Horseback riding holidays on a Marwari horse in India

By: Pablo Imberti Posted: 27/03/2020

Today, we want to take you to India to discover new riding opportunities in this colourful country, enjoying its wonderful landscapes and friendly people.

Geographically, India can be divided into three parts: he Himalayan Mountain Range in the north; the northern plains between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, which encompass several rivers; and the Deccan Plateau, which covers the largest area of the country.

Horseback riding India is an extraordinary experience for the outstanding landscapes, its amazing architecture, its rich culture, the wildlife and a unique gastronomy.

A variety of contrasts awaits you here in India, where you can stay in palaces and fortresses of yesteryear, or camp in remote areas and visit its colourful markets on horseback.

Marvel at the craftsmanship of local artists, especially wooden furniture, carpets or pottery, traditions that have remained unscathed for centuries.

The Marwari horse

Horseback riding in India is exciting and even more if you ride on the back of a Marwari horse, an intriguing, noble and brave horse breed that carries you on unforgettable rides that will allow you to immerse yourself in the heart of India, a country full of nuances, wisdom and landscapes.

Below, we tell you some characteristics of the Marwari breed:

Marwari horses are original to India, specifically the Marwar territory in Rajasthan.

With a fine long neck, wide chest, expressive eyes and straight shoulders, the Marwari is a resistan yet elegant breed that is able to survive in difficultarid and semi-arid habitats, withstand intense heat and cold, and cover long distances at a good pace thanks to their strong legs and hard hooves. In addition, they have developed a strong sense of smell and hearing, which is useful in the desert.

The Marwari breed was previously used as a warhorse, and was known for its bravery on the battlefield, serving the ruling families and warriors of the former feudal India. The Marwari horses represented the power of the Raj (King in Hindu language) and the feudal social structure in the country.

"They were seen as a gift from the gods and therefore decorated with gold and diamonds.".

Tourism and horseback safaris have provided a major boost to the future of the Marwari horse. Today there are several breeders in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Punjab. The Marwari horse itself is a reason to do a horse safari in Rajasthan.

Destinations for a riding holiday in India

All cities in India are rich historically, culturally and artistically, inherited by all the ethnics who have lived and left their influences. In one of these cities you can live an unforgettable riding holiday, which allows to immerse ourselves in the heart of the country.

Rajasthan

This region is one of the richest in India, full of magnificent forts and palaces, many of them converted into hotels where you can stay during your holidays.

The capital of the state of Rajasthan is Jaipur, one of the largest cities in India. The official language in this state is Rajastani and Hindi, while English is only spoken in larger cities and urban areas.

As for the weather, it is mainly dry. It only rains during the monsoon July and August.

Rajasthan offers exotic charm and a colorful spectacle. Its fascinating culture is older than that of Europe and its architecture is second to none.

In Rajasthan, we find the Thar Desert, the Ghaggar River, the Aravalli Mountains with the Mount Abu and its well-known Dilwara temples. You can also visit the Ranthambore and Sariska National Tiger Reserves, Pushkar's colorful camel, horse and cattle fair, or the Naguarh fair.

Assam

Assam is not the usual tourist destination. It is located in the northeast of the country on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, one of the world's great rivers. The wide river valley lies between the foothills of the Himalayas to the north and the Meghalaya plateau to the south.

In Assam you can explore the tea plantations, you find them everywhere with the workers that have been cultivating tea the same way for hundreds of years.

Visit to the two national parks: Dibru-Saikhowa National Park a refuge for many endangered wildlife species, and Kaziranga National Park, which has the largest population of rhinos with a single horn>, among the herds of elephants, buffaloes, tigers and swamp deer.

Northeast India is more than an invitation to ride. It has a fascinating mix of different tribes and ethnics that have preserved their traditional culture.

Tour operators for equestrian tourism in India

If you wish to do horseback riding in Rajasthan or Assam, two completely different regions in India, then take note of the following operators:

Dundlod Fort

In Rajasthan we find Dundlod Fort, an provider that provides horse riding safaris on Marwaris, and offers several programmes, among which stand out: Shekhawati Heritage, Nagaur, Fairpushkar, Fair, Marwar-Maewar Conquest Route.

Dundlod is the home of Kanwar Raghuvendra Singh Dundlod, known as Bonnie, host and owner of the place, and also an expert rider. Bonnie is a direct descendant of Kesari Singh, who built Dundlod Castle in 1750, and is one of the pioneers of horseback safaris in India with an experience of more than 25 years. Bonnie's close contact with guests makes it easy for tourists to learn many stories about the nobility of India.

Dundlod's horseback safaris run through deserts, hills, open fields, dunes, forests, villages and rural settlements, and you stay in ancient palaces or royal camps. The duration of the safaris varies between 3 and 12 days, and you ride a distance of approximately 25-35 kilometers per day, with lunches served during the rides.

For the safaris, mostly Marawari horses are used and your guides are Kathiawari and Sindhi. Fort Dundlod has the largest Marwari horse farm in the country, and follows a breeding programme to improve the breed. The Marwaris stand out for their elegant gait, straight neck, and pointed, inward curved and touching ears. Its majestic bearing is combined with its intelligence, balance and endurance.

You need to be an expert rider as the Marwaris are horses with a lot of energy.

Princess Trails

Another operator in this arid and deserted area of Rajasthan is Princess Trails, which is run by a member of one of Udaipur's noblest families and offers you to make a journey back in time and discover the colourful history of India mounted on a Marwari horse.

All Princess Trails safaris are eco-friendly, using local supplies and groceries.

This operator leads you through the rocky hills of the Aravelli Mountains, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the fertile plains of Malwa and the Thar Desert. Among the programmes are: the Aravelli Route, Pushkar Fair Safari, Mewar AdventureTrail, castle to castle safari.

Horseback riding safaris are organized between September and April, avoiding the hot Indian summer. During the trails, guests spend the nights in camps with spacious tents and suitable beds, ventilation windows and an extra tent for your morning tea. A normal day includes between 5 and 6 hours of riding, a lunch break, and several small breaks for sightseeing on the way.

If you are excited to live this riding experience, please visit for more information: http://www.princesstrails.com

Horse riding holidays are an exciting experience, and in India they are unique and incredible. The country’s great diversity of landscapes make trail riding an outstanding experience.

Are you also passionate about the idea of travelling Asia on horseback?

India offers charming and magical horse riding holidays to its visitors. Discover in this guide other destinations in Asia for your next equestrian trip.

~

THIS COULD ALSO BE INTERESTING

~

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION? LEAVE A COMMENT