Michael Portillo embarks on an epic railway journey from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh to Kolkata in West Bengal. Show more

Michael Portillo's rail adventure begins in the Punjab and takes him from the Sikh holy city of Amritsar to the former imperial summer capital, high in the hills at Shimla. Show more

At Kalka, Michael is rewarded with his first glimpse of the Himalayas and boards the mountain railway for the spectacular 7,000 feet climb over 60 miles to Shimla. Show more

From his Agra hotel, Michael Portillo enjoys a ringside view of the glorious Taj Mahal before heading out for a closer look and to hear the love story behind its construction. Show more

Michael Portillo travels by camel along what was the Silk Route to the village of Osiyan, where desert tribes still follow traditional lives. Show more

Michael Portillo resumes his rail journey from Lucknow to Kolkata. He visits the Buddhist monks of Bodh Gaya, and is given a lesson in meditation. Show more