Discover India Through Film: The Glamour of Bollywood Tourism

Since the locations depicted in popular films almost always witness a considerable boost in visitor arrivals shortly after the movie’s release, films have always been an effective tool for promoting tourism in a country where people live and breathe Bollywood. Even while this has been going on for decades, it has only been formally formalized in the last several years. Therefore, this article came with us to discover India through Film: The Glamour of Bollywood Tourism. Additionally, make sure to visit Tripbeam to book cheap flight tickets to India from Canada.

What is Film Tourism?

“Film tourism” is the term for the industry that attracts tourists by using the ways that a place or its story is portrayed in films, videos, and television programs. Upon seeing an area or location in a movie, numerous individuals might have said to themselves, “I really wish to go there as well.” This might be because they *really* enjoyed the movie and want to experience more of it in a particular ability, or it might be because they thought that the place was really stunning. Film tourism is a phrase used to refer to, nevertheless, it also includes TV shows.

Film tourism, a concept that is well-known in the West, is starting to gain popularity in the Indian travel sector with the intention of attracting both domestic and foreign tourists. As per a 2019 analysis released by EY and the Ph.D. Chamber of Commerce and Industry, film tourism in India could potentially yield USD 3 billion by 2022, given the possibility of up to 1 million film tourists visiting various regions of the nation by then.

The 2009 film 3 Idiots, starring Amir Khan, tells the memorable story of two friends searching for their third “idiot” that leads them to the stunning Pangong Lake in Ladakh. Films like Jodha Akbar (2008), Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), Border (1997), and Goliyon ki Rasleela- Ramleela (2013) are examples of this journey. Since then, the number of tourists visiting these locations has nearly doubled.

Now, let’s take a look at other stunning locations in India that have lately caught the interest of tourists and filmmakers. Additionally, make sure to browse Tripbeam to book cheap flights from Kelowna to India.

Famous Bollywood Movie Destinations

1. Kashmir

Filmmakers have long regarded the Kashmir region’s verdant valleys and snow-capped peaks as the ideal setting for immortal motion pictures and music videos. This location has been used for dozens, if not hundreds, of film shoots during the preceding seven decades. The gorgeous settings of the valley are featured in movies like Fitoor (2016) and Haider (2014), which were released considerably more recently. The latter was the inspiration behind Shammi Kapoor’s well-known romance with the city, Kashmir Ki Kali (1964).

In addition to Bollywood films, the Valley has recently been host to a number of music videos that perfectly capture the sound and vocals of some of our most well-known musicians. Salim Merchant, a music composer, shot Tumhe dekh ke, his most recent song, in Kashmir.

2. Tea plantations of Munnar, Kerala

Munnar is a quaint town that is well-liked by travelers due to its vast expanse of tea fields and verdant belt of stunning forests. The hill station is a popular spot for adventure sports such as camping and hiking. In addition to virgin valleys and mountains, it is home to many unique species of flora and fauna. Well-known songs like “Kashmir tu mai Kanyakumari” from Chennai Express (2013) and Life of Pi (2012) have also mentioned the tea plantations in the distant location. Moreover, you can visit Tripbeam.com to book direct flights to Kochi from USA.

3. Pangong Lake, Ladakh

Wearing a bright red bridal lehenga, Kareena Kapoor rides her scooter along a slender strip of white sand. Aamir Khan, her lover, observes in mild amazement. They reunite in front of a background of snow-capped mountains and glistening blue waters. This scene from 3 Idiots captivated the public’s interest.

2008 saw the arrival of 400,000 Indian tourists in Ladakh, the year before the film’s release. However, after three years, their population had almost tripled.

It appeared out of nowhere. Mehboob Ali, the assistant director of the tourism department in Leh, stated in an interview that “even Aamir Khan himself was not sure that Ladakh would get that much publicity.”

4. Darjeeling

Several Bollywood films have featured this gorgeous hill station, known as the Queen of Hills, tucked hidden in the Kanchenjunga range.In 1961, Nasir Hussain filmed Jab Pyaar Kisi Se Hota Hai, marking the first Bollywood film to shoot scenes in Darjeeling.  More recently, Ranbir Kapoor’s Barfi (2012) depicts the story of a deaf man who struggles to speak and understand, his relationship with the two women in his life, Jhilmil (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) and Shruti (Ileana D’Cruz). The films have included locations such as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station at Ghoom, Keventer’s, Windamere Hotel, and Planters Club.

5. Doraha Fort, near Ludhiana

The spotless refuge, also known as RDB Fort, gained fame when an iconic scene from Amir Khan’s 2006 Bollywood flick Rang de Basanti included it, depicting the lads jumping out of an air force jet and racing into the field. The fort serves as the background for the song Tu Bin Bataye from the film.

These days, people come to this hidden paradise to take photos, go on adventures, and do other things. Don’t worry—this area doesn’t see any army movements, unlike what the movie portrays. Someone just needs to find this treasure trove.

Final Thoughts

Bollywood is undoubtedly a trendsetter because of the sheer amount of influence it has had over the years on society at large. Even though the travel and tourism industry has suffered greatly since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many vacation plans may involve visits to these well-known tourist destinations, which are just as captivating in real life as they are in Bollywood films. So, book flights from Thunder Bay Ontario to India with Tripbeam and get ready to live your Bollywood dream.

Also Read: Bollywood Extravaganza: A Traveler’s Guide to Mumbai’s Film Culture