Beach Horse Riding Safari Introduced in Mangaluru
the countryside and heritage safaris can extend up to 90 minutes While the beach ride lasts about an hour. Visitors are given 15 to 30 minutes of basic training, including instructions on how to lead the horse and the safety precautions to be followed, said Avinand. The academy currently has 20 horses, including 14 from Mangaluru and six in Sakleshpur. The academy hopes to showcase the initiative to chief minister DK Shivakumar during his visit to Mangaluru for the cabinet meeting on Sept 18.
Founded by Avinand Achanahally, the academy has introduced three packages designed to offer visitors a different way of experiencing the coast, on horseback.
“The response from tourists, particularly those outside the district, has been encouraging,” Avinand said. Avinand said all the horses have been trained and necessary safety measures are in place. We also conduct safaris in Sakaleshpur through coffee plantations and the region’s natural landscapes,“ he said. Avinand said discussions had also been held with the DC.
Though the concept is relatively new in Karnataka, similar experiences are available in Gujarat, Mumbai and Kerala, while destinations like Dubai, Bali and Morocco have successfully developed horse safaris as major tourism attractions. The heritage horse safari, takes visitors to old temples and basadis, combining horseback riding with an introduction to the region’s history and heritage. Prior horse-riding experience is not required. Handlers accompany riders throughout the safari, with one lead horse moving ahead and another handler following the rider. “Water sports like surfing and kayaking have picked up in a big way in Mangaluru. We want horseriding also to emerge as a major tourist attraction. “The long-term ambition is to develop horse safaris into a signature attraction for Mangaluru’s coastline, drawing inspiration from established equestrian tourism destinations like Dubai, Indonesia and Abu Dhabi.