Most Bollywood movies have great and memorable stories while some have breathtaking and eye-catching views. It is also a fact that without the awesome and eye-catching background, the audience does not enjoy movies. By watching the iconic locations in movies, individuals show their interest in traveling and have the desire to explore each place that was shown in the movie.
Bollywood movies are shot in different locations and different countries. When it comes to Indian destinations, you will have numerous options. Here comes the list of ten best destinations that are quite famous in Bollywood films which you can visit with your kith and kin.
Top 10 Indian Destinations in Popular Bollywood Films:
1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali has been represented beautifully in numerous films like “Ye Jawani Hai Diwani”. This location is a blend of numerous scenic views. This place is perfectly fit for couples because of the pleasant weather, snow-capped mountain, and many more.
Besides this, you can explore Hadimba Temple, Old Manali, and many more places. Manali offers plenty of activities for the extreme person including paragliding, trekking, and many more. Read more: Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit and See in Manali.
Read also: Top October Travel Destinations in India
Things to Do:
- Visit Solang Valley: Enjoy adventure sports like paragliding, zorbing, and skiing.
- Explore Old Manali: Stroll through quaint cafes, shops, and temples.
- Hadimba Temple: Visit the ancient temple set amidst lush forest.
- Trek to Jogini Falls: Take a scenic trek to the beautiful waterfall.
- Shopping: Shop for woolens and handicrafts at the local markets.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (about 50 km away). The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar Railway Station (about 165 km away). From there, taxis and buses are available to reach Manali.
2. Pangong Lake, Ladakh
No person in India did not watch the “3 idiots”. This lake appeared in “3 idiots”, “Lakshya”, and “Tashan” too. The time taken to complete the journey between Leh and Pangong lake is around five hours.
An ideal time to explore this lake is between May to September. If you want to enjoy the frozen view, you must visit between November and January. Read Also: 14 Things You Need to Do in Leh Ladakh.
Things to Do:
- Photography: Capture the stunning blue waters and surrounding mountains.
- Camping: Stay overnight in camps by the lake.
- Bird Watching: Spot migratory birds, especially during summer.
- Kayaking: Enjoy kayaking in the serene waters of the lake.
- Visit Nearby Villages: Explore the traditional Ladakhi culture in nearby villages.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Leh Airport (about 160 km away). Leh is also the nearest major town with bus and taxi services to Pangong Lake. From Leh, you can hire taxis or join a guided tour to reach the lake.
3. Dal Lake, Kashmir
Lakes add glory to the beauty of Kashmir. Among all the lakes, Dal is one of the prominent lakes. The shooting of prominent movies like “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” has been done in this Dal Lake.
This lake got numerous titles that include “Lake of flowers”, Srinagar’s Jewel”, Jewel in the crown of Kashmir”, and many more. There is also a floating garden in this lake that enhance its beauty. Also, read 10 Most Famous Restaurants Near Dal Lake, Srinagar.
Things to Do:
- Shikara Ride: Take a peaceful ride on the traditional shikara boats.
- Houseboat Stay: Experience staying in a houseboat on the lake.
- Mughal Gardens: Visit the beautiful Mughal gardens like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh.
- Floating Market: Explore the unique floating vegetable market early in the morning.
- Bird Watching: Spot various bird species in and around the lake.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Srinagar Airport (about 15 km away). The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station (about 300 km away). From Srinagar Airport, taxis and local buses are available to reach Dal Lake.
4. Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh
Do you remember the film “Highway and Jab WE Met”? The shooting of these films was done here. Rohtang Pass covers jaw-dropping Himalayan peaks. The ice-capped mountains and whole scenario make it one of the best destinations to visit.
When you visit this place, you will feel as if you are in heaven. The best month to visit this place is between May to October. Travelers will surely enjoy this place. Also, check the 20 Best Places to See in Himachal Pradesh.
Things to Do:
- Snow Activities: Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowball fights.
- Photography: Capture the breathtaking snow-clad landscapes.
- Trekking: Trek to nearby places like Beas Kund and Dashir Lake.
- Paragliding: Experience paragliding with stunning views of the Himalayas.
- Visit Nearby Valleys: Explore nearby valleys like Lahaul and Spiti.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (about 105 km away). The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar Railway Station (about 165 km away). From Manali, which is the nearest town, you can hire taxis or join local tours to reach Rohtang Pass.
5. Gulmarg, Kashmir
Gulmarg is featured in numerous films that include:
- Bobby
- AAP ki Kasam
- Jab We Met
- Haider
- Yeh Jawani Hai Dewani and the list will go on.
The beauty of Gulmarg is the backbone of numerous films. Newlyweds consider this place for their honeymoon and love to invest quality time with each other.
Aside from the beauty of Gulmarg, you have plenty of locations to explore in Kashmir such as Dal Lake. You can make your trip memorable by exploring the lakes of Kashmir. Read 13 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Gulmarg.
Things to Do:
- Gondola Ride: Take the famous Gulmarg Gondola for panoramic views and skiing.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Enjoy winter sports on the snow-covered slopes.
- Golfing: Play golf at one of the highest golf courses in the world.
- Trekking: Trek to Apharwat Peak and other scenic trails.
- Photography: Capture the picturesque landscapes and vibrant flower meadows.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Srinagar Airport (about 50 km away). The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station (about 315 km away). From Srinagar, taxis and local buses are available to reach Gulmarg.
Tour Packages Including With Gulmarg:
- 4 Night 5 Days Kashmir Tour Package (Srinagar – Gulmarg – Pahalgam)
- 6 Days Kashmir Honeymoon Itinerary (Srinagar – Sonamarg – Gulmarg – Pahalgam – Srinagar)
- 7 Days Family Trip to Kashmir (Srinagar – Pahalgam – Gulmarg – Sonamarg – Srinagar)
6. Udaipur Palace, Rajasthan
The majority of filmmakers shoot their films at Udaipur to add a royal touch to their films. Udaipur Palace was also featured in the great movie by Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone which is Ram-Leela. The best time to explore the unique beauty of Udaipur Palace is from September to March. Along with it, one can also explore different historical sites in this area.
Make sure that you should try different and mouth-watering Rajasthani cuisines. The lake, sunset, and sunrise views are quite astonishing you can also enjoy them by exploring this place. Check out more about the 12 Best Tourist Places to See in the Udaipur.
Things to Do:
- Explore the Palace: Visit the City Palace complex and its museums.
- Boat Ride on Lake Pichola: Enjoy a boat ride with views of the palace and the lake.
- Visit Jag Mandir: Explore the beautiful island palace on Lake Pichola.
- Cultural Shows: Attend traditional dance and music performances.
- Shopping: Shop for Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry in the local markets.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport (about 24 km away). The nearest railway station is Udaipur City Railway Station (about 4 km away). From the airport or railway station, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available to reach Udaipur Palace.
7. Munnar, Kerala
Kerala is known for its natural beauty. Filmmakers know how to use this beauty in their films. Numerous films were shot in Munnar such as Life of Pi, prominent by Shah Rukh Khan in Chennai Express. Along with it, Munnar is one of the favorite destinations of tourists in Kerala.
So, whenever, you make a plan for Kerala, you must visit Munnar and become a witness to its exotic beauty. Besides this, you can also try the signature dish of Kerala. Top 10 Things To Do In Munnar On A Kerala Holiday
Things to Do:
- Tea Plantations: Visit tea estates and learn about the tea-making process.
- Eravikulam National Park: Spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy scenic views.
- Attukal Waterfalls: Take a trek to the beautiful waterfalls.
- Mattupetty Dam: Enjoy boating and scenic views at the dam.
- Trekking: Explore various trekking trails and enjoy the lush greenery.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (about 110 km away), and the nearest railway station is Aluva (110 km away). From there, taxis and buses are available to reach Munnar.
8. India Gate, Delhi
Right from the Rang de Basanti to Rockstars, Delhi has appeared in numerous films. Additionally, it may be the most favorite place of directors. There are numerous historical monuments are situated in Delhi that you can explore.
Additionally, it is an ideal place for history lovers because they will get the golden chance to flourish their history knowledge. Along with that, India Gate is one of the dearest and best places for shooting films. Check more details on the 10 Interesting Facts About India Gate, New Delhi.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Memorial: Pay your respects at the war memorial.
- Stroll Along Rajpath: Walk along the iconic Rajpath leading to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- Evening Lights: Visit India Gate in the evening when it is beautifully illuminated.
- Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic on the lawns around India Gate.
- Street Food: Try delicious street food from nearby vendors.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (about 20 km away). The nearest railway station is New Delhi Railway Station (about 4 km away). From the airport or railway station, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and metro services are available to reach India Gate.
9. Marine Drive, Mumbai
Mumbai is known as the city of dreams and the house of Bollywood. Marine Drive is featured in different movies that include:
- City of dreams
- Dhoom
- Talaash
- Munnabhai MBBS
- Wake Up Sid, and many more
You can enjoy the view of Marine Drive by exploring Mumbai. Along with it, there are numerous optional places that you can visit in Mumbai.
Things to Do:
- Walk Along the Promenade: Enjoy a leisurely walk with views of the Arabian Sea.
- Sunset Views: Witness spectacular sunsets from the promenade.
- Street Food: Savor Mumbai’s famous street food, like bhel puri and pav bhaji.
- Photography: Capture the iconic Queen’s Necklace, especially at night.
- Chowpatty Beach: Relax and enjoy activities at the nearby Chowpatty Beach.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (about 25 km away). The nearest railway station is Churchgate Railway Station (about 1 km away). From the airport or railway station, taxis and local trains are available to reach Marine Drive.
10. Banaras Ghats, Uttar Pradesh
One of the oldest cities in India has appeared in numerous hit Bollywood movies. There are numerous old and magnificent temples, pristine ghats, and so on. The mesmerizing view of Ganga Aarts makes this place special from another place. Movies such as Raanjhana and Masaan are featured in this movie. If you want to enjoy the exotic beauty of Banaras Ghat, you must explore this place between November to February.
So, these are the best places that appeared in iconic and prominent movies. There are different modes of traveling to these places. Additionally, you can explore these places with your kith and kin or your loved ones. It is essential to choose the right time so that you can enjoy its beauty. Do deep research before planning anything, otherwise, you will not enjoy the trip. More about the List of Popular Ghats in Varanasi that You Must See.
Things to Do:
- Ganga Aarti: Attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Boat Ride: Take a boat ride on the Ganges, especially at sunrise.
- Visit Temples: Explore famous temples like Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
- Walk Along the Ghats: Stroll along the ghats and observe the daily rituals.
- Explore Local Markets: Shop for Banarasi silk sarees, handicrafts, and religious items.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (about 26 km away). The nearest railway station is Varanasi Junction (about 4 km away). From the airport or railway station, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and local buses are available to reach Banaras Ghats.
Final Verdicts
Filmmakers love to shoot at different places to enhance the curiosity of the audience. Right from Manali to Udaipur, these places are known for their iconic beauty. The stunning views and places to explore make these the perfect destinations for Indians. Hence, do not forget to visit any of the places.
