur is one of the largest cities of Rajasthan, it surprisingly manages to retain a convivial and charming small town atmosphere. To explore this charming city, you can take a walk through its picturesque streets and visit the must-see heritage sites like the City Palace and Jagdish Temple.

DEPARTURE FROM UDAIPUR

☼ A.M/☽ P.M – If your flight departs later in the day, you can spend your morning exploring Udaipur. Afterward, our driver will transport you to the airport for your flight to Delhi. (1h Drive)

Activities around

GAstronomy

Rajasthan’s finest cuisine

Indian cuisine is known to be one of the most diverse and aromatic foods in the world. Among the various regional cuisines in India, Rajasthani cuisine stands out with its rich flavors and is a perfect amalgamation of spices and herbs.

Most of the heritage hotels proposed on the Safari have established their lines of focus on Indian gastronomy and proudly boast of the finest kitchens in traditional cuisine. The chefs have a great passion for cooking and take pride in preserving the traditional recipes passed down through generations.

We will invite you to choose from “à la carte” menus that are carefully curated to offer a blend of traditional and modern cuisine and showcase a fusion of occidental and Indian food, suited to everyone’s taste buds.

The horses :
Marwaris from the Royal stables

Spirited, agile, brave, the Marwari is a rare and prized breed from India. A proper national pride, the Marwari’s history is in truth long-engraved in Indian folklore and legend. The breed’s origins can be traced back to the Marwar region of India, where the native horses were crossbred with Arab Horses 10 centuries ago.

The Rathores, a prominent family in the region, began breeding these horses in the 11th century for use in their cavalry. Due to their remarkable sense of direction and hearing, they became the most valued companions on Rajasthan’s battlefields.

Thanks to our guides’ social connections, the horses proposed for the Tailor-Made journeys of theRoyal Marwar Safari are those of the Maharaja (King) of Jodhpur. Well trained, elegant, comfortable, and adapted to long trails, you will be delighted to discover and ride the royal Marwaris.

Our guides

Local & passionate horse riders

Since the 1980s, our guides have been sharing the wonders of their homeland with guests.

They spent countless hours exploring the landscapes of Rajasthan on horseback. Fuelled by their desire to share their passion with others, they embarked on the adventure of curating the very best Safari experiences in their region.

Over the years, they became known as knowledgeable guides, spreading their reputation far and wide by welcoming visitors worldwide.

Cantering through Rajasthani landscapes by their side, our guides will invite you to explore the stunning regions of Mewar and Marwar in all their authenticity and marvel at the diverse flora and fauna that call Rajasthan home.

what our riders say

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Frequently asked questions

We acknowledge that unforeseen events may occur, leading to changes in plans, and we are committed to providing our guests with a fair and transparent cancellation policy. It is important to note that our cancellation policy may be subject to variations based on the conditions of our guiding partners.

Nevertheless, we have outlined our general cancellation policy conditions tailored to the type of rides :

  • Horse-Riding Holidays:
    • If you cancel more than 120 days before departure: Full refund (excluding 50€ booking fee),
    • If you cancel 70 days before departure: Deposit refund (excluding 50€ booking fee),
    • If you cancel less than 30 days before departure: No refund.

In the case your initial booking no longer fits your schedule or an unexpected event arises, we are open to flexibility and willing to consider alternative options where feasible. Feel free to contact us via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp, and we will be more than happy to guide you and find a suitable solution.

Absolutely. Our commitment lies in curating tailor-made experiences that cater to the unique preferences and needs of each of our guests. This includes accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey.

Prior to embarking on a horse riding holiday or day trip, we request guests to complete a comprehensive form. This form allows us to gather essential information, not only about dietary restrictions and allergies but also about your gastronomic preferences. By doing so, we can craft an experience that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.

The Royal Marwar Safari is tailored to accommodate intermediate to experienced riders on the group departures, ensuring everyone can enjoy the same pace and exhilarating canters throughout the journey.

We do propose on the Tailor-Made journeys (<2 person) to craft a horse-riding holiday for beginners and guests with different riding levels.

If you are looking for a « first-time in the saddle » experience, we recommend exploring The Imperial Week-end Getaway or Versailles & its gardens on horseback – both tailored to suit both novices and experienced riders. These rides are crafted with gentle and calm horses, navigating mostly flat lands to provide a more relaxed introduction to horse-riding tours.

If you find yourself uncertain about your horse-riding experience, we are here to help and assist you. Please feel free to contact us via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp, and we will be more than happy to guide you.

As a general guideline, the minimum age for participants is 6 years old. However, age restrictions can vary based on the destination and individual circumstances. We take into consideration factors such as size, stamina, and riding ability, as well as the dynamics of the group.

At the heart of our philosophy is a commitment to providing tailor-made experiences for each guest. We understand that everyone is unique, and our goal is to design experiences that cater to individual preferences and needs. For those who may not wish to participate in every aspect of the ride, we also offer the flexibility of one-base options and the possibility of following the journey by Jeep. Our aim is to ensure that every guest, regardless of age or preference, can enjoy the beauty of horse riding in a way that suits them best.

If you find yourself unsure whether a horse-riding holiday is the perfect fit for your family, particularly when considering the participation of your children, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We understand that safety and comfort are paramount, especially when it comes to younger riders. We will be more than happy to assist you in making an informed decision. Feel free to contact us via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp, with any questions or concerns, and we will work together to ensure that your horse-riding adventure becomes a cherished and memorable experience for every member of your family.

When gearing up for your horse-riding adventure, packing the right essentials is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Each horse-riding holiday is unique, and your packing list will be influenced by factors such as the weather conditions, the ride’s difficulty, the destination’s disease risks and sometimes dress code requirements for riding in nature. Before embarking on your journey, we provide guests with a comprehensive list tailored to their specific horse-riding holiday. 

We have outlined a typical packing list designed to cover the basics for riders :

For the time in the saddle:

  • Riding Pants: Choose the fabric based on the weather of the destination, ensuring comfort and adaptability.
  • Riding Boots and Chaps: If not provided on-site, these are essential for a secure and comfortable ride.
  • Lightweight Riding Helmet: Ensure you have a suitable helmet for protection, especially if not provided on-site.
  • Sports Bras for Women: Prioritize support and comfort during rides.
  • Long Socks: Opt for woolen ones in colder weather to keep your feet warm and cozy.
  • Button-Up Long-Sleeved Cotton Shirts: Choose thermal options in cold weather for added warmth.
  • Fleece or Wool Jumper: Layering is key, and a jumper provides insulation during cooler rides.
  • Waterproof Windbreaker Jacket: Be prepared for unexpected weather changes with a reliable, waterproof jacket.
  • Waterproof Over Trousers: Protect yourself from rain and wind with these essential over trousers.
  • Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from sun, wind, and dust for a clear and comfortable ride.
  • Riding Gloves: Ensure a good grip and protect your hands during the ride.
  • Filtered Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with clean water throughout your journey.
  • Sunscreen: Guard against sun exposure, especially for extended rides under the open sky.

For after the ride:

  • Hat and Gloves : Stay warm during chilly evenings after your ride.
  • Sun Hat: Shield yourself from the sun during the afternoon visits.
  • Soft Shoes: Slip into comfortable footwear after hours in riding boots.
  • Comfortable Loungewear: Relax and unwind post-ride with comfortable clothing.
  • First-Aid Necessities: Be prepared with a basic first-aid kit, based on your medical needs.
  • Paracetamol: For general pain relief and fever.
  • Gastro-Stop Medication: To address digestive issues if they arise.
  • Nurofen or Ibuprofen: In case of muscle soreness for a comfortable recovery.

Lip Balm: Keep your lips moisturized, especially in varying weather conditions.

On all of our rides, you will be welcomed and led by local and passionate horse-riding guides, all of whom are fluent in English to ensure seamless communication.

Our package rates always include individual travel insurance and medical coverage. In the case you wish to book your own travel insurance, this is also possible. However, due to the inherent risks of horse-riding in nature, we require all participants to have adequate travel insurance and medical coverage for their journeys. Travel insurance should cover for personal liability, medical (including repatriation) and optionally, holiday cancellation, and be valid from the date when the contract between us comes into existence until the holiday is completed. If you have any doubts or need guidance on the insurance that best suits your holiday, feel free to reach out to us through our Contact formemail, or WhatsApp. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.

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You can let us know about any inquiry you have on Nomad Riders or the rides we propose. If you selected the Tailor-Made Journey, kindly indicate your desired destination and any specific preferences or requirements you may have for us to craft the perfect ride for you.