If you’re planning to visit
India, you can catch a glimpse of its beauty from the films which have been shot here. Discover the most famous Bollywood locations in India.
Chapora Fort
The 2001 film Dil Chahta Hai has made the Chapora Fort in Goa so famous that the place is now more commonly known as the ‘Dil Chahta Hai Fort’. Indeed, it’s possible that some tourists may not even know its real name. The Fort lies on top of a steep hill, and the view of the sea from the summit is breathtaking. Before the present structure was built in 1717, the area served as the base camp for Mughal Emperor Akbar when he was fighting a battle against the Portuguese. Chapora Fort is 10 minutes away from Vagator Beach.
Hidimba Devi Mandir
Hidimba Devi Mandir lies in the hill station of Manali in Himachal Pradesh, which is a favourite Bollywood location. The temple is devoted to Hidimba Devi, who is the wife of Bhima, one of the protagonists in the Indian epic Mahabharata. The beautiful structure, nestled amid a thick cedar forest, served as a filming location for the 2013 romantic comedy Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani as well as the critically acclaimed 1992 drama Roja.
Shimla
Shimla has been a favourite with filmmakers ever since the advent of Bollywood. Whether it’s the 1960s romantic movie Love in Simla or recent hits such as Bang Bang and Mai Tera Hero, Shimla, which was once the summer capital of the
British Raj, has played the perfect host to Bollywood for years. The endorsement it has received from the film industry has helped boost tourism in the region in a big way. Apart from the pristine landscape, the colonial architecture lends a special character to this town.
Udaipur
A location that could give Shimla a run for its money is Udaipur in Rajasthan. The 1965 film Guide, which was ranked fourth by Time magazine on its list of Best Bollywood Classics, was filmed in Udaipur. Most recently, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela was shot in the City of Lakes. Even Hollywood hasn’t been able to resist the charm of the royal city of Udaipur. Octopussy and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel are two of the most famous Hollywood movies that were filmed in the city.
Pangong Lake
In recent years, Pangong Lake in Ladakh in the state of Jammu and
Kashmir has found a lot of admirers within the film fraternity. The fascination for the spectacular location started with Dil Se in 1998, but people mostly remember the place for the final scene in the 2009 super hit, 3 Idiots. While on a trip to Ladakh, Pangong Lake should definitely be on the itinerary. The place is so sublime that it’s almost spiritual.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg in Kashmir is a popular ski destination. While people flock here for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing, Bollywood has used the snowy hills of Gulmarg for filming many of its films. Saat Khoon Maaf, starring Priyanka Chopra and based on a short story by Ruskin Bond, was shot here. There was also a minor controversy when the film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, which was actually filmed in Gulmarg, was passed off as Manali in the movie.
Darjeeling
The list of films shot in Darjeeling, West Bengal are endless. Jagga Jasoos, Main Hoon Na and Barfi are the latest films that have featured this lovely little town. Darjeeling was especially popular during the 1960s when over 10 films were shot here during the decade. The lush tea gardens, the snowcapped mountains, the quaint architecture and the warm hospitality of its people make Darjeeling a place you keep wanting to return to.
Source: Internet
