Best Shooting Locations in India: Featured in Movies and TV Shows
India has been the backdrop for numerous films and TV shows, with its diverse landscapes, cultural richness, and historical landmarks creating cinematic magic. From the regal palaces of Rajasthan to the pristine beaches of Goa, the best shooting locations in India have drawn directors and stars from around the world. This article will take you through these iconic destinations, their significance in movies, and why they continue to inspire filmmakers and travelers alike.
Table of Contents
Rajasthan: The Royal Backdrop
Udaipur: The City of Lakes in Bollywood Classics
Udaipur’s serene lakes and majestic palaces have made it one of the best shooting locations in India for romantic and historical films. The 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, starring Roger Moore, showcased Udaipur’s stunning Lake Palace and Jag Mandir. In Bollywood, films like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, shot significant scenes at Udaipur’s Oberoi Udaivilas. The city’s regal ambiance is perfect for films portraying royalty, love, and grandeur.
Jodhpur’s Blue City Charm
Jodhpur, known for its blue houses and the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, has featured in films like The Dark Knight Rises (2012), where Christian Bale filmed scenes in the rugged desert landscape. The Bollywood movie Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999), starring Salman Khan, highlighted the city’s cultural richness and architectural beauty. Jodhpur remains a top choice for directors seeking a blend of historical depth and natural beauty.
Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort in Period Dramas
Jaipur’s iconic Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort have served as majestic backdrops in period dramas. Jodha Akbar (2008), starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, filmed extensively at Amber Fort, depicting the grandeur of Mughal times. Jaipur’s pink-hued streets and palaces have also been featured in Bol Bachchan (2012), starring Abhishek Bachchan and Ajay Devgn, offering a colorful contrast to India’s rich history.
Kerala: The Serene Backwaters
Alleppey: A Favorite for Romantic Scenes
Kerala’s backwaters, especially in Alleppey, have been synonymous with tranquility and romance, making them some of the best shooting locations in India. The Bollywood film Katha Parayumpol (2007), starring Mammootty, beautifully captures the serene backwaters of Alleppey. The Malayalam film Neelathamara (2009) is another example where the calm waters add an ethereal quality to the storytelling.
Munnar: The Scenic Tea Gardens in Indian Cinema
Munnar’s lush green tea gardens and misty hills provide a picture-perfect setting for romantic films. The 1992 Tamil film Roja, directed by Mani Ratnam, famously captured the beauty of Munnar. More recently, Bollywood’s Chennai Express (2013), starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, showcased Munnar’s dreamy landscapes, adding charm to the movie’s adventurous journey.
Mumbai: The Bollywood Capital
Gateway of India in Iconic Film Scenes
Mumbai, the heart of the Indian film industry, has seen the shooting of countless films, with the Gateway of India being a favorite spot. In Salaam Bombay! (1988), directed by Mira Nair, this iconic landmark was central to the story. Bollywood’s Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), starring Shah Rukh Khan, also showcased the Gateway in emotional scenes, further embedding it as one of the best shooting locations in India.
Marine Drive: The Queen's Necklace in Love Stories
Marine Drive, often called the Queen’s Necklace, has featured in many Bollywood love stories and is a favorite among filmmakers. The film Wake Up Sid (2009), starring Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma, captured the charm of Marine Drive during romantic and introspective moments. Its sweeping views of the Arabian Sea make it a must-shoot location for films set in Mumbai.
Goa: The Perfect Beach Escape
Baga Beach in Bollywood Hits
Goa’s sunny beaches are a go-to for films that exude fun, freedom, and relaxation. Dil Chahta Hai (2001), starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna, was instrumental in making Baga Beach a popular tourist spot. The film’s iconic scenes of friends enjoying the laid-back beach life cemented Goa’s beaches as some of the best shooting locations in India.
Old Goa’s Portuguese Architecture in Period Films
The rich Portuguese architecture in Old Goa has added an exotic touch to numerous Bollywood and international films. Singham (2011), starring Ajay Devgn, featured scenes shot in Old Goa, where the film’s gripping action sequences were filmed against a backdrop of historical churches and colonial buildings. This area’s blend of history and beauty makes it a filmmaker’s dream.
Ladakh: The Stark Beauty of the Himalayas
Pangong Lake in Blockbuster Movies
Ladakh’s breathtaking Pangong Lake became world-famous after the release of 3 Idiots (2009), starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and R. Madhavan. The serene lake, with its changing hues, was the perfect backdrop for the film’s emotional climax. Ladakh, with its stark and untouched beauty, is considered one of the best shooting locations in India for films needing a remote, tranquil setting.
Nubra Valley’s Rugged Terrain in Action Sequences
Ladakh’s Nubra Valley has also become a hotspot for shooting high-octane action sequences. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013), starring Farhan Akhtar, filmed crucial scenes in this rugged valley, showcasing the dramatic Himalayan landscape. The barren, beautiful landscape offers a unique and captivating backdrop for films focused on adventure and resilience.
Varanasi: The Spiritual Heart of India
The Ghats and Ancient Temples in Spiritual Dramas
Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest cities, has always been a favorite for films exploring spirituality and life’s deeper meaning. The film Masaan (2015), starring Vicky Kaushal, beautifully captured the essence of Varanasi’s ghats, portraying the city’s relationship with life, death, and rebirth. Varanasi remains one of the best shooting locations in India for films delving into India’s spiritual depth.
The City’s Streets in Indie Films
Varanasi’s narrow streets and vibrant culture have also been central to indie films and documentaries. The critically acclaimed Water (2005), directed by Deepa Mehta, was partially shot in Varanasi, capturing the city’s timeless, spiritual vibe. The city’s blend of ancient tradition and raw beauty makes it a unique choice for filmmakers.
Delhi: The Urban and Historical Blend
Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar in Period Pieces
Delhi’s rich history and architecture make it an attractive location for period films. Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was featured in Fanaa (2006), starring Aamir Khan and Kajol. The Qutub Minar was used in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, providing a majestic backdrop to pivotal scenes.
India Gate in Patriotic Films
India Gate, an iconic symbol of national pride, has appeared in many patriotic films. Rang De Basanti (2006), starring Aamir Khan, featured India Gate prominently in its climactic moments, making it an integral part of the film’s storyline. Its historical and emotional significance makes it one of the best shooting locations in India for films centered on patriotism.
West Bengal: The Cultural Hub
Kolkata’s Iconic Howrah Bridge in Indian Cinema
Kolkata’s Howrah Bridge has been a visual treat in numerous Bollywood films. In Yuva (2004), directed by Mani Ratnam, the bridge played a key role in the film’s storyline, symbolizing the city’s bustling energy. The film starred Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, and Rani Mukerji. Kolkata’s rich cultural history makes it an ideal location for films with a strong narrative foundation.
The Sundarbans in Documentaries and Thrillers
The mysterious Sundarbans, home to the Bengal tiger, have been featured in documentaries and adventure films. The Bollywood film Piku (2015), starring Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone, highlighted the rural beauty of West Bengal, including the edges of the Sundarbans. Its untouched wilderness makes it one of the best shooting locations in India for nature-themed films.
Himachal Pradesh: The Snowy Mountain Scenes
Shimla and Manali in Romantic Escapes
Shimla and Manali, with their snow-covered peaks and cozy cottages, are popular settings for romantic films. Jab We Met (2007), starring Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor, filmed its iconic train and mountain scenes in these locations, adding charm to the love story. These hill stations remain a favorite for filmmakers looking for wintry romance.
Rohtang Pass for Adventure Films
Rohtang Pass, with its dramatic landscapes, is a top choice for adventure films. The film Highway (2014), starring Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda, filmed intense sequences at Rohtang Pass, using the rugged terrain to reflect the character’s emotional journey. Its raw beauty makes it one of the best shooting locations in India for films needing a dramatic, mountainous setting.
Tamil Nadu: Temples and Coastal Wonders
Mahabalipuram in Historic Epics
Tamil Nadu’s ancient temples and UNESCO sites, like Mahabalipuram, have added authenticity to historic films. The Tamil film Ponniyin Selvan (2022), directed by Mani Ratnam, captured the grandeur of these ancient temples, adding depth to the film’s storyline. Mahabalipuram’s timeless architecture makes it an excellent location for epic storytelling.
Chennai’s Marina Beach in Modern Dramas
Marina Beach, stretching along the coast of Chennai, has been featured in several Tamil and Bollywood films. In Kabali (2016), starring Rajinikanth, the beach was used for pivotal scenes, showcasing the life and struggles of the lead character. Chennai’s modern vibrancy and cultural heritage make it one of the best shooting locations in India for filmmakers looking to blend old and new.
Conclusion
From Rajasthan’s royal palaces to Kerala’s serene backwaters, the best shooting locations in India have provided backdrops for some of the most iconic films and TV shows. These locations not only bring stories to life but also inspire travelers to explore the real-life magic behind their favorite on-screen moments. Whether you’re a film buff or an intrepid traveler, these cinematic landscapes offer unforgettable experiences.
Frequently Asked Question(s)
Some of the best shooting locations in India include Udaipur’s Lake Palace in Rajasthan, the backwaters of Alleppey in Kerala, Mumbai’s Gateway of India, Ladakh’s Pangong Lake, and Varanasi’s ghats. Each location offers a unique setting that has featured in various popular movies and TV shows.
Udaipur, with its picturesque lakes and palaces, provides a perfect royal ambiance, making it ideal for romantic and historical films. It has been used in movies like Octopussy (1983) and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), where the city’s luxurious aesthetics play a significant role in the storytelling.
Ladakh’s Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley have been featured in films like 3 Idiots (2009) and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013). The region’s stark beauty and remote landscapes make it an ideal backdrop for scenes requiring a unique and tranquil setting.
Kerala’s Alleppey backwaters, known for their serene and scenic beauty, are frequently used in romantic films due to their peaceful charm. Movies like Katha Parayumpol (2007) capture this beauty, making it a sought-after destination for love stories and introspective scenes
Goa’s vibrant beaches and Portuguese architecture create a relaxed, tropical vibe that appeals to films focused on adventure and friendship. Dil Chahta Hai (2001) brought Goa’s Baga Beach to fame, showing its fun-loving beach culture as the perfect setting for friendships and holidays
Marine Drive, known as the Queen’s Necklace, has panoramic sea views, making it ideal for romantic and reflective scenes. It has been featured in movies like Wake Up Sid (2009), adding a touch of Mumbai’s urban charm to the storytelling.
Varanasi’s ghats, with their spiritual aura and connection to life and death, are commonly used in films exploring deeper themes. Movies like Masaan (2015) showcase the city’s powerful cultural and spiritual setting, making it a favorite for films with profound narratives.
Yes, India Gate in Delhi has been prominently featured in patriotic films like Rang De Basanti (2006), symbolizing national pride. Its historical significance makes it an ideal backdrop for films centered on India’s heritage and patriotism.
Mahabalipuram, with its ancient temples and sculptures, adds authenticity to historical films. Ponniyin Selvan (2022) showcases Mahabalipuram’s ancient architecture, making it an ideal location for epics and period dramas
Howrah Bridge in Kolkata is a symbol of the city’s bustling life and culture. Featured in films like Yuva (2004), it adds an urban charm that represents Kolkata’s rich heritage, making it one of the best shooting locations in India for filmmakers looking to capture the city’s essence.