Watch Welcome to India

Welcome to India is a travel documentary series presented by the chef and restaurateur, Cyrus Todiwala, and the wildlife filmmaker, Aditya "Dicky" Singh, both of whom hail from India. Produced by BBC TWO, the show is a delightful exploration of the culture, history, and culinary delights of the second most populous country in the world.

The series is divided into six episodes, with each one covering a different region of India. In the first episode, Todiwala and Singh land in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), the capital city of the eastern state of West Bengal. They explore the city's famous Victoria Memorial, take a ride on the iconic trams, visit the flower market, and discover the city's rich culinary heritage, including its street food.

In the second episode, the duo travels to the southern state of Kerala, which is known for its lush greenery, tranquil backwaters, and spices. They visit the tea plantations of Munnar, meet the toddy tappers who extract sap from coconut trees, and witness the famous boat races. Todiwala also cooks up some delicious seafood dishes using the fresh catch from the Arabian Sea.

The third episode takes Todiwala and Singh to the western state of Rajasthan, which is famous for its forts, palaces, and desert landscapes. They visit the stunning Amber Fort in Jaipur, ride on camels in Jaisalmer, and attend the spectacular Jodhpur Riff festival, where they meet some of the state's most talented musicians. Todiwala also shows off his skills in cooking a traditional Rajasthani dal.

In the fourth episode, the duo heads to the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, which is the birthplace of India's most famous monument – the Taj Mahal. They also visit the holy city of Varanasi, which is located on the banks of the River Ganges and is considered one of the oldest living cities in the world. They explore the city's narrow alleyways, take a boat ride on the river, and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. Todiwala also whips up some delicious vegetarian dishes that are popular in Uttar Pradesh.

In the fifth episode, Todiwala and Singh travel to the northeastern state of Assam, which is known for its tea plantations, wildlife, and traditional textile weavers. They explore the Kaziranga National Park, which is home to the rare one-horned rhinoceros, take a dip in the hot springs of Sivasagar, and learn how to weave the famous Assamese silk. Todiwala also cooks up some spicy Assamese fish curry and a mouth-watering tea leaf salad.

The final episode of the series takes Todiwala and Singh to the western state of Maharashtra, which is known for its bustling cosmopolitan cities, ancient caves, and beaches. They explore the vibrant city of Mumbai, visit the iconic Gateway of India and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, taste the city's famous street food, and attend a Bollywood dance class. Todiwala also prepares some of Mumbai's most popular dishes, including pav bhaji and vada pav.

Throughout the series, Todiwala and Singh not only showcase India's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also highlight the country's diverse cuisine. They meet local people, try out the local food, and Todiwala even cooks up some dishes using his own unique twist. The series is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the taste buds, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves travel, food, and culture.