Here are the iconic Bollywood Shooting locations in India
When it comes to choosing shooting locations in India, moviemakers have managed to find amazing places all over the country. Filmmakers have taken inspiration from the rich culture, history, and natural landscape of our country. Now, these Bollywood shooting locations have become the ultimate travel destination for Indians.
1. Majestic “Baahubali” waterfalls
Ever wondered if you could visit those majestic waterfalls shown in the movie Baahubali? Turns out that you can pay a visit to Athirapally and Vazhachal Falls. That was the exact shooting location for the movie. The falls are now popularly known as Baahubali Falls and have become a major tourist attraction in Kerala.
How to reach:
Chalakudy is the nearest junction to Athirapally Falls and it is connected by bus. You can take public/private vehicles from Chalakudy to Athirapally.
2. Ooty | Bollywood
Ooty in Karnataka has many popular points where some of the most iconic movies of Bollywood have been shot. The super hit song “Chaiyya Chaiyya” from Dil Se and “Dekha Hai Pehli Baar” from Sajan captured the charm of Ooty. Some of the other successful Bollywood movies shot here include Barfi, Sajan, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dilse, and Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani.
How to reach:
You can fly to Coimbatore and reach Ooty via road. The nearest Railway station is Mettupalyam, 40 kilometers from Ooty.
3. Pamban Bridge
Remember that scene where Rameshwaram Chennai Express passes on Pamban Bridge in the movie Chennai Express? It actually exists! And you can take a train ride and experience the thrill. This movie shooting location is something you can’t miss.
How to reach:
The bridge is located about 15 km from the Rameswaram bus stand. You can reach the bridge by government buses or private vehicles.
4. Munnar
The lush Green Valleys and the gorgeous tea plantations of Munnar are one of the most popular shooting locations in India. Be it a small-budget Tamil movie or a grand Bollywood movie, it has always been the first choice for Indian filmmakers. Chennai Express, Nishabd, and Life of Pi have been shot in this part of God’s Own County.
How to Reach:
Cochin International Airport is around 125 km away from Munnar. You can take a road journey from Cochin to Munnar and capture the mesmerizing sights of the surrounding ambiance.
5. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has also been a popular Bollywood movie shooting location in India. From Barfi to Parineeta, many filmmakers have found beauty in Darjeeling. However, the most iconic place where many interesting scenes of the movies were shot was the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which offers a panoramic view of the entire hill station.
How to reach:
The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra which is approximately 95 km away from the city. You can also board a train from Kolkata to Darjeeling or from Bagdogra itself to Darjeeling.
6. Banaras Ghats
Banaras is a place that should be on the travel list of every Indian. Bollywood movies have captured the vibrant and lively essence of Banaras and its ghats, Raanjhanaa and Masaan are two such movies that have done an excellent job. The old-world lanes and traditional homes and their air of mysticism are certainly among the best film-shooting locations to visit in India. Do not miss the Ganga Aarti when you are here.
How to reach:
From the railway station, you can hire any vehicle and reach Godaulia and then walk down to the ghats.
7. The Udaipur Palace
There are many places in Rajasthan that have won the hearts of Indian filmmakers, among which Udaipur is one. It has also become one of the best places for pre-wedding shoots in India. Octopussy, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Guide, Ram Leela, and The Jewel in the Crown are some of the greatest movies that were shot at the grand Udaipur palace.
How to reach:
You can take a flight directly to Udaipur. You can also take a train to the Udaipur station.
8. Pangong Lake
If there is one movie scene that we can never forget, it is the reunion of Raju, Farhan, and Ranchoddas Chanchad by the blue and hypnotizing waters of Pangong Lake. That lake made almost every person dream of traveling to Ladakh at least once. Lakshya, Tashan, 3 Idiots, Sanam Re, and many more movies have been shot here.
How to reach:
Pangong Tso can be reached after a five-hour drive from Leh.
9. Hidimba Devi Mandir
This temple lies in the hill station of Manali in Himachal Pradesh, which happens to be a favorite Bollywood location. The temple devoted to Hidimba Devi, the wife of Bhim from the Indian epic Mahabharata is a beautiful structure, nestled amidst a thick cedar forest. It has served as a filming location for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani as well as the critically acclaimed 1992 drama Roja.
How to reach:
Hire a cab to get to this temple at a distance of 3 kilometers from Manali. The nearest airport is at Kullu, 13 kilometers away from the site.
10. Gulmarg
Located in Kashmir it is a popular winter sports destination for skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing. The snowy hills of Gulmarg have been used for filming many Bollywood films. Saat Khoon Maaf, a famous Bollywood adaption of a short story by Ruskin Bond, starring Priyanka Chopra was shot here. In the movie Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, the characters are supposed to have spent their vacation at Manali but parts of the film were actually shot in Gulmarg.
How to reach:
The Srinagar airport is 56 kilometers away from Gulmarg. It is also well-connected with regular bus services from Srinagar, Sonmarg, and other neighboring towns in Kashmir. Jammu is the nearest railway station, at a distance of 290 kilometers.
These famous shooting locations should be on your list of places to travel in India. Don’t forget to take loads of pictures and also recreate scenes from the movies shot there.
