Picking Places to Visit in India from Popular Bollywood Movies

Are you a big-time Bollywood film fanatic who follows all the ongoing trends based on the movies that you watch? If yes, then this blog is for you! Travel and Bollywood movies are closely knit together and both impact each other tremendously. Just as beautiful places to visit in India inspire filmmakers to feature them in their creations, similarly watching these stunning locations on the big screen inspires travel enthusiasts to explore them. This is how the symbiotic relationship between the two flourishes.

So, if you, too, want to plan your trips based on popular Bollywood movies and the heavenly places where they were shot, we have done the research on your behalf. As your friendly neighborhood travel partner, we have compiled a list of 5 fantastic movies that you must watch to plan your next vacation in India. But before that, let’s get a deeper insight into Bollywood’s role in impacting Indian tourism.

Role of Bollywood in Promoting Tourism in India

As the biggest entertainment industry, Bollywood has a big role to play in promoting ideas and ideologies. So much so that the negative versus positive influence of the film industry on the general masses is a hot topic of discussion wherever you go. Well, we will not get into that, but credit where credit’s due—Bollywood has definitely emerged as a potent medium for promoting tourism in the country. From introducing people to the scenic splendor of Ladakh’s Pangong Lake in 3 Idiots to making us fall in love with Rajasthan’s regal forts and palaces through Jodha Akbar, movies have always left a lasting impression in people’s minds. The impact of Bollywood is so relevant that the Hajan Valley in Kashmir was renamed Betaab Valley after featuring in a hit movie of the same name! Needless to say, as an influential medium, movies contribute excessively to the growth of the tourism sector.

5 Movies That Will Inspire the Traveller Within You

Now that you are aware of the impact, let’s take a look at some of the most popular movies that feature Indian tourist destinations in all their glory, piquing the interest of travel enthusiasts like never before!

1. Chennai Express

While not exactly a travel-based movie, Chennai Express has played a significant role in popularizing the heavenly beauty of South India through the big screen. The lush tea estates of Munnar have been engraved in the hearts of movie-goers who have watched this romantic comedy. But that’s not all. The movie also features Goa’s divine Dudhsagar Falls, the popular Pamban Bridge, the awe-inspiring hill station Devikulam, and Coimbatore’s Pollachi town, among other picturesque attractions, that will make you crave a South India tour.

2. Highway

Apart from being a brilliant movie showcasing stunning acting chops by Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda, Highway is also an amalgamation of some fascinating travel destinations that give you serious travel goals. From the gorgeous Spiti Valley and Sambhar Lake to the heavenly Pahalgam and the tranquil Tabo Monastery, every location featured in the movie is nothing short of a dream. We are sure that if you watch the movie, you’ll definitely find yourself exploring North India tour packages. See for yourself!

3. Qarib Qarib Singlle

This is one of those movies where the primary characters fall in love with each other while traveling to various locations together—a perfect storyline for a travel movie. In fact, the movie unfolds like a travelogue, taking you to three gorgeous locations—Bikaner, Rishikesh, and Gangtok. While you will be deeply invested in the events of the movie, you won’t be able to help yourself from getting swayed by the charm of these magnificent places. We won’t be surprised if you end up booking a Bikaner, Gangtok, or
Rishikesh tour package after watching this gem of a movie!

4. Piku

A heart-warming tale of a father-daughter duo and a budding romance between Piku and Rana, Piku has carved a special place in the hearts of many movie lovers. But, what stays with you apart from the emotional storyline and the impeccable craft of the actors are the various places showcased so beautifully in the movie. The refreshing ride on the Yamuna expressway and the trip to Varanasi followed by glimpses of the narrow streets of Kolkata and the scenic Hooghly river are enough to ignite your interest in travel.

5. Dil Chahta Hai

And finally, the movie that turned Goa into the most popular place to visit in India with friends—Dil Chahta Hai! Over the years, the movie has acquired a cult status and has become an itinerary of sorts for people who wish to go on a Goa tour. From the scenic coastlines dotted with palm trees to beautiful beaches, scrumptious delicacies, and the iconic Chapora Fort—every Goan element in the movie is as special as the movie itself.

If reading this blog or watching any of these movies has inspired you to travel, don’t just wait and book a tour today! If you can’t be a celebrity, you can surely feel like one by living your Bollywood dream in one of these lovely locations. How’s that for a travel idea?