The Ganges With Sue Perkins

Sue travels from the summit of Shivling, the Ganges' source and the center of the Hindu universe, to the mountain town of Rishikesh. As she descends from the mountains, she meets Hindu holy men, wealthy tycoons and local families.

The ancient and modern collide as the river crosses the plain. Varanasi is a hub of Hindu bathing and death rituals, and Sue explores the paradox of the immense spiritual power held by some of the most polluted water in the world.

Sue's journey to the sea takes her first to Patna, a city fast becoming India's Silicon Valley. Other stops include the chaotic city of Kolkata and the mangroves of the Sundarbans, where villagers live in fear of tiger attacks.

Watch Sue Perkins explore the waters of the Ganges and find out how holy it is.

Sue Perkins starts her journey at the origin of the Ganges and follows the sacred river.

Watch to find out more about Varanasi, a city where 150 bodies are burned every day!

Sue Perkins wonders why more westerners are drawn to Eastern religions. She explores the ‘Ashrams’ in Rishikesh in search of an answer. Follow along!