ver since Discovery launched Travel & Living (DT&L;) channel in October 2004, speculation has been rife on how far the channel would blend Indian flavours into its programming. After all, launching a purely international lifestyle channel from India was of no small consequence. The speculations got a further shot in the arm after Discovery Communications announced soon after that it was planning to commission programmes in India.

Though parent channel Discovery took eight years to launch a regular Discover India block - in April 2003 - DT&L; maintained a rather global outlook (with the exception of Floyd's India) only for four months after which it launched the first India-specific show Incredible India Week. Other India-centric programmes included Madhur Jaffrey's Flavours of India and Planet Food's special edition on Southern India, besides India-centric shows on Lonely Planet and Globe Trekker. Most of these programmes were acquired from various production houses in the country. ... more