As a big fan of Bollywood and a travel writer with more than seven years of experience, I’ve had the chance to visit many famous Indian places that have been in hit Hindi movies. Bollywood has shown off some of India’s most beautiful scenery, from the snow-capped mountains of Ladakh to the tea farms of Munnar. Read below about “Bollywood-inspired travel- Top 7 destinations from Ladakh to Munnar”.
In this blog, I’ll talk about my top 7 must-see Bollywood-inspired travel spots and include tips and stories from my own trips to these movie-themed places. These amazing places will make you want to re-enact your favorite movie scenes, whether you’re a huge Bollywood fan or just looking for beautiful places to visit in India.
Table of Contents
Top 7 destinations from Ladakh to Munnar
Ladakh – Three Dums
Ladakh’s beautiful mountain views were the epic setting for Aamir Khan’s coming-of-age movie 3 Idiots. As a fan, I still remember very clearly the famous scene of the three friends riding their motorbikes next to the beautiful Pangong Lake. I drove along the same stretch from Leh to Pangong Tso on my own trip and was amazed by the clear blue water and faraway mountains.
Beyond Pangong Lake, Ladakh has strange landscapes that look like they belong in Three Idiots, such as the Hemis Monastery from the 17th century and the moonscapes of Nubra Valley. The views from the high mountain roads are the best, but they test your driving skills. Renting a bike or car and going on a beautiful road trip from Leh to Ladakh is the best way to see the area.
Kashmir: To Kill or Not to Kill
In Shah Rukh Khan’s romantic movie Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Kashmir’s alluring beauty is shown to its fullest. As a naive romantic, I was determined to see the famous places where the movie’s songs and scenes shot in Gulmarg and Srinagar were filmed.
In Gulmarg, I took the world’s tallest cable car to see Affarwat Peak covered in snow and fields filled with wildflowers. I took a gondola ride over the Dal Lake in Srinagar and went through the old Mughal gardens, just like Katrina Kaif’s character. Seeing Kashmir’s natural beauty and rich culture was like a Bollywood dream come true.
Express from Hampi to Chennai
The old ruins of Hampi made for a stunning background for the train chase scene in Chennai Express, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. When I went to Hampi, I felt like I was 2,000 years in the past.
I traveled around the huge UNESCO World Heritage site in a tuk-tuk, going around big rocks and stopping to look at buildings like the Vittala Temple and Lotus Mahal that were perched precariously. I went on a walk to the Hanuman Temple on Anjaneyadri Hill at sunset to get the same stunning views of the ruins as the movie Chennai Express. The mysterious scenery in Hampi makes you feel like the lead in your own big-budget movie.
Phillauri to Rishikesh
After seeing Anushka Sharma’s supernatural romance Phillauri, I felt drawn to the holy town of Rishikesh as a spiritual tourist. Rishikesh is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” because it is in the foothills of the Himalayas.
I stayed at an ashram by the Ganges River. Every morning I did yoga and then ate a veggie meal. I went to the hypnotic Ganga Aarti event in the evenings, where lamps were lit and chanting were done. I also went on hikes to temples on top of hills, such as Neelkanth Mahadev, where scenes from the movie Phillauri were shot. One of my favorite places to get away was Rishikesh, which has a laid-back vibe, clean air, and good vibes.
Munnar: How to Live in a Metro
Movies like “Life in a Metro” and “Chennai Express” show the emerald tea fields of Munnar. Munnar was one of the most important places I visited in Kerala. Going for a walk through the endless rolling hills covered in lush tea farms was truly magical.
I stayed at a resort on a tea estate and took a tour of the factory there to learn about how the tea is grown. When you go to Munnar, you have to see the sunrise from Echo Point Overlook and walk along tea-carpeted tracks to see places like Lakkam Waterfalls. You will feel calm and at ease during your trip to Munnar because of its peaceful beauty.
Barfi in Darjeeling
In India, Darjeeling, which is also called the “Queen of the Hills,” is the picture of old-world beauty. After seeing Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra fall in love in Darjeeling in Barfi!, I wanted to see its colonial buildings and Himalayan views for myself.
This was my trip to Darjeeling. I stayed at the historic Windamere Hotel and had high tea on the grounds while taking in the view of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain. I also took a train ride on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which had beautiful views of mountains everywhere. Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful hill towns in India. It has cute cafes, Buddhist monasteries, and the most amazing sunrises.
Backwaters of Kerala – Asoka
Kerala’s peaceful backwaters are used as a scene in movies like “Asoka” and “Chennai Express.” I traveled through these linked lakes and rivers on a houseboat, passing through small towns, temples, churches, rice barges, and coconut fields.
I felt like I was in a different world when I sat on the deck under the palm trees and watched people going about their daily lives along the banks. From Kumarakom to Alleppey, the best way to see Kerala’s natural beauty is to cruise the backwaters and stay at resorts on the water.
Conclusion
You can experience India’s rich culture, history, and breathtaking beauty while reliving your favorite scenes from Bollywood movies by visiting these famous places. As a fan of Bollywood and travel writer, I strongly suggest that you plan a trip to India that is influenced by Bollywood. You’ll feel like the star of your own movie on any trip, from road trips through mountain passes to romantic getaways on the backwaters. I hope you like reading “Bollywood-inspired travel- Top 7 destinations from Ladakh to Munnar”.
Feel like a Bollywood hero or heroine? Then these seven places will help you make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re going by yourself, with family, friends, or your special someone, bring the spirit of Bollywood with you to make your trip an epic story you’ll remember forever.
Michaela Krajanova is an expert in travel journalism and blogging. With over 10 years of experience and a Master’s degree in Hospitality Management, Michaela Krajanova has cultivated a substantial following on Instagram, showcasing her travel photography and insights. Explore engaging travel guides and stories on her Instagram handle @michaela_krajanova, where she connects with a vibrant community of travel enthusiasts. Michaela’s work makes travel accessible and inspiring for readers around the globe, providing firsthand experiences and expert advice.
