India : Kutch Safari

9 Days  |  From £2567pp

India ( Best airport: Bhuj, Gujrat, Domestic Airport )

Ride through the heart of the Kutch. Saddle up on the legendary Marwari horses and journey across Gujarat’s iconic Kutch regions where endless salt deserts shimmer in the sun, and Banni grasslands, vibrant villages hum with tradition, and golden seas beaches meet the Arabian Sea.

Over 7 unforgettable days, you’ll gallop through surreal white landscapes, wander ancient forts, celebrate with folk music and dance. Share stories with skilled local artisans and by night, rest in charming mud houses or under a sky glittering with stars.

Join this trail for a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and conservation. This holiday promises excitement, discovery, and a chance to preserve Gujarat’s rich heritage.

 

 

 

The Riding

Throughout the trip, you will have the chance to ride through unique terrains such as the white salt desert, Banni grasslands, and coastal beaches, all while enjoying stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.

The rides often include stops at cultural and historic landmarks, such as ancient temples, forts, and artisan villages, providing a rich cultural context to the adventure. You will also visit bird sanctuaries and watch plentiful bird species, making it ideal for nature lovers.

Special events in the calendar: 

Date – 11th Jan 2026 to 15th Jan 2026
Grand Kite Flying Displays: The Kutch region offers a spectacular Uttarayan (Kite Festival) with colorful kites filling the sky, showcasing intricate designs.
Night Kite Flying: Some places offer unique night kite flying, where kites are
illuminated with LED lights, creating a mesmerizing sight in the night sky
Kutch Fair (Rann Utsav): The Rann Utsav, a cultural festival celebrated alongside the kite festival, offers performances of folk dance and music. You can enjoy the rhythm of Garba, Dandiya, and Kutchi folk dances while riding horses through the vast open plains.
Makar Sankranti Celebrations: While kite flying is the main event, Makar Sankranti(the festival of kites) brings people together to celebrate with bonfires, dancing, and feasting

Level of Riding and Fitness

This horse riding safaris is specially designed to offer a rewarding and enjoyable experience for medium and experienced equestrians. Whether you’re a rider with solid intermediate skills or a seasoned equestrian.

From exhilarating gallops across open plains to leisurely rides through picturesque villages and lush landscapes, every aspect of the safari is tailored to maximize your enjoyment while respecting your riding expertise.

Maximum weight 90kgs

Guides and Group Size

For over a decade, your hosts have been orchestrating thrilling horseback safaris, crafted and led by a passionate team of expert guides and dedicated professionals. All the guides are equestrian enthusiasts with extensive knowledge of the region’s landscapes, culture, and wildlife. They are committed to ensuring your safety, comfort, and enjoyment at every step of your adventure.

Supported by a team of skilled grooms and a proud tradition of horse breeding, their passionate team carefully selects and trains each horse to match the skill level of each rider, creating a seamless and enriching experience.

At the heart of your host’s family is a longstanding heritage rooted in the artistry of horse breeding and a genuine desire to share their passion for horses and adventure. They look forward to welcoming you into their family and helping you create unforgettable memories on your horseback safari through Kutch.

Generally, participants must be at least 12 years old. Younger riders may be accommodated on special family safaris or private rides. Please inquire for details.

Minimum 8 – Maximum 18

Any questions?

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The Horses

The Marwari horse is a majestic and rare breed known for its striking appearance and noble presence. Typically standing around 14 to 15 hands high (about 140 to 150 cm), these horses are slightly smaller than many other breeds, but they make up for it with their grace and agility. Renowned for their distinctive inward-curving ears and elegant silhouette, Marwaris exude a regal and timeless beauty.

Known for their calm and loyal temperament, Marwari horses are gentle yet spirited, making them ideal companions for experienced riders. They are highly adaptable to rugged terrains and are prized for their endurance, agility, and bravery. With a rich history deeply rooted in Rajasthan’s royal traditions, these horses symbolise strength, nobility, and resilience—truly one of the most captivating breeds in the world.

Tack and Riding Equipment

Your hosts use high-quality Indian cavalry-style or endurance saddles, custom-made for long distance riding, with saddle bags and comfortable padding for both horse and rider. Bridles and tack are regularly checked and maintained.
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Accommodation and Dining

You’ll  enjoy overnight stays in a variety of unique accommodations that perfectly blend adventure, comfort, and cultural immersion.

You’ll relax in comfortable, well-equipped camps or stay in majestic Heritage Castles, offering a regal experience amidst stunning historical surroundings. These accommodations provide a perfect setting to recharge after a day of exploration, combining rustic charm with modern amenities.

The Kutch region of India boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary tradition that reflects its rich cultural heritage and unique geographic landscape. Traditional meals in Kutch are characterized by the use of local ingredients, bold spices, and age-old cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations.

One of the highlights of Kutch cuisine is the emphasis on hearty, flavor-packed vegetarian dishes, often featuring millet, wheat, and rice. Local specialties include dishes like Dabeli (spicy mashed potatoes served with bread), Kutchi Dabeli (a spicy snack with peanut, pomegranate, and spices), and Kadak Lassi (a thick, salty yogurt drink).

Seafood and meat dishes are also popular, especially in coastal areas, with recipes often featuring fresh fish, chicken, or mutton, cooked with aromatic spices and herbs. Traditional gravies, curries, and grilled meats are commonly served, often accompanied by Chappatis, Bhat (rice), or Khichdi (a rice and lentil dish).

In addition to local flavors, the region’s cuisine has integrated some continental influences, offering a diverse menu that includes flavorful salads, sandwiches, and baked goods, catering to a variety of tastes.

Get a free India : Kutch Safari mini-brochure in PDF format.

Trail Booking Conditions
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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival at Bhuj Airport, where you will be welcomed. Then, drive to check in at a hotel to freshen up and enjoy breakfast. Afterward, proceed for a local sightseeing tour of Bhuj. Return to the hotel, check out, and drive to the White Desert. On the way, visit a 10th-century Sun Temple (Kotay) and Nirona, an artisan village known for Rogan art, copper ball manufacturing, and leather handicrafts. Later, drive to a mud house homestay, where you will stay overnight with locals.
Day 2 Wake up early for tea and coffee, then enjoy a short drive to witness the sunrise at the White Desert and experience a short camel ride. Return to the homestay for breakfast and get ready for horseback riding. Ride across the flat salt pan to Nara, stopping en route for lunch at a designated point. After lunch, visit a local village to experience the culture. Next, drive a short distance to Luna village, known for its crater hole (now a lake). Then, proceed to Hajipir, where your horses will be waiting. Ride on horseback to the camp site, arriving for an overnight stay here.
Day 3 After breakfast, ride on horseback to Lakhpat Fort, an ancient fortress. On the way, visit 2nd-century CE Bodh Caves, temples, and a cave in Guneri village, constructed by a single priest around 100 years ago. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as wild boar, deer, and antelope. Pass through the historic war site of Jara, where a battle took place in 1762 between Kutch and the King of Sindh. Ride on horseback to the lunch point, then visit the aforementioned places. The horses will be loaded onto a truck, and you will continue by bus to Lakhpat Fort, enjoying views of the mangrove jungle along the way. Overnight stay inside the fort walls at the camp.
Day 4 After breakfast, take a short ride around the fort and explore inside. The fort’s 7-kilometer wall is still inhabited, and you will visit ancient temples and a 500-year-old Gurdwara. Drive to visit the ancient temples of Narayansarovar and Koteshwar. Afterwards, head to the lunch point and enjoy a meal on an island. Next, drive to Chhari Dhandh Bird Sanctuary, where you will meet your horses. Ride on horseback to the forest guesthouse, where the camp is set up. Overnight stay here among flamingos, Siberian cranes, and many other bird species.
Day 5 Wake up early for tea and coffee, then ride on horseback to the watchtower, where numerous bird species can be observed. Have breakfast there. Afterward, ride on horseback to an ancient Hindu monastery, known for its cows and peacocks. Visit the monastery, then proceed to Kutch Fossil Park and the homestay. Enjoy stargazing with a knowledgeable guide using a large telescope.
Day 6 After breakfast, ride on horseback to Devpur Castle, passing through a forest where, if lucky, you may spot leopards. From here, the flat salt pans and Banni grasslands end, giving way to lush green farmland, where you will see mangoes, palms, dates, wheat, and the beautiful mustard seed flowers. Arrive at a small 130-year-old castle, where you will be welcomed traditionally for an overnight stay.
Day 7 After breakfast, visit an ancient Yaksh temple, then proceed to Roha Fort. Have lunch, then ride on horseback to Tera Fort, an ancient village. Overnight stay inside the fort walls in a camp.
Day 8 Before breakfast, ride on horseback through a heritage village, where you will see markets and water ponds. This village is famous for Bandej work—observe how the locals craft this traditional textile. Return to the fort, visit the fort, then drive to a Blackbuck Sanctuary to see black deer and the Great Indian Bustard. Later, visit Ashapura Temple for lunch. Your horses will be waiting, and you'll ride along a long, pristine beach to Vijay Vilas Palace Heritage Hotel. Check-in, enjoy dinner at a beachside restaurant, followed by a farewell party or celebration. Overnight at the heritage hotel.
Day 9 According to your flight schedule, depart for the airport with best wishes for a safe journey.

India : Kutch Safari

9 days / 8 nights / 7 riding
£2567pp

This exploratory trail is a brand-new itinerary that hasn’t been ridden by SaddleTravel clients before.

Small group supplement may apply if the group size is smaller than 8 riders. 

Single room supplement: £590

Flights & transfers

Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com.

Please take into account a whole day of travel to reach this destination, the travel day is not included in the itinerary and the booking date indicated on the website day 1 of your stay.

Please plan your flights to/from Bhuj, Gujrat, Domestic Airport at any time on day 1 & day 9.
Which has a great connection by Ahmedabad & Mumbai International Airports.

You can also be picked up from the nearest railway station: Bhuj Railway station, Gujrat. (Well connected by all India Railway Stations)

 

 

Price Includes
  • Airport transfers
  • Train station transfers
  • All meals mentioned in the Itinerary
  • All accommodation from day 1 to 9
  • Transportation while on the trail
  • Horses
  • Guide
Price Excludes
  • Monuments & entry tickets
  • Alcohol - Gujarat is a dry state
  • Flights
  • Insurance