Recreate Paul Merton’s travels in India with The Adventure Company

Following the success of Paul Merton in China last year, Channel Five once again follows the comedian and presenter as he tours India for a new five-part series, starting Wednesday 8th October 2008.

Those inspired to follow in Paul Merton’s footsteps can do so with tour operator The Adventure Company which offers around a dozen off-the-beaten track trips in India.

Paul Merton in India begins in Delhi, where Merton learns about etiquette and encounters street monkeys, before his journey continues across the rugged terrain of the North to the sultry heat of the South. Along the way, the ‘unlikely explorer’ meets interesting characters, discovers amazing wildlife and investigates Indian culture and religious tradition.

Led by local guides, The Adventure Company’s trips to India also aim to get to the heart of the fascinating country and give travellers an insight into life away from the tourist trail.

Below are just two of the company’s India trips – for the full selection see www.adventurecompany.co.uk where 2009 prices and dates are now available.

Tropical South – 16 days from £899

From the shore temples of Mahalbalipuram across the plains entering Kerala to the exquisitely carved temple towers of Tanjore and Madurai, this is a fascinating journey through India’s mystical deep south.

ravellers will visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary to look for sambar, otters, wild boar, gaurs, an abundance of birdlife and perhaps even elephant, tigers and leopard. At Kumarakom, the group will experience a special homestay in a backwater village before boarding a houseboat for a cruise along the palm-lined rivers, lagoons and emerald-green rice paddies of Malabar.

Prices for The Adventure Company’s Tropical South tour start from £899 per person (including local payment but excluding flights) for departures between January and April 2009. Flight-inclusive packages are also available and prices may vary according to regional departures. To book, see www.adventurecompany.co.uk or telephone 0845 609 0889.

Tiger Trails & Taj Mahal Family Adventure – 11 days from £699

This family adventure travels to the three majestic and captivating cities that make up India’s Golden Triangle – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. In Delhi, families will take a city tour of the bustling markets, bazaars, mosques and temples before travelling by train to Agra to enjoy sunrise at what has been described as the world’s most beautiful building – the Taj Mahal. En route to the pink city of Jaipur, the trip spends two nights at Ranthambore National Park where crocodiles, deer, leopards and tigers can be encountered on game drives.

Prices for The Adventure Company’s Tiger Trails & Taj Mahal Family Adventure start from £699 per person (adult or child) for half-term departures in February 2009. This price includes local payments but excludes flights. Flight-inclusive packages are also available and prices may vary according to regional departures. To book, see www.adventurecompany.co.uk or telephone 0845 609 0890.

For those travelling without children, the Golden Triangle Route can also be followed on the Wildlife and Moghul Cities tour from The Adventure Company’s Worldwide Adventures brochure.

-Ends-

Visit The Adventure Company’s online press office for archived press releases and images: www.adventurecompany.co.uk/press-office.aspx

For media information, please contact Kate Popham / Kylie Jenkins at The Saltmarsh Partnership on 020 7928 1600 or email kate@saltmarshpr.co.uk / kylie@saltmarshpr.co.uk