TigerPaw Adventures | IJ's Exotic Polo Holidays | IJ's Exotic Horseback Holidays

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Over October and November we have had select individual travellers embarking on some very special remote area journeys.

Besides young Englishwomen travelling to Argentina with us for pulsating polo during the famous Argentine Polo Open, and the equally pulsating nightlife of the Paris of South America-Buenos Aires to learn the Tango.

We have also conducted a highly successful soft adventure weekend at our brand new Spa-ashram Mountain resort on the Upper Ganges in India’s Garhwal Himalaya for the ABN Amro Bank. This included abseiling from a 150-foot high suspension bridge straight into the raft (ooops! Glacial Ganges!) followed by steaming soup /hot brandy and a campfire!

Our special remote area tribal discovery tour of India’s North East and Orissa led my retired Major General Surjit Singh to Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, with the Kaziranga National Park and the Naga Hornbill Festival were special highlights.

Client Speaks: “Please send a message to my family that we are having an absolutely wonderful trip in India’s tribal north east and did so too in Orissa..” Keiron Nelson Canada and Roy Bennett, UK

Visitors from Canada, UK and the US made up the party, and continued to Kerala, Central India and Orissa, another fantastic region for meeting ancient tribal communities.

Over December-January 2004 Kenya trips, for wildlife safaris in the famous Tsavo National Park, Argentina for Polo, and Argentinean Patagonia for cattle drives on horseback will keep us occupied.

Those who could not join us on our Pushkar Cattle Fair trek can now join us on another epic experience-The Nagaur Fair in Rajasthan with or without the Kumbalgarh Fort Horse Trek.

From the 22^nd to 29^th January IJ shall be personally leading the Kumbalgarh Fort ride commencing from the lake palace city of Udaipur (immortalized in the Bond film Octopussy) , and trek a week on the spirited Marwari horse, culminating in the famous Nagaur Cattle Fair in Rajasthan.

The basic ride from start to finish is $1,800/ all-inclusive. Fly/train in/ out/accommodation on arrival from Overseas and inland and on way out and additional sightseeing increases in proportion. The enclosed program that US clients are travelling on IS therefore one-example only and top end versions, which can easily be restructured to, suit you.

Late January will have a select band of adventurers walking over the frozen Zanskar river at an elevation of 12,ooo ft above the sea, in Ladakh India, and in June , in the previously sealed off Nanda Devi biospehere-an amphitheatre of mountains dominated by India’s second highest peak in the high 20 thousand ft range..

In April 2004 besides other trips IJ shall be in the high Andes on Chile’s Condor Horse Trek- followed by a trip to Tibet’s High Changthang.

DETAILS ON THE JANUARY 2004 KUMBALGARH FORT HORSE TREK AND NAGAUR CATTLE FAIR. TRAVELLING IN INDIA with TIGER PAW ADVENTURES AND RIDING WITH IJ's HORSEBACK HOLIDAYS

FEATURING: THE RANTHAMBHOR TIGER RESERVE/THE BUNDI AND CHITTOR FORTS/ THE LAKE PALACE CITY OF UDAIPUR/ THE KUMBALGARH HORSE TREK/THE CITY OF JODHPUR/THE NAGAUR FAIR. ARRIVAL NEW DELHI-DEPARTURE MUMBAI (BOMBAY)

DAY 01 14^th Jan Arrive Delhi 13^th Jan night and drive to Jaipur via Delhi’s important monuments and then take the scenic route via Alwar and Sariska Park

COSTS $ 4,800/ (Basic version below) INCLUDING all internal flights, meals and accommodation (tented, as well as 3* hotel), horses, grooms, saddlery and tack, monument fees and guides, motor transport, non alcoholic beverages (cold drinks and bottled water) airport transfers and inner line restricted area permits for the north east.

This includes the super luxurious Tented Camp The Vanyavilas in Ranthambhor a world class venue, as also the Udai Vilas, the famous Rambagh Palace in Jaipur which is the old Palace and which has housed Jacki Kennedy Onassis and Queen Elizabeth.

Without these and using small heritage hotels the cost can reduce by app $800/ depending on which hotels replace these. And of course further if you reduce the itinerary. The type of hotels in Jaipur, Delhi, Ranthambhor and Udaipur are "amongst world's best" and I can mail samples. Please feel to request any further clarifications or changes. The international air is not included here.

This magnificent ride traverses through dramatic landscape beginning in the desert outside Jodhpur (wherefrom the famous Jodhpur Lancers once came) and then traverses through sandy dry riverbed, acacia forest, rocky mountain and finally reaches the high aravalli mountain ranges where our objective, Kumbalgarh fort sits dominant.

We stop at romantic old fort palaces, and walk through old mural lined alleyways. We see black buck and the blue bull, gazelle or the rare grey wolf, langur monkey and wonderful bird life including pelicans and flamingo in hundreds by lakesides.

The ancient marble temples of Ranakpur and the Kumbalgarh fort with a 36 km radius and 3,000 ft (1, 000 m) above the plains is our final objective reached after traversing through the Kumbalgarh sanctuary. The additional highlight is a sojourn at Udaipur, city of the Lake Palace.

A HORSEBACK JOURNEY TO THE KUMBALGARH MOUNTAIN FORTRESS THE JODHPUR TO KUMBALGARH RIDE IN RAJASTHAN- INDIA’s DESERT KINGDOM

Geographically varied Rajasthan comprises the Thar Desert, the Aravallis (amongst the oldest fold mountains in the world), and large areas of semi desert scrub. Also, there are several oasis abounding in lakes within the desert. Our ride shall take us to two major former kingdoms - Marwar (whose capital was Jodhpur) and Mewar (whose capital was Udaipur).

While most of Marwar is arid and offers the magic of the desert, Mewar is replete with hills and lakes. Between these two regions runs the thickly forested Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Both Kingdoms were governed by Rajput rulers of separate clans and the descendants are proud, fierce and colourful .he hospitality in these parts is excellent and the people particularly in the interiors display a character of old.

The season for our safaris is during winter from October to March, when it is comfortable to travel in the desert.

January is cold with a minimum temperature touching freezing. Daytime is however sunny and pleasant. During October-November and February the days are not uncomfortably warm during the day, windy weather requiring a light pullover.

End of March is springtime and warmer-summer only sets in towards end April and May. In March, the days are warm and a light pullover is normally required at night. Rain is not usual in either of these periods.

Your trip leader is - Inder Jit Singh , a longstanding horse enthusiast who also has an intimate knowledge of India where he has developed numerous adventure programs over the last two decades.

Our horses are (depending upon the stables) a mix of thoroughbreds, half breeds, and the native Marwari and Kathiawari breeds with their trademark inward pointing ears. Generally, Mares and Geldings are used and only the odd well-behaved stallion will go on safari. The Guides' instructions with regard to individual animals are important to remember and follow.

The days can be long and our pace is adjusted accordingly. Every day however, our walks and trots are punctuated by fast canters. Riders must watch out for rabbit and mongoose holes and the hard acacia thorns often two to three inches thick and hard enough to puncture tractor tires. These thorns can pierce shoes and cause considerable damage to your horses hoof. You are therefore advised to diligently avoid these.

Although we will travel across field and sandy track, gravelly dry riverbeds, we will occasionally have walks on quiet country roads also.

A wonderful old custom of the Rajasthan desert is that most villages have a watering trough for their own and passing animals. Cows, camels, and horses are all able to water at these. We water our horse’s enroute as appropriate.

Vegetaion is largely acacia and scrub forest. Here, the rohra is particularly favoured by Chinkara deer.Also found are kikar trees and cactus bushes of significant height in the ancient Indian jungle in the Kumbalgarh forest towards the end of the ride. Wetland marsh near the large ponds and lakes too make for interesting study of local flora and fauna. Other trees like the Awaal the bark of which is used for tanning and the kankara whose leaves and fruit are used in home medication for poultices will also be encountered.

The ride affords unique glimpses of Indian fauna. The entire terrain up until the Fort castle of Ghanerao is host to Chinkara (gazelle), the beautiful Black Buck, Nilgai or Blue Bull an incredible horse like animal. The male sports short sharp horns and a tuft of throat hair, sloping back and the female rufus in colour with black bands on white socks.

Like some lucky riders you may spot the rare Indian grey wolf. Numerous bird species including waders of ever kind, accipiters and others will be seen. Pelican, Egret, Heron including the wonderful Grey Heron, Cormorant, the Snake Bird, Spoonbill, Curlew, Pied Kingfisher as well as White breasted Kingfisher, black winged stilt, harrier, black shouldered kite, Drongo and many more will be encountered.

Our lunch breaks are designed to keep horse and rider out of the heat of the day, as well as allow for adequate rest and replenishment. Most lunch breaks are of a two-hour duration. Lunches are grandly indolent if you so choose with cushions and mattresses laid out for a lie down Else you can walk about on a birding tour.

Food served is a mix of both western as well as traditional Rajasthani desert fare. The latter includes exotic marinated and lightly spiced saucy meats with pilafs, lentils, oven-baked breads, and a variety of local vegetable dishes like aborigine, or ladyfingers. All meals are hot meals.

Half boots and chaps are a good combination, a scarf for sandy trails and dark glasses for sun and sand are essential.

While we carry a comprehensive medical Kit, you should have some medication for inflammation caused by acacia thorns /else be prepared to avail our medication.

It is also imperative that your insurance policy cover you for emergency medical evacuation and that we have all details of this policy, and doctors name etc with your booking with time for us to satisfy ourselves, else absolve ourselves of any liability in facilitating such evacuation /aid. See liability waiver clause.

Phone facilities are available to receive calls at most places enroute. However these are often vulnerable to static/other problems. Public call offices are available for out going calls except at the two campsites where no incoming calls are available either. At Kothri also incoming calls are not always feasible and the nearest public pay phone is 3 km away.

Details on documentation, money exchange, health tips, shopping tips and electricity wattage, alcohol are separately prior to trip/please enquire.

IJ's Exotic HORSEBACK & POLOHOLIDAYS' India office in New Delhi is the best place to send messages to so that they can send it on in the most reliable fashion.

At most places where we are staying there is usually only one office phone and rooms are far away. Hence these numbers should be used for emergencies only.

Day 01 arr Delhi and depart for Jodhpur PM. Brief sightseeing at Jodhpur including the Fort of Mehrangarh. Overnight at a pleasant Lodge/Hotel (usually Devi Bhavan) selected for its charm.

Day 02. Safari Day 01 Jodhpur to Luni. Post lunch depart for Safari start point outside Jodhpur. Familiarization with horses and commence Safari

The first leg of the safari is through the "Marwar" semi desert region through sandy scrubland, a safe haven for Chinkara deer, Nilgai and Blackbuck

We ride out having tried out our mounts then cut across open (dependent upon month) fields spying our first Nilgai, Black buck and possibly Chinkara. After a halt of a few minutes, we later cross a large monastery and ashram belonging to the Patel community, again making a brief halt. Coming onto a village road past a pond we barely notice an ancient statuette acting as a road marker, which fittingly, has a horse and rider in bold relief. Ride to Fort Chunwa, Luni Overnight at the charming Fortress.

Day 03. Safari Day 02: Ride from Luni to Rohetgarh Fort: The village residence of the local chieftain of Rohet. The terrain is similar to Day 01's the country side becoming interesting towards the afternoon as after crossing the rail tracks we come past green fields (depending upon month). Lunch is had by the Khagariya nada (pond) reached after app 2 1/2 hrs. This pond usually has some interesting water birds.

Post lunch we ride to Dhoondli Bhawar, an hour and a half away. This Bhramin village is wonderful in its ambience, cleanliness, and architecture. Horse head carvings adorning doorways, wonderful earthen cupboards with designs created by hand on plaster with mirror work and grain storage bins are some unique features. Carry onto Rohet 2 hrs away .At this grand colonial setting where we can enjoy fine evening entertainment in the form of local drumming and song and dinner by the poolside.

Departing from Rohet we head out towards a dry riverbed, which affords a nice canter. A little later we come onto an embankment along the Kharda Lake past a quiet temple. Post lunch we walk on through acacia hedgerows and then canter towards a hillock past, which are the Sovenia Farms - our campsite. The hillock is dominated by an old tantrik Hindu temple. Depending upon the month, you may see mustard and rape seed in a vast sea of yellow. At night you will hear farmers calling to each other as well as at the Nilgai raiding the fields. Even though these calls are in the vernacular, the solitary song like cadences are an interesting lullabies!

After traversing country road for the first forty-five minutes or so we make our way to the impressive Hemavas Lake replete with water birds. Mongoose may also be seen along with birds of prey. Our lunch spot - Bala lao is reached after a three hour journey traversing past a rock mountain to our left, and the last stage through a row of thorn hedgerows almost 10 feet high.

Bird watching while lunch is served may include up to half a kilometer long flight of pelicans fly in and out like well-tuned aircraft.

After Bala lao nadi we pass sandy mountain and scrub entering into an African veldt like landscape as we enter our jungle camp past fields and hills. The lighting and landscape make a stunning setting and occasional Nilgai and possible grey wolf can add more drama to your day.

After another camp breakfast we ride past hills coming to another village and water pond. Like some of the others we may have seen, this embankment has a wonderful small memorial to someone's ancestors showing a puppet style horse and rider of painted alabaster. after our lunch near Janwali we later canter into open grassland valley with grand views and rocky mountain landscape coming into Kothri. Kothri is a small village with a dramatic rock mountain dominating it, with an ancient temple, which is built into the rock face. The temple site has a section dating to the period 3000BC.The little town may offer some of its local talent which includes a captivating magician, and from nearby a dancing horse. The Kothri estate has a pleasant stable and we may be able to see the horses taken out for exercise in the early morning.

After leaving Kothri we make for Ghanerao castle by lunch. The terrain is similar but the conclusion dramatically different! Ghanerao is a typical walled city of the old days and we ride into this walled city's narrow alley. Murals old and new and through gaps ancient canopies of cenotaphs will be seen.

We then clip clop as in years past up to the incredible Ghanerao castle ancient yet alive, every wall exuding history. After having a quick lunch at Ghanerao, we drive to the ancient Ranakpur Jain temples astounding for their detailed carving. Night at the wonderful castle of Ghanerao.

Day 08. Safari Day 07 Kothri to Ghanerao. Ghanerao was the chief fiefdom of the Godvad region. After arrival at the Ghanerao Castle, a visit is arranged to the nearby Ranakpur Jain temples. These temples were exquisitely carved out of the nearby marble quarries in the 15th century and attract visitors from around the world. Overnight at the enchanting castle of Ghanerao.

Day 09. Safari Day 08 Ghanerao to Kumbalgarh. On this final safari day, we ride up to Kumbalgarh, again passing through the wildlife sanctuary. The highlight of this day's ride is a grandstand view of the imposing Kumbalgarh fort after a steep ascent through the sanctuary. The fort, was built by the Mewar ruler in the 15th Century with walls stretching 12 kms, and we shall explore part of it after arriving at the Aodhi where we spend the night. The hotel is just a kilometre from the fort. From approximately 600 ft above sea level we must walk up much of the way leading our mounts to more than 3,400 ft above sea level. Enroute we must negotiate time worn flagstones, and the alarm calls of the langur monkey. Arrival at the Aodhi in time for luncheon to be followed by the pool, the bar and dinner

Day 10 Aodhi-Udaipur. After breakfast, explore the Kumbalgarh Fort with its impressive views and later drive to Udaipur by coach. Spend the day exploring the Palaces and lakes in this resort city-capital of the former State of Mewar. Overnight at the Shikarbadi* similar-the Maharana's former hunting lodge, now a hotel and base for the Maharana's polo pony breeding farm.

Notes: all accommodation is subject to availability. Suitable alternates may apply.

Post safari evening entertainment if mentioned is dependant upon availability of musicians and artistes. Two days non riding sojourns is built into the schedule to ensure catching the international flight,even in the event of the Udaipur flight being cancelled.

The Fort Chunwa at Luni is an incredible piece of architecture from the last century. Folks of yore though were hardheaded warriors and some of the headboards are of carved stone! Watch your heads when in bed!

The steps in Ghanerao Castle are narrow and poorly lit, so that the defenders could make things difficult for invaders. (Now read tourists!). You are instructed to keep a small flashlight and be careful here (in historic buildings).

You are instructed to check your horse's girth at approximately half hour intervals, at least twice, after having saddled up, and regardless of your syece (groom) having satisfied himself at the outset.