Ep 4. A Close Shave

In Michael Palin's Around the World in 80 Days season 1 episode 4, titled "A Close Shave," the intrepid traveler continues his journey from Egypt to India. Starting in the port city of Bombay (now Mumbai), Palin takes the viewer on a whirlwind tour of India's sights and sounds. From its bustling cities to its tranquil countryside, India is a country of contrasts and surprises.

Palin begins his Indian adventure with a visit to a barbershop, where he gets a close shave and learns about India's rich tradition of grooming and personal care. From there, he heads to the Crawford Market, one of Mumbai's oldest and largest markets. Here, he samples some of the local foods and meets some of the colorful characters who make their living at the market.

After his visit to the market, Palin heads to the Gateway of India, a majestic archway that was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Here, he learns about India's colonial past and its struggle for independence. From there, he takes a boat ride to Elephanta Island, where he explores some of India's most ancient and mysterious temples, carved into the rock face of the island.

Back on the mainland, Palin heads to the city of Jaipur, where he visits the City Palace and learns about the history of the Maharajas of Rajasthan. He also takes a ride on an elephant and explores some of the city's bustling markets and bazaars.

Next, Palin makes his way to the holy city of Varanasi, where he witnesses the daily rituals of life on the banks of the Ganges. Here, he sees the cremation ghats and learns about the importance of the river in Hindu culture. He also visits some of the city's ancient temples and takes a boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise.

From Varanasi, Palin travels to the city of Calcutta (now Kolkata), where he learns about the city's colonial history and its role in India's struggle for independence. He also visits some of the city's vibrant markets and samples some of the local street food.

Finally, Palin heads to the northeastern state of Assam, where he visits a tea plantation and learns about the history and culture of India's most popular beverage. He also takes a ride on a steam train and explores some of the region's beautiful landscapes and ancient temples.

Throughout "A Close Shave," Michael Palin offers an engaging and insightful look at one of the world's most complex and fascinating countries. From the chaos of Bombay to the tranquility of Elephanta Island, from the grandeur of the City Palace to the rituals of life on the banks of the Ganges, Palin captures the essence of India with wit, humor, and affection. Whether you've been to India or you're planning a visit, "A Close Shave" is a must-see for anyone with an interest in this captivating country.