India has been the backdrop for countless films, from royal forts and historic cities to mountain landscapes, lakes and coastal destinations. Many of these film locations have become memorable parts of the stories they helped bring to life and some are places you can still visit today. If you enjoy movies, travel and discovering the real places behind famous scenes, these film locations in India are worth exploring.
From iconic Bollywood locations to historic landmarks and scenic destinations, this guide takes you through 16 places that have appeared on the big screen. Along the way, you’ll also discover the architecture, history and character that make these locations stand out beyond their cinematic connection.
From Historic Forts to Scenic Landscapes: India’s Film Locations
India’s diverse landscapes have given filmmakers an incredible range of settings, from grand forts and historic palaces to mountains, lakes and old cities. Many of these places have become memorable parts of the films they appeared in, while their architecture, history and natural beauty add to their visual appeal.
From iconic movie backdrops to lesser-known filming spots, these locations show how a place can become an important part of a story. In the sections ahead, explore 16 film locations across India and discover the movies associated with them, along with the architectural details, history and character that make each destination worth exploring.
1. Amer Fort, Jaipur – Jodhaa Akbar
Nestled in the Aravalli hills near Jaipur, Amer Fort is a magnificent example of Rajasthan’s historic palace architecture. Commissioned by Maharaja Man Singh I in 1592, the fort combines pale yellow and pink sandstone with white marble and is arranged around four main courtyards. Its grand gateways, royal chambers, intricate stonework and famous Sheesh Mahal, known for its elaborate mirror work, give the fort a distinctive visual character.
Amer Fort has also been featured in several memorable Indian films. Jodhaa Akbar showcased scenes shot in and around the fort, while the iconic Sheesh Mahal was used in Mughal-e-Azam. The fort was also featured extensively in Bajirao Mastani, and Khoobsurat used Amer Fort as the setting for scenes involving the royal palace. These films have further highlighted the fort’s grand courtyards, ornate interiors and royal atmosphere, showing how its historic architecture naturally lends itself to cinematic storytelling.
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai – Ra.One
Located in the Fort area of South Mumbai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) is one of Mumbai’s most iconic railway stations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a functioning railway terminus as well as one of the city’s most recognisable heritage landmarks, known for its grand Victorian Gothic architecture, dramatic domes, turrets, pointed arches and detailed stonework.
CSMT has featured in several well-known films, with Ra.One being one of its most memorable appearances. The film shot at CSMT for an elaborate train sequence involving Shah Rukh Khan, with visual effects later used to create the larger-scale action shown on screen. The station also featured prominently in Slumdog Millionaire, particularly in the famous “Jai Ho” finale, which was filmed at CSMT. Other films reported to have been shot at the heritage station include Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Chennai Express, The Lunchbox, Darr and Stoneman.
3. Roopkund Lake, Uttarakhand – Documentary Features
Located high in the Himalayas in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, Roopkund is a remote glacial lake surrounded by snow-covered peaks and rugged mountain terrain. Often called “Skeleton Lake” or “Mystery Lake,” it is known for the human skeletal remains that become visible around the lake as the ice melts. The unusual setting and centuries-old mystery surrounding the remains have made Roopkund a fascinating subject for filmmakers, researchers and documentary makers.
Roopkund has been featured in documentaries exploring the mystery of its skeletal remains, including National Geographic’s Skeleton Lake, part of its Forensic Investigation Report series. A National Geographic team also travelled to the lake and filmed its investigation in the early 2000s. Another documentary, The Mysterious Frozen Lake in the Himalayas, was commissioned by India’s Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology to explore the scientific mystery surrounding the site. The combination of its remote Himalayan landscape, frozen waters and unexplained history gives Roopkund a dramatic visual quality that makes it particularly compelling for documentary storytelling.
4. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur – The Dark Knight Rises
Rising about 400 feet above Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort is one of Rajasthan’s most impressive historic landmarks. Built on a rocky hill, the fort is known for its massive walls, imposing gates, ornate palaces, carved stonework and richly decorated interiors. Its elevated position also offers sweeping views of Jodhpur, including the city’s famous blue houses, making it both a remarkable architectural landmark and a visually striking destination.
Mehrangarh Fort gained international attention as a filming location when Christopher Nolan shot important scenes from The Dark Knight Rises at the fort and its surroundings. Rajasthan Tourism confirms that two important scenes were filmed at the fort and its majestic backdrop. The location has also appeared in films such as I and The Fall, showcasing its dramatic architecture and distinctive landscape on screen.
5. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi – Fitoor
Located in Nizamuddin East on Mathura Road, Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb is one of India’s most important Mughal-era monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1570 for Mughal Emperor Humayun, the monument is known for its red sandstone and white marble construction, grand double dome and symmetrical Charbagh gardens. Its elegant proportions and distinctive Mughal architecture have also made the monument a popular setting for filmmakers.
Humayun’s Tomb was featured prominently in Fitoor (2016), with Katrina Kaif and Aditya Roy Kapur filmed at the monument in Nizamuddin East. The location has also been used for other productions, including Kurbaan and Bewakoofiyaan, while the wider Humayun’s Tomb complex has hosted film shoots such as Bharat. The combination of its historic architecture, expansive gardens and symmetrical Mughal design gives the location a distinctive visual quality that works particularly well for romantic and dramatic scenes.
6. Chand Baori Stepwell, Abhaneri – The Fall
Located in Abhaneri village in Rajasthan’s Dausa district, Chand Baori is one of India’s most remarkable historic stepwells. Dating back to around the 9th century, this massive structure descends nearly 30 metres underground through about 3,500 narrow steps arranged across 13 levels. Its precise geometric pattern, symmetrical stairways and deep central well create an extraordinary visual effect, making Chand Baori an important example of India’s historic water architecture.
Chand Baori became an international film location when it appeared in The Fall (2006), which used the stepwell for one of its memorable scenes. The location has also featured in Indian films including Paheli, while Bhoomi filmed its climax at the historic stepwell. Chand Baori has even influenced international cinema beyond films shot there, with its distinctive geometric design reportedly inspiring the prison-pit concept seen in The Dark Knight Rises.
7. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata – Parineeta
Located in the heart of Kolkata, Victoria Memorial is one of the city’s most recognisable heritage landmarks and a museum dedicated to the history of the colonial period and modern India. Built between 1906 and 1921, the monument was designed by British architect William Emerson and constructed from white Makrana marble. Its grand central dome, domed corner towers, colonnades and landscaped gardens reflect a combination of European classical design with Indian and Oriental influences, giving the monument its distinctive appearance.
Victoria Memorial became a memorable filming location in Parineeta (2005), particularly in the scene where Vidya Balan, Sanjay Dutt and Raima Sen are shown enjoying puchkas in front of the monument. The film used several recognisable Kolkata locations to recreate its nostalgic 1960s setting, with Victoria Memorial becoming one of its most visually familiar backdrops.
8. Golconda Fort, Hyderabad – Baahubali (Visual Inspiration)
Located in the western part of Hyderabad, Golconda Fort is one of India’s most remarkable historic fortress complexes. Originally built as a mud fort and later expanded by the Qutb Shahi rulers, the fort is known for its massive granite walls, grand gateways, palaces, hilltop structures and remarkable acoustic system. Its elevated position and imposing architecture make it one of Hyderabad’s most recognisable heritage landmarks.
Golconda Fort has appeared in several Indian films, with Baahubali being one of its notable cinematic connections. The film’s team shot crucial scenes at the fort during a three-day schedule, while Magadheera used the fort for the filming of its popular “Panchadara Bomma” song. The fort has also featured in Wanted, Singham Returns and Rudhramadevi, among other productions. Its monumental walls, historic setting and distinctive Deccan architecture give filmmakers a naturally dramatic backdrop for action, period and large-scale cinematic sequences.
9. Naggar Castle, Himachal Pradesh – Jab We Met
Located in Naggar in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley, Naggar Castle is a historic heritage structure built in the traditional Kath-Kuni style, using alternating layers of timber and stone. Built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, the castle features carved wooden details, stone walls, sloping roofs and balconies overlooking the Beas Valley and surrounding Himalayan landscape. Its distinctive construction reflects the traditional architecture of the Western Himalayas, while its elevated setting gives visitors views of snow-covered peaks, forests and orchards.
Naggar Castle became a memorable filming location in Jab We Met (2007), particularly in the second half of the song “Yeh Ishq Hai,” which was filmed around the castle after the snowy sequences at Rohtang Pass. The film’s use of Naggar’s wooden architecture, open courtyards and mountain scenery added to the warmth and romance of the song, making the castle a recognisable part of Geet and Aditya’s Himalayan journey. The location has since become closely associated with the film and its scenic road-trip aesthetic.
10. Shaniwar Wada, Pune – Bajirao Mastani (Recreated)
Located in the heart of Pune, Shaniwar Wada was the grand seat of the Peshwas and one of the most important political and residential complexes of 18th-century Maharashtra. Built under Peshwa Bajirao I, the palace complex featured imposing gateways, courtyards, halls, fountains and richly decorated wooden interiors. Much of the original structure was destroyed by fire in 1828, leaving the fortified walls, gateways and other remains that can still be seen today. The surviving ruins offer a glimpse into the scale and character of Peshwa-era wada architecture.
Shaniwar Wada became central to the visual world of Bajirao Mastani, but the grand palace seen in the film was a recreated set, not the surviving monument in Pune. Art directors researched the historic Shaniwar Wada and built a large replica at Film City, including its gateways, courtyards, fountain and other architectural elements. The production also drew on research into Maratha architecture and historical references to recreate the palace interiors and bring the Peshwa era to life on screen.
11. Golkonda Stepwells, Telangana – Regional Cinema & Documentaries
Part of the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park near Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, the historic stepwells of Golkonda are remarkable examples of traditional Deccan water architecture. The 16th-century baolis were built to support irrigation and water management across the royal necropolis, with deep stone structures, descending steps and carefully designed water channels. Six major stepwells survive within the heritage complex, including the Bagh Baoli, Idgah Baoli and Hammam Baoli, each offering a different glimpse into the engineering and architectural practices of the Qutb Shahi period.
Beyond their practical purpose, these stepwells form an important part of the larger architectural landscape surrounding the Qutb Shahi tombs and Golconda Fort. Built largely with local granite and featuring carefully constructed retaining walls, steps and water systems, the baolis show how functional infrastructure was integrated into historic gardens and royal spaces. Their recent conservation has restored several forgotten structures and revived their traditional rainwater-collection systems, making them an interesting stop for anyone exploring Hyderabad’s architectural heritage.
12. Prag Mahal, Bhuj – Lagaan, Rang Rasiya
Standing in the heart of Bhuj, Gujarat, Prag Mahal is a striking 19th-century palace commissioned by Rao Pragmalji II and designed by Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins in the Italian Gothic style. Construction began in 1865 and was completed in 1879, with Italian artisans and local Kutchi craftsmen contributing to the palace. Its grand Durbar Hall, ornate stonework, arched openings, classical statues, chandeliers and imposing clock tower give the building a distinctive European-inspired character within the historic landscape of Kutch.
Prag Mahal became a memorable film location in Lagaan (2001), where the palace stood in for the British headquarters in the story. Its grand interiors and Gothic architecture provided an authentic period backdrop that complemented the film’s colonial-era setting. The palace has also appeared in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, adding to its connection with Indian cinema. The combination of weathered stone, elaborate interiors and the surrounding historic architecture gives Prag Mahal a distinctive visual character that works particularly well for period films.
13. Hampi Ruins, Karnataka – Guru, Rowdy Rathore
Spread across the Tungabhadra basin in Karnataka, Hampi is the remarkable remains of Vijayanagara, one of South India’s most powerful medieval empires. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, the landscape contains more than 1,600 surviving remains, including temples, royal complexes, pillared halls, gateways, fortifications, water structures and the famous Elephant Stables. Its architecture is dominated by the Dravidian tradition, while buildings such as the Elephant Stables and Queen’s Bath also show the influence of Indo-Islamic architectural forms. The combination of monumental stone structures, rocky hills and open landscapes gives Hampi an unmistakable visual identity.
Hampi became a prominent filming location for Rowdy Rathore (2012), with the film shooting across several parts of the historic site. Karnataka Tourism also lists Rowdy Rathore among Bollywood films filmed across Hampi, highlighting how the ruins and surrounding landscape have been used to create a distinctive cinematic setting. The vast courtyards, ancient temples, stone architecture and dramatic natural backdrop make Hampi particularly effective for films that require a sense of scale, history and visual grandeur.
14. Rabari Settlements, Kutch – Art Films & Fashion Shoots
Across the villages of Kutch, the traditional Bhungas stand out for their simple circular form and highly practical design. Built with mud walls and topped with conical roofs, these homes are suited to the region’s harsh climate, helping keep the interiors comfortable despite the heat outside. Their walls are often decorated with mirror work and handmade patterns, turning an everyday dwelling into a space where architecture, craft and local identity come together. The result is a style of vernacular architecture that feels both visually distinctive and deeply connected to its surroundings.
The architectural traditions of the Rabari community have also been captured through documentary filmmaking. Rabari Tribe of Gujarat documents the community and focuses specifically on the construction and earthquake-resistant qualities of Bhungas, showing how generations of local knowledge shaped these homes. Rather than simply serving as picturesque backgrounds, the settlements reveal how people in Kutch have used locally available materials and traditional building techniques to respond to climate, landscape and natural hazards.
15. Shekhawati Havelis, Rajasthan – Paheli, Lootera
Spread across the towns of Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu, the havelis of Shekhawati form one of Rajasthan’s most distinctive historic landscapes. Built largely by prosperous merchant families during the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, these residences are known for their enclosed courtyards, carved jharokhas, chhatris, ornate entrances and walls covered with colourful frescoes. The paintings range from religious stories and local folklore to scenes of everyday life and later depictions of trains, cars and other modern influences, turning the façades into visual records of the region’s changing history.
The unusual combination of painted façades, narrow streets and grand yet weathered mansions has also made Shekhawati an attractive setting for filmmakers. Mandawa, one of the region’s best-known heritage towns, has been used for film shoots, with PK among the productions associated with the area. The layered architecture and richly painted walls create a cinematic setting that can suggest different periods and moods without requiring elaborate sets. For visitors, exploring these towns offers something beyond a collection of beautiful buildings the havelis reveal how art, trade, family wealth and local architecture became closely connected in Rajasthan.
16. Kuldhara Village, Jaisalmer – Agent Vinod, Paranormal Shorts
About 17 kilometres west of Jaisalmer, Kuldhara is an abandoned settlement that offers a striking glimpse into the architecture and planning of a historic desert village. Established by the Paliwal Brahmins in the 13th century, the settlement developed with houses, narrow lanes, temples, wells and water-management systems adapted to the harsh conditions of the Thar Desert.
Its weathered sandstone structures, simple façades and carefully arranged streets now create an unusual landscape where architecture and desert surroundings appear to merge. The village was abandoned in the early 19th century, although the exact reason remains uncertain and several local legends surround its disappearance.
Kuldhara has also served as a real filming location, most notably for Agent Vinod (2012), whose production planned to shoot its climax at the historic village. The film’s connection with Kuldhara also became controversial when the production crew was accused of altering and defacing parts of the heritage site during preparations, leading authorities to halt the shoot and take action against members of the crew.
The incident itself highlights why locations such as Kuldhara need to be treated as heritage spaces rather than simply atmospheric film sets. Its deserted streets, sandstone ruins and stories of abandonment nevertheless give the village a naturally dramatic quality that continues to attract filmmakers, photographers and visitors.
