Here is something even the most ardent music lover might not know about. In the 1960s, those in the know of the jazz scene in Los Angeles, California heard a new sound of music – that of a Hindustani classical instrument. An Indian sitarist, Harihar Rao, had started doing the rounds of the jazz bars of the city, especially the legendary jazz venue Manne-Hole. The reason? He had teamed up with American artistes, including Los Angeles-born and bred jazz great Don Ellis, to form the Hindustani Jazz Sextet. It is believed that Don Ellis’s music underwent a profound change after he formed this little known band and together Rao and Ellis performed to many a packed crowd at Manne-Hole.

Manne-Hole is no longer in business but if you visit 1608 North Cahuenga in Hollywood, California you will find a commemorative plaque marking this historic music venue where the best of the best jazz legends (think Bill Evans, and the club owner Shelly Manne who was himself a great jazz drummer) once mingled and played.

Apart from the jazz circuit, Los Angeles remains a great favourite for vacations among Indians especially because of famous landmarks such as Universal Studios and Disneyland but there’s much more to do in Hollywood town.

Head to Miracle Mile area where the Museum Row will delight any art lover with a series of galleries and museums where you can spend the whole day taking in wonderful art and design. Check out the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) first and then move on to Peterson Automotive Museum and the interesting Craft & Folk Art Museum – all just next door to each other.

Do an Art Deco Walking Tour with Los Angeles Conservancy that will take you through the city’s beautiful heritage buildings as you take a deep dive into the building style, materials and technique of the 20s and 30s.

Spend the your last couple of days shopping on Rodeo Drive or relaxing on Venice Beach for an end to the perfect Los Angeles adventure!