The government and media support in India, particularly for filmmaking and documentary shooting, over the years have been improving. The policy observed by various states in north India such as Uttar Pradesh has made India an attractive destination for filmmakers.
In addition, the country offers some amazing locations – dense forests, modern and colonial architecture, and bazaars – that combined with the low cost of logistics makes it a viable option for the filmmaking business.
Here are five locations in North India that are most friendly for film making:
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Himachal Pradesh
The state of Himachal Pradesh is popular for its landscapes and hill stations. Shimla, Dharamshala, Kullu, Manali, Mandi, Kasol, McLeodganj and others are tourist destinations that have featured in countless Bollywood films.
The hill station of Khajjiar, in the Chamba district at an altitude of 2000 metres, is also known as mini-Switzerland for its topographical resemblance to the country. In fact, a signboard states this explicitly! The location is perfect for shots that involve dense pine forests, snow, and sloped terrain. A panoramic view of the Dauladhar Mountains greets visitors throughout the year. In addition, three different ecosystems—green forests, lakes, and pastures—cover this exquisite plateau.
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Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, another popular location for filming in India, has places with a beauty that is unmatched in the world. One popular location is the Valley of Flowers, home to exotic wild species of flora and fauna. It is not uncommon to see brown bears, red fox, black bears, and snow leopards roaming in this alpine highland. Resembling California’s Antelope Valley, the valley is covered with flowers of varied colours with the grandeur of the Zanskar and Himalayas as its backdrop. The perfect time to visit this location is between July and September.
Recently, the state was also awarded as one of the friendliest states in terms of its film policy. The policy includes single-window shooting permission, free of cost police protection, and residential arrangement for the film’s crew. Uttarakhand is also popular among the global film industry – Will Smith has visited the state for a film shooting. Recently, Man vs Wild, the famous Discovery Channel program was shot in Uttarakhand. But it is not only Hollywood that has shown interest in Uttarakhand – film industries from Japan and France have visited the state for shooting their films. The best way to find shooting locations in Uttarakhand or in India is through a fixer in India who will be able to get film and documentary permissions.
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Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh
The union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are popular among the film industry for their scenic locations, snow-clad mountains, green meadows, and pristine lakes. But you would not be at fault if you confuse the tulip fields of Srinagar with those in Amsterdam. Thirty-two miles from Srinagar is the beautiful Gulmarg, a tourist location that has snow-covered peaks and brings memories of Switzerland.
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Uttar Pradesh
There are many places in Uttar Pradesh that are considered holy. Among them is the Buddhist circuit that is world-renowned for its significance in Buddhism. The Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath and other places of significance in the Circuit include Kaushambi, Sravasti, and Sankisa. Each of these places is known for the majestic stupas, pillars, and temples dedicated to the Buddha.
The state is also popular for its Mughal period architecture. Entire cities have been planned by Mughal emperors bringing to the world Agra’s Taj Mahal, the historic city of Fatehpur Sikri, Lucknow, and more. The Ganges and the river ghats from Assi to Rajghat in Varanasi are a popular destination for international and local tourists.
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Delhi
When Hollywood thinks of Delhi, they think films like Eat, Pray, Love (2010) and Jobs (2013). And, they are right for the city is as old as time! Monuments, gardens, colonial architecture, markets, and more await those who visit Delhi as tourists or as film savants. Remember the Obamas visiting The Humayun’s Tomb? Be it logistical support or finding a fixer, Delhi has it all.
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