Check out these iconic places that were featured in Bollywood movies!

Bollywood has had a huge influence on the tourism industry. And if a place is featured in a hit film, the place suddenly makes it to our bucket list. Bollywood also has a great relationship with popular landmarks, and we have seen a lot of movies shot in some of the most famous places in India. Here's a list of popular iconic places featured in Bollywood movies.

1. Chapora Fort

Isn't this where it all started? The iconic scene from Dil Chahta Hai. This fort situated in Bardez, in North Goa, is set on the banks of Chapora River. Chapora Fort is also part of the rich history and has changed hands many times. It was built by Adil Shah and was called Shahpura but was later captured by the Portuguese, who gave it the current name. It was later conquered by a joint alliance of Akbar and the Marathas in 1683. After recovering from the war, the Portuguese managed to strengthen their defense and take over the fort.

2. Fort Aguada, Goa

Just a few kilometers down south from the previous location, we are greeted with another fort, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Built-in the 16th century, this fort has played a part in flicks like Golmaal, Dhoom, and Honeymoon Travels.

3. Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali

For some spots, one popular film is enough to get them on the map. And that's exactly what has happened with Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali.  We are talking about Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. When Bunny and Naina went to Manali on a trek, there's a small part that features the whole group at the temple. Inspired by that, a lot of people visit this place on their trip to Manali.

4. City Palace, Udaipur

One of the most beautiful palaces in the heart of Udaipur, City Palace, has seen the spotlight from not only Bollywood but Hollywood as well. The first film shot here was in 1983. It was a James Bond film titled Octopussy. In 2013, the blockbuster Ramleela was shot in the very palace, which skyrocketed its popularity.

5. Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur

Bollywood seems to have a love affair with forts, and this one is no different. Located near the Aravalli Hills, this fort used to be part of the city's strong defense. The Fort rose to popularity in 2006, because of a movie and it's 'beer scene'. Yes, we are talking about Rang De Basanti, where Aamir Khan and Sharman Joshi takes a back fall. Other than that, Shuddh Desi Romance and Bengali film Sonar Kella were also shot at Nahargarh Fort.

6. Doraha Fort, Ludhiana

One of the hidden gems in Ludhiana, this fort, also goes by the name of RDB fort after the movie Rang De Basanti made it popular. The fort was built by Mughal emperor Jahangir and is one of the finest examples of Mughal Architecture.

7. India Gate, Delhi

Delhi has been an integral part of many movie storylines, and India Gate, being one of the iconic places it gets featured in Bollywood movies often. From Jannat 2 and Dilli 6 to 3 Idiots, Rockstar, and Rang De Basanti, this iconic landmark has been featured in a lot of commercial films. 

8. Marine Drive, Mumbai

Another iconic location, but this time in Mumbai. Right on the banks of the Arabian Sea, Marine Drive is the go-to hangout place for locals. Right from the black and white era with a film like CID to Sharukh Khan's Deewana in the 90s, we have seen this place on the big screen over the years. More recent films like Munna Bhai MBBS and Wake Up Sid were also shot here.

9. Chandni Chowk

One of the popular markets in the city, Chandni Chowk has been featured in quite a few films other than Chandni Chowk to China. Delhi based films like Delhi 6, Band Baaja Baarat, and even Bajrangi Bhaijan were shot here.

10. Banaras Ghats

Banaras Ghats and Bollywood seem to have a very close relation, as several films have been shot here. One of the iconic films, Raanjhana which is set in Varanasi, had a small scene at the Banaras Ghat. Other films like Masaan, Mohalla Assi, Water, amongst others were shot here.

11. Munnar, Kerala

You would probably recognize this place from the lush green tea plantation where Chennai Express was shot. But did you know Hollywood movie Life of Pi was also shot in this town? The church in this film is actually Mount Carmel Church located in Munnar. 

12. Howrah Bridge

One of the popular shooting spots in Kolkata, Howrah Bridge has seen its fair share of romance and action. One of the films that show Howrah Bridge in all its glory is the political-thriller Yuva. The list of films shot here is long. It includes Gunday, Love Aaj Kal, Parineeta, Kahani, Barfi, Lootera, Piku amongst others. 

13. Pangong lake

Who can say no to this beautiful lake spread across a vast plateau with the mountains in the backdrop, certainly Bollywood directors couldn't. The iconic scene in 3 Idiots, where we get to see the unique school built by Ranchordas Chachar, was shot here. Sharukh Khan starter Jab Tak hai Jaan was also majorly filmed here. 

14. Rohtang pass

One of the most popular passes for the adventure seeker, we saw the bubbly Geet from Jab We Met pass through the Rohtang Pass on her adventure to meet her bae. The iconic song 'ye ishq haye’ was shot close to this location.

15. Kashmir

Kashmir is one of the favourite Bollywood destinations, and, we have a huge list of films shot here. Some of the prominent films like Highway, Rockstar, Student of the Year, Jab take hai Jaan were shot here.

16. Golden Temple

One of the most iconic places featured in Bollywood films, we have seen quite a few films shot at the Golden Temple. The famous song Ik Onkar from Rang De Basanti was shot here. We also see a glimpse of the temple in Rab ne bane di Jodi.

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