Recently updated on August 30th, 2022 at 04:45 pm
Seeing these popular Bollywood locations on the big screen will likely ignite your desire to visit incredible India. From lush green Kerala in the south to the snowy Rohtang Pass in the north, let these movies transport you to another world for World Bollywood Day. Inspire your next trip to India with the most incredible Bollywood movie locations.
Chapora Fort and Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Goa
Three friends who just graduated college embark on a road trip through Goa in the coming-of-age romance flick Dil Chahta Hai. Goa is all about beaches and sunshine, so soak in the scenery of famous Chapora or Aguada beaches, wander around the fort, and head inland to visit the incredible Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Goa is home to plenty of popular Bollywood filming locations, and has featured in films including Dhoom, Golmaal, and Rangeela.
Pangong Lake, Ladakh
They say all you need to do to take an amazing photograph in Ladakh is point your camera and shoot. From stunning mountains to deep valleys, winding roads to monasteries and – of course – lakes, this area is a favourite for Bollywood movie locations. Pangong Lake is set between the mountain ranges of the Himalayas and the Karakoram and is loved for its colour-changing ability, shifting from shades of blue to green to red. It’s also one of the highest altitude saline lakes in the world. Bollywood flicks 3 Idiots and Jab Tak Hai Jaan were filmed there.
Udaipur Palace, Rajasthan
If you want to feel the rich, flamboyant side of history, Udaipur Palace is an essential visit. Built over 400 years, construction of this multi-palace complex started in 1553 and there are dozens upon dozens of incredible rooms and courtyards to explore. It’s not just a popular Bollywood filming location either. The James Bond film Octopussy used this unique location too.
GET INSPIRED BY: Colours of Rajasthan with Mumbai
Munnar, Kerala
In the south of India, the natural beauty of Kerala is the perfect Bollywood backdrop. Do you recall seeing the evergreen tea plantations in the hit film Life of Pi? That was right here in Munnar. The fairytale tea garden is just the beginning. From waterfalls and lush flora to wildlife, Munnar is popular with adventurous travellers looking to enjoy the great outdoors and natural scenery. Bollywood films including Chennai Express and Nishabd have also been filmed here.
GET INSPIRED BY: Captivating Kerala
Banaras Ghats, Uttar Pradesh
Banaras – or Varanasi – is one of India’s oldest cities. It’s also one of the most popular Bollywood filming locations thanks to its ancient temples, rich heritage and incredible ghats that lead down to the river. The perfect backdrop for traditional Bollywood flicks, if you want to see the mesmerising Ganga Aarti and Banaras on screen, watch films Raanjhana and Masaan. Full spirituality and majestic heritage temples, visit the vibrant destination to see old-world India.Â
GET INSPIRED BY: Golden Triangle, Tigers and the Ganges
Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh
The Rohtang pass is perhaps India’s highest and most dangerous road. Big winding bends, steep drops and no barriers: this challenging snow-covered crossing has been immortalised in many Bollywood films, driving curiosity from adventurous travellers. Catch the location on the big screen in films including Dev D, Jab We Met, and Highway.
RELATED ARTICLE: Welcome to Bollywood: a beginners guide to India’s billion-dollar film industry
Amer Fort, Rajasthan
Close to the pink city of Jaipur, this royal pearl of a fort has more than 1000 years of history. The magnificent pink and yellow sandstone site is one of the most famous Bollywood locations in India. A protected World Heritage destination, movies including Bajirao Mastani, Veer, Jodha Akbar, and Bol Bachan shot many scenes here and now you can visit it yourself.
Planning for an iconic 2022 trip? Request the latest Trafalgar brochure and start dreaming
Have you visited any of these Bollywood filming locations or would you like to in future? Let us know in the comments…