We Indians love our Bollywood flicks — whether we accept it or not. While we journey with our stars through their emotions, romance, jokes, action, and drama, we also travel with them to some remarkable destinations. Gone are the days when love songs used to be shot only in Switzerland. Now, filmmakers are turning their attention toward India as well, since our country has so many unknown destinations to explore. From sites with breathtaking landscapes to regular city lanes, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, and from historic, heritage spots to small, quaint towns, we have seen so many remarkable Bollywood destinations across the years. Below are 10 of these short-listed Bollywood destinations, which shall awaken the wanderlust within you.
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Table of Contents
Rajasthan
An exhaustive list of Bollywood flicks have showcased The Pink City as its location. Mostly, we have seen Amer Fort or Amber Fort, the World Heritage Site, located 11 Km from Jaipur. Your favorite historical movies like Bajirao Mastani, Veer, and Jodha Akbar highlighted this place. Even Bol Bachan was shot here. When here, other spots that you can visit are Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, and Nahargarh Fort.
And what about Udaipur? From the 1965 film Guide to Ram Leela, Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, and even Hollywood flicks like Octupussy and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, this spot is famous for its attractions like Oberoi Udaivillas and City Palace.
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Goa
Goa is, of course, another unmissable Bollywood location. From Dil Chahta Hai to Dear Zindagi, Finding Fanny, and Drishyam, the scenic beauty of this beach state is a sight to behold. In Drishyam, Ajay Devgan takes a shopping tour to Panaji. Again, Dil Chahta Hai made the Chapora Fort extremely popular. Chapora rests above a steep hill and lends an awesome view of the sea below. This site previously served as a base camp for Mughal Emperor Akbar and is located quite close to Vagator Beach.
Additionally, when in Goa, other Bollywood shooting spots you can see include Old Patto bridge, Dona Paula jetty, Shantadurga temple and Aguada Fort.
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Kerala
Kerala’s Athirappilly Waterfalls is one of the sites which was the heavenly location for the iconic Bollywood movie Baahubali. Again, the hit Hindi song ‘Barso Re’ from the movie Guru was also filmed here. Since then, this fall, which is the largest waterfall in Kerala, has become a famous tourist destination. Other sites you can explore in God’s Own Country are Kauthuka Park, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, and Charpa Falls. Also, Munnar, which is also in Kerala, was featured in films like Chennai Express, Life of Pi, and Nishabd.
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Punjab
When we say Punjab, one of the first locations that strike our minds is the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The Sikh Gurudwara and holy site has appeared in so many movies and even television serials. One of the shots in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi beautifully captured the beauty of this temple. Additional spots you can explore in the vicinity are Central Sikh Museum, Jallianwala Bagh, Partition Museum, and Amritsar Heritage Walk.
Certain locations of Punjab have been showcased in other movies as well such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Namastey London, and Veer Zaara. Seriously, the marvelous visuals of lush green fields and sugarcane farms definitely make us desperate to go there for a visit.
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Ladakh
Most of us would recognize Ladakh from the Pangong Tso Lake where the final scene of 3 Idiots concluded — when Rancho meets with Pia, his two best friends, and mortal enemy Chatur. However, several other Bollywood films have highlighted the scenic beauty of this location, including Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Dil Se, Lakshya, and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. A popular tourist attraction spot for bikers and honeymoon couples, other places that you can visit here are Khardung La Pass, Thiksey Monastery, and Hemis Monastery.
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Kashmir
Alia Bhatt’s smash-hit movie Highway gave us some of the most breathtaking views of Kashmir. Of course, we know this state for its epic gondola rides and skiing. But the directors of the film went a step further in exploring Kashmir’s exceptional beauty. Again, the trekking scene of Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani and striking views offered in Rockstar and Mission Kashmir have made it another popular Bollywood destination. While here, you can also visit Alchi Monastery, Raghunath Temple, and Hazratbal Shrine.
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Old Delhi
Delhi, India’s capital, has its own charm — an aspect that has made it a frequent spot for numerous Bollywood hits. In Fanna, we see Purana Qila, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar and Red Fort. Again, Rockstar has managed to showcase the old beauty of the city through its various shots of Delhi’s college campus life. Other popular attractions in Delhi are Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Darya Khan’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, and India Gate.
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Himachal Pradesh
One of the most featured destinations in Bollywood flicks, Himachal’s Rohtang Pass, has been depicted in Jab We Met, Highway, Dev D and others. Covered with snow, pines, and spectacular landscapes, this stretch of grey sand route is best for those who wish to embark on a thrilling road trip.
Again, you must have heard the song Yeh Ishq Hai; from Jab We Met right? Well, the colorful number from Kareena Kapoor was filmed in Naggar Castle, another beautiful spot in Himachal Pradesh.
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West Bengal
West Bengal, especially Kolkata, was shown in all its grandeur in Kahaani, Bari, Gunday, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy, etc. We have caught glimpses of the Howrah Bridge, its grand Durga Pooja celebrations, and other cultural spots in these flicks. Even Darjeeling was portrayed so beautifully in Barfi. Other activities highlighted in films include tram rides in the crowded city and the thriving coal business in the City of Joy.
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Tamil Nadu
Golmaal 4 was shot in Ooty. The striking tea gardens in the songs shall immediately inspire you to get packing and land in this location. Other flicks that have featured the state are Sajan and Raaz. Some scenes of Dil Se were also filmed here, revealing its multi-hued beauty.
So did we manage to get you excited enough? If you are addicted to Bollywood flicks and have wanted to travel to places visited by your favorite stars, then start planning and have the best days of a lifetime!