Adventure
& Sports
Polo
Rajputs have been keen equestrian and they take to the horses like a fish to
water. Their taking to polo in big way was only natural. Their association with
polo dates back to the Mughal period and miniature paintings at the Mehrangarh
Fort bear testimony to this early introduction to the game. However, Polo did
not become a passion until the British period when it became a natural and a
marvelous peacetime pursuit.
It was in 1889, when the colourful Prime Minister of Jodhpur Sir Partap Singh
invited the Bengal Lancers to raise the Jodhpur Lancers; Polo was introduced
to Jodhpur in its current modern form. Three years later Jodhpur raised its
Polo Team, which won many accolades home and abroad. In 1897, when Sir Pratap
travelled to London for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, he took his polo team
along, amongst the very first Indian teams to travel abroad, and, for that matter,
foreign teams to invade England and create history. They won many matches there,
at Hurlingham and Ranelagh, and returned with their reputation enhanced; the
finest Indian team during those years. Rajasthan produced many great Polo players,
which include Sir Partap Singh, Rao Raja Hanut Singh, Thakur Hari Singh and
the colourful Maharaja Man Singh II of Jaipur, who took over the pride of jodhpur
as an inevitable gift by being the suave son in law of Jodhpur. Thus the best
of the players and the finest of the polo ponies were shifted to the royal house
of Jaipur, the rest is history.
Golf
The aristocracy were enamoured of the gentlemen's game that was so popular in
British India. Unfortunately, the weather did not permit them the indulgence
of creating golf courses in this arid wilderness, and it was only in Jaipur,
as a part of the large scale palace renovations undertaken by Maharaja Man Singh
that a course was added to the city. That 18-hole course is still the only one
in Jaipur and, in fact, in Rajasthan, and though it is not a professional course,
it is good for a round of golf in what are picturesque surroundings: a palace
next door, and peacocks on the hazards.
Vintage Car Rally
When the first motorcars started coming to India, Rajasthan's princes and aristocracy
were among the earliest to order them. These, in turn, have become the venue
for various rallies. Vintage car rally: An annual event, the Jaipur Vintage
Car Rally has become an important one on the Indian social calendar. Held in
January, and keenly contested, it invites prestigious entries. Since some of
the aristocratic families have still kept their vintages in their garages, the
turnout too is impressive, with some cars dating back to the very early years
of the turn of the century.
However, if you are a vintage car buff, and are likely to miss the rally, you
will find it heartening to note that many of these beauties are still in peak
running condition, and are alos hired out for special occasions, rides, incentive
parties, or marriages.
Bicycling
The most popular mode of transport in Rajasthan could also provide the ideal
leisure, since traveling on a bicycle is almost therapeutic, provides exercise
without being exhausting, and is certainly inexpensive. Bicycles can be hired
almost anywhere in Rajasthan. Though the bikes tend to be basic, they are foolproof
and unlikely to develop major snags. The period of hire can range from a few
hours to a few days. However, those looking forward to doing some serious biking
in the state should opt for buying racing, gear bicycles that are available
in all major towns, and are not expensive. At the end of the trip, such bikes
can either be sold or simply gifted away. Obviously, bikes are ideal when exploring
the countryside where towns are in close proximity (Shekhawati, for example)
or for getting around the hilly idylls of places such as Mount Abu.
Water Sports
Water sports may appear an alien concept in Rajasthan but the presence of large
lakes has actually made the development of such sports possible. Even though
they are not popular yet, the opportunities exist, a fact that was brought home
when the water games during the prestigious Asian Games in 1982 were held at
Jamua Ramgarh on the outskirts of Jaipur.
STEAMER RIDES: The Chambal river can be navigated from Kota to Dholpur
aboard a steamer, with the help of the Forest Department of Kota.
BOATING: Regular boating is offered at several places in Rajasthan, whether
on the lakes in Udaipur, or at places such as Siliserh near Alwar. Rajasthan
Tourism Development Corporation has made paddle boats available at a number
of lakes.
WATER- SKIING: This is a new sport in the arena. An upcoming added sport
for visitors.
ANGLING: For the angler, Rajasthan's lakes and streams teem with game
fish. The fishing expeditions can be undertaken with appropriate licenses in
most of the lakes in Rajasthan. Expensive angling equipment is difficult to
hire locally, and thus is recommended to carry your own rod.
