Virtual Journeys: The Cultural Heart of India

Find the full itinerary here

Method

1. Crush the cardamom pods, black peppercorns and to cloves to create the spice blend.
2. Add the ginger to the boiling water, boil for one minute, and then add the tea and turn the heat down.
3. Add the milk, boil on high for another minute then add the spice blend.
4. Boil for about one minute more until the mixture turns brown, then take it off the heat, filter the tea through a strainer, add sugar to taste, and serve.

Method

1. Wash the tomatoes and chop them into very small cubes. Place in a serving bowl and put aside.
2. Add the chopped shallots to the tomatoes then the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and chilli flakes, and stir together. Cover and place in the fridge for an hour minimum – the longer the better so the flavours really combine.
3. Just before serving, stir in the coriander.
4. Serve as a starter with warm naan bread or as part of a larger Indian feast.

*Kachumber will keep in the fridge for 2 days.

Watch

Lion – Film

‘Lion’ is based on the biographical novel ‘A Long Way Home’ by Saroo Brierley. After accompanying his older brother on a trip outside of his rural village – and the only place he knows - five-year-old Indian boy Saroo accidentally finds himself caught on an empty moving train, all alone, that takes hundreds of miles from home. Unable to find his way back, Saroo is forced to survive as a struggling street child, frequently escaping danger before he is taken to an orphanage and adopted by a loving Australian couple. Twenty-five years later, Saroo sets out to search for the family he unwittingly left behind.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - Film

Seven British pensioners find themselves at the rundown Marigold Hotel in Jaipur, having seen it advertised as an exotic and luxurious retirement home. On finding the glowing potential seems to merely be a fantasy created by the hotel’s young manager, the group try to navigate their disappointment and the inadequacies of the hotel, alongside learning to live in an unfamiliar culture. Soon, however, they become enchanted by their unexpected surroundings and find that if you let go of the past, you can discover new life and new loves. A heart-warming and humorous story with a star-studded cast.

The Darjeeling Limited - Film

The story of three brothers with a turbulent relationship who take a trip together across India by rail in an attempt to rebuilt their familial bond after the accidental death of their father. Through the experiences they have together, they go from arguing and resenting each other to resolving their past issues, all against a backdrop of the beauty of India and its people. Wonderfully eccentric, and as quirky and colourful as you'd expect a Wes Anderson film to be.

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Listen

A.R. Rahman – Score for Slumdog Millionaire

One of India’s most eminent contemporary musicians, A.R. Rahman has composed songs, jingles and scores for many Indian films and television programmes along with personal albums. Though internationally famous before, he is best known for composing the score of Danny Boyle’s 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire for which he won two Academy Awards.

Pandit Ravi Shankar – Music of India

Ravi Shankar is a prolific Bengali musician who popularised Indian music around the world with his hauntingly beautiful melodies. A master of the art of sitar playing, he taught The Beatles’ guitarist George Harrison how to play, as well as influencing many other musicians globally.

Panjabi MC – The Raj

Anglo-English music producer, artist and DJ, Rajinder Singh Rai, better known by stage name Panjabi MC has made his name paying tribute to his Punjabi roots through his music, modernising traditional bhangra by mixing it with elements of garage, hip hop and electronic sounds. His 1998 hit song ‘Mundian to Bach Ke’ was a global hit, endorsed by Jay-Z and one of the best-selling singles of all time. His signature combination of authentic Indian beats with mainstream music is prevalent in his 10th studio album ‘The Raj’.