Bollywood movie locations that are ideal summer vacation hot spots

If you are in two minds about where to take your summer break this year, before you rush out for visa processes and blow up your hard earned saving on a foreign trip, try and consider some exotic and interesting destinations in India that even Bollywood movies have captured and used as muse! 

In a diverse country like India, a city is so much more than just a location or a tourist spot to visit. It is a feeling, an emotion and each city has it's own rich history and stories. So much so that, Bollywood often tends to use this very emotion and sets the movie in the backdrop of cities. 

Visiting a city or state within the country helps you learn so much about your culture, your country and it's diversity. Scroll down to have a look at some destinations shown in Bollywood movies that you must consider visiting this summer: 

1. 3 Idiots - Leh Ladakh 

One of India's most successful and highest grossing movies of Bollywood- 3 Idiots, picked Leh Ladakh as it's the backdrop for its grand climax. From when the hero and heroine finally meet to when the friends and hero have a millap. 

Leh is a paradise on earth with its mesmerising scenic beauty and is blessed with majestic snow laden Himalayan ranges, lush green landscape, sparkling blue waters and deep gorges.

Beat the summer heat and hit this city to relax, rejuvenate and give a treat to your senses. 
If you are an adventure enthusiast you will love Leh because it has some of the best trekking trails in which one can have incredible trekking experience.

Besides its magnificent beauty, it has a spiritual value because it houses some of the most royal ancient monasteries. Some of the must visit places in Leh range from Pangong Lake, Magnetic Hill, to Shey Monastery, Kargil, Royal Leh Palace and much more. 

2. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge - Punjab 

If you are the mushy and romantic kind's who grew up watching DDLJ and dancing with your beau in mustard fields of Punjab has always been on your bucket list then it is time to pack your bags and head to Punjab. Though, the iconic scene was shot just outside Gurgaon. 

Bright, colourful, loaded with scrumptious food and popularly known as the land of five rivers, Punjab is a must visit! 
Punjab is known for its scenic landscape, rich history and famous religious sites. Places such as Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border and Lodhi Fort, Imam Nasir Masjid, The Rock Garden are some of the must-see places in this vibrant state. 

3. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai - Ooty

The Summer Camp in Shimla which daughter Anjali goes to is shot at Wenlock Downs in Ooty. The bridge and the small camps are a set. Rahul and Anjali meet here after 8 years! Remember the iconic scene where Rahul is running in slow-mo to the tune of 'Raghupathy Raghav Raja Ram'. 

Hitting the serene hills like Rahul's daughter Anjali did is the best way to beat the heat. Ooty is the queen of hill stations and the capital of Nilgiris district. It is popularly known for its scenic view, beautiful lakes and gardens. 

4. Dil Chahta Hai, Go Goa Gone and Dear Zindagi- Goa 

Just like Akash Malhotra ( Aamir Khan) and Akshaye Khanna (Siddarth) celebrated Saif Ali Khan's (Sameer) breakup in Goa, you and your friends should head there too. 
One of the most popular party destinations of India is Goa is the best way to unwind by the beach this summer. From the most happening parties, scrumptious seafood, cheap alcohol to serene beaches and a vibrant history Goa has it all. 

5. Chennai Express- Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Goa

If you are visiting Goa and have time in hand they don't forget to visit Dudhsagar Waterfalls.It is a spectacular beauty! Dudhsagar Falls (literally Sea of Milk ) is a four-tiered waterfall located on the border of Goa. Dudhsagar Falls is amongst India's tallest waterfalls with a height of 310 m (1017 feet) and an average width of 30 metres (100 feet)

6. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani- Manali

When Kabir Thapar headed to Manali with his squad and Naina Talwar made an impulsive decision of doing something rebellious in life the entire nation was headed to a Manali trek trip. 
The Manali trek, however, is truly an experience of a lifetime, on your way you encounter ancient villages, pine forests and apple orchards with a remarkable view. From the valley of flowers to serene views this place should be on your bucket list. 

7. Jab We Met - Rohtang Paas, Himachal Pradesh

Geographical marvels in the periphery of Manali which have been finding a lot of screen space these days and one such place is Rohtang Paas. Located at a high altitude of about 51 km from Manali, movies like Jab We Met, Dev D and Highway have immortalised the raw and snow clad stretches of Rohtang Paas on celluloid, making it the perfect choice for all biking enthusiasts. Haven’t we all thought of biking on that stretch someday? Yes, we have!

8. Kapoor & Sons- Coonoor 

17 Km away from Ooty Siddarth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt and Fawad Khan shook a leg in Coonoor for their film Kapoor and Sons. Coonoor is probably the second most popular hill station in the Nilgiris. The hill station stands at a height of 1839 meters and is known for its great picnic spots and picturesque surroundings. Coonoor is also famous for tea gardens and tea factories.

9. Gunday, Kahaani and Devdas - Kolkata

Set in old Kolkata the period films Gunday and Devdas capture the old charm of the city. India’s second-biggest city Kolkata is considered to be India’s intellectual, artistic and cultural capital. Some of the most popular experiences in the charming city of Kolkatta include- Belur Math, Victoria Memorial, Marble Palace, Botanical Gardens and Kumartuli Idol-makers. 

10. Highway, Rockstar and Haider- Jammu and Kashmir

A little piece of heaven on Earth this beauty is a must visit. Kashmir is India's Switzerland, attracting hordes of local tourists seeking cool summer air, alpine scenery and Srinagar’s romantic houseboat accommodation. Mesmerising lakes, holy pilgrimage sites, snow-capped Himalayas, awe-inspiring meadows and alpine scenery forms the major allure of Jammu and Kashmir.