DVD. Passport to Adventure In this episode Julie ventures into one of the world's harshest environments to camp on the dunes and meet the tribal people that make the desert their home. From the golden city of Jaisalmer, camel caravans take modern day explorers for romantic excursions into the Thar Desert. Julie also rides through the dunes like the ancient Rajput warriors on Marwari horses and visits India's largest desert festival to mingle with the thousands of people and animals that assemble in Pushkar each year. After a week of camels and horses, she makes the migration to one of India's most famous bird sanctuaries, then, takes a peak beyond the walls of India's most enduring symbol, the Taj Mahal.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. The massive Chittaurgarh Fortress in the south of the Indian province of Rajasthan has for many centuries been the epitome of legendary Rajput heroism. However, the Chittaurgarh Fortress did not enter the history books because of its glorious victories but due to its catastrophic military defeats. It is believed that Alaud-Din Khalij, the Sultan of Delhi was, along with his mighty army, the first to lay siege to the Chittaurgarh Fortress. Rather than face defeat, in 1303 the men of the fortress, including their families, decided to commit suicide. Thus the legend of the heroic and superhuman courage of the Rajputs was born. While the men attacked the enemy for the last time, the women chose to kill both themselves and their children by throwing themselves onto the Jauhar, a huge fire. The many beautiful religious buildings of Chittaurgarh, such as the sensually decorated Meera Temple, are in stark contrast to the brutal history of the fortress. Despite many battles, some sections of the Kalika Mata Temple have survived to the present day. The sanctuary dates back to the 7th century and is one of the fortress' oldest buildings. The legend of the Rajputs, who retained their courage and pride even to the death, lives on.

DVD. On Tour. 26 Minutes. The finest way to travel from Siliguri to Darjeeling is by way of the Darjeeling Himalaya Toy Train. The surroundings of Siliguri are well worth a visit and just a few kilometres away is Kali Mandir, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess, Kali and also Coronation Bridge an old but impressive structure that was designed and built by the British in 1930. The small train begins to move away slowly and travels through Siliguri, the buildings of which were constructed after the railroad. There is little traffic as only one train travels into the mountains each morning with another returning in the evening. British engineering made this railroad possible, an 88 kilometre railroad connection to the mountain world of the Himalayas. The idea was to transport the world famous tea of the same name from Darjeeling, quickly, economically and safely to the coast from where it was shipped to the United Kingdom. The passage through Jore Bunglow is so narrow that the police must stop the road vehicles so that the train can travel through the village without danger. Several jeeps gather in the narrow street that is cloaked in a mysterious mist. Finally we arrive at Ghoom Station, at just below 8,000 feet the railroad's highest point. Darjeeling short main street with its many shops and restaurants leads to Charastha Square in which noble buildings are reminiscent of glorious times gone by. Thank you the Darjeeling Himalayan Toy Train for a unique journey and one which will not easily be forgotten!

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Delhi is the political and administrative capital of India and the largest democracy in the world, a melting pot of both culture and religion plus a constantly expanding metropolis that has more than ten million inhabitants. Built on the site of twelve former cities it is the gateway to India and has been the country's centre of power for almost a thousand years. Jama Masjid, the Friday Mosque, is one of old Delhi's main landmarks, bequeathed to the city by the Mogul king, Shah Jahan. Its huge inner courtyard accommodates twenty thousand. Raj Ghat is a memorial to the country's former political leaders and once contained the funeral pyres of Mahatma Ghandi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Ghandi. Rajpath is the name of an impressive three hundred metre wide road flanked by green swathes and luxuriant fountains, remnants of British Imperial rule. The National Rail Museum contains an interesting collection of nostalgic locomotives, carriages and memorabilia and for those who do not wish to risk a journey on India's present day over-packed trains, the museum provides the perfect opportunity to imagine how it must have been on the Indian railroads of old. The Safdar-Jang Mausoleum was built in the final years of Mogul rule and is an architectural monument of this golden era. It contains each design element of this epoch, with a terrace-like substructure, painted stucco and a dome. No other city in this huge and diverse country demonstrates the dramatic history of India with all the intensity of colour as Delhi.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. From the Gateway Of India, the main landmark of India's metropolis of Mumbai, formerly Bombay, numerous ferry boats embark to Elephanta Island. The peaceful, mostly wooded island measures around five square kilometres and is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The exact origin of the cave temples of Elephanta Island is unknown but it is believed that the main cave dates back to the eighth century. The first thing that catches the eye are several mighty columns that stand outside the temple's forty metre long hall. The magnificent sculptures and artistic stonemasonry of the rock temples are one of the highlights of early Hindu art and it is the fascinating interplay of natural beauty and mysterious ruins that creates the unique charm of these unusual religious sanctuaries.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. West of the city of Agra, in India, and surrounded by a ten kilometre long wall, is the fascinating ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri. It is believed that the founding of the town was closely associated with a prophecy made by a teacher of the religious Chishti Order who once lived there. The design of part of the Friday Mosque, once the largest sacred building in India, was based upon the Bibi Khanam Mosque in Samarkand. An inscription refers to the building as having been completed in 1572 thus making it one of the oldest buildings in Fatehpur Sikri. It is believed that the founding of the town was closely associated with a prophecy made by a teacher of the religious Chishti Order who once lived there. In 1569 the prophecy of the legendary mystic came true when the wife of Akhbar The Great gave birth to a long awaited male heir. Delighted at the result of the prophecy the powerful Mughal commanded that his residence be moved from Agra to Sikri, the home of his chief counsellor. Due to a more reliable water supply than that in Fatehpur Sikri, the Mughal ruler also chose Lahore, situated in today's Pakistan, for its strategic advantages but only a few months after his death large sections of the palace buildings began to decay. In a way it is fortuitous that this former royal residence became neglected and abandoned thus, free from struggle and strife, this remnant of Mughal history has managed to survive to the present day.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Tall, proud and powerful, Fort Meherangarh is located on a hill a hundred and twenty metres above the Indian town of Jodhpur. The fort dates back to 1459 and Rao Jodha, the leader of the Rathor, one of the country's most influential aristocratic families. The rooms, halls and courtyards of the palace still exude the legendary atmosphere and magical power of the former maharajas. However, gruesome events once took place in this location: the handprints of a former ruler's wives serve as a reminder of a cruel Hindu tradition. The burning to death of widows on their dead husband's funeral pyre was practised right up until the middle of the 20th century even though the then British colonial leaders prohibited it. Within sight of the fort there is another intriguing landmark of Jodhpur, the Jaswant Thada, magnificent burial place of the Rathor Dynasty. The garden was once used for cremation ceremonies. Its most striking memorial was built in honour of Jaswant Singh The Second. It is not surprising that Fort Meherangarh and the funeral monuments of Jaswant Thada are considered to be among the most important sites Jodhpur, former capital of the Marwar princes.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. On the south eastern periphery of today's metropolis of New Delhi is the large and magnificent tomb of the famous Indian emperor, Humayun. The mausoleum is regarded among art historians as being one of the finest examples of Indian architecture that dates back to the early moghuls of the 16th century. The centre of the tomb complex is surrounded by a tranquil park that is in stark contrast to the normal hustle and bustle of New Delhi. The final resting place of Emperor Humayun is regarded as the model for the almost one hundred year younger Taj Mahal in Agra that was built by Shah Jahan. The acclaimed mausoleum was not the creation of the emperor but of his wife, Haji Begum, who had made construction of the monument possible. The gardens around the tomb have managed to retain their age-old elegance and splendour.

DVD. Cosmos Global Documentaries. 52 Minutes. Like an open gateway into a fascinating world the city of Jaipur leads into the historic and legendary `Land of the Maharajahs', Rajasthan. Although the city has a golden past it has adjusted well to contemporary times and has been spared the bloodshed and military struggles that have been encountered in most other cities in Rajasthan, thus the old part of town has remained almost completely unchanged since it was built in 1727. The water palace of Jal Mahal on Lake Mansagar just outside Jaipur dates back to the 18th century and was used by the maharajas as a hunting residence. Surrounded by a magnificent garden according to Mughal design the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel has the unique atmosphere of an historic residence. Built in 1745 it was the residence of the former prime minister of Jaipur and today enchants visitors from all over the world with its nostalgic charm and unique atmosphere. Located around forty kilometres northwest of Jaipur is one of the most remote and captivating buildings in Rajasthan, the Samode Palace. In 1987 the palace was transformed into a splendid hotel and each year since then it has been voted as the finest and most luxurious hotel in India. Like most other cities in Shekhavati, Mandawa was originally a small village but, due to the construction of a fortress and a city wall, in 1765 the town developed into an important commercial settlement. Today Mandawa is well known for its medieval atmosphere and exceptionally well preserved buildings and is thus one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. Due to its large number of historic and captivating buildings, Udaipur, often referred to as The Venice Of The East, has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rajasthan. Although the golden age of the Rajputs and princes of Rajasthan are no more their legendary lifestyle lives on in age-old stories, huge fortresses and magnificent palaces such as the remarkable Jag Niwas on Lake Pichola.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Along historic walls, numerous beautiful gates lead into the centre of Jaipur. The city's well- preserved old town, built on the orders of Maharaja Jai Singh, gives the impression that it is almost exactly as it was at the time of its creation in 1727. In the 18th century it was believed that both the city and palace were unlikely to encounter hostile attack but subsequent events prove this not to be so. Although a number of military defences existed in 1748, the city was attacked by the Maraths. The exquisite residence of the Maharajas, the Hawa Mahal, otherwise known as the Palace Of The Wind, is now regarded as the finest architectural landmark in Jaipur. However, hiding beyond its magnificent honeycomb-like facade there is a simple staircase: for the building was the domain of the royal harem! Outside the city, close to the route that led to the former capital of Amber, a fairytale-like castle rises up from a small artificial lake. The Jal Mahal was built in the 18th century by Madho Singh for the royal hunt. Due to its many fascinating architectural and cultural treasures, Jaipur is deservedly one of the most popular travel destinations in India.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. The magical and fairy-tale like city of Jaisalmer in the North Indian province of Rajasthan is like something from the One Thousand And One Nights. The construction of the mighty fortress and subsequent creation of the city under Rajputen monarch, Jaisal, took place in 1155. Today the strongly fortified Jaisalmer Palace is entered by a total of three mighty gates that date back to the sixteenth century. The impressive Jain sanctuaries within the palace were partly built in the fifteenth century before the golden age of the Jaisalmers. Four Jain sanctuaries lead almost directly into each other thus at first sight they look like a single large temple complex. Beyond the city walls are many interesting sights: on one side the splendid Thar Desert and, on the other, the traces of the region's former monarchy. Tombs and many magnificent kenotaphs that are decorated mainly with heroic motifs adorn the barren landscape. Festively adorned camels are a reminder of the colourful era of the caravan trains that once traversed the TharDesert and helped to create the city's wealth. Today Jaisalmer continues to be a magical and mystical city and in the centre of the Thar Desert the glittering dream of the One Thousand And One Nights is still very much alive!

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Calcutta, or Kolkata as it has been known since 2001, is the capital of West Bengal and also the second largest city in India. A city of contrasts that could not be more striking with slums, poverty and degrading conditions while nearby the wealthy enjoy all the finer things of life. Once a humble village on the Hooghly River, Calcutta became the capital of British India. Close to the Victoria Memorial is the Orient's first Anglican cathedral, St. Paul's, a remarkable sacred building. Of Indo-Gothic design it was built between 1839 and 1847 and is a legacy of British colonial rule on the banks of the Gulf Of Bengal. The red brick Writers? Building was formerly the headquarters of the East India Company and it was from there that trade was carried out across the entire world. It was also the administrative centre for Bengal, Burma and Pakistan. Kalighat is the oldest pilgrimage destination in the world. Narrow pathways lead to a Shiva temple along with stalls selling souvenirs and religious offerings. The sanctuary was built in 1809 and is still busy today as taxis and bicycle rickshaws wait for the thousands of pilgrims that go there each day. In Kolkata the Hindu doctrine of a better life after rebirth is, for many, the only hope that they can cling to. Nevertheless, Kolkata is one of the most fascinating metropolises in the world and also one in which chaos reigns supreme!

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. A centuries old sanctuary towers above the Indian town of Konark that is situated in Orissa Province on the Gulf Of Bengal. The Surya, or Sun Temple, lies at the heart of a fascinating temple complex that, more than seven hundred and fifty years after it was built, remains a splendid sight. The temple has always had a special symbolic and religious significance and was designed as a gigantic wagon for the sun god, Surya. The twelve wheels on each side of Konark's large assembly hall, the Jagamohan, symbolize each month of the year. In addition to the filigree wheels, the many erotic figures at the base of the sun temple attract much attention and demonstrate an abundance of joie de vivre. Once a year the temple serves as a venue for a popular dance and music festival. It is then that the splendid culture of Orissa celebrates its rebirth and the sun temple once again becomes an impressive focal point in historic Konark.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is one of the largest cities in the world with a population of around seventeen million and was constructed on a headland that extends for twenty two kilometres into the Arabian Sea. In 1853 Bombay had its first railroad and the Indian rail network was soon extended. The Victoria Terminus was built and is one of the most impressive train stations in the world. The lavishly decorated brown sandstone building dates back to1888 and is the most beautiful Victorian Gothic building in India, built during the high season of British colonial rule. The Dhobi Ghats or Banks Of The Washers is the name of the `Biggest laundrette in the world'. In the open air hundreds of dhobis do much of the city's `laundry'. In small allotments surrounded by low walls, launderers wash from dusk to dawn. On Malabar Hill between the villas of numerous film stars and luxury apartments is the fascinating Adishwarji Jain Temple, a good place in which to gain an insight into the harsh rituals of the wealthy faithful who worshipped the first Jain saints. The legendary Hotel Taj Mahal Palace with its striking fa?ade and red cupolas had a spectacular origin. When industrial mogul, Tata, was refused entry to a British hotel restaurant by a sign that stated, FOR EUROPEANS ONLY, he decided to build the city's finest hotel. Nowhere else are India's many remarkable contrasts so obvious and nowhere else can India be experienced so intensely as in Mumbai, mega metropolis and unique Gateway To India!

DVD. Questar. 6 Hours. Myanmar (Burma): Triumph of the Spirit Faith and quiet devotion is a way of life in this reclusive nation, once known as Burma, shackled by military dictatorship and repression. More than 85% of the population practice Buddhism. On the path to enlightment, they make daily visits to such historic religious sites as the stunning Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. Taj Mahal: Heaven on Earth In India, the search for life's meaning takes many paths. The symbol of this intensely spiritual country is the Taj Mahal, considered by many to the "the most beautiful building in the world." This exquisitely photographed program also explores the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. EXTRA FEATURE Interview with series composer Chris Spheeris who talks about opening his ears and heart to the indigenous music on this series evocative soundtrack. Academy award nominee Edward James Olmos narrates this mesmerizing 13 part series that guides viewers on an epic journey to some of the world's most sacred places. Reverent, historically accurate, and beautifully photographed, Mystic Lands chronicles a diverse array of spiritual practices around the world, including the established monotheistic practices of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Viewers will also experience the spirit life of devout ancient cultures.

DVD. Cosmos Global Documentaries. 52 Minutes. Nanuk is the leader of a dog team who, along with a group of four men, will travel through the remarkable though demanding terrain that is the Himalayas. The first leg of the potentially hazardous expedition travels more than three thousand five hundred metres above sea level to the high plains of Zanskar in the regions of both Jammu and Kashmir. Some of the supplies that had been carried on the sledges have to be transported by sherpas who are surprisingly ill-equipped for the weather. Heavy snowfall and avalanches also hinder the journey and the expedition begins to slow down. The risks are now becoming too much for the sherpas and an interpreter informs the expedition team that they are unwilling to continue the journey as the snow is too deep and it looks as though even more is on its way. The team decides to split up into two groups. Erich Proell, Volker Raus and the sherpas return to Kargil with most of the equipment. For Horst Maas and Eric Coraros the journey continues towards Zanskar but their food is in short supply. The Thikse Monastery is part of the Gelupka Order to which the Dalai Lama belongs. Unlike Tibet that is occupied by the People's Republic Of China, Tibetan Buddhism is still undertaken here in its original form. Leh, a town with a population of twenty thousand that is located in the Indu Valley, is the centre ofLadakh's tourist industry. In the winter months it is peaceful and relaxed except when there's a game of polo. Unlike most other countries in the world, polo in northern India is not reserved for an elite upper class but is instead a national sport. Indeed, each large village boasts its own polo field. Suddenly all the tension of the past few weeks has disappeared as after several days of worry and uncertainty both teams are reunited in what has turned out to a highly successful expedition.

DVD. Passport to Adventure India is symbolic of many different things. To some it's poverty and overcrowding, to others, it's the opulent Taj Mahal. Julie's adventure begins in the chaotic city of Delhi, where she explores the old section of the city and it's bustling bazaars in a rickshaw. The white water of the Ganges is her vehicle to explore this exotic and deeply spiritual region. Her three day raft trip descends through thrilling rapids, and past farms, villages and temples. Julie visits with the people who make their home along the river's banks and takes part in an ancient Hindu ceremony honoring sacred " Mother" Ganges. In the spiritual center of Rishikesh, she takes a peak inside an `ashram', where seekers gather to meditate and pursue their path to enlightenment. To round out the adventure, she takes a tour of one of India's many national parks on elephant back!

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Rajasthan, Land Of Kings and one of the most unique and colourful provinces in northern India on the border with Pakistan. The barren desert landscape was once the home of the Rajputes that ruled over the land for more than a thousand years. Our journey begins in Jaipur, the Pink City, where the buildings consist of the reddish stone of the surrounding landscape. Much to the surprise of tourists the local people continue to use the elephant as a means of transport in this splendid trading town. However, modern traffic with its cars, tuk-tuk taxis and countless bicycles has also found its way into this fairytale-like city. An artificial lake suddenly appears in the centre of which is the beautiful Jal Mahal Castle. Amid the arid, rocky landscape is the original residence of the Rajputes clan, the Amber Fort that is strategically situated within rock walls. The small town of Churu is flanked on both its south and west sides by sand dunes. It is believed that it was founded in 1563 by the Jats. It subsequently became important as the supplier of caravans for the Poddar family that brought the village a long period of prosperity. The white temples of Ranakpur are the sanctuaries of the Jains, situated in a picturesque valley to the west of the Aravalli Mountains north of Udaipur. Rajasthan is the Land Of The Maharajas in all its splendour: a living fairy-tale beneath the desert sky.

DVD. 7 Days. 52 Minutes. Rajasthan is Land Of Kings and one of the most unique and colourful provinces in northern India on the border with Pakistan. The barren desert landscape was once the home of the Rajputes that ruled over the land for more than 1,000 years. Our journey begins in Agra. Situated on the border with Rajasthan this imposing metropolis of the Moguln monarchs is an ideal starting point. The palace city, the Red Fortress, was three generations in construction. A two and a half kilometre long wall with many bastions surrounds a spacious inner courtyard and numerous palace buildings. Although artistic stone masonry decorates a number of red sandstone arcades, most of the buildings are of marble. The ruling monarch and his royal household once held official events in the public audience hall, the 70 meter long, Diwan-I-Am. The city on the Jamuna River is full of life. Hustle and bustle are typical within the crowded streets of the former capital of the Mongul realm. It is like a medieval city with market stalls and tiny workshops, narrow lanes, colourful shops and traditional buildings. The Etimad-Ud-Doulah Mausoleum is a jewel of Mogul architecture. Around ten kilometers north of Agra close to Sikandra is the large tomb of Emperor Akbar who was one of the wisest Mogul monarchs. He ruled over the Indian Empire for almost half a century and was known to be extremely tolerant of religions other than his own. The sleepy desert town of Mandawa captures the unique charm of this extraordinary region like no other. Gravel roads and sandy lanes travel past old houses with romantic inner courtyards. India's flair and diversity is very much alive here. The Land Of The Maharajas in all its splendor: Rajasthan is a living fairy-tale beneath the desert sky.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Ranakpur, set close to the impressive backdrop of the Aravalli Mountains, contains one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Northern India. In the 15th century, around a hundred kilometres north of the ancient royal city of Udaipur, the followers of the Jain religion built an architectural gem: the most important sanctuary in Ranakpur, the four thousand square metre ChaumukhTemple. The beautiful domed ceiling that depicts the sixteen goddesses of wisdom, the Vidjadevi, forms the centre of the temple's main hall. The lively portrayal of both the dancing figures and general ornamentation of the marble columns is in stark contrast to the enraptured Jain sculptures. The crouching figures within the niches stare out with ghostly eyes and thus create a mysterious atmosphere inside the temple. Even today the temple site of Ranakpur that contains some of the most important examples of Jain architecture, has lost nothing of its original splendour.