The global juggernaut that is Bollywood has given us amazing classics like Lagaan, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Swades.
I love the escapism and adventure of Bollywood, whose films are enjoyed by billions around the world.
So do you want to head to the places where Bollywood superstars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Dilip Kumar filmed their hits?
Take a look at the 10 best Bollywood film locations and create some classic dance scenes of your own!
10 Best Bollywood Film Locations
Prepare your best bhangra moves and take your selfie at one of these classic Bollywood film locations in India:
10. Chapora Fort and Fort Aguada, Goa
There are so many great reasons to visit Goa and Chapora Fort and Fort Aguada which are featured in Bollywood classics like Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., Dil Chahta Hai, Golmaal, Rangeela, and Dhoom.
The fortifications were built in the 17th century and occupy a commanding position on the hills near Morjim Beach, perfect for a dramatic movie scene!
9. India Gate, Delhi
India Gate in Delhi is an iconic war memorial that commemorates the service of more than 84,000 Indian soldiers who gave their lives in the First World War.
This imposing monument is synonymous with Delhi, so it’s no surprise that it features in many Bollywood blockbusters. India Gate is a notable extra in films like Rockstar, 3 Idiots, Jannat 2, and Fanaa.
8. Athirappilly Falls, Kerala
These breathtaking waterfalls are known as the Niagara of India.
They have provided the foundation of epic scenes in Bollywood films over the decades. You cannot miss these majestic waterfalls in Raavan, and Bahubali.
Read next – 10 Best Places to Visit in Mumbai
7. Doraha Fort (the RDB fort), Punjab
OK, guys now you know where the RDB fort is!
This fortress pretty much named after the 2006 blockbuster Rang De Basanti is the destination to recreate those famous scenes of the freedom-fighting young protagonists running free.
It was built by the Mughal ruler Jahangir and has become famous through Rang De Basanti. Take a lot of selfies here!
6. Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and most recognizable markets in Old Delhi.
A visit to this old and atmospheric market, built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan will be a riot of the senses.
Colorful stalls overflow with jewelry, sarees, spices, and garlands, a backdrop that may be familiar from films like Chandni Chowk to China, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, and 2009 hit Delhi-6.
5. Amer Fort, Jaipur
Put on your best lengha and shirt and sing your heart out beside this magnificent Rajasthan fort in the historic city of Jaipur.
It has been so many Bollywood movies including Jodhaa Akbar, Khoobsurat, Bajirao Mastani, and Bajirao Mastani.
4. Aru Valley, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
Do you remember the beautiful scenery from the movie Highway? This beautiful agrarian region is rural India at its finest.
The rolling hills and green scenic meadows showcase another side of India that has to be experienced.
Almost alpine, with beautiful rivers and streams. Once you lay your eyes on Pahalgam in Kashmir, you’ll never want to depart!
3. Udaipur Palace, Rajasthan
Once again we head to Rajasthan, one of Bollywood’s popular film locations for making historical films.
This exquisite palace was made for telling legendary tales like Ram Leela, and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.
The regal and romantic scenes here have inspired many Indian couples to take their engagement and wedding photos in the palace grounds.
2. Munnar, Kerala
Simply wow! This Kerala region in the Western Ghats mountains is so beautiful, that you will never want to leave.
The town was a former hill station and resort of the British Raj, and is covered with tea plantations that take advantage of its temperate climate.
The winding roads and green hills of Munnar have been a location in many films including Chennai Express, Life of Pi, and Nishabd. Kerala at its finest!
1. Marine Drive, Mumbai, Maharashtra
A list of India’s best Bollywood film locations could not be completed without a visit to the birthplace of Indian cinema.
Mumbai continues to be a Bollywood powerhouse, churning out hundreds of films each year.
So it’s no surprise that you’ll find Mumbai being a location in many of these films including favorites like Wake Up Sid, Manzil, Baby, and Mumbai.
Best Bollywood Film Locations FAQs
Which Indian city is the Centre of Bollywood’s film industry?
The home of Bollywood is undoubtedly the city of Mumbai (previously Bombay). It is home to Filmcity, a complex of Govt of Maharashtra in Mumbai That includes film studios, outdoor locations, and world-class, animation, special effects (SFX), and film processing facilities.
Which Bollywood movies are shot in Prague?
Notable Bollywood films shot in Prague include Jab Harry Met Sejal, Rockstar, and Prague.
Prague in the Czech Republic has been a popular location for Bollywood films that are set in Europe because of lower production costs and skilled local crews.
Which Indian city has a thriving film industry?
Mumbai in Maharashtra state is the epicenter of India’s film industry. This massive Bollywood filming hum produces over 200 Hind-language movies every year. Mumbai was honored as a UNESCO City of Film in 2019 for being the birthplace of Bollywood.
Which city has the most movie theatres in India?
Mumbai in Maharashtra is an entertainment industry haven with the highest density of movie theatres and multiplexes in India. There are at least 259 multiplexes and 65 single-screen cinemas in the city.
Which is the oldest Indian movie?
The oldest Indian film is Raja Harishchandra, a black-and-white, full-length silent film by Dadasaheb Phalke. The film was released on the 24th of March 1917 and shown to audiences at the Coronation Cinema in Girgaon, Mumbai.
Where is Bollywood popular outside India?
Bollywood has an international following and is the largest film industry in the world after Hollywood. Bollywood films are popular across Asia and the Middle East with countries that include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Bhutan, Burma, and China enjoying Hindi films. Even African and Caribbean countries are known to enjoy Indian movies. Also, the Indian diaspora provides some of Bollywood’s biggest films.
Are Bollywood movies filmed in the US?
Yes, Bollywood films including classics like English Vinglish, Swades, and Dhoom 3, have been made in the US. US locations for Bollywood films are mainly Los Angeles, New York, and Las Vegas.
Rounding Up
If you’re a Bollywood fan, visiting iconic Bollywood film locations will be an unforgettable and immersive experience. So grab your lungi or lehenga, bangles, and shades, and have your own romantic Hindi film adventure!
