We all love watching movies especially Bollywood movies. Hindi movies are a great blend of dance, drama & emotions and so never fail to charm viewers both in India & abroad. From Raj Kapoor era to Deepika Padukone led modern times, Bollywood has time & again shot at some of the most iconic shooting locations in India which are breathtakingly beautiful.
While deciding upon travel destinations many times we tend to overlook the beauty we have in our own country, India. Destinations in foreign countries like Switzerland, France, are preferred. So we thought of putting down some of the unbelievably beautiful shooting locations in India to give you wanderlust!
List of Contents
Iconic Shooting Locations in India that are a Must-Visit
Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir:
The picturesque snow-laden landscape where Salman Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui & Harshali Malhotra were shown walking in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, do you remember it? Yes, this place called ‘Sonamarg’ is in India and located in Jammu & Kashmir that’s Heaven on Earth!
Doraha Fort near Ludhiana:
Now this location was brought into the limelight when Aamir Khan starer Rang De Basanti was shot here. I am sure most people still remember the epic scene where Aamir Khan, Siddharth Narayan, Sharman Joshi & Kunal Kapoor jump in a quest to chase an air force jet and then the beautiful romantic number Tu Bin Bataye shot on Soha Ali Khan & R. Madhavan was also filmed here. The lush greenery around this fort makes it even more picturesque. A little spoiler here is that there is no air force base anywhere near this fort as depicted in the film!
Leh, Ladakh & Rohtang Pass:
It’s once in a lifetime experience to come and witness this part of India. Trust us it is as beautiful as it is shown in Jab We Met song Ishq haaye filmed on Kareena and then it has been taken to another level in movies like 3 Idiots, Jab Tak Hai Jaan & Alia Bhatt starer Highway.
Rajasthan:
Rajasthan being a culturally & heritage wise rich state is as a whole not to miss tourist destinations in India. There have been numerous films that have been shot in its vivid cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer and more. Some of them being Jodhaa-Akbar shot in Amer Fort (Jaipur), few scenes of Rang de Basanti were shot in Nahargarh Fort (Jaipur). Sunny Leone starer Leela film was shot in Khimsar fort & Lakshmi Niwas Palace.
Not to forget the classic films like Beta was shot in Hawa Mahal (Jaipur) & major portions of Sridevi-Anil Kapoor starer Lamhe was shot in Rajasthan. Also, movies like Mirzya – the launch movie of Harshvardhan Kapoor and Dhadak movie was shot in unbelievably beautiful shooting locations like Udaipur & Jaipur. In addition to this, Mandawa that falls in the Shekhawati region is also a popular shooting location for Bollywood films. Films like P.K., Jab We Met, Love Aaj Kal, Mimi, Bajrangi Bhaijan and more have been shot here. Read more about travelling to Mandawa here.
Athirapally, Kerala:
Famous movies like Baahubali, Guru & Ravaan have been shot here the latter two films had Aishwarya Rai as the main lead. The famous song Barso Re Megha from the film ‘Guru’ was shot here. Especially there is one resort from where one gets to have mesmerizing views of the gigantic waterfall and lush greenery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iconic Shooting Locations In India
Which movie was shot in Mahabaleshwar?
Many movies have been shot in Mahabaleshwar which is a popular hill station in Maharashtra. Also, Wai, a small town very near to Mahabaleshwar is also one of the most iconic shooting locations in India. The movies shot here include Kesari, Dabangg, Swades, Singham, Taare Zameen Par, Bol Bachchan, Chennai Express, Bajirao Mastani and more.
Where is shooting location of Kesari movie?
The Bollywood flick Kesari was shot mainly in Wai, Maharashtra. Replicas of both the forts shown in the movie were made here and the entire sequence of war was in fact short here. Saragarhi Fort now falls in Pakistan country.
Where is shooting location of Padmavat movie?
The shooting of controversial yet blockbuster Bollywood film, Padmavat was first started in Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur. However, after facing several protests in Rajasthan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali shifted the shooting to Masai Patthar in Maharashtra. Masai Patthar is a beautiful plateau near Kolhapur city. The movie though is roughly based upon true events that happened between Rani Padmavati of Chittorgarh province and Alauddin Khilji.
Which movie was shot in Ooty?
Several popular movies have been shot in Ooty. Its picturesque forests can be seen Barfi, Raaz, Dil Se, Hum Aapke Hai Koun, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar and more. As a matter of fact, many blockbuster movies from the 1990s have been shot here.
Which movies have been shot in Manali?
The beauty is not just a favourite tourist spot but it is quite popular among filmmakers. Some of the movies shot in Manali are Ranbir Kapoor starer Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Jab We Met, Fanaa, Bang Bang, Dev D, Mary Kom.
Where was the Baahubali film filmed?
The shooting location of the Baahubali series is Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad. Since then this film city has gained more popularity thereby attracting many tourists. Apart from this, a sequence was shot in Orvakal Rock Gardens in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. While the waterfall was filmed at Athirapally, Kerala.
Which movie was shot in Khajjiar?
Khajjiar is truly a hidden gem of Himachal Pradesh. The scenic beauty of this place reminds one of Switzerland. Films like 1942: A Love Story, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Lootera were shot here.
Which places was Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani shot?
Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani is one film that actually gives viewers a wanderlust. Iconic shooting locations in the film that have been shot in India are Hidimba Temple, Manali, Gulaba, Hamta, and Naggar. In addition to this, the shooting location of the heartwarming wedding sequence is Udaipur. The wedding sequences were shot at the Oberoi Udaivilas hotel. Also, some scenes were filmed in Kashmir.
Where was Alia Bhatt starrer Raazi movie shot?
The spy movie Raazi which was based on a true story of an Indian spy was shot in several places like Patiala, Nabha, Malerkotla and Doodhpathri along with Mumbai.
So which all places among the above have you visited? Do these movies inspire you to visit these places and more, write to me?
India is full of such locations which are a perfect shooting spots for movies. I didn’t know about a few movie filming locations that you have mentioned in this post.
Among all these places, I have visited Rajasthan and had a great time but did not know that many famous movies git filmed there. your list is amazing and making me tempted to visit all these iconic locations, when I visit India next time.
There are some really beautiful places in India and you have captured it comprehensively in the list. I love ooty and Kashmir is on my bucket list.
In India we have so many beautiful locations and it’s great that Bollywood is exploring more if these locations.
oh yes. these are some beautiful places in India , I have visited sonmarg and Rajasthan, the ambience itself will add in the charm
In India many places have achieved iconic status, not beause of their intrinsic value, but because a movie has been shot there. There are so many places like this. You have covered some interesting places that have become popular because of film shooting;
Wow these locations are just amazing… I never visited any of them. But i m surely saving the article and plan my next trips accordingly.
I am impressed by your knowledge of the iconic shooting locations in India. Honestly speaking, I’ve not been to many of these locations. So I have bookmarked this post for future reference.
This is such an insightful post on the Bollywood movies and their locations. I wasn’t really aware of these places and how the Bollywood movies came to life in such lovely locations. I specially loved the Rajasthan and fort kind of sequence in many movies
These all are very good locations, I would like to add Meghalaya And Sikkim too to the list as these places have good locations. I never knew Kerala and Ludhiana have beautiful locations. Thanks for sharing
Wow, thanks for sharing the information. Till now only watched the movies, never paid much attention to which place these films have been shoot. You have given good information.?
Omg such beautiful locations these are. I would surely visit some of these in my lifetime. Jab we met had some very beautiful locations.
Except ooty I haven’t visited any of these places. Would love to visit them all. Thanks for sharing.. I wasn’t aware of many of the places.
I havent visited Ooty yet and would love to visit it someday.
Looking at these beautiful locations on screen one cannot help being tempted to visit them. Few of these I’ve seen but there are many that I need to!
Aren’t these just picturesque places! No wonder Bollywood movies are shot here. I have been to some of these places. But I do want to do a road trip to Leh Ladakh once in life!
Wow.pictures look amazing. Can’t wait to travwl again. Yes I too would like to visit these places. Thanks for the recommendation
I have been to Ramoji studio and it’s a beautiful place to shoot and very well made. I’ve also been to leh Ladhak and missed shooting of Jab Tak hai Jan by 2 days as we left and the shooting was starting in 2 days.
Oh ho, it must have been utterly disappointing to have missed Kareena and Shahid’s shooting.
How fascinating it was to read. We have been to a few places however never realized that these movies were shot here. I am definitely going to plan a few soon too 🙂
This is so cool. Being a movie buff, I love seeing movies and understanding where they are located. For me among all these places Doraha Fort stands out. The fort looks stunning and I would love to go there and see the place for myself.