Love Anthems of Ranbir in Indian Streets
The “heartthrob” of all Ladies is loved mostly in the perennial man-child roles like Prem, Sid, and Bunny. The albums of all his movies are the biggest chartbusters and all-time favorites for couples to earmark their love. The Romantic backdrops of Ranbir’s Hit tracks would surely make you fall in love again. Humming the beats meander through these places in India to plan your trip to bestow the beauties with your beauty. Blooming love of spring, Kesariya: Varanasi, one of India’s spiritual cities, is shown as the city of love capturing the energy of Banaras in Kesariya. The song pictures its best shots at famous ghats like the Darbhanga ghat of Varanasi during sunset and the Brij Rama Palace as a backdrop. A boat ride with a good nature view on the sacred rivers of Ganga and Ganga aarti is also captured with love birds humming is beyond words. The streets of Varanasi are colored in saffron hues as the song theme to get the love conquers all feel while watching. Ramnagar Fort with Mughal architecture, a famous Gyanvapi mosque, and Buddhist Monastery is among Banaras’s tourist attractions for you to write your love story. Other movies: Tum Tak from Raanjhanaa, Manikarnika, Gangs of Wasseypur. A picture from India.com Grooving at the dunes, Shamshera: The movie is packed with action, love, romance, and crime as Ranbir is the Robin Hood of the Indian city Kaza. The songs and scenes are mostly shot in Nubra Valley, Ladakh portraying the valleys, rustic Mountains, and dunes in the finest ways. The love song, Fitoor allures the beauty of the secluded landscapes in Nubra gallanting near white sands, and blue glaciers using the beauty of the valley of flowers. The lead song, Ji Husoor captures the character of the native men and land in one frame. The high energy of Ranbir beats along the rocking mountains and his captive’s influencing others on occasion blends along the place vibe. Other Movies: Title track of Bhaag milka bhaag. A pic from the firstpost.com website. Heartbreaks at Hauz Khas, Tamasha: The movie tamasha starring Ranbir and Deepika was shot in Hauz Khas’ of old Delhi and ancient streets of Kolkata for its old-world charm to match the storyline. Tara unfolding the true self of Ved will take make you learn the real, sensible things of life and love yourself living in the city hustle. Other Movies: Agar me kahoon from Lakshya. Delhi6, Rockstar. A pic from the TripAdvisor website. Head over heels at Nilgiri hills, Ajab prem ki gajab kahani: The adventure of prem and jenny turns into a heart-touching love story with dream scenes and some other shots pictured at the romantic destination OOTY lake. This musical hit has many scenic locations as the backdrop for its chartbusters to get the love-in-air feel. Tera hone Laga hu, the most dedicated love song has Ooty’s best places to infuse amity among the love birds. Other Movies: Behene de from Raavan, Barfi, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. A pic from wittyblog.com. Maestros Magic, Rockstar: The musical romantic drama of Ranbir makes the heart skip a beat for movie lovers. The songs along with maestro music will drive you through the mountain ranges, lakes, and shrines of Jammu and Kashmir. Yeh Chand Sa Roshan Chehra’s song from the movie has been shot at Dal Lake, Srinagar. The picturesque song of Katiya Karun’s parts has been shot in the Betaab Valley of Pahalgam part in Jammu & Kashmir. Other Movies: Pashmina song from Fitoor, Jab Thak Hai Jaan. A picture from travel. Earth website On your next trip to these destinations, capture your own story to cherish memories with your loved ones.
Soulful Journey of Laal from Punjabi Munda to a Popular Man
Just like Laal says, “We meander with the air from place to place to reach the destiny with some miracles to cherish lifetime”. A journey to a destination is part and parcel of memories, huddles, new relations, true stories, and life lessons to treasure. Let us travel along with Laal in his journey from being a special child acting normal to a Special Man leading a normal life and unveiling all the myths in the race of life. Laal runs like the sun’s rays traveling all over and reaching places at different times, yet has a prominent role to play in every place similar to our journey that starts at a point pass through many places and reaching the destination. Travel all over the world like Laal, who breaks all the records running miles from streets, dunes, and shores to make miracles happen and write his destiny. The movie is shot in 100 real locations with many Indian cities as a backdrop with breathtaking views of nature. Check out these interesting locations in India that will make you relate many stories of Bollywood along with the story of Laal Singh Chadha while watching: A pic from bollywoodhush.com Punjab: The story takes you back to the fields of Ludhiana where Laal, a special child is raised by his mother competing with normal kids and ranking top in the school. The initial phase was shot in many villages of Punjab where he finds his love, and career and reaches all the miles in his life. A picture from wikimedia.com Mumbai: Few scenes were picturized at marine drive, high court, and central library for capturing the hustle and bustle of the city. Laal achieves all the great precisions like a child’s play in the city of dreams and gets finds his childhood love under the true galaxy of stars. A pic from tripsavvy.com Delhi: The first and obvious location that we all could spot from the trailer is India gate, where the leads click the picture in the capital city. The convocation, president medal celebration, and other important scenes were scheduled in the capital city. The city has great monuments, Heritage sites, shopping streets, and food hauls as a package to delight the tourist in the hustle of city life. A pic from the India.com website. Andhra Pradesh: A schedule at the small hamlet Amalapur in AP was done to dwell in the waters of coastal land cutting new paths, fighting back, and reviving from the hard times of life. The humidity of the coastal lands, downpours at sea, and fishing are picturized at Odalarevu, Yanam, and other beaches of AP. A picture from the ytimg website. Kerala: The city of backwaters has many favorite spots for tourists and natives that set a natural backdrop and soothing environment. The Kappil Beach near Varkala with blue waters, golden sand, and palm trees are depicted as an alluring spot with the Jatayu sculpture built at the rolling hills of Chadayamangalam in the Kollam district is shown in the best cinematic way. The most beautiful hills with green meadows and carved vegetation and the mystic weather of Munnar were also spotted to entice tourists. A pic from gtgoodtimes.com Gujarat: The heritage land, natural grandeur, and revered shrines of Gujarat resemble the strength and determination of Laal towards everything he gets in his life. In his journey, every phase of life has a different set of challenges, yet he would get back with ease as he never knew about the huddles. So, with all the elation take a backpack and traverse the beautiful lands of culture, and diversity in an ultra-modern way. A picture from the iamrenew website Kolkata: The epic Run of Aamir at the end showcases the ups and downs of life and was shot in many parts of India, old streets of Kolkata and Howrah Bridge are one among them to take you through the colonial architecture, paintings, and music of Rabindranath. A pic from the Pinterest website. Jammu and Kashmir: To bring out the real-life situations into the picture the training sessions of an army officer, camping, and war scenes were shot at Leh- Ladhak borders, Srinagar army cants, and Kargil to recreate the remittances of soldiers and their sacrifices. Hills and popular destinations of the border countries have many stories that tourists could get through while traveling to these cities. A pic from the Reddit website. Take back home loads of memories of visiting the city, apart from the mentioned locations shootings were scheduled in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Dehradun, and some other parts of India to bring out the real appeal of the storyline.
Ravishing Rail Routes Inspired by Bollywood Hit Songs
Train journeys are visual treats for a traveler carting them over the valley of flowers, the fauna of forests, and blue waters that are bound to be a memorable picnic. From Kasto Mazza Hai in Parineeta to the Raftaarein in Ra.one portray the real-life moments, emotions, and stories relating to the train journeys, and these fascinating stories excite tourists to visit those places ensuring nature at its best. Travel long and experience more on these enchanting train routes across the country for a memorable trip. Pack up for an outing on the most fantasized train routes of Indian Railways that are etched in one’s memory forever by the hit tunes of Bollywood. Touching the drop drown from the window, watching the changing landscapes, passing over the winding tracks, and reaching the destination are truly nostalgic. Toy Train: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling: Built-in the 1800s it’s the most popular train journey with a place in the UNESCO world heritage sites. Steam Train starts from the new Jalpaiguri chugging through sprawling tea gardens, highest peaks, and moist hills. A 10 min halt at Batasia, India’s highest railway station with a breath of wind surrounded by sweeping lawns and the landscaped vistas. Journey Time: 7hr20m Price: 150-700 INR A pic from oyorooms.com Mountains Calling: Mettupalayam – Ooty Nilgiri mountain railways connect some of the most beautiful hill stations in the south, recalling the popular train song of Shahrukh khan moving through the lush green valleys, tall trees, narrow turnings, mountain breeze, and the train chugs echoed all around. The stretch begins with pretty paddy fields all in a row from Mettupalayam to Kallar. A picture from irctchelp. in Journey Time: 3hrs Price: 20-200 INR Land of Snow: Kala – Shimla A train journey amidst the snowy mountains into the narrow tunnels and scenic hamlets to reach the Queen of hills is a lively and memorable experience for nature lovers. The train chugs would take you through the dizzying Mountain trip with hairpin turns to have a whirling sensation. This romantic train trip with your loved ones in winter is a delight to your heart and soul. Journey Time: 5hr 40min Price: 500-1000 INR A pic from Tourmyindia.com Goa is on: Mumbai-Goa, Goa- Bangalore Goa is one of the alluring tourist destinations imparting the tourists with the premier rail route experience from dawn to dusk passing across the cascades, spice Plantations, river flow, and dense forests. Enjoy the pleasure of drizzles on your cheeks and fresh air in your hair along the rail route that takes you close to nature. This ride recalls the story of raj and Meena on your tour to the world’s second beat falls Dudhsagar. TEJAS EXPRESS – Mumbai to Goa Journey Time: 12hrs Price: 500-1900 INR Goa to Bangalore Journey Time: 14hrs Price: 360-1400 INR A picture from orientaljourney.com Desert Express: Jodhpur to Jaisalmer: Skirting over the dunes with tiny shrubs, thorny bushes, and wild camels walking on the brown shades of sand and meandering with the drifts. Tracks on the glittering sand take you over the great dunes and oasis of the barren area just like the ship of the desert. Journey Trip: 5hrs Price: 200- 1000 INR A pic from the Rajasthan tour planner website Snow Ride: Banihal to Baramulla: A journey that seems to be a surreal endeavor at that moment, as the train moves on the tracks blanketed with snow. This route takes you to the “paradise of Earth” through snow-capped mountains and massive lagoons, and birds treat you with the wafting aromas of Kashmir. A tour to Srinagar is truly an experience of a foreign destination on the wheels. Journey Time: 3hr10min Price: 30 INR A picture from newsbyteapp.com
Chennai Express Shooting Locations: You Must Visit At Least Once
The movie Chennai Express is the go-to movie if you want a good laugh. It has perfect comic timing, songs everyone can vibe to, and most importantly heart-melting romance but what makes the movie so special are its mesmerizing visuals. The movie is shot in the backdrop of stunning locations. Although the scenes in the movie give the audience a glimpse of these beautiful locations across India however to fully enjoy these amazing places one must visit them. Here is a list of some of the picturesque Chennai Express shooting locations that you must visit. Wai, Satara District Dudhsagar Falls Munnar Tea plantations Meesapulimala Vattamalai Murugan Temple Wai, Dakshin Kashi – Image Source: Tripoto Wai, Satara District Popularly known as ‘Dakshin Kashi’ due to the presence of temples about 100 years old, the town of Wai is located at an altitude of 701m above sea level on the Krishna river. Wai is popular for its scenic beauty and the amazing view of the Sahyadri Mountains ranges. Wai has appeared in about 250 movies and is a one-hour drive from Panchgani. It also has 7 ghats of the Krishna river, the most popular ghat is the one where the Dholya Ganapati temple is situated. The temple is said to have equal importance as the Sidhivinayak temple in Mumbai. The town’s climate is also cool making it a perfect spot for refreshment. Scene: The Kombam village where Rahul and Meenama stayed is actually Wai. The shooting of the song ‘titli’ was also done here. Location: Wai, Satara District, Maharashtra, India Personalize a travel experience Dudhsagar Falls – Image Source: Seawatersports.com Dudhsagar Falls Located about 60 kilometers from Panaji, The Dudhsagar Falls are a wonder of nature. The Dudhsagar falls are one of the tallest waterfalls in India with a height of 1017 feet and a width of 100 feet. The waterfall can be seen on the Belagavi- Vasco Da Gama railway route which is the cause of the iconic train scene in the movie. Locally known as ‘Tambdi Surla’, this majestic waterfall is situated in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wild Life Sanctuary on the river Mandovi in Goa. Although not so spectacular in summer, in the rainy season the water appears like milk and hence the waterfall is named ‘Dudhsagar’. The Dudhsagar Falls is the fifth tallest waterfall in the country and provide the best visuals. Scene: Rahul and Menamas fathers first meeting. Location: Sonaulim, Goa Munnar Tea Plantations – Image Source: Holidify.com Munnar Tea Plantations The Munnar tea plantations look as if a blanket of green velvet is spread on the ground. The greenery and the amazing view of the place make it an awesome spot to click some pictures for your next Instagram post. This is where the song ‘Kashmir Main Tu Kanyakumari’ was shot. The Munnar tea plantations are located on the Munnar hill station; one of the top hill stations in Kerala. The Munnar tea plantations are mainly owned by TATA which has also set up a tea museum in the hill station to highlight the aspects of tea growth and plantation. You can also see the chocolate plantations and visit the chocolate factories located nearby. The Munnar tea plantations are heaven for someone who loves greenery. Scene: Shooting of the song ‘Kashmir Main Tu Kanyakumari’ Location: Munnar, Kerala Suggested reading: Things to do in Munnar for an Adrenaline Kick Meesapulimala – Image Source: keralablogexpress.com Meesapulimala The Meesapulima is the second-highest peak in the western ghats. Located in the Ikkudi district of Kerala the peek is the location for the shooting of the ‘Titli’ song. Present at an elevation of 2640 meters this peak is a must-visit place for lovers of trekking. The trek includes nine hills and starts from the base camp of Rhodo valley. The valley derives its name from Rhododendron Trees. Commonly found in the area. The Meesapilima is famous for its thick forest and shrubs. The amazing view from the peak is mesmerizing and as beautiful as Shahrukh Khan’s romance. Scene: The shooting location of ‘Titli’ song Location: Kannan Devan Hills, Tamil Nadu Vattamalai Murugan Temple – Image Source: fallinginlovewithbollywood.com Vattamalai Murugan Temple The 500-year-old Vattamalai Murugan Temple in Tamil Nadu is an architectural and spiritual marvel. The temple is located on top of a hillock and has about 100 steps that must be crossed to reach the deity. This is the reason for the famous ritual scene from the movie Chennai express. The temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga and is beautifully adorned with images of Muruga and Devsena. The temple is prominent as it has been visited by saint Arunagirinathar who eulogized the glory of the Lord and Kshetra. The temple also has sculptures of important Hindu deities and a large broad lotus on the Maha Mandapam. Scene: The 100-step ritual scene. Location: Kangayam – Dharapuram Rd, Vattamalai, Tamil Nadu Pin It! FAQs 1. Where was Chennai Express filmed? The film was shot in various locations across India, including Mumbai, Goa, Pune, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Chennai. 2. Which temple is shown in Chennai Express? The temple shown in the Chennai Express movie is Vattamalai Murugan Temple in Tamil Nadu. 3. Was Chennai Express shot in Dudh Sagar falls? In the movie, the iconic train scene was filmed at the waterfall on the Belagavi-Vasco Da Gama railway route. The waterfall is none other than Dudhsagar Falls, which has become very popular since the movie was released. 4. Which bridge is shown in the Chennai Express movie? The bridge shown in the Chennai Express movie is Pamban Bridge. It connects the town of Mandapam on mainland India with the island town of Rameswaram. 5. What are the top 5 shooting destinations in Chennai Express? The top 5
Bachelors Trip to Andaman Dil Chahta Hai Style
Remember Akash, Sameer, and Sid from Dil Chahta hai? How can one forget the witty trio right? An epic movie that portrayed the friendship of three friends and their love life in three different ways that will always be close to our hearts. The movie begins when the three sets off to their favorite holiday destination – Goa. After watching the movie we all would have longed for a friendship and a trip like that. Don’t worry we’ve got you covered. A bachelor’s party in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is even more exciting and desirable given the remote and exotic nature of the islands. Here, you can soak under the sun with your friends, enjoy the various water activities and also visit the magnificent sightseeing spots that are scattered all over the islands. So here is a suggestion of a Dil Chahta Hai like vacation you can plan with your friends in the Andamans. Bachelor’s Party in Andaman and Nicobar Islands If you are looking for a spot to sip on the last essence of your Bachelor’s life, Andaman is perfect. Hop on with your buddies and plan the ultimate Bachelor’s Party in Andaman and Nicobar in the Dil Chahta hai style. Lovelock with Kristine in Havelock Gehri Dosti photo 3D Dil Chahta hai Time for tanhayee Hum dosti ke liye kahin bhi ja sakta hai Time for kalapani 01. Lovelock with Kristine in Havelock Image Source: Huu Duong via Unsplash What is a bachelor party without a hookup friend? Somewhere on the beautiful beaches of Andaman awaits a beautiful lady who is ready to have fun with you. Find one, Tag along, and explore the Andamans together. Take her for a sea kart ride on Radhanagar beach, enjoy sunbath together on the shores of kalapatharon beach, work up some romance, and walk hand in hand along the shores of beautiful Havelock island and its beaches. Go for a unique experience of swimming with elephants on the crystal clear waters of elephant beach. A candlelight dinner on a cruise ship on Havelock island is the most romantic thing to do in Andaman. Finish it off with a walk with the blue stars. And don’t be like Sameer who became blindfolded in Kristen’s love and got ransacked. Be careful. 02. Gehri dosti photo 3D Image Source: Ravi K Chandran Now that you are done flirting with your Andaman girlfriend, it’s time to spend some quality time with your friends. Start your day with an eye-blinding beautiful sunrise point at port Blair, click a few pictures, and head to Corbyn cove’s beach in Port Blair for an adventurous yet fun jet ski ride race. Go fishing on Wandoor beach in the middle of the ocean and spent some thrilling leisure time with your friends, also on your way, try to ride the boat by yourself which adds more fun to your journey. Try Scuba diving in Andaman, it will be a new and entertaining activity to be engaged in, the world of fish in the deep ocean is marvelous and peaceful, and you will fall in love with the company of fishes in the clear waters. Don’t forget to capture all your beautiful moments. 03. Dil Chahta hai Image Source: Roger Ebert Go trekking and explore the tropical rainforests in the Mount Harriot national park, and excite the travel junkie inside you. The beautiful journey through the woods will bring you inner peace and tranquility and it will be an unforgettable memory to cherish. The trekking trail that starts from the National park ends in Madhuban – a mangrove forest. Top it off with kayaking in Madhuban. Kayaking in Madhuban will certainly break all your ideas of regular kayaking. To enjoy the nightlife in Andaman, go to a beach-view restaurant, relish the delicious food and view, and satisfy your Dil Chahta hai soul. Or you can plan a bachelor’s party in Andamans on the beaches and dance the night away. 04. Time for Tanhayee Image Source: Noah Sillman via Unsplash Leaving Andaman without Snorkeling would be a great loss. Snorkeling in Andaman on the calm waters of Laxmanpur beach on Neil Island is so calming and soothing. Get lost in the beauty of nature and engage yourself with some thanhayee time. Try sea walking in the clean waters of Sitapur beach. 05. Hum dosti keliye kahin bhi ja sakta hai Image Source: Ravi K Chandran Take a tour of Barren island. Exploring this island which is located in the middle of nowhere is a perfect thing to do with your friends. The journey toward the island itself is 5-hour long. Start in the early morning so you can make the most of your barren island journey. The barren island has a volcano which is the only active volcano in India. How cool is that? Try to take a dip in the clear waters of the barren island. Take home some good exciting memories. 06. Time for kalapani Image Source: Ahmed Siddiqui via Unsplash Andaman is a place with a lot of historical importance. One cannot leave the place without a stride through the cellular jail and the popular light and sound show depicting the hardships the freedom fighters underwent. The peculiar shape of the cells gives it the name cellular jail. Also, take a walk through Ross Island in Port Blair to see the ruins of a long-gone British era. An eerie yet captivating reminder of the gruesome colonial mistreatments will be evident as you walk the ruins of this architecture. How to plan a bachelors party in Andaman Image Source: Kat Weils For anyone on the lookout for the best ways to plan a bachelor party in Andamans, here is a list of things you can do to make your party a success: Pick the most striking beach There is a plethora of beaches to choose from when it comes to the
If Bunny from YJHD traveled to Spiti Valley…
A still from the movie by @bunnysnaina from Instagram We all remember Bunny from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani- the fun-loving adventure seeker who loved to travel. From trekking through the Hamta Pass to exploring the Hidimba Devi Temple, the trip they all took is one we will never forget. What if Bunny took a similar trip to Spiti Valley but as a solo traveler? Covering the entire Spiti circuit is almost every traveler’s dream. Let’s have a look at what this trip would be like. Reaching Spiti Valley Traveling to Spiti @himbus.hp on Instagram You can reach Spiti Valley in a government bus or a private vehicle from Manali or Shimla, as it does not have an airport or a railway station. But keep in mind- Kahin pohachne ke liye kahin se nikalna bahut zaroori hai. How to go about the trip… TREKKING THROUGH THE VALLEY @abhishek.was.here from Instagram trekking their way through the valley One thing Bunny will do for sure is trekking. The Chandratal Lake Trek is a moderate trail that offers the most picturesque views on the way. For beginners, it can be tiresome, but the destination that awaits you is worth it. The turquoise blue lake surrounded by the snow-clad mountains is a sight to behold. The Kheerganga Trek, starting from Barsheni village, is suitable for beginners. The view of the pristine Tosh river will mesmerize you to the core. You will also come across numerous marijuana fields on your way. The Pin Parvati Trek is perhaps the one that offers a bounty of natural beauty. Dense forests and green pastures will fill you with the tranquility that you seek away from your hectic life. RIVER RAFTING IN SPITI RIVER @monikadone from Instagram river rafting in Spiti river River rafting is certainly a pulse-racing adventure experience. An adventure-seeker like Bunny would definitely go river rafting in Spiti and Pin rivers. The difficulty level is moderate and, with trained instructors, you can make the best of it. As you pass by mountain tops and green pastures, the soul of the river engulfs you with the roaring noise of the flowing water. Feel alive as you experience the thrill of a lifetime. For an unforgettable experience, paddle your way to Rangrik. The grade two white-water is easy to tackle as you travel through small villages and colorful meadows. CAMPING BY LAKES A still from a campsite by @unstable_foot on Instagram Camping is on every traveler’s list and a really fun thing to do. However, you must keep certain things in mind. Make sure the bedding is clean and in good condition. Let the owner know about your choice of menu and your plans beforehand. You can also talk to the owner about bonfires, which may cost extra. In Spiti Valley, Chandratal is a famous spot for camping. There are numerous campsites here, and spending the night amid nature is not an opportunity to stumble upon every day. In many villages like Langza, Kibber, Komik, you can find tents with the homestay owners. It is a great way to camp at night, with basic facilities at your feet. CAPTURING EVERY MOMENT Bunny from YJHD by @idiva.com If you have watched YJHD, you are probably aware of Bunny’s obsession with his camera. Spiti Valley is a hotspot for shutterbugs and nature lovers for the picturesque views it offers. There are numerous lakes and small villages that will leave you spellbound. You cannot capture the pristine beauty of the valley in a camera; you just have to be there. Chandratal, Suraj Tal, Dhankar Lake are just a few of the tourist spots that offer views so sublime they will compel you to stay forever. Monasteries in Tabo and neighboring villages are a must-visit if you wish to capture the lifestyle of monks. STARGAZING IN SPITI VALLEY Night sky studded with stars by @saurabh_gabbar on Instagram Spiti Valley offers clear skies and high altitudes- the perfect combination for stargazing. Stargazing is one blissful experience for those who are obsessed with stars and the sky. As you lie down under the clear night sky with millions of shimmering stars, you will feel closer to heaven. The night sky studded with stars is not something you can find in polluted cities. If you are seeking tranquility like Bunny, away from the hustle and bustle of your tedious life, you will feel one with nature here. Look out for shooting stars, as this will be an experience of a lifetime. Taking a break @himalayan_ajay_06 In this fast-paced world, it is crucial to take a break and just soak in your surroundings. We often get so engrossed in our cameras and phones that we forget to live in the moment. Remember to just sit, look around and do nothing. So, take out time from your monotonous schedule and plan a trip to Spiti Valley. After all, Life mei thrill toh hona chahiye.
10 Hollywood Movies Shot in Stunning Indian Destinations where you should travel
With beautiful architecture, deep history, multiple cultures, and natural beauty, India is a mix of different people and locations, providing a great background for different movie scenes and shootings. The people are loud and welcoming, the places historic and awe-inspiring. Many directors from the US, Canada, and Australia, among various other countries, have chosen India for the scenes of their movies due to the contrasts, history, and rich cultural background it provides. Some directors may play up this and make it a big part of their movies, others yet may choose to let the richness of the setting be, framing the characters well. If you’re looking to travel and personalize your own experience, head over to our travel support page now! “India is a curious place that still preserves its past, religions, and history. No Matter how modern India becomes, It is still very much an old country.” Anita Desai We’ve picked some of the best Hollywood movies based on India, some you may not have heard about and some you never knew were shot in India. Either way, we recommend you watch all of them, if not for their fabulous storylines then for the stunning Indian destinations they feature! Salaam Bombay The Namesake Eat Pray Love Viceroy’s House The Darjeeling Limited Jobs Trishna Lion Dark knight rises Million Dollar Arm 1. Salaam Bombay Features – Outskirts of Bombay, Bombay city Year – 1998 This highly acclaimed popular film directed by Mira Nair broke many hearts and garnered international praise for her risky choice of plot and sensitive topics touched upon with all the expertise of brilliant direction. The film follows a little boy, Krishna, who is taken into the chaotic, brutal, and unforgiving slums of Bombay following a string of unfortunate events. Nair introduces a range of characters to the setting, centering them around the city’s brothel, touching upon topics such as poverty, prostitution, child rape, enslavement, drug addiction, and child labor. Although she does so smoothly, incorporating them into the setting, viewers get a brutal glimpse of the unforgiving streets of Bombay and its state in the 80s – 90s. The movie captures the rush and adrenaline of Bombay, its old streets, older monuments, and the ever-present poverty. This movie will give you shots of what Bombay is, and make you see the glamorous city in an entirely different light. 2. The Namesake Features – Calcutta, Agra Year – 2006 The Namesake directed by Mira Nair is a movie that touches upon Indian-Americans and the cultural identity crisis that is often experienced by them. The movie, screened in India, Japan, US, and Canada, did well in theatres and received praise for the topics it tackled. The story follows Gogol, a man born and brought up in the US and estranged from his Indian heritage unlike his parents, who then goes on to explore and understand his culture through the city of Calcutta/Kolkata where his parents lived before moving to America. The movie captures the contrasts of both cultures, depicting scenes of the beautiful, messy streets of Kolkata, with a focus on Howrah station and Shantiniketan. The scenes range from Gogol exploring the old city streets of his hometown to getting off an auto near the busy Howrah station. It also has short depictions of the city of Agra (filming the iconic Taj) and its busy streets, along with the older tuk-tuks used in some parts of Kolkata. The movie succeeds in capturing the best parts of Calcutta – its people, its culture, its language, and its history. Visit the locations of Kalighat, Howrah station, Howrah Bridge, Shantiniketan, Bengal markets, and the winding, rich streets of the city of Calcutta for a feel of the movie and the culture that eventually sways all Indians back. Travel to Calcutta now 3. Eat Pray Love Features – New Delhi, Pataudi, Mirzapur, bits of Gurgaon Year – 2010 Elizabeth Gilbert’s 2006 memoir Eat, Pray, Love (one of the classic Hollywood movies based on India) was a game-changer for many readers across the globe and adapted into a film four years thereafter. Directed by Ryan Murphy, the blockbuster follows the journey of Elizabeth (played by Julia Roberts) across a journey of self-discovery where she ‘Eats’ in Italy, ‘Prays’ in India, and experiences the balance of ‘Love’ in Indonesia. What we loved about this movie is that the director and producer chose locations, people, and lines with care while filming in India, not wanting to get details wrong or offend the culture in any way. Elizabeth sees in her journey Delhi, a city which’s speed and chaos she is fascinated by. You’ll spot famous places like the India gate and bustling Hauz Khas market, but only for a short time as Gilbert moves to the quiet village of Pataudi, Haryana, where she has her real spiritual experiences, exploring the town and its devoted residents, the famous Hari Mandir ashram, and other spiritual locations. The filming places special emphasis on the ashram, its quietness, the history of the architecture, and the beliefs of the people, respecting the details and importance of each. Some shots are also taken in the town of Mirzapur (yes, like the show) in Uttar Pradesh, showing its small local eateries, the chai stalls, and its small colorful buildings. We highly recommend you visit Delhi with its bustling markets and streets, then on to Pataudi, exploring the quaint town and the famous ashram, and Mirzapur, with its unique layout, busy roads, and colorful buildings for the complete Eat Pray Love experience. We recommend you read this blog by Breathe Dream Go on her take on the movie, the story of Julia Roberts’ amazing experience in India, and what the film stands for. 4. Viceroy’s House Features – Jodhpur Year – 2017 Viceroy’s House is a British-Indian historical film with multiple storylines
