Top 10 Famous Bollywood Filming Locations You Can Visit in India

Whenever you think about Bollywood, you think of beautiful locations, vast palaces, and vibrant streets. Bollywood not only gave India its identity in the world of cinema but also introduced us to some of the most breathtaking locations all over the country. Here are the top 10 famous Bollywood filming locations you cannot miss visiting in India.

The charm of Bollywood transcends films themselves, for it can transform even the most nondescript locations into wonders of sorts. Many Indian places have attained recognition and even fame through various Bollywood movies, which brings its fans and travellers to these places to feel the liveliness of movie scenes.

Things2Do explores the top 10 famous Bollywood filming locations you can visit in India. These destinations stand out not only as filming locations of your favourite movies but also give cultural and breathtakingly beautiful experiences.

Top 10 Famous Bollywood Filming Locations You Can Visit in India

1Udaipur: The City of Lakes

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Udaipur is also known as the City of Lakes. Located in Rajasthan, this beautiful city has been a filmmaker’s favourite because of its regal backdrop and ethereal beauty. Everything, from the palaces to the lakes, has been a focal point for films like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela.

Thus, the city offers a lot of pictorial beauty and promises a visit full of royal experiences for those enchanted by the grandeur of Bollywood. You can also stay in heritage hotels, enjoy traditional Rajasthani cuisine, and join in local folklore. The best time to go is from October to March; that way, the heat is avoided.

2Ladakh: Mystic Mountains

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Ladakh’s stark landscapes have been immortalized in films like 3 Idiots and Jab Tak Hai Jaan.  Known for its rugged beauty and tranquil monasteries, Ladakh offers an escape into serene solitude. Exploring the Pangong Lake or the Nubra Valley provides a surreal experience akin to a cinematic adventure.

3Goa: Sun-Kissed Beaches

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The beaches and laid-back lifestyle of Goa have made the state a recurring choice for Bollywood filmmakers. Films like Dil Chahta Hai and Dear Zindagi have captured the vigorous spirit and laid-back charm of the state.

Palolem Beach is a common sight in romantic films. Its serene atmosphere makes it a favourite place for couples on a beachy getaway. Relaxing on the soft sands or enjoying water sports while soaking up the sun is a must-do in Goa. The best time to go is from November to February for good beach weather.

4Mumbai: The Heart of Bollywood

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No list of Bollywood locations is complete without Mumbai, the roots of Bollywood. The Gateway of India is an iconic structure for Mumbai, where Bollywood cameras have often captured the hustle and bustle of city life.

For example, Chennai Express made a point of this iconic arch, folding history into modern cinema. The city screams for energy. Be it the iconic skyline of Marine Drive shown in Wake Up Sid or the busy roads in Slumdog Millionaire.

Whether walking around Film City or heading to historical landmarks like the Gateway of India, Mumbai gives an absolutely authentic Bollywood feel. You can hire a boat from here to visit the Arabian Sea while you take in the scenic views.

5Manali: The Mountain Getaway

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Tucked in the Himalayas, Manali is nothing but a dreamland famous for its snow-laden peaks and verdant flora. Some of the most enchanting landscapes are seen in movies like Jab We Met and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.

Visiting Manali will get you inside a scene of romance and adventure wrapped in the Himalayan embrace. This location is a must-visit for every outdoorsy person. You can go paragliding or skiing to satiate your adrenaline cravings.

6Jaipur, Rajasthan: Pink City

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Some forts and palaces in Jaipur, like Amber Fort and City Palace, have been the backdrops for several Bollywood movies: Bol Bachchan, Murder 2, and Bajirao Mastani. These vibrant colours with rich history trigger an opulent setting in this city, relegating one back to the times of Rajput royalty.

7Kerala: God’s Own Country 

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From the backwaters, the green hills-the lush beauty of Kerala, provides an apt environment for the shootings of movies such as Chennai Express and Bombay.

From serene houseboat rides in Alleppey to misty tea plantations, there is almost everything that lets nature’s magnificence speak out aloud in movies.

8Varanasi: The Spiritual Hub

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Places like ghats and the spiritual aura of Varanasi have been beautifully captured in movies like Raanjhanaa and Masaan. Being one of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi offers an adrenaline-packed expedition into ancient rituals and vibrant street life. It promises an unreal cinematic journey through the spiritual heart of India.

9Agra and the Taj Mahal: The Eternal Symbol of Love

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This epitome of love stands as the fabulous Taj Mahal in the cinematography of many films such as Mughal-e-Azam and Bunty Aur Babli. This mighty monument still houses beauty to a degree that inspires wonder. The city of Agra invites the traveller into the realms of tales about eternal love and architectural genius.

10Kashmir: Heaven on Earth

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Kashmir, in terms of film shooting locations, is considered Switzerland by Indians. Kashmir offers plush valleys and snow-capped peaks, which have made it a favourite movie destination. Houseboats and Shikaras, traditional wood boats, are seen moving around the famous Dal Lake.

Movies like Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Dil Se, and Haider show the picturesque beauty Kashmir can boast of, thus making it a romantic destination among couples. Also called Heaven on Earth, Kashmir is ethereal for its immaculate beauty, where classic Bollywood romances are set in dreamy locales. October to March for pleasant weather

Which Is The One You are Going To Visit?

Bollywood has this surreal way of bringing in locations alive; making its audience a part of this dreamland of colours, culture, and emotion. These 10 famous Bollywood filming locations that one can visit in India promise a sneak peek into the dream world that one seeks in the beauty and magic of real life. Be it the royal grounds of Rajasthan, the serene landscape of Ladakh, or the spirit of Mumbai, every destination offers something different, culturally and magically.

Slap on your backpacks, pick up the cameras and get ready for a movie-like tour across these iconic sites. Get ready to relive movie magic and create lifetime memories. While touring these breathtaking destinations that have been famous, over and over again, on the silver screen.

While planning for your travel, ensure you connect with the culture, taste the cuisines, and meet the people. Every venue has much more to offer besides its appeal to cinema. Explore more exciting places with Things2Do. Follow our insta handle @things2doexperiences.