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Horse Safari in Rajasthan

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Duration: 02 Nights / 03 Days
Destinations: KUMBALGARH-NARLAI-JOJAWAR-DHAMLI-KHETWAS-ROHET-LUNI-JHALAMAND-JODHPUR

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THE MARWARI HORSE & THE RAJPUTS OF RAJASTHAN:

The brave Marwari needed not only to survive long hours under saddle in harsh desert environment, but also to thrive on scant water and rations in the fierce midday sun. A fine, silky coat helped him to keep cool in the long summer months, long lashes protected him from dust storms, and the beautifully curved ears unique to the breed allowed him to pickup the slightest sound. He was long limbed and muscular with incredibly hard hooves, and held his head high in the battle to show the gamecock throttle of the hot blooded desert horse. When he moved, he floated.

So sympathetic was their mastery that the receptive intelligence of the horse was able to sense and act upon the intrinsic intent of its rider - thus horse and warrior became one and, accordingly the war horse absorbed the instinct to kill, to face death fearlessly and to defend its masters in the thick of the battle. The breeding of these valuable animals was concentrated in those areas where the demand was greatest and so the emerging strain were variously known as Malani, Sindhi and finally the Marwari - the latter name striking a chilling note for its means, quite literally from the land of death.

Literature, Art and folk songs testify to the famous partnership between warrior and horse that color RAJPUT history, and the desert sands are strewn with monuments and the headstones commemorating their heroic deeds.

Of Dilbagh and Gulbagh who flew over the wall of Freedom ridden by the reckless Bindi Chand. Of Pabuji and his beloved black mare, Kalami Kesar, and Baluji Champawat and his exceptional Kathiawari stallion. And the best known of all - Chetak the great hero of the battle of Haldighati.

The Rajput did not carve wealth, instead in his prayers to Chamunda he never failed to remind his goddess that it mattered little if the whole world should turn against him or that he be struck down by poverty, as long as he was free to face the challenges of life with his sword in his hand and his horse by his side. It is hardly surprising then that one day of the year is especially dedicated to the horse in recognition of his unfailing contribution to the survival of the RAJPUTS clan.

The Marwari horse fought his last battle with General Allen by in 1917 and the British can largely be credited with the redundancy and near extinction of the breed. British officer found Marwari to be mettlesome and imported their own thoroughbreds that failed to adapt to Indian condition; thereafter shiploads of Australian whalers. The last were tough, fast and inexpensive. The forts and palaces of Rajasthan are hung with formal portraits of the maharajas and their foreign guest. Their mounts appear woefully subdued and lackluster, and do nothing to enhance the omnipotent dignity of these rulers so splendidly brought to the life in their court paintings. Perhaps this is the point. Stripped of his heritage, his horse and his weapons and having his very surrendered his very raison d'etre India's kings lost a vital part of their soul. The Union States of Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat implemented various projects to protect and upgrade their indigenous breeds an almost impossible task given the indiscriminate interbreeding with western imports, and the scattering, far and wide, of Rajasthan's finest horses .Local efforts were far more encouraging. The Marwari, first and foremost a desert horse, found its salvation among its own people. Many a rough diamond recovered its luster in the humble homes of the farming community. The landed gentry who had managed to hold on top a few animals sought out others and began breeding programs. The nouvae riche, seduced by the time honored pedigree associated with these horses, included them in their panolopy of wealth.

Finally, those among the former rulers who had the means and will led the Marwari into a new dimension, that of the international awareness. Tourism and riding safaris provided a tremendous boost to the revival of the Rajputs culture, and in the wake of devastating personal and financial losses, enabled the royal families to preserve their homes, their faith and their self respect.

Within the symbolic heart of the people of Rajasthan it is hoped that Marwari's timely revival will come to the usher in the Lord Vishnu's tenth and final reincarnation as Kalki.

- Ladakh Sojourn - North India Highlights - North India with Mumbai - Religious and Heritage - Horse Safari in Rajasthan - Rajasthan Camel Safari - Architecture & Museum

- Palace on Wheels Tour - Plantations of Kerala - Great Taj Mahal Tour - Ajanta & Ellora Caves Tour - Journey of Royal Heritage - Kerala Backwater Holidays - South India Cultural Tour

THE MEMORABLE SAFARI PROGRAMS:

MEWAR TO MARWAR
(KUMBALGARH-JODHPUR)
KUMBALGARH-NARLAI-JOJAWAR-DHAMLI-KHETWAS-ROHET-LUNI-JHALAMAND-JODHPUR

Day 1:
After the breakfast from Kumbalgarh ride through the wildlife sanctuary which has one of the rarest species of Flaura & Fauna of Rajasthan. We stop over at Mushala Mahaveer Ji (an ancient Jain temple) for lunch. After rest mount the horse and ride out of the hills to reach Narlai by sunset.

Day 2:
We start after early Breakfast riding along the foot of the Aravali's. Passing through colorful villages and seeing charming servi men and women working in the fields. We camp on the outskirts of Kharchi village for lunch. After lunch we head towards Rawla Jojawar. A big village with its market full of colorful fabric and beautifully embroidered leather shoes. Overnight will be in Rohetgarh.

Day 3:
Start through the villages and reach Jodhpur around afternoon.


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