Simon Reeve follows the sacred waters of the Ganges from source to sea, exploring how India's economy has affected its religious culture. Along the way he meets westerners in Rishikesh seeking spiritual enlightenment, takes a holy dip in the fast-flowing waters at Haridwar and discovers how the river is being severely polluted in Kanpur. While there, Simon hears allegations that holy cows are secretly being slaughtered to fuel a booming leather trade. Finally, at Sagar Island in the Indian Ocean, Simon wonders how long India's age-old sacred river can survive its economic boom.