You know how when you’re watching a movie and you wish you were a part of it or at least visit the beautiful locations your favourite movie characters are chilling at? Most of our college squad dreams were to be as cool as DJ and his gang (from Rang De Basanti), who could be found chilling at a fort, drinking beer and painting rebellious graffiti all over the walls. And how romantic did Yash Chopra made the stunning ice-covered peaks of Switzerland look in his movies. You’d be forgiven to think that even you and your bae can waltz romantically in ice cold weather, where you’re in a chiffon sari!
We’ve rounded up 11 such iconic locations where your favourite Bollywood movies have been shot, that you can visit IRL.
1) Fort Aguada, Goa
While Goa is littered with popular filming locations, Fort Aguada in particular holds a special place in movie lovers’ hearts. The cult classic Dil Chahta Hai has been shot here, making this spot Insta-worthy on many Bollywood fans Goa trips. It has also been the setting for movies like Golmaal, Dhoom, Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. and more.
2) Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh
Kareena Kapoor may have been the star of the 2007 hit Jab We Met, but the breathtaking locations captured in the movie were equally memorable. You can take a trip to Rohtang Pass, the next time you feel like expressing yourself in a song exuberantly like Geet. Or you can just head over there next summer with your friends or the fam because it’s super pretty!
3) Munnar tea plantation, Kerala
One look at the lush greenery and rolling hills of Munnar tea plantation in Kerala and you’d think you’re looking at a movie set because nothing can be this perfect right? Wrong. The tea plantation has captured the imagination of many filmmakers and has been featured in movies like Chennai Express and Nishabd.
4) Laxmi Nivas Palace, Bikaner
Once you’ve managed to tear your eyes away from the marvel that is Fawad Khan, you immediately noticed the grand haveli housing the royal family. The stunning Laxmi Nivas Palace, that is a hotel IRL, played the role of the palace that (very relatably) fascinates Sonam Kapoor to no end in Khoobsurat!
5) Swiss Alps, Switzerland
While Switzerland has been a staple for almost all Yash Chopra films, the Swiss Alps captured in Darr are still etched in every moviegoers mind. Shah Rukh Khan serenading Juhi Chawla atop the snow covered peaks has become iconic. It even prompted Ranveer Singh to recreate the moment on his recent trip to Switzerland.
6) The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
This grand hotel has been on the venue wish list of so many brides over the years, especially after Kalki Koechlin’s character’s beautiful wedding in Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani takes place at the luxury hotel.
7) Pangong Lake, Laddakh
The serene blue water of the Pangong lake play the perfect foil for the climax of 3 Idiots, where the audience was left enthralled by the beauty of the landscape. The lake also makes an appearance in Jab Tak Hai Jaan, where Shah Rukh Khan rescues a daredevil Anushka Sharma from drowning.
8) Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur
If you also imagined your Friday nights chilling on the steps of the fictional DU students hang out place in Rang De Basanti, then join the club. While it may not exactly be the place where college students regularly jump from dizzying heights into a shallow pond, you can visit the place IRL! Visit Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur to recreate all the RDB memories with your squad.
9) Marine Drive, Mumbai
People who have never been to the city immediately think of the winding sea side landmark whenever someone says ‘Mumbai’. From the Munna Bhai series to Wake Up Sid, Marine Drive has played an important role in the narrative and has become a Bollywood fan favourite.
10) Athirapally Falls, Kerala
The majestic falls have a daunting beauty that has translated beautifully onscreen, most notably in movies like Guru and Ravan. The falls have also been the location for the grand waterfall sequence for Baahubali. Although the scale was exaggerated via CGI, the magnificent waterfalls still inspire awe in the viewer.
11) Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty
While you may or may not (most probably not) find Shah Rukh Khan dancing to Chaiyya Chaiyya (from Dil Se) atop the train, you can take a ride in the now iconic Nilgiri Mountain Rail to Ooty anytime you want.
