The Real Marigold Hotel

In the first episode the group arrives at their new home in Jaipur - a private mansion known as a haveli in the heart of the old city - and are initially unsettled by the realities of living in India: hectic roads, animals in the street, chickens killed to order and poor toilet facilities. The heat and hard work makes them consider whether they can do this alone or need to take advantage of the cheap staff costs to settle here. Jaipur is full of hundreds of years of history, best seen in its impressive buildings, so the group head out to visit the jewel in Jaipur’s crown, the 500 year old Amer Fort. Their guide also offers to show them his local home where they begin to understand the gulf between rich and poor and the impact of the caste system. They are also invited to take tea with Jaipur’s royal family at the opulent Rambagh Palace, where they mix with high society in the finest surroundings. Chef Rosemary is finding it hard to unwind from her normal hectic life, so tries meditation for the first time and is surprised by the results. Meanwhile, dancer Wayne makes the most of his wish to explore his spiritual side by attending the daily morning prayers and visiting the beautiful Galti Ji temple, which is home to a troop of mischievous monkeys. To end their first week the cast throw a party to meet their new neighbours, with special performances, as they begin to feel more at home on the other side of the world.

The group take part in laughing yoga, with hilarious results. Then go in search of a cultural fix, finding it in the heart of Jaipurs largest slum which has been home to acrobats, magicians and puppeteers for centuries. They visit Varanasi, a hugely popular destination and one of the holiest Hindu cities in India. Hindus visit to be purified by the waters of the Ganges and to cremate their dead in the hope they have the best chance of reaching nirvana. Settling into local life, they attend Ganesh Chaturti festival, one of the highlights of the Hindu calendar and a riot of colour and noise, packed with people, floats and elephants. Bobby and Jan lead the group in a hunt for property. Bobby is keen to find somewhere to buy, while Jan falls in love with the idea of renting an apartment in a haveli amongst a local family. With one week left of their Indian adventure, what conclusions will they reach about the realities of retiring to the other side of the world?

Britt Ekland, Duncan Bannatyne, Dame Zandra Rhodes, Paul Chuckle, Henry Blofeld, John Altman, Susie Blake and Barbara Dickson arrive in Puducherry and settle into their new home.

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