This horseback safari in the north of India takes you from Udaipur to the Malwa plain, east of the Aravalli Mountains. The Malwa Plain is a fertile plain that stretches from Rajasthan to Central India and was fiercely contested until the 19th century. Rajputs, Moguls, Marathens and Afghans banged their heads here and built fortifications, forts and castles, some of which still exist today. The landscape of the Malwa plain is extremely attractive with many small lakes, palm groves and woodlands alternating with dry savannah and cultivated areas. The plain, only occasionally broken by crevices and gorges, is ideal terrain for horseback riding. It is especially attractive in spring (January to April), when the typical dhak trees in their strong orange colour and the poppy fields in bright white blossom.

The area is quite undeveloped for tourism, but has many hidden jewels to offer. The riding safari leads the riders through the outskirts of the national park Jaisamand and with a little luck you can watch antelopes or smaller animals like monkeys, mongooses and many birds. From Lake Jaisamand we go down to the Malwa Plain, through one of the most historically interesting areas of Rajasthan. The fiefdoms of the most important nobles of Mewar once stood here and still today numerous havelis, rawlas (manor houses) and palaces bear witness to the splendour of past times. The former fief of the hosts´ family is also located here, the village of Boheda, one of the best starting points to explore the Sita-Mata National Park.

The visit to Sita-Mata marks the end of this trail. The last large forest area of the Malwa plain is mainly home to the leopard and the largest Indian antelope species, the nilgai, a rather shapeless looking animal that resembles the African kudu. The male animals have a shimmering blue coat, hence the Indian name Nilgai - blue cow. From time to time our riders can catch a glimpse of the rare Four-Horned Antelopes or the graceful Chinkara Gazelles. Very tame here are the Hanuman monkeys and the Rajasthanian heraldic bird, the peacock.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Udaipur and arrival of the group. We discuss the plan for the coming days and have dinner together on the roof terrace of the hotel. If you arrive early, a first ride is already possible today. Overnight stay at the Hotel Boheda Palace or on our farm at Boheda Villa.

Day 2: After breakfast, we set off for sightseeing in Udaipur. There is a guided tour of the city palace and a boat trip on the Pichola lake. This is followed by a short stroll through the town and lunch at the Boheda Palace Hotel. In the afternoon we take a test ride to get to know the horses. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel Boheda Palace/Boheda Villa.

Day 3: After breakfast, we take the rider to the starting point of the first day's stage, approx. 40 km from Udaipur at the Badwei lake. This is where the rider meet their horses and the guide. After yesterday's first test ride, today's ride takes the rider from Badweilake to Boheda, the former fiefdom of our family. The trail leads through the heart of the Malwa plain and crosses a small railroad line that connects Barisadri and Mauvi once a week with a steam locomotive. Opium is grown in small fields here between December and March, albeit under strict conditions. The cultivation of opium is historical and the reason for protracted wars between Rajputs, Marathas and Mughals over this area.The riding pace is still brisk today and the horses enjoy the soft ground under their hooves.Arrival in Boheda around 16:00 and overnight stay in our safari camp a little outside the village. rider If possible, we will organize a late afternoon ride through village on a bullock cart, India's traditional means of transport.

Day 4: After breakfast to ride we ride around the village Boheda and, after a ride through green fields lined with palm trees, finally arrive in a hilly landscape that is far more lonely and barren than the plain. Depending on the season, the hill are green with steppe grass or a brown-golden savannah. With a bit of luck, you might spot Nilgai antelopes or even gazelles. Around midday, the rider arrive at the ruins of the old Parsoligarh Fort. This fortification from the Middle Ages lies lonely and deserted on a hill with a view over the surrounding area.A picnic lunch is served in the courtyard of the gigantic complex. Afterwards, rider have time to explore the walls and enjoy the view over the hill and a small lake .After lunch, we continue through the hill and past small temples, back to the plain. Overnight stay in our safari camp in Boheda.

Day 5: Sixth safari day and ride through Sita-Mata. Today the rider set off early for their day's ride through one of the most beautiful national parks in southern Rajasthan. Sita-Mata is off the beaten track and visitors rarely stray here. As a result, the animals that are native to this park, including leopards, jungle cats, Chinkara gazelles, Nilgai antelopes, Chittal and Sambar hishas, Hanuman monkeys, are not as shy as elsewhere. Sita-Mata has over 250 indigenous bird species from the smallest hummingbird to the majestic peacock. It is one of the last remaining forest areas of the Malwa plains and its pristine nature never fails to enchant our rider.Return to Boheda at around 17:30.

Day 6: Today's riding day takes us across a dry plain with plenty of opportunities for long gallops. The terrain is open and the ground is sandy. Occasionally the rider pass through small villages and to ride past fields. There are many herds of nilgai in this area and we see this largest Indian antelope species again and again. The antelopes are not allowed to be hunted and are more curious than shy so Horse and rider can often come very close. After a final long gallop, the rider come to lake Mangalwad, another shallow waterlake. Here, too, there are many bird species and, with a bit of luck, antelopes come close to our camp in the evening to drink. Overnight stay in our safari camp at lake.

Day 7: After breakfast, a last morning ride and then transfer back to Udaipur. In the afternoon and evening there is another opportunity to stroll through town and buy a few last souvenirs or simply let Indian life pass you by. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel Boheda Palace/Boheda Villa.

Day 8: Program ends after breakfast. 

Subject to change without notice!

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