Best Bollywood filming locations to visit in India

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.

See more: 10 most beautiful states to visit in India

Source: Internet

Where to visit first in Laos

The only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, Laos is one of the most authentic countries in the world. The following places to visit for your first trip to Laos are the major highlights in the country.

Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is the most popular destination in Laos among budget travellers and backpackers. It’s situated in central Laos and is surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery of karst hills, limestone mountains, caves and tunnels, and rivers. It could be considered to be Laos’ adventure capital. There are many tour companies offering adventurous activities, from kayaking and tubing to spelunking and hiking. The downtown bar scene is worth checking out as well.

Bolaven Plateau

Southern Laos’ Bolaven Plateau is a landscape of thundering waterfalls, dense forests and tea and coffee plantations. Located more than 1,000 metres above sea level, the plateau is blessed with a milder and cooler climate than most of the rest of the country. The abundance of natural highlights, such as the Tad Fane and Dong Hua Sao waterfalls, invites visitors to strap on a pair of hiking boots and head into the jungle.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, set on a peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, was the royal capital of Laos until 1975, when the communists took over. The city is the most visited destination in Laos and, home to several amazing sights, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Luang Prabang, you will see bald orange-robed monks, old temples with golden roofs and French colonial buildings.

Plain of Jars

One of the most unusual sights in Southeast Asia, and also one of the world’s main archaeological mysteries, the Plain of Jars occupies a large area around the city of Phonsavan. There are hundreds of stone jars or urns, spread out among several archaeological sites. No one knows their purpose. When you visit Laos, this is an absolutely must-see attraction.

Wat Phu

Wat Phu, also known as Vat Phou, means ‘mountain temple’ and is a complex of ancient Khmer temple ruins. This complex of Hindu temples dates from between the 11th an 13th century and consists of tall trees, pavilions, pillars, courtyards, shrines, palaces and much more. The historical importance of this marvelous site is shown in the fact that it was declared World Heritage by UNESCO.

Vientiane

Vientiane is the capital of Laos and features many fascinating sites and sights. It’s a free-spirited city with a beautiful waterfront that lines the Mekong River. Other attractions are the stunning Phat That Luang stupa, the hundreds of Buddha statues in Wat Sisaket and the triumphal arc known as Patuxai. Additionally, you can also enjoy the incredibly relaxed atmosphere and the surprising mix of cultures— Chinese, Vietnamese, Lao, French and American.

Mekong River

Southeast Asia’s greatest river is more than 4,000 kilometres long, a large section of which lies in Laos. In a country that lacks proper roads and is covered with mountains and hills that aren’t always easy to access, the Mekong River provides the major transportation route. An absolute highlight of any trip to Laos, or to Southeast Asia in general, is taking a cruise on the Mekong River.

See more: What to eat when traveling in Laos

Source: Internet

Things to do in Mong Kok, Hong Kong

Mong Kok, which in Cantonese means ‘crowded corner’, is true to its name – it’s one of the busiest districts in Hong Kong. From seeking out antiques to trying stinky tofu, here is list of the best things to do in Mong Kok.

Discover emerging artists at the Hong Kong Wall of Fame

Hidden in a quiet corner of Mong Kok is a wall of ever-changing street art. This stretch of wall between Argyle and Bute Street is vibrantly adorned with works by both international and local graffiti artists, with new works constantly appearing. Beginning by the Mong Kok East Rail station and extending for over two blocks, the Hong Kong Wall of Fame should be on the to-do list of any art lovers visiting Mong Kok. Be sure to take a picture of your favorite piece – they may not be there by the time you next visit.

Score a bargain at Mong Kok’s best markets

Ladies' Market

As well as being a vital part of everyday life for many Hong Kongers, markets are at the top of the list of things to do in Hong Kong. You’ve come to the right place – Mong Kok is home to many of Hong Kong’s most popular markets. If you are looking to buy some classic Hong Kong souvenirs or perhaps some designer knock offs, then the Ladies’ Market is a must-visit. Though located a little outside of Mong Kok, the Temple Street Night Market is just a short walk away and a shopping hotspot after sundown. Along with having your fortune told, here you can find authentic souvenirs: antiques, jade, clothes, tea-ware, and electronic gadgets are all up for grabs.

Sample street food

Stinky Tofu

Pineapple Bun

Trying local street food is a must on any visit to Hong Kong. In Mong Kok, you can find plenty of street-food stalls scattered on Sai Yeung Choi Street, Dundas Street, Fa Yuen Street and Soy Street. They are not limited to selling traditional Hong Kong-style snacks such as stinky tofu, fish balls, and fish siu mai. Nowadays, you will also find pizza, Thai tea, and even poutine, all at very reasonable prices. If you’re feeling intrepid, be sure to try a food trend taking Hong Kong by storm – cheese cap tea. This intriguing sweet-savoury drink sees cold tea topped with a foamy layer of milk and cream cheese, finished off with a sprinkle of salt.

Catch a glimpse of the Goldfish Market

At Tung Choi Street North, also known as the Goldfish Market, you can buy any type of fish your heart desires. Its speciality, however, is (unsurprisingly) goldfish, who stare out from the plastic pouches that hang from the many stalls and store fronts lining the street. Regular pet stores are now beginning to crowd out the goldfish stalls – bringing cats, dogs and rabbits and other pets onto the scene – so swing by and see this curious sight before it disappears.

Wander along Sai Yeung Choi Street

Sai Yeung Choi is a long, bustling pedestrian street, home to an abundance of shops, malls and restaurants. You will be able to find almost anything you want, from international cosmetics and skin care brands such as Innisfree from Korea and NYX from the USA, to high-tech electronics. Local chain stores Fortress and Broadway sell the latest gadgets, but these can also be found at a fraction of the price at the smaller shops hidden within the labyrinth of office buildings. Don’t pass up the opportunity to check out the restaurants and street stalls selling local delicacies like Taiwanese fried chicken and Hong Kong stir-fried noodles.

Read more: A day to explore amazing Hong Kong

Source The Culture Trip