Through his ancestral lineage (the Maharajas of Jodhpur) Reggie Singh has always had a passion for wildlife and outdoor pursuits. Safaris and their various modes of transport whether camel, jeep, elephant or horse, allows adventurers to really explore Rajasthan’s deserts and jungles and to interact with local tribal people.
It has always been Reggie’s dream to create memorable safari experiences in the great Indian outdoors, and share these experiences with seasoned travellers in pursuit of a unique adventure. The Marwar Safari Experience is ‘one for the books’, a true-blue safari as it was done in the good old days – a safari to showcase the magnificence of the kingdom of Marwar.
Marwar – which means land of death (as nothing could be grown in this arid desert land), was tamed by Reggie Singh’s ancestors. Marwar was never a rich kingdom, however, it was rich in culture and famous for its hospitality. Reggie’s clan, the Rathores of Marwar, had a flair for doing things in style. Any dignitary coming to India was sure to come to their town of Jodhpur whether it was for polo, hunting or safaris. In fact, the word safari comes from their language, ‘safar karno’ which means ‘to travel’.
“It will be my pleasure to host you on this magnificent journey and give you the opportunity to see colonial and rural India through my eyes. Padharo maro desh (Welcome to my land)”. Reggie Singh
THE MARWAR SAFARI EXPERIENCE
4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS
Day 1. Our safari staff will pick you up from your hotel in Jodhpur and your convoy will drive for a little over an hour to the camel post. Here you will mount your camel and ride out through the majestic Thar Desert, stopping en route at a local tribal dwelling to get a taste of authentic rural life. You will also get the chance to see desert wildlife, such as the Indian Chinkara and the Blue Bull, Asia’s largest antelope. Just before the sun sets, ride into your private tented camp in time for a sundowner.
Later in the evening, you will be whisked away in four-wheel drive jeeps to meet Reggie Singh for dinner at his desert home. Lance bearing Rathore clansmen will ensure you a spectacular and memorable welcome.
Day 2. After breakfast, the convoy leaves for the famous Ranakpur Jain temples. A brief drive from there brings you to The Mountbatten Lodge in time for lunch under our beautiful 300-year-old banyan tree. The Lodge will be your home for two nights.
Later in the afternoon, head out on a short elephant (or jeep) safari atop the Aravalli hills (the oldest ranges in the world) for sundowners – a safari tradition of Marwar.
Day 3. This morning after breakfast, you have the choice of either a trek or a horse safari in the area. Alternately, you can choose to visit the Kumbalgarh Fort. Post lunch, drive out to the stunning countryside of Jawai, home of the magnificent leopard.
The leopard safari* ends with a dinner in the bush, after which you return to The Lodge.
As the magnificent Kesariya sun (the colours of the mighty Rathore Clan) sets over Marwar on the last evening of your Marwar Experience we head for dinner in the bush before returning to The Lodge for the night. The Marwar Safari will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
*Spotting a leopard cannot be guaranteed, however, our experienced trackers have an 80% success rate of finding these elusive cats.
Day 4. Post breakfast, the Marwar experience ends
THE MARWAR SAFARI EXPERIENCE
Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights
Cost: Rs 2,08,674 per person. Single Supplement is 3,75,613 + 18% tax
This Safari includes three nights accommodation with all meals (1 night at your private desert camp and 2 nights at The Mountbatten Lodge), soft drinks, bottled water and Indian Manufactured Foreign Liquor, all transport, safaris and entry fees mentioned in the above itinerary.
The Daily Telegraph
“FIONA BRUCE’S MARWAR SAFARI ARTICLE”
