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Bollywood films have long been one great window to the world. They have not only turned distant landscapes into dream destinations, but they have also shaped how we imagine travel itself. From carefree friends’ getaway to Goa to timeless romance in Switzerland, through song sequences and dramatic climaxes, cinema has taught us not just how places look, but how they feel. Over the years, these cinematic backdrops have influenced travel trends, honeymoon choices, and even our personal bucket lists. In fact, for many of us, the first encounter with certain destinations is not through a travel guide, but through a movie screen.
Here is a curated list of Bollywood film shoot locations in India and abroad:
At over 14,000 feet above sea level, Pangong Lake is one of the world’s highest saltwater lakes, famous for its colour-changing blue waters set against stark mountains. But for many of us, this breathtaking landscape stopped being just a remote Ladakh destination the moment it appeared in '3 Idiots,' a satirical comedy-drama film written, edited and directed by Rajkumar Hirani. It appeared as the place where friendships found closure and dreams came full circle. Other Bollywood films like Yash Chopra’s last film 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' and Farhan Akhtar’s 'Lakshya' also used Ladakh's stunning landscapes, turning the region into a popular destination for film shoots and tourism. For travellers, there’s no rush here, only the slow rhythm of nature and the powerful sense of being very small in the presence of something vast and timeless.
Udaipur, the City of Lakes, is often hailed as India’s most romantic destination and one of the country’s most sought-after wedding locales. This reputation was beautifully reinforced in Dharma Productions’ 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani,' where the grand wedding sequences mirrored the city’s regal charm, emotional depth, and festive soul. Those scenes didn’t just showcase a setting; they shaped a collective dream of love wrapped in tradition, friendship, and celebration. Even today, as boats glide gently across Lake Pichola and palace lights ripple across the water after sunset, Udaipur seems like a place where moments slowly turn into lifelong memories.
Goa is synonymous with sun, sea, and soul-searching, and Bollywood captured this spirit forever in Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut film 'Dil Chahta Hai.' The film transformed Goa into the ultimate symbol of friendship, emotional healing, and carefree youth, with Fort Aguada instantly turning into a cinematic landmark for every 2000s kid. Walking along its beaches today, with waves crashing and laughter floating in the air, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into one of those scenes, where friendships feel special, conversations last longer, and life slows down just enough to let you breathe and unwind.
Perched in the misty hills of North Bengal, Darjeeling is known for its vast tea gardens, colonial charm, and breathtaking Himalayan views. But for Bollywood audiences, it took an emotional turn through 'Barfi!,' a 2012 romantic comedy film written and directed by Anurag Basu. It was here where the town’s beauty reflected the innocence, joy, and heartbreak of its characters. The gentle toy train weaving through narrow streets, the fog rolling in without warning, and the soft stillness of the hills make Darjeeling feel like a place where emotions linger longer. Even a simple walk here feels tender, unhurried, and cinematic.
Shaped by centuries of Roman, Islamic, and Christian influences, Seville, the historic capital of the Andalusia region, is internationally celebrated for its flamenco traditions, sun-lit courtyards, and magnificent Moorish architecture. Bollywood embraced the city’s vibrant spirit in one of Zoya Akhtar’s most iconic films 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,' where Seville and the broader Andalusia region became a backdrop to moments of emotional release, friendship, and fearless self-discovery. Even today, as guitar strings echo through narrow alleyways and golden light spills across centuries-old walls, the city carries that same cinematic energy.
Bruges is a beautifully preserved medieval city in northwest Belgium, known for its winding canals, stepped-gable houses, and cobblestone streets. Often called the “Venice of the North,” Bruges found a striking place in Bollywood through Director Rajkumar Hirani's 'PK,' where film utilised iconic spots like the Lover's Bridge, Minnewater Castle, Market Square, Belfry Tower, and canal areas, offering a fairy-tale European backdrop. It is where the romantic "Chaar Kadam" song was shot. The city’s muted tones, soft golden light, and slow rhythm added depth without spectacle. Walking along its canals today, past stone bridges and centuries-old facades, Bruges still feels contemplative and intimate.
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is known for its soaring gothic spires, terracotta-red rooftops, and the poetic sweep of the Vltava River cutting through its historic heart. Often called the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague’s medieval squares, baroque facades, and shadowed alleyways naturally evoke longing, conflict, and intensity, emotions that Bollywood beautifully tapped into in Imtiaz Ali's 'Rockstar.' The film used the city’s brooding beauty to mirror inner turmoil, fierce ambition, and a love story that refuses to settle into easy answers. Even today, as you walk its cobblestone streets and watch the river catch the last light of dusk beneath the Charles Bridge, Prague still hums with unspoken emotion.
Gstaad is a picture-perfect alpine resort village located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. Over the years, Bollywood has repeatedly returned to this dreamy setting, most memorably in 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (DDLJ), where the slightly intoxicated dream sequence "Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main" was filmed. The village’s luxury and storybook charm made it the ideal backdrop for love that feels larger than life yet deeply personal. Even today, as cable cars glide over white valleys and church bells ring through the mountain air, Gstaad carries that unmistakable cinematic romance.
1. What is screen tourism?
Screen tourism refers to travelling to destinations made famous by films and TV shows, especially popular Bollywood shooting locations.
2. Which Bollywood film made Pangong Lake famous?
Pangong Lake gained massive popularity after it appeared in the film 3 Idiots.
3. What are the most popular Bollywood shooting locations outside India?
Switzerland, Spain, Belgium and the Czech Republic are among the most popular international Bollywood shoot destinations.
4. Why do Bollywood films influence travel trends?
Bollywood visually showcases destinations as emotional and aspirational spaces, influencing honeymoon travel, road trips and bucket-list destinations.
5. Is screen tourism growing in India?
Yes, film-induced tourism is rapidly growing in India, driving travel to locations featured in major Bollywood releases.
