Hi ho elephant away

They might not be your first choice for a trusty steed but riding elephants is almost a rite of passage for any earnest backpacker. I myself rode my first elephant at four years old - my father took me to Sri Lanka for my birthday and I've had the travelling bug ever since - and have never looked back. A little bumpy, a little hairy but an excellent experience nonetheless. So, for all those not quite as fortunate as I am to have met an elephant early on in their lives, I've hunted out this amazing deal for you

I'm talking about an elephant safari, people. As you must know by now, I'm a massive Indiana Jones fan and every time I think of heading off on the back of an elephant, I get a pleasing mental image of me - complete with whip, funky hat and leather jacket - off on some whirlwind archaeological adventure. What better way to travel when you're in India? According to Indian Adventure, backpackers will get to see a lot more of the Indian countryside as the pachyderms can cross terrain that even jeeps cannot handle. You'll also get to do it in style as a howdah - a large seat strapped to the back of the elephant - is provided so you can ride in comfort in the shade of the Himalayas. Or in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which has been dubbed as one of the best elephant hubs in the country.

According to Robert Downes, author of Planet Backpacker, you're likely to meet elephants anywhere in India - from the countryside to inside Hindu temples - and apparently, you haven't lived until you've ridden one.