(Relaxnews) - There are a handful of iconic places in the world that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. They have always had a particular draw, attracting waves of visitors every year. They have inspired novels, poems, songs and films, and become icons. It is almost impossible to visit them without certain melodies coming to mind.
A good way to discover this rich country is by driving from Mumbai to Delhi. The route allows you to explore much of the country's rich and varied culture. Among other things, you will pass Buddhist caves and traditional Hindu architecture, taste the spicy delights of Indian cuisine, experience the overwhelming bustle of Delhi and take in the Hindu traditions of Mumbai.
Starting in Mumbai, a visit to the ancient markets and bazaars is a must before strolling along Chowpatty Beach. The drive to Delhi includes stops at the Ellora Caves, home to the magnificent Kailasa Temple, the Ajanta Caves in Jalgaon and a visit to Omkareshwar, a holy place for Hindus. Before arriving in Delhi, the route passes by Sanchi, a real melting pot with its Buddhist architecture, temples and monasteries. The final stop in Delhi should include a visit to the ancient bazaars and some of the city's best museums, the National Ghandi Museum and the National Museum.
India has long held a magical appeal for artists around the world as well as generating a wide variety of its own artists. The majority of the tracks below have featured in hit films and all of them capture the magic of the Indian continent.
Playlist:
01. M.I.A. - "Paper Planes" (2008)
M.I.A's "Paper Planes" featured in the hit film 'Slumdog Millionaire,' an adaption of the novel Q&A by Indian author and diplomat Vikas Swarup.
02. Sukhwinder Singh & Sunidhi Chauhan - "Marjanni" (2009)
This track from Sukhwinder Singh and Sunidhi Chauhan featured on the Bollywood film 'Billu' ('Billu Barber' in the USA), which tells the story of the friendship between a movie star and his humble childhood friend.
03. Wajid & Shreya Ghoshal - "Mashallah" (2012)
This track features on the upcoming Bollywood romantic action thriller 'Ek Tha Tiger,' which is slated for release on August 15.
04. Ayushmann Khurrana - "Pani Da Rang" (2012)
"Pani Da Rang" features in the Bollywood romantic comedy 'Vicky Donor,' which was released to critical acclaim both in India and around the world.
05. John McLaughlin/Shakti - "La Danse Du Bonheur" (1976)
Taken from the 1976 studio album "A Handful Of Beauty" by fusion band Shakti.
06. Panjabi MC - "Mundian to bach ke" (1998)
British born Indian musician Panjabi MC fuses bhangra and hip hop to create his unique sound.
07. Shreya Ghoshal - "Latoo" (2008)
This track from Shreya Goshal featured on the the 2008 hit Indian psychological thriller 'Ghajini,' which served as inspiration from Christopher Nolan's 'Memento.'
08. Sonu Nigam - "Saathiya" (2002)
Sonu Nigam, one of India's most famous singers, won the 2002 "Best Male Playback Singer" award at the MTV Immies for this performance of the title track from the film of the same name.
09. Mohammed Rafi - "Dil Ka Bhanwar Kare Pukar" (1963)
Indian playback artist Mohammad Rafi (1924-1980) was awarded the Honda-Stardust "Best Artist of the Millennium" award in India in 2000.
10. Suzanne D'Mello - "Dreams on Fire" (2008)
Suzanne D'Mello performed this hit for the popular 2008 film 'Slumdog Millionaire.'
Listen to this playlist on music streaming service Grooveshark at: http://goo.gl/AyCRm
(no sign in required).
