5 Iconic Bollywood Destinations that Indians will love to visit

For most of us, the easiest, cheapest, and yet the best way to experience exotic international destinations is through Bollywood movies. With a movie ticket, you can escape just for two or three hours but witnessing those destinations where the movies were shot thrills a traveller’s soul. From serene Shimla to fairytale Switzerland to gorgeous Mauritius, popular film shooting locales have made quite an impact on viewers. To this day, it is normal for Indian travellers to plan their holiday abroad based on certain scenes from Bollywood movies that remain etched in memory.  

1. Tamasha in sun-kissed Corsica  

Corsica is a Mediterranean Island off the coast of France that is the ideal setting for Cupid to do his thing, just as in the movie. Lively towns such as Bastia and Ajaccio showcase old-town architecture and the colourful island life. Take a road trip across Ajaccio from Calvi, and explore the GR 20 (a scenic hiking trail). Stop by Calvi Citadel to take a breather or indulge in a musical aside with a local band. Relax and unwind as you sunbathe at Porto-Vecchio. Explore Scandola Nature Reserve, hike to Lake Melo or Lake Capitello, and drive past the jaw-dropping view of Les Calanques.  

Tour package: There’s nothing more satisfying than an island escape and Corsica is more than a vacationers paradise. A tour package to this island starts at Rs. 95,000. 

2. Paint the town red à la ZNMD  

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and its location in sunny Spain will definitely appeal to those who love travelling with their buddies. Be inspired and indulge in activities such as skydiving and scuba-diving in Costa Brava, and participate in the Pamplona Bull Run if you dare! How can one forget the memorable La Tomatina Festival where the actors had a gala time smashing each other with ripe tomatoes! Alájar and Ronda are two beautiful towns to visit if you wish to have a memorable time with your travel buddies. Granada will enchant you while Costa del Sol, a paradisiacal dream destination, can give you a good tan.  

Tour package: To enjoy a vacation in enchanting Spain, prices for a family tour package begin at Rs. 55,000. 

3. Emulate DDLJ’s Swiss role 

A classical love story of two Indians in a foreign land, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge starts your budding romantic journey in Europe before nudging you towards the towering Swiss Alps. This honeymooner’s paradise is well-known for the beautiful St Mauritius Church in Saanen, where you could also get a cow-bell souvenir. Ogling the snow-capped mountains in Jungfraujoch, hiking through Graubünden’s Swiss National Park, boating on Lake Geneva, visiting a dairy farm near Château d’Œx, and wine touring in Vaud are some other things to do while you’re there. Don’t forget to emulate the scenic train ride from the movie in the Bernina or Glacier Express! 

Tour package: Europe is guaranteed to give you a fun holiday! A family tour with say about 3 cities for 6 nights starts at Rs. 85,000. 

4. Be a Rockstar in Prague  

While one can get love-struck and teary-eyed watching this movie, it also transports one to Prague, a city that is elegance personified. Landmarks such as Charles Bridge, Vrtba Garden, and Státní Opera House are familiar to us thanks to this movie’s songs. Karlštejn Castle is an iconic Gothic architectural masterpiece that is fondly called the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’. Take a walk through the old town square or enjoy a historical tour of the city. Enthral your senses at the National Theatre and marvel at the Astronomical Clock. History buffs can sign up for a walking tour focusing on Communist History and World War II.  

Tour package: With loads of history, culture and stunning architecture, Prague is the perfect getaway for every traveller alike. Pick from the many tour packages which start from Rs. 45,000 and upwards.

5. Go Bang Bang! in Greece 

Idyllic beaches, azure waters, magnificent sunsets... these are pretty much what Bang Bang! should conjure up in your mind. Appreciate the Cycladic architecture of Greece while holidaying on the white-and-blue island of Santorini. Take a dip in the sparkling turquoise Mediterranean waters, explore art galleries, go wine-tasting, and binge on delicious food. Be inspired by the movie and spend an enchanting evening watching a film screened at the open-air cinema. Go hiking from Fira to Oia, which not only gives you an adrenaline rush but also provides a mind-blowing view. Wind up the day by enjoying a glass of wine while you witness a beautiful sunset. 

Tour package: Greece is a destination that caters to honeymooners, families, couples and friends. It has everything that makes one want to escape city life. Why wait, pick a tour package which starts at Rs. 70,000.

Note: *All the prices mentioned are a starting price and the final price depends on several variables like the number of days, number of cities, time of travel, type of vacation, etc. 

Also, an international holiday makes a lot more sense when you have HDFC Bank by your side because they have oodles of offers and discounts at any given point, making your experience all the more exciting!

Whether your a first-time traveller, a student or a globetrotter, the best option for you would be HDFC Bank ForexPlus Cards. Essentially, they're prepaid cards which are easy, safe and the ideal way to carry currency to foreign countries.  

Don't wait, pick your favourite filmy or iconic destination and plan your trip with the HDFC Bank ForexPlus Card this year! Apply now!

Planning an international holiday? Check out these travel tips!

* Terms & conditions apply. ForexPlus Card approvals are at sole discretion of HDFC Bank Ltd. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.