Air date: 1997-11-17

Runtime: 50 min

In this first programme Valmik Thapar surveys the land of Kanha, where the tiger still rules the jungle.

Air date: 1997-11-24

Runtime: 50 min

Valmik Thapar travels along the great river basins of India, following the scared Ganges on its 1,000-mile path to the sea. Along the way he tries to avoid the famous man-eating tigers in the Sunderbans, the swamp that contains over 500 of them.

Air date: 1997-12-01

Runtime: 50 min

As Valmik Thapar cruises around the Indian Ocean, he encounters a member of the planet's largest fish species, manta rays, and elephants taking a refreshing dip after a hard day hauling timber on the islands.

Air date: 1997-12-08

Runtime: 50 min

Sweeping across north-west India, the Indian, or Thar, desert is teeming with life. Valmik Thapar learns how creatures such as birds, gazelle and antelope are revered by the desert dwellers.

Air date: 1997-12-15

Runtime: 50 min

Writer Valmik Thapar encounters a rich variety of wildlife when he travels through the world's highest mountain range - the Himalayas. He begins his journey in Ladakh, an ancient Buddhist kingdom on India's northern borders where faith plays a vital part in people's lives

Air date: 1997-12-26

Runtime: 50 min

On the final stage of his epic journey, Valmik Thapar travels to the rain forests of Assam, southern India's Western Ghats, and across the seas to Sri Lanka.