5 sizzling Bollywood shooting locations abroad that won’t burn a hole in your pocket
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Bollywood movies have always triggered our wanderlust with their on-screen lavish picturization of foreign locales that seem to be straight out of fantasy. Haven’t you sometimes just longed and wished you were right there on those white beaches, undulating desert dunes, meandering driveways, or glitzy places? Well, take a deep breath, and smile – your wish may just come true. We’ve picked 5 such destinations where you can reminisce those very moments you’ve seen on the silver screen. Most importantly, a holiday here isn’t going to cost you an arm and a leg. Let’s pack our bags then and head straight there.
1. Krabi Island, Thailand
The title song of ‘Kaho Na Pyaar Hai’ made us instantly fall in love with the song, while the breath-taking view of Krabi Island was enough for anyone to think of spending a romantic holiday there. Its white sands, curious rock formations, and the calm water waves are enough to feel rejuvenated. The beach here is every bit as pretty as it’s depicted in the song. Indulge in some diving, snorkelling, canoeing, and of course, Thailand’s signature cuisine. Other things to do include shopping and visiting the Khao Sok National Park. The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February.
Check out best deals on flights to Krabi. For a room with a view, stay at the Railay Bay Resort and Spa, Krabi or the Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Else you can choose from several other hotels. Click here to check them all.
2. Bhutan
The romantic thriller ‘Dil Se’ showcased Bhutan’s silent hills and breath-taking beauty. One of the advantages in choosing this as your next destination is that it is relatively close by. Bhutan has some of the highest unclimbed mountains in the world such as Mount Jhomolhari and Jitchu Drake, calling the daring to ascend. Visit the several monasteries for peace and serenity.
If you are adventurous enough, you can trek your way to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which rests precariously on a cliff at a dizzying height of 10,000 feet above sea level, offering an unmatched view of the valley. While in Bhutan, make sure you relish their national dish ‘Ema Datshi’, which is a fiery blend of green chillies smothered in cheese. The best time to visit Bhutan is from October to December.
Book now to avail best offers on flights to Paro Airport in Bhutan. Pamper yourself by staying in Paro at the Zhiwa Ling Hotel, or in Timphu at the Le Meridian Thimphu. For a complete list of hotels, click here.
3. Nepal
An interesting part of the action thriller ‘Baby’ starring Akshay Kumar was shot in Nepal. This place is home to eight world heritage sites enlisted by UNESCO, and each one of them is worth visiting. Set your eyes on the snow peaks, yaks, and monasteries. Make sure you visit the highest national park in the world, which is spread over 1,148 sq. km in the Solukhumbu District of Sagarmatha Zone. If you are an avid trekker, you can climb your way around the Annapurna Region and capture mesmerizing images of the peaks and valleys.
Nepal is the place of origin of the Momos, so while in Nepal, it would be regrettable not to try these. If you are seeking thrills, strap yourself onto the world’s longest, steepest and fastest zip flyer here and experience a descent at 140 km per hour. The best time to visit Nepal is between September and early December. Book your flights to Kathmandu at the best rates now. We recommend staying at the Hyatt Regency, or the Park Village Resort and Spa, but you can choose from a wide list here.
4. Dubai
The box office hits ‘Race’, ‘Dabangg’ and ‘Partnerr’ had scenes shot in Dubai. Dubai is one destination that has countless attractions and innovations, and rapidly keeps adding to this ever-growing list. The Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al Arab, the Dubai Fountain, the Desert Safari, the Palm Jumeirah, and ‘The World’ islands are just a few of these. Besides, Dubai is one of the hottest shopping destinations in the world. Carry the best camera you can lay your hands on to take some awesome pictures here.
During the Dubai shopping festival, you can literally shop till you drop, with the endless temptation of getting the world’s best products all under one roof at the Dubai Mall. Here, you can also ski and interact with penguins in a large, temperature-controlled environment. Dubai is a destination that can be visited any time during the year, although November to March is most recommended.
Get the best deal on your flight to Dubai. A stay at the iconic Atlantis The Palm is highly recommended to enjoy its Aquaventure aquariums, rides, water parks and diving. Alternatively, stay at the immensely plush and dazzling Burj Al Arab, which is the symbolic structure of Dubai. For a complete list of Dubai hotels, click here.
5. Singapore
Singapore, the island city, has been captured in celluloid in Bollywood movies such as ‘Krrish’ and ‘Dear Zindagi’. Make sure to include a visit to the zoo on your agenda, especially with kids. It has over 2,800 animals from all over the world, belonging to 300 different species, and all are well-cared for. Capture one of the best selfies with these impressive creatures. The zoo also offers a night safari for wildlife enthusiasts. If you love twists and turns, the roller coaster ride at the Universal Studios will more than meet your expectations.
To get an aerial view of the city overlooking the harbour, you must get onto the Singapore Flyer, a giant wheel just like the London Eye. More towards the southern coast lies the Marina Bay, with Singapore’s symbolic and mythical Merlion spouting water through its mouth, and three imposing skyscrapers proudly defining Singapore’s skyline at the Marina Bay Sands complex. If you are a shopaholic, then Orchard Road is sure to make you go on a shopping spree, with its international line of designer labels. Lastly, if you have time, make sure to visit Sentosa Island, off the coast of Singapore to indulge in some beach volleyball, kayaking, and skim-boarding.
The best time to visit Singapore is between February to April. Find out the lowest airfares to Singapore now. For a luxurious and comfortable stay, reserve your room at The Hilton, Raffles Singapore, the Intercontinental Singapore, or the Holiday Inn Atrium. For a wider list, click here.
After returning home, you can tell your friends and relatives that you stayed at a foreign destination straight out of a Bollywood movie!
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