Whether it is a photograph or a Bollywood movie or a simple series on television, a beautiful backdrop plays a very important part. Movies are known for their breathtaking picturesque locations and cinematography. Whether it is a Yashraj movie or a simple travel show, the filmmakers take extra effort in going to places to get the best of a shot. The Indian film industry is probably one of the best ways to promote tourism in even the remotest and most offbeat places in our country. It may be an ordinary location, but as soon as you put it in a Bollywood movie, it becomes a popular tourist destination. India has got quite an impressive number of beautiful locations that have featured now and then in different movies. You along with your partner or friends can visit these places and get a feeling of right inside a film scene. On the way, do not forget to book hotels on hourly basis or couple-friendly hotel rooms for a hassle free and comfortable trip all along.
Here are some of the top Bollywood shooting locations in India
1-Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh
Many filmmakers fancy this location to be featured in their movies. Movies like “Jab we met” and “highway” have been shot here. With the majestic Himalayas, snow, and a scenic view, Rohtang Pass is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country. There is a narrow stretch of road lined by snow several feet high. It is the most sort after destination for road trips. It is as much as heavenly as adventurous. May to October is the best time to visit this place.
2-Chapora fort and Aguada fort, Goa
The love for Goa generated with the movie “Dil Chahta hai” where all the three actors went on a road trip to Goa to enjoy life and celebrate friendship. After that, there is no looking back for any other destination. It has also been featured in other movies like Dhoom, Golmaal, Rangeela, etc. You can always plan with your friends and book a hotel in Goa to have a trip of a lifetime. The land of the sun, sands, and ocean is all about letting go and having the best moment of life.
3-Pangong lake
Features in movies like 3 idiots, lakshya, and Tashan, Pangong Lake is one of the most sorts after Bollywood location in the country. This lake is just a five-hour drive from Leh. May to September is the best time to visit this Lake. If you want to view the spectacular frozen view then November to January is the best time. With mountains, aquamarine water, and mesmerizing backdrop, this place is nothing less than heavenly.
4-Manali
Manali has been featured gloriously in the movies like Roja and “Yeh Jawani hai Deewani”. The snow-capped mountains, rugged terrains, and beautiful weather, this place is a must-visit for romantic couples. Hadimba Temple, which is the temple dedicated to the wife of Bhima is one of the top-notch places that get featured while shooting in Manali. Apart from the scenic view, tourists can get indulged in some adventurous activities such as trekking, paragliding, etc.
5-Gulmarg
Movies such as Aap ki Kasam, Bobby, Yeh jawans hai deewani, Highway, Haider, Jab we met, and Rockstar have featured the beauty of Gulmarg generously. Kashmir and Bollywood have an age-old strong connection. Right from Shammi Kapoor dancing on the Shikara to Ranbir Kapoor romancing on the snow, Gulmarg’s beauty has been put into use at any time. It is a popular place for all the new couples to have some quality time together.
6-Udaipur palace
Every Bollywood with royalty must feature this palace anyhow. Whether it is Ram Leela or the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, the Udaipur palace has been shown with its glory and beauty. September to March is the best time to visit this place. Apart from the magnificent palace, there is a whole lot of other histories to witness in this city. Do not forget to gorge into some authentic Rajasthani cuisine while you are here. You can always book a hotel in Udaipur for some comfortable stay during your trip.
7-Banaras Ghats, Uttar Pradesh
Being one of the oldest cities in the country, Varanasi or Banaras has been featured in many hit Bollywood movies. The old and magnificent temples, the rich heritage, the pristine ghats, and the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti makes it a perfect place for a conventional Bollywood movie. Movies like Raanjhana and Masaan have gloriously featured Benaras ghats. November to February is the best time to visit this place.
8-Munnar
Have you remembered the beautiful tea gardens showed in the Hollywood movie “Life of Pi” and the beautiful backdrop in Bollywood movies like “Chennai Express” and “Nishabd”? All these movies have been shot in God's own country, Kerala and Munnar in precise. The tea garden with mountains and pleasant weather looks like something out of a fairy tale. It is breathtaking. Many couples plan their honeymoon at this place. They book a couple-friendly hotel in Kochi and cover a road journey to visit this place.
9-India gate
India Gate is one of the landmarks in the country and one of the most popular film shooting locations also. If you see movies like Rang De Basanti, Dilli 6, Rockstar, etc, India Gate has been featured gloriously depicting Indian history. If you are in Delhi, then this place is a must-visit. October to March is the best time to be at Delhi. The fast life and the culture of Delhi has always been perfectly depicted in the movies. Visiting the city with your partner to experience the thrill will be one of the best thing to do. Make sure to book a couple friendly hotel in Delhi to make the trip even more comfortable and worth remembering.
10-Marine drive
Mumbai being the birthplace of Bollywood is featured in many movies. One of the most important landmarks that are very popular in this regard is Marine Drive. The city of dreams is indeed a traveler’s heaven. Apart from Marine drive, Dharavi, Bandra, etc are featured quite a several times as well. Mumbai is the place where you can fall in love with your partner all over again. Make sure to book a couple friendly hotel in Mumbai before you plan on visiting the city.
11-Darjeeling Himalayan railway
Darjeeling Himalayan railways and the hill station have been some of the most breathtaking Bollywood movie shooting locations in India. From the popular Barfi to the classic Parineeta, many Bollywood filmmakers found excellent shooting locations at this place. It offers a panoramic view of the entire hill station. April to June is the best time to visit here.
12-Amritsar and Wagah border
A city in north-western India, Amritsar is home to the lovely Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) which is the spiritual and cultural center for the Sikh religion temple sees more than 100,000 visitors on weekdays alone and is the most popular destination for non-resident Indians in the whole country! This love for the destination is reflected in movies such as Veer-Zaara, capturing the entirety of Punjab with its mustard fields, and the lovely shots of Wagah Border as well!
13-Athirapally and Vazhachal falls
If you have seen the movie Bahubali, then you must have remembered the beautiful waterfall in one scene. That is Athirapally and Vazhachal falls which are located in the state of Kerala. It is one of the beautiful waterfalls in India. Even the movie Ravan has been shot here. whenever you are in Kerala, do not forget to visit the amazing waterfall here.
14-Ooty
Commonly known as a film maker’s paradise, Ooty is one of the most popular iconic Bollywood shooting destinations in the country. Famous films like Dilse, Barfi, Sajan, Kuch Kuch Hota hai, Ajab Prem ki Ghazab Kahani has been shot here. You can reach Ooty through Coimbatore. The coffee plantation, the eucalyptus trees, the pleasant weather, and the beautiful backdrop everything makes Ooty one of the most beautiful travel destinations.
15-Howrah Bridge, Kolkata
Kolkata has always been a top location for Bollywood filmmakers. One of the iconic places to shoot is the Howrah Bridge. Keeping it at the backdrop or driving through it has always been one of the popular scenes in many movies. Other beautiful locations in Kolkata are the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Mansion of Rabindranath Tagore, Durga puja, etc. Some notable movies shot in Kolkata are Barfi, Vicky Donor, Kahani, etc. Kolkata is heaven for the couples to go on a trip of their lifetime relishing delicious food and visiting legendary places. Booking a couple friendly hotel in Kolkata while you are on this trip will surely make it comfortable.
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