Bollywood movies are a grand affair. Once cannot simply work out a formula that will define the success of a movie. The directors these days have started adopting the trend of shooting in outdoor locations to give a more realistic feel to their story. Numerous locations in India have been made famous by the movies – be it the beaches of Goa, the mesmerizing hills of Manali, the deserts of Rajasthan, the crystal clear Pangong Lake or the snow-filled ways of the Ladakh. However, these shooting locations have become a cliché and the directors now need to explore new spots to bring a new flavor to the movies.
India is such a beautifully vast land that there lies hundred of less explored and unexplored places that are way too picturesque. This country if like a deep pit, you keep digging and keep finding something new, every single time. Every place has its own story and these unexplored places can add a new freshness to the director’s story. Here are some of the less explored places in the country that are sure to attract the directors towards their raw beauty:
1. Bedni Bugyal
Bedni Bugyal is a place located close to Haridwar and looks straight out of a postcard. It is a mind-blowing stretch of green meadows, located 3500 meters above sea level. Imagine the hero-heroine running around in this scenic land or trekking in the hilly countryside, it would be a treat for the eyes! The use of Bedni can really make a movie worth watching, if only for the meadows and its beauty.
2. Ali Bugyal
Situated at an altitude of 4000 meters, Ali Bugyal is the quintessence of the word GREEN! The first thing that will strike you about this place is its endless greenery and the fresh wind. It can be a perfect backdrop for captivating the romance between two souls. Wrapped in a velvet green cover Ali Bugyal stands apart with its captivating freshness and can be a perfect escape for two much-in-love lovers!
3. Harsil
Harsil is a land situated on the mighty Bhagirathi River and falling on the way to Gangotri. It is a place which captures the perfect combination of culture and nature. The serene hills and the raw beauty of this place come into perspective when picturing a prodigal mother and a doting son engulfed with the simplicity of a small town. The shrine of the Goddess Durga located in close vicinity adds a new dimension, protecting the place from adversities like snowfall.
4. Gwaldam
Gwaldam is a peaceful little place located in the lower lap of the Himalayas, near Kathgodam hidden away from the hustle bustle of normal life. It is a place for the solace often searched in an offbeat location with its hilly areas and the lack of extremities of winter and rain. At an elevation of 1700 feet, this place provides all the quietness that is essentially advantageous while shooting any movie. The encirclement of pines and firs only adds to the beauty of the place.
5. Ranikhet
Yet another unexplored place lying close to Kathgodam is Ranikhet. It is a place where nature meets abstruse. It is a place to bring alive the majestic era of the 90s with its high peaks and the calm terrains. The exquisite gold courses at this place are the perfect setting for a high-class family spending a lavish life in the hills. The untouched beauty of this place simply attracts you towards it. The compilation of small bungalows, gold courses, and the hills is what any Bollywood director would simply love.
6. Munsiyari
Words are not enough to define the charm of Munsiyari as a shooting location. Essentially famous as a trekking route to Khalia Top, it is a place where everything simply comes alive. No spot can be ideal to depict the realness of the story with this place completely soaked in color, beauty, nature, adventure, snow and simply LIFE! It is one of those rare places which can be used to shoot movies of any genre. The snow capped hills in the surrounding adds an unsaid promise to do place.
7. Khirsu
Imagine an isolated village enveloped by oak, deodar, pine and apple orchards and you have yourself the picture of Khirsu! Yes, it’s that beautiful! Located in the proximity of Dehradun and Haridwar it lays at an elevation of 1700 meters. The panorama of the imposing Himalayas simply adds to the charm of this place which would be a treat to watch on the silver screen. The flamboyance of this place beckons you towards this unexplored part of the country.
8. Athirappilly Falls
One look at this place and you will fall in love with its picturesque land. Located in the Thrissur district of Kerala, this 80 feet high waterfall is simply a candy for the eyes. Popularly known as the “Niagara Falls of India” the sheer magnificence of this waterfall can bring magic on to the screens. Narrow winding roads, small villages and greenery make it a delightful sight. There are some places that don’t need to be huge to be striking, its minimalism is enough and Athirappilly happens to be one such place.
9. Maravanthe Beach
The directors need to move away from the clichéd beaches of Goa and head off to some of the less explored ones. Lying on the way from Mangalore towards Goa, the Maravanthe Beach is the perfect solution to the quest for peace and tranquillity. Touted as one of the cleanest beaches in the country the absence of crowd is what adds to the charm of the place. The turquoise water, the clouded skies, and the tranquil winds make it one of the highly potential locations for shooting movies in the country.
10. St. Mary’s Islands
Also known as the “Coconut Islands”, the St. Mary’s Islands is one-of-its-kind. It is a set of four small islands in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Malpe in Udupi, Karnataka. The islands are basically famous for their distinct geological formation columnar basaltic lava. The unique thing about the place is that there no roads connection to the place. The only way of getting to the islands is by boats! Can you imagine the beauty of the islands that lie so far away from human touch? It seriously is what we call “A place no less than heaven”.
Source
So all you directors out there sit up and take notice! There are a plethora of unexplored places waiting to come alive on the silver screen.