Cruising with Jane McDonald

In the opening episode of this two‑part series, Jane explores the vibrant, bustling streets of Kolkata, immersing herself in the city's kaleidoscopic chaos. Following her urban wanderings, she embarks on a journey down the Ganges, India’s most sacred river, navigating its historic waters.

The show titled India – Part One is presented as a programme episode that forms the opening half of a two‑part adventure set in India. It is billed simply as an Indian adventure, with no further production details supplied, and it introduces viewers to the journey’s initial stage. In this first instalment, the narrative follows Jane as she navigates the vivid, bustling streets of Kolkata. Surrounded by the city’s colourful chaos, she immerses herself in the local atmosphere before embarking on a river voyage along the Ganges, which is regarded as India’s most sacred waterway. The episode therefore serves as the opening chapter of the wider Indian exploration, moving from the urban energy of Kolkata to the spiritual significance of the Ganges. It juxtaposes the sensory overload of a major metropolis with the tranquil, reverent experience of travelling on a river that holds deep cultural importance. By the end of the programme, viewers are left with a sense of transition—from the crowded, lively streets to the serene flow of the holy river—setting the stage for the continuation of Jane’s journey in the subsequent part of the series.