Mewar Safari

Introduction
Rajasthan India
Our Mewar Riding Safari takes you over the plains of South-East Rajasthan, in an area known as Malwa. It is a paradise for riders with its soft level ground and wild savannah allowing for long trots, canters and gallops. It is a region of great fertility and rich soils thus the plain is dotted with villages, fields and farmsteads.

Starting from a little hamlet in the hills, where Nilgai antelopes, Cheetal deer and countless birds can be observed, the trail continues through rocky terrain down into the Malwa Plain, a region geographically belonging to Central India which is so fertile that even Opium is grown here. This is a part of Rajasthan undisturbed by tourism, thus unspoiled and still rather traditional in outlook and appearance. There are no big touristic sights but rather many undiscovered jewels to be visited by our riders.

Due to the relative agricultural richness of this area, they will pass small palaces, old hill forts and beautiful adorned farmhouses. The riders will camp at the shore of two serene flat-water lakes (for 2 nights), a heaven for birds and animals. On this safari the riders will also discover the Sita-Mata Wildlife Sanctuary one of the last virgin forests of Rajasthan and home to many different animals from flying squirrels to leopards. Inside the forest we will visit the mythical warm springs of Sita Mata.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a wilderness ride, so nights will be spent in a combination of hotels and camps. You will spend 3 nights in hotels and 6 nights in tents.

Description
Accommodation during the riding portion of the tour (in most cases) will be in a safari camp. The reason for this is that many of our routes lead through scarcely populated areas away from the usual tourist paths. Very often the night has to be spent in the nature away from human dwellings.

Accommodation Itinerary for 9-day tour - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur
Night 3, 4 & 5: Camp near Boheda
Night 6 & 7: Camping near Mangalwad Lake
Night 9: Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur

Accommodation Itinerary for 6-day tour - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur
Night 2, 3 & 4: Camp near Boheda
Night 5: Camping near Mangalwad Lake

Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur
This small hotel has been classified as an heritage building thanks to its traditional architecture. Each of the 16 rooms all come equipped with a TV, air conditioning, private facilities and free Wi-Fi access. The hotel’s most appreciated feature is without doubt its rooftop terrace offering panoramic views over the city. There are laundry facilities onsite (extra charge).


Camps
Our campsites are chosen with great care and offer a maximum safety and superb views. Away from the busy Indian towns or villages, they are a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The camp offers all necessary facilities to the riders. The tents are comfortable and inviting Indian hunting tents with high ceilings, double or single occupancy. The tents are made in the traditional Indian style with a roofed entrance where the riders can leave their shoes. Each tent is equipped with mattresses, sheets, pillow, cushion, quilts, and woolen blankets. The camp has bathroom trolleys with two showers (bucket shower with hot water) and toilets. Hot water is provided in buckets. Towels, soaps, etc. are supplied. Grouped around the dining area, they are encircled by a partition enclosure of cloth with a colorful Rajasthan pattern.
As of 2023, the camp in Mangalwad has a proper bathroom with a toilet and shower.
As of 2023, the camp in Boheda has a hut with kitchen (with electric plugs) that can serve has shelter in case of heavy rain. 



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last.
For the shorter 6-day option lunch is also included on the last day.

Breakfast is Continental style with fruits of the season, eggs, and toast.
Lunch will be either taken as package on the trail or brought to you by Jeep.
Dinner is a traditional 3-course menu of Indian food (non-spicy).

Alcoholic beverages are not included but alcohol can be purchased (not expensive) or brought. Beer, wine (Indian), whiskey, rum, gin and vodka are available.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Daily Schedule
A normal safari day includes between 5 and 6 hours in the saddle plus a lunch break (lunch is either taken as a lunch packet or brought to the riders by our jeep) and several smaller breaks for sightseeing on the way or a tea stop in the little hamlet by the way.

Our Horses
Nearly all the horses we use for safaris and trail riding are Marwari horses. This breed is native in Rajasthan and best suited for long rides in this region.
Our horses live in comfortable stables and paddocks and are left to roam free during the day on our farm. All our horses have been handpicked by us as we wanted to have only the best suited horses for our safari. As we have some foals every year, some of our riding horses were born in our stable and raised and trained by us. In fact, we are very proud that today we have a stable of finest Marwari horses fit for riding and breeding.
We believe in the principle of Natural Horsemanship which means that we keep our horses as natural as possible and train them according to NHS. Some of them are ridden with a hackamore, just a halter or even a simple neck rope. All are very well trained, obedient and a pleasure to ride. Our horses are cared for with love and affection. They are properly fed, vaccinated, de-wormed and shoed.
On the safaris we take only horses which are 100% fit and prepared. Already before the safari, we try to find a suitable horse for each rider according to riding skill and preference. Spare horses go along each trail in case another horse goes lame or one rider wants to change.

Tack & Riding Style
We have imported saddle tack for all our horses in order to maximize comfort for horse and rider.
The riding style is different to both English and Western. We offer lessons on the horses prior to the ride. A couple of extra days for pre-safari lessons may make your riding experience more enjoyable. Please let Hidden Trails know if you would like to book lessons before your ride.

Guides
The safari is run by a member of the oldest and most honored noble families of Udaipur, whose history is interwoven with horses for many centuries, and his German wife.

Itinerary


Sample itinerary: 9-day tour - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival in Udaipur
Arrival in Udaipur, we collect you from the airport/train station and bring you to a comfortable Haveli-style middle class hotel in Udaipur. In the afternoon sightseeing Udaipur.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur
 
Day 2: Ride through the Aravalli Mountains
After breakfast, riders are taken to the farm where they can meet the horses and guide. Today we ride through the Aravalli Mountains around Udaipur. The ride leads through riverbeds, which are sometimes dry, goat paths and pass by tribal villages and rugged countryside. The ride is well suited for the riders to get to know their horses. Arrival back to the farm in the afternoon where we will serve lunch. There are some sightseeing opportunities in the afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur
 
Day 3: Malwa Ride
After breakfast, we take the riders to Badwei Lake, in the beautiful Malwa area. The first day ride will lead over the Malwa Plain, dotted with small villages, lakes, palm trees and fields of corn, wheat, mustard and opium (in spring). In this area it is tradition to paint the temples in bright colors with scenes from Hindu mythology and all of them are amazing pieces of art. Each village has at least one temple, so we will pass plenty of them and have enough time to enjoy them. Long sandy country lanes invite for long trots and canters. Again and again we will pass small lakes and ponds, often with a few water buffalos bathing inside. This area of Rajasthan is much richer than elsewhere, as the soil is very fertile, allowing for multiple harvests during the year. Most farmhouses sport beautifully ornamented entry gates made of wood and even the bullock carts which are still rather common, are beautifully carved or painted. Livestock is plenty, water buffalos, cows, bullocks, goats and sometimes camels can be found on each farm and in each village.
Arrival in Boheda at around 4 pm. Today our safari camp is situated at our farm near the village. Here our riders have the possibility to charge all electronic devices.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Safari camp in Boheda
 
Day 4: Parsoligarh Ride
Another day ride through a fantastic countryside. The ride takes you along shaded country lanes through a few villages and alongside fields of chick peas, wheat or mustard. The countryside is flat and the ground allows for a speedy pace. Around late morning the riders will reach a more lonely and hilly area where the old ruined fort of Parsoligarh is located. Have lunch in the fort with enough time to enjoy the great views over the countryside and discover the remains of the fort.
Return to the plains in the afternoon and circle back to our camp in Boheda. We ride through a mix of farmland and wilder, open areas dotted with the typical Dhak trees and palms. With some luck we might spot Nilgai antelopes, mongoose or the ever-present peacocks. Arrival in Boheda in the afternoon and go for a village walk if you like or just rest and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Malwa Plain.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Safari camp in Boheda
 
Day 5: Ride to Sita-Mata Sanctuary
Today, you will ride to and into the Sita-Mata Wildlife Sanctuary, a wild and untamed piece of land, home of the last virgin forest of the area. It is a long day ride (close to 50 km) and for riders who do not want to ride the whole distance, there will be the opportunity to drive back to the camp in the jeep.
The ride to the Sanctuary leads over the Malwa Plain and its many tiny villages. Approaching Sita-Mata, the landscape becomes drier and less fertile. Palm and Acacia forests appear and shortly before we reach, Indian teak trees take over. Entering the Sanctuary, we ride down a gorge, following a rocky river bed. First there is light teak forest with some bamboo and other indigenous species, then the forest becomes thicker and lusher as we follow the river deep into the heart of Sita-Mata.
We make our lunch break at small shrine in the forest. Here the river is joined by a warm spring and we can experience the warm water by wading into the river. If there is enough water, we can take the horses for a cool down into the river bed. They enjoy immensely to splash around and the riders can take off shoes and socks and join them.
After lunch we ride back up trough the gorge and exit the Sanctuary. We then circle back to Boheda, having a beautiful open countryside for long trot and canters.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Safari camp in Boheda

Day 6: Boheda to Mangalwad
Today's ride leads us over a large plain, sometimes dotted with fields and villages, sometimes arid and empty. The soft level ground invites for long canters and gallops over the plain. Again and again Nilgai antelopes can be spotted, resting in the shade or grazing on the dry grass.
Around late afternoon the riders reach the beautiful lake of Mangalwad where our safari camp is situated.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Mangalwad Lake
 
Day 7: Mangalwad Ride
Start another day ride after breakfast, riding around the flat, open countryside of Mangalwad. The ride will lead you through open bush land passing some village and fields. It is perfect terrain for long trots and canters and with some luck you can spot herds of Nilgai antelopes, who love this terrain.
Around lunchtime, you will reach another flat-water lake, a heaven for birds. Besides teals, ducks and smaller water birds you might be able to spot spoonbills, painted or white-necked storks and Sarus cranes, the largest still-ale-to-fly bird in the world.
Return to Mangalwad in the afternoon and enjoy a sundowner at the lakeshore watching birds or just enjoying the peace and serenity of the Indian countryside.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Mangalwad Lake
 
Day 8: Transfer back to Udaipur
After breakfast, you will be taken back to Udaipur. In the afternoon sightseeing and overnight, stay in a Haveli style middle class hotel in Udaipur.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur

Day 9: Departure day                     
End of the program after breakfast
Meals included: Breakfast

------------------------------------------------

Sample itinerary: 6-day tour - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival in Udaipur
Arrival in Udaipur, we collect you from the airport/train station and bring you to a comfortable Haveli-style middle class hotel in Udaipur. If time permits you can go for a boat ride on Lake Pichola or visit the City Palace.
In the evening, safari briefing, dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Boheda Palace.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur

Day 2: Malwa Ride
After breakfast, we take the riders to Badwei Lake (about 1.5 hour's drive), in the beautiful Malwa area. The first day ride will lead over the Malwa Plain, dotted with small villages, lakes, palm trees and fields of corn, wheat, mustard and opium (in spring). In this area it is tradition to paint the temples in bright colors with scenes from Hindu mythology and all of them are amazing pieces of art. Each village has at least one temple, so we will pass plenty of them and have enough time to enjoy them. Long sandy country lanes invite for long trots and canters. Again and again we will pass small lakes and ponds, often with a few water buffalos bathing inside. This area of Rajasthan is much richer than elsewhere, as the soil is very fertile, allowing for multiple harvests during the year. Most farmhouses sport beautifully ornamented entry gates made of wood and even the bullock carts which are still rather common, are beautifully carved or painted. Livestock is plenty, water buffalos, cows, bullocks, goats and sometimes camels can be found on each farm and in each village.
Arrival in Boheda at around 4 pm. Today our safari camp is situated at our farm near the village. Here our riders have the possibility to charge all electronic devices.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Safari camp in Boheda
 
Day 3: Ride to Sita-Mata Sanctuary
Today, you will ride to and into the Sita-Mata Wildlife Sanctuary, a wild and untamed piece of land, home of the last virgin forest of the area. It is a long day ride (close to 50 km) and for riders who do not want to ride the whole distance, there will be the opportunity to drive back to the camp in the jeep.
The ride to the Sanctuary leads over the Malwa Plain and its many tiny villages. Approaching Sita-Mata, the landscape becomes drier and less fertile. Palm and Acacia forests appear and shortly before we reach, Indian teak trees take over. Entering the Sanctuary, we ride down a gorge, following a rocky river bed. First there is light teak forest with some bamboo and other indigenous species, then the forest becomes thicker and lusher as we follow the river deep into the heart of Sita-Mata.
We make our lunch break at small shrine in the forest. Here the river is joined by a warm spring and we can experience the warm water by wading into the river. If there is enough water, we can take the horses for a cool down into the river bed. They enjoy immensely to splash around and the riders can take off shoes and socks and join them.
After lunch we ride back up trough the gorge and exit the Sanctuary. We then circle back to Boheda, having a beautiful open countryside for long trot and canters.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Safari camp in Boheda

Day 4: Parsoligarh Ride
Another day ride through a fantastic countryside. The ride takes you along shaded country lanes through a few villages and alongside fields of chick peas, wheat or mustard. The countryside is flat and the ground allows for a speedy pace. Around late morning the riders will reach a more lonely and hilly area where the old ruined fort of Parsoligarh is located. Have lunch in the fort with enough time to enjoy the great views over the countryside and discover the remains of the fort.
Return to the plains in the afternoon and circle back to our camp in Boheda. We ride through a mix of farmland and wilder, open areas dotted with the typical Dhak trees and palms. With some luck we might spot Nilgai antelopes, mongoose or the ever-present peacocks. Arrival in Boheda in the afternoon and go for a village walk if you like or just rest and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Malwa Plain.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Safari camp in Boheda
 
Day 5: Boheda to Mangalwad
Today's ride leads us over a large plain, sometimes dotted with fields and villages, sometimes arid and empty. The soft level ground invites for long canters and gallops over the plain. Again and again Nilgai antelopes can be spotted, resting in the shade or grazing on the dry grass.
Around late afternoon the riders reach the beautiful lake of Mangalwad where our safari camp is situated.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Mangalwad Lake

Day 6: Departure day                     
After breakfast, morning ride around Mangalwad. Lunch in the camp, then transfer drop back directly to the airport or to Udaipur.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch



Sample Itinerary: Holi Special Program (not available in 2023) - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival in Udaipur
Arrival in Udaipur, we collect you from the airport/train station and bring you to a comfortable Haveli-style middle class hotel in Udaipur. In the afternoon sightseeing in Udaipur.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur
 
Day 2: Khurabar to Badwei
After breakfast, we take the riders to the little village of Khurabar from where the safari starts. It is a great day ride through fertile farmland broken by occasional parts of wild forest country and open wilderness. Today you will leave the Aravalli-Mountains behind and descend on the Malwa Plain with its fertile soil and rich farms. Discover the fascinating rural life of Rajasthan where the fieldwork is still done with oxen and handwork. The village kids guard flocks of goats and sheep and great the riders enthusiastically with a “Namaste”, the Indian hello. Meet the women fetching water from the village well, wearing bright and colorful saris. Riding through this country is like a journey back into the past.
Today’s camp will be situated near Badwei Lake, where a lot of water birds such as ducks, teals, flamingos or kingfishers, can be observed. In winter, European storks migrate to Badwei where they stay untill March. Another highlight is the sighting of Sarus cranes, one of the largest birds in India. They are regular inhabitants of the Badwei Lake. All in all Badwei makes a small paradise for bird lovers who can spot many different varieties.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Badwei
 
Day 3: Badwei to Boheda
Another day ride through a fantastic countryside. The soil is now so fertile that even Opium is grown in small fields. It flowers between January and March, with many small white flowers.
You will cross the small railway line connecting Barisadri with Mauvi (the train passes by once a week with a steam engine). Around here, the villages are much richer than anywhere else in Rajasthan due to the rich soil. Most farmhouses sport richly ornamented entry gates and even the bullock carts are made of carved wood.
Arrival in Boheda around 4 pm. Today our safari camp is situated at our farm near the village. Here, riders have the possibility to charge all electronic devices as we have plugs in our little farmhouse.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Boheda
 
Day 4: Ride to Sita-Mata Sanctuary
Today you will ride through the Sita-Mata Wildlife Sanctuary, a wild and untamed piece of land, home of the last leopards of this area.
The Wildlife-Sanctuary is situated far away from all touristic circuits and very few visitor find their way to this natural jewel. That is one of the reasons why it is the best place for sighting animals.
With some luck the riders can observe cheetal and sambar deer, Nilgai antelopes, monkeys, gazelles, mongoose and many smaller animals and birds, including the majestic peacock, national bird of India.
Return to Boheda is around late afternoon. If possible a bullock cart ride through the village is arranged in the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Boheda

Day 5: Ride to Parsoligarh
Another day ride through a fantastic countryside. The soil is now so fertile that even Opium is grown in small fields. It flowers between January and March, with many small white flowers.
Around late morning the riders will reach a more lonely and hilly area. Here the old ruined fort of Parsoligarh is still standing. Have lunch in the fort with enough time to enjoy the great views over the countryside and discover the remains of the fort.
Return to the plains in the afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Boheda
 
Day 6: Boheda to Mangalwad
Today's route leads the riders over a large plain, sometimes dotted with fields and villages, sometimes arid and empty. The soft level ground invites for long canters and gallops over the plain. Again and again Nilgai antelopes can be spotted, resting in the shade or grazing on the dry grass. Around late afternoon, the riders reach the beautiful lake of Mangalwad where our safari camp is situated. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in safari camp near Mangalwad 
 
Day 7: Transfer back to Udaipur
After breakfast, you will be taken back to Udaipur. In the afternoon sightseeing and overnight, stay in a Haveli style middle class hotel in Udaipur.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur

Day 8: Udaipur Sightseeing and Holika Dahan Festival
Morning ride around our farm. Afterwards there is time for some additional sightseeing and shopping in Udaipur.
In the afternoon, we attend the Holika Dahan festival in the City Palace in Udaipur. This celebration is an ancient Hindu tradition and signifies the victory of good over evil. Evil is burned in form of the Holika, a figure of straw and wood. The Maharana of Udaipur traditionally arrives in his carriage with his family and opens the ceremony. Together with several priests the pyre is lit and amid drums and dancing dervishes the Holika is burned. After the ceremony snacks and drinks are served and the guests can meet the Maharana and chat with him.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur

Day 9: Holi Festival Celebrations
Today is the main day of the Hindu Spring Festival Holi. People meet and put colored powder and water on each other. Sweets and alcohol are consumed. Celebrate with us and our family in a safe and fun way. We provide you with the colors and you can play with us, our family and our staff. We will visit different places so that you get an idea how the festival is celebrated by Indian families. Finally, we will return to the farm where we will play music and provide food, sweets and drinks. By the end of the day, you can take a shower and get clean again before we return to the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur

Day 10: Departure day                     
End of the program after breakfast
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Mewar Safari

Dates Note:
This trip is available any time during the year (except for June) with a minimum of 2 riders.

Other Info
Meeting: Udaipur
Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur (UDR)
Transfer: Udaipur airport or railway station

Climate:
                                                Udaipur area