Have you ever wondered where your favorite Bollywood movie was shot? Did you always wanted to visit the place? Those beautiful locations are not too far from you and are set right in your incredible country, India. India proudly boasts of being home to beautiful beaches, deserts, hill stations, historical monuments and temples, which have featured in different Bollywood movies. These attractions are set in different corners of the country and have played a key role in the success of Bollywood super hits.
Bollywood has an audience spread all around the globe. A number of movies are showcased on the silver screen throughout the year. Bollywood plays an important role in connecting the audiences with the real beauty of India which lies in its beautiful destinations. Seeing those enthralling destinations over the silver screen, it is hard to resist yourself from visiting them. To make it easier for you, we have listed some popular locations where blockbuster Bollywood movies were shot:
Manali
We can’t forget that mesmerizing song ‘Ye Ishq Haaye’ from Jab We Met where Kareena Kapoor treads amid those snow capped peaks. This popular song features roads covered with a blanket of snow, beautiful cottages and valleys of Manali. The very lyrics of the song ‘Ye Ishq Haaye, Jannat Dikhaye’ actually speak of the scenic beauty of Manali.
The pleasing weather, numerous tourist attractions and inviting ambiance act as bonus for this destination. And, we thought that Manali was just another hill station! Set in the lap of the Himalayas, Manali allures tourists from all over and promises with a vacation filled with natural beauty, tranquility and excitement. Also known as the “Queen of Valleys”, Manali is truly blessed with natural beauty which leaves every visitor mesmerized.
Other movies shot in Manali:
- Bang bang
- Highway
- Krish
- Mary Kom
Goa
‘Welcome to Goa, Singham!’ Remember that scene where Prakash Raj rushes into the police station to show his power to Ajay Devgan? That was just a scene from the movie. Singham is a popular Bollywood movie that has been entirely shot in Goa. Goa, the party capital of India, is also a popular Bollywood movie location. Though the movie does not feature all the alluring beaches of Goa, we all know that Goa is immensely popular for its beaches and churches.
The destination is a bundle of surprises which allures tourists from all across the globe. There is much to explore in this happening destination of India. Delicious sea food, rich Portuguese history, inviting ambiance, Goa has every reason to be counted one among the best destinations of India.
Other movies shot in Goa:
- Dil chahta hai
- Josh
- Golmaal series
- Guzaarish
- Go goa gone
- Kabhi haan kabhi naa
Ladakh
Undoubtedly, Ladakh is one of the most captured destinations in India. That spiritual ambiance, clear blue water and snow capped mountains make Ladakh a favorite location for Bollywood Movies. Fugly is the latest one shot in Ladakh. Yes, it was the Leh highway where you saw Kiara Advani, lead actress of the movie, riding a bullet. Who can resist a ride on the bullet through those beautiful mountain passes? And when you see those college friends travelling care-free through those rugged terrains and sparkling lakes of Ladakh, we bet your desire to travel to the destination intensifies.
Set amid the alluring Himalayan and Karakoram ranges, Ladakh is a beautiful destination which is home to a number of Buddhist monasteries, mountain passes, lakes and historic structures. The destination truly represents the meaning of scenic beauty with its spiritual ambiance and tranquility.
Other movies shot in Ladakh:
- 3 Idiots
- Jab tak hai jaan
- Bhaag milkha bhaag
- Haqeqat
- Tashan
Gulmarg
Kashmir has been an important part of Bollywood movies since the sixties. We can never forget those times when the lead actor and actress romanced in the beautiful Mughal gardens, enjoyed a Shikara ride on the Dal Lake and sang through the snow covered roads. And it was not only in those times, super hit movies of these days like Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani have also been shot in the beautiful valleys of Kashmir. The famous trek trip of the movie has been shot in Gulmarg. No doubt, the serenity and natural beauty of the Gulmarg valley adds an amazing charm to the movie.
Gulmarg is one destination which offers a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure to every tourist. While on one hand, the beautiful meadows and snow covered mountain peaks leave you mesmerized, attractions like Gulmarg Gondola and ski resorts awaken the adventure enthusiast in you.
Other movies shot in Gulmarg:
- Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani
- Jab tak hai jaan
- Saat khoon maaf
- Rockstar
- Bobby
Delhi
Our favorite Bollywood actors, right from Aamir Khan to Abhishek Bachhan have played a character from Delhi city in a number of movies. This is why, the city is considered an integral part of Bollywood. Bollywood movies have not only used Delhi as a mere location, but they have managed to capture the authentic ambiance of Delhi which is all about fun, adventure and excitement. Be it the rebel attitude of Delhiites in Rang De Basanti or the setting of a normal household in Do Dooni Chaar, all the movies have successfully displayed the feel of Delhi to the viewers.
The capital city, Delhi is undoubtedly one of most interesting cities in the world. This city featuring varied cultures has safely preserved its glorious history. New Delhi is dotted with some of the best British and Mughal buildings, amusement parks, shopping malls, restaurants and party clubs.
Other movies shot in Delhi:
- Oye lucky lucky oye
- Fukrey
- Delhi belly
- Dil Dosti
- Dev D
- Khosla ka ghosla
Pahalgam
One of the most popular attractions of Pahalgam, Betaab valley gets its name from Sunny Deol- Amrita Singh starrer hit Bollywood movie Betaab. Key scenes of the movie have been shot in this beautiful valley and they feature snow capped mountain peaks, sparkling river and thick pine forests. As soon as the movie took over the silver screen, Betaab Valley became a popular picnic spot and people from all over visited to look at this valley which swayed away their hearts at once. Post hit movie Betaab, a number of movies were shot in the valley. Many sequences of Ranbir Kapoor’s hit movie Rockstar have been shot in the valley.
Other movies shot in Pahalgam:
- Jab tak hai jaan
- Haider
- Kashmir ki kali
- Kabhi kabhi
- Silsila
- Satte pe satta
Srinagar
Though it is too tough to capture the enthralling beauty of Kashmir on camera, some Bollywood movies like Haider have done it successfully. Major scenes of the movie starring Shahid Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor were shot at famous locations of Srinagar like Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh and Kashmir University.
Also known as ‘Paradise on Earth’, Srinagar is set in the beautiful valley of Kashmir. Srinagar is best known for its Mughal Gardens and structures. Mughal Gardens like Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chashme Shahi allures tourists from all across the world with their Mughal ambiance. Other attractions of the destination include Dal Lake, Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary, Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, Hazratbal Mosque and Shankaracharya Temple.
The natural beauty of Srinagar makes it a popular destination for nature lovers. The backdrop of the mighty Himalayas adds to the beauty of Srinagar. The house boats and Shikaras also are popular attractions of Srinagar.
Other movies shot in Srinagar:
- Kashmir ki Kali
- Agent Vinod
- Rockstar
- Yahaan
- Mission Kashmir
- Bunty aur Babli
- Waqt
Jaipur
Jaipur is best known for housing some of the most palatial palaces and historic structures. One of the recent Bollywood hits, Bol Bachhan was majorly shot in Jaipur. The movie features some of the most famous attractions of Jaipur including Chomu Palace, Chowki Dhani, Amber Fort and Narain Niwas Palace.
Also known as the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur is the most beautiful city of Rajasthan. The city is dotted with a number of palaces, forts and havelis which give it a grand look. The rich culture and heritage of the place makes it more attractive and allures tourists from around the world. Also, the city is a haven for adventure enthusiasts as it has much to offer in the name of adventure sports. Paragliding, hot air ballooning and rock climbing are some popular adventure sports that can be enjoyed Jaipur.
Other movies shot in Jaipur:
- Paheli
- Jodha Akbar
- Bhool Bhulaiya
- Eklavya
- Koyla
- Gulaal
Darjeeling
It is too tough to forget the heartwarming story of Barfi, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. Majorly shot in Darjeeling, Barfi features some of the most scenic views of the hill station.
Darjeeling is an alluring hill town in West Bengal which is well-known for its tea plantations. Home to varied cultures, Darjeeling is sprinkled with lots of greenery and peace. The place boasts of being home to Darjeeling Himalayan Railway which is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The destination offers spectacular views of the beautiful Himalayas.
Other movies shot in Darjeeling:
Other movies shot in Darjeeling:
- Parineeta
- Aradhana
- Via Darjeeling
Ooty
Ooty is another famous destination which is immensely popular with film makers of Bollywood. Also known as the Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty is a serene hill station which is located amid sprawling green fields, beautiful lakes. Set at an elevation of 2240 meter, Ooty is well known for its tea plantations. This popular destination attracts tourists from all around the world. The beautiful destination became more popular when the popular track ‘Chaiya Chaiya’ from the movie ‘Dil Se’ was shot in Ooty. Many more Bollywood movies were shot in Ooty with the beautiful tea gardens in the background.
Ooty offers a bunch of great tourist attractions to all the travelers. Some popular tourist attractions of Ooty include Emerald Lake, Botanical Gardens, Upper Bhawani Lake, Echo Rock and Annamalai Temple.
Other movies shot in Ooty:
- Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahi
- Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
- Hum
- Barfi
- Aashqui
- Roja
- Karz
- Creature 3D
Athirapally
A small village of Thrissur district in Kerala, Athirapally is a popular shooting location of Bollywood film makers. A number of hit tracks from Bollywood have been shot at the popular attraction of Athirapally - Athirapally waterfalls. The famous track from the movie ‘Guru’ starring Abhishek Bachhan and Aishwarya Rai was shot at this attraction.
Also known as the Niagara Falls of India, Athirapally waterfalls is a spectacular attraction which is set amid palm and coconut trees. The soft breeze flowing through the location is so mesmerizing that it makes you come back again and again. If you are a nature lover, you can’t miss visiting this beautiful attraction. People from all over visit the place to enjoy the gushing sounds of these falls and relax in its soothing ambiance.
Other movies shot in Athirapally:
• Raavan
• Dil se
• Pukaar
• Madras Café
Chail
It was Chail Palace where major scenes of Bollywood super hit movie, ‘3 Idiots’ were shot. Yes! The palatial house of Ranchoddas Chanchad was the Chail Palace. A heritage hotel, Chail palace set amid the thick Deodar forests and snow capped peaks. Chail is a popular destination of Himachal Pradesh. Home to the world’s highest polo and cricket ground, Chail is a beautiful hill station which offers a serene ambiance to relax and rejuvenate.
This destination, set very close to nature is a perfect escape from the maddening crowds of the city. Chail is home to a number of palatial buildings which speak loud of its royal heritage. Chail is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts like trekkers and hikers as it offers a number of trails set amid those beautiful valleys and thick forests.
Other movies shot in Chail:
• Chori Chori
Amritsar
We all love that colorful tradition, festivals and culture of Punjab. And we love it more when we get to see it through Bollywood movies. One of the most beautiful destinations of Punjab, Amritsar has featured in a number of movies. It was the famous Khalsa College of Amritsar where Shah Rukh Khan and his co-star Anushka Sharma were seen taking dance classes in their movie ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’.
Amritsar offers much as a tourist destination. From Wagah Border to Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh, every attraction of the city promises to offer a soul stirring experience.
The city is home to a number of historical Gurudwaras, the most revered among them is Harmandir Sahib, which is commonly known as the Golden Temple. Amritsar is not only a major pilgrimage centre but it has also witnessed some of the most important incidents of India’s freedom struggle like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919.
Other movies shot in Amritsar:
- Veer Zaara
- Rang De Basanti
- Gadar: Ek Prem Katha
Udaipur
Often referred to as ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur is destination featuring a unique charm of the glorious Rajput Era. Popular for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful lakes, palatial structures and historical monuments, Udaipur is a favorite shooting destination for Bollywood film makers. Recently, Bollywood super hit movie, Ram Leela was shot in the city. The movie features luxury hotel, Oberoi Udaivilas and Bagore Ki Haveli.
Udaipur is best known for its grand palaces which have now been converted into heritage hotels. Some famous heritage hotels include Lake Palace, Shiv Niwas Palace, Rampratap Palace, Jagat Niwas Palace, and City Palace.
Udaipur takes every traveler to the bygone era with its beautiful museums and galleries. These attractions not only feature architectural style of those times but also preserve articles from that era. These articles are associated with royal families of the past eras. Some popular attractions are The City Palace Museum, Crystal Gallery, and Ahar Archaeological Museum. The city is also dotted with some relay beautiful gardens and structures like Bada Mahal, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Gulab Bagh and Maharana Pratap Memorial.
Other movies shot in Udaipur:
- Yaadein
- Khuda Gawah
- Eklavya
Rajasthan
Rajasthan is one state where a number of Bollywood movies are shot. The state gives never-ending reasons for being a favorite location for Bollywood directors. Rich history, mesmerizing sand dunes, beautiful historic structures, colorful heritage and varied culture, Rajasthan features all this and more.
If you were confused regarding Aamir Khan’s latest hit movie PK, we must tell you that it was the lesser known region of Rajasthan where we saw him standing on a deserted rail track. Not only PK, but many more hit Bollywood movies have been shot in different regions of Rajasthan. The alluring palaces and forts, panoramic landscape and scenic beauty of Rajasthan are a key reason behind the success of many great Hindi movies. This is really why all directors choose different cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Pushkar as shooting location for their movies.
Other movies shot in Rajasthan:
- Bol bachhan (Jaipur)
- Yeh jawani hai deewani (Udaipur)
- Bade miyan chote miyan (Jaipur)
- Rang de basanti (Jaipur)
- Shuddh desi romance (Jaipur)
- Veer (Jodhpur)
Recent Bollywood hit, Chennai Express, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone was filmed in the enthralling locations of Kerala. Popular songs of the movie like ‘Titli’ and ‘Kashmir Tu Mai Kanyakumari’ were shot at destinations like Idukki and Munnar.
Destinations like Munnar, Idukki, Alleppey, Wayanad, Thekkady and Kovalam, make Kerala one of the most traveled destinations in India. Featuring beautiful waterfalls, serene backwaters, ancient temples and golden sandy beaches, Kerala allures tourists from all across the globe. Each and every nook of the destination is blessed with the gifts of nature, which is why Kerala is well-known as God’s Own Country.
Kerala has a destination for every type of traveler. Be it a adventure enthusiast, nature lover, photographer or wildlife enthusiast, no traveler can go disappointed from Kerala.
Other movies shot in Kerala:
- Guru
- Dil Se
- Raavan
- Pukar
- Madras Café
Agra
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal has been immortalized in a number of Bollywood Movies. Recently, ‘Mere Brother Ki Dulhan’ starring Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif was filmed near Taj Mahal. The famous song of the movie, ‘Kaisa Ye Ishq Hai’ was shot at a location from where the spectacular Taj Mahal was visible. However, Agra has much to offer beyond the World Heritage Site, Taj Mahal. A part of the Golden Triangle, which consists of Agra, Jaipur and Delhi, Agra city is one of the major attractions of Uttar Pradesh. The city houses a number of historic monuments and buildings like Agra Fort, Diwan-i-Aam, Chini Ka Rauza, Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb and Diwan-I-Khas. Ruled by both Hindu and Muslim rulers, Agra features diverse cultures which have been weaved together to make Agra, what it is today.
Other movies shot in Agra:
- Jeans
- Mughal-e-Azam
- Jodha Akbar
- Youngistaan