Top 20 Explored and Unexplored Film Shooting Locations in Uttarakhand

Nowadays the success of a movie at the box office not just depends on a good script, direction and acting, as location also matters a lot. The days of filming the whole story in an artificial set are truly over. Indian directors today, including Bollywood and regional directors, often hunt for outdoor locations that will play along the script thus giving the plot a realistic touch which would be appreciated by the audience. You must have come across many such Indian movies those were shot at an outdoor location and the exotic scene haunts you for days till you come to know about the location. Here are some of the top 20 explored and unexplored film shooting locations in Uttarakhand that will no doubt pull in any Indian directors to pitch the plot according to the script.

Auli Bugyal

Tombed at an altitude of above 4000 meters, Ali Bugyal is all what you understand by green. Noticeable for its captivating greenery, Auli Bugyal will act as a good backdrop for lenses that are inclined to capture romance of two souls. It can also be used as an escapade for warm hearted elopes. Wrapped in a velvet cover of green, Ali Bugyal bursts to a rendezvous of beautiful flowers… and fans the fire in budding cupid stroke couples.

Nearest Rail Head: Haridwar

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun & Gauchar Airport

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Rishikesh/Haridwar – Wan Village

Chopta

Chopta Valley is that locale that comes to your mind when you imagine a small town guy, potentially the hero of the movie, very famous in the locality, hopping around in a two wheeler, aspiring to win the heart of his lady love, who lives in a protected castle. Chopta being the base location for trekking to Tungnath Temple also offers a hilly perspective. The famous Shiva temple can be minted from the religious corner with the added serenity of the valley

Nearest Rail Head: Haridwar

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun & Gauchar Airport

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Haridwar – Chopta

Ranikhet

Ranikhet is where nature meets the exoteric. The majestic peaks and calm terrains remind one of many romantic Bollywood flicks from the 90s. The stereotypical e, hanging behind the trees can be relived in this place. On the other hand the kingly golf courses can be used to depict the lifestyles of the privileged section of the society. A compilation of a small bungalow, hills and golf course can portray how the rich father of a gone-ashtray daughter (heroine) lavishly spends his idle time.

Nearest Rail Head: Kathgodam

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Delhi- Ranikhet

Bedni Bugyal

A lot of movies now revolve around young souls pricked with the insatiable hunger for adventure. Bedni Bugyal is a stretch of green meadow almost 3,500 metres above sea level that can be reeled as a destination for trekking. The use of Bedni can be spiced up by exploiting many other adventure activities.

Nearest Rail Head: Haridwar

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun & Gauchar Airport

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Haridwar/Rishikesh – Wan Village

Auli

A little diversion from the green- show of Uttarakhand is that what Auli serves you. Auli is snow-ladden during the winter. A director interested to induce a scene of skiing with a tap on budget can use Auli as his pick. The best part of this destination is that it is not as far as Kashmir… yet it offers you the solitude, whiteness and cool of the same.

Nearest Rail Head: Haridwar

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun & Gauchar Airport

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Haridwar – Joshimath – Auli

Harsil

Harsil is the perfect combination of culture and nature… in a way casted by the mighty hands of the almighty. It is situated in the banks of the Bhagirathi river and falls on the way to the famous pilgrimage Gangotri. A weary mother burdened with a prodigal son, penury will always like to soil her toe and torture herself on her way to offer devotion to the lords of Gangotri. The importance of the place gains a new dimension when the shrine of Goddess Durga is brought to a place nearby to protect her from the adversities of snowfall in and around Gangotri.

Nearest Rail Head: Haridwar

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Harsil

Almora

Almora is a visual delight not just for visitors but for any individual who would like to transform words into scenes. Located on a ridge in the southern edge of Kumaon Hills and surrounded by thick ferns and pines, it is perfect if you are thinking of giving a blend of the mystic and mysterious. You will find dense bazaar areas and denser forests. Crime and thriller scenes can be well bred in such regions …where the knife holder wants to take refuge from stalkers.

Nearest Rail Head: Kathgodam

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Delhi – Almora

Gwaldam

Located in the lower Himalaya, Gwaldam will provide you the solace you are looking for from a hill area and yet would help you avoid the extremities of winter or rain. Encircled with firs and pines it is at an approximate elevation of 1,700 feet. The lesser height of the region is advantageous for the improvised sets during shooting as natural circumstances often hinder perfect use of props and sets.

Nearest Rail Head: Kathgodam

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Gwaldam

Munsiyari

Words will fall short depicting the fruitfulness of Munsiyari as a shooting spot. Cinema has always been believed to be a reflection of real life,; hence Munsiyari which is completely soaked in adventure, colour, scenic beauty, snow and life can never be ignored as a Shooting locale. Each and every component of the region can be diversely used as a location for romantic comedies, dark comedies, tragedies and even pure romances. The snow capped mountains flanking at the horizon and rising sun is a promise to send shivers down the spine of the viewers. Munsiyari is howver famous as a trekking route to Khalia Top.

Nearest Rail Head: Kathgodam & Tanakpur

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Munsiyari

Rishikesh

The land of rishis is a harbinger of the essence of Indian culture, which is drafted in the pages of mythology. The mighty Ganges and mandirs create an ambience fit for the sages. The add ons will be water sports like river rafting. Such a blend of scenic beauty and piousness would definitely satisfy eyes wandering to create movies culturally enriched. Another feather that can be added to the history of Rishikesh is that it holds the glory of a song called “the hriikesh song” sang by the ingenious John Lenon.

Nearest Rail Head: Haridwar

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Rishikesh

Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar, the 350 years old temple of Shiva is enshrined at the top of Nainital. This religiously enriched hill top can be exploited for trekking and rappelling. Being situated on the top, it is characterized by perennial cold weather. A land apt for meditation can act as mirrors to reflect the religious ideas of the small town residents.

Nearest Rail Head: Kathgodam & Tanakpur

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Mukteshwar

Dehradun

Notwithstanding natural susceptibilities, hindrances in accessibility, Dehradun is one of the most developed towns of hilly regions. Situated in the Doon valley in the foot of the Himalaya, Dehradun is flanked by Ganges on one side and Yamuna on the other. It is a gateway to many popular hill stations in the Garhwal Himalayan region. Dehradun holds the record of being a favourite place for Boarding school imparting knowledge in the most modern way.

Nearest Rail Head: Haridwar

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Dehradun

Kausani

If romance is the most promising genre of Bollywood then Kausani can definitely be vouchsafed as a locale where cupid has his charm spread. It is famous for its scenic splendour and a fantastic view of Himalayan peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli. There is a famous ashram where Gandhiji spent some time and is still the abode of some of his disciples. Pine trees adorn the valleys and hills of Kausani.

Nearest Rail Head: Kathgodam

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Kausani

Chaukori

Chaukori is a small hill station in Pittoragarh district. Snow capped hill top beckons visitors from far as an invitation to unfurl her unsolved mysteries. Chaukori can easily be a den for aspiring writers who wants to ransack the abundance of these jewels.

Nearest Rail Head: Kathgodam

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Chaukori

Binsar

Binsar provides a platter full of wild animals in the heart of Uttarakahnd. It is around 33 kilometers north of Almora. Binsar holds to her credit a museum depicting the flora and fauna of the region. Amidst the dense sanctuaries Binsar heralds the cultural heredity of the region with the Bineshwar Mahadev lord Shiva temple

Nearest Rail Head: Kathgodam

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Binsar

Jageshwar Temple

Jageshwar Temple is a Hindu pilgimage spot located in Almora. This temple is of great religious importance as it is belived to be the first of the 12 jyotirlingas. Any movie which is supposed to be packed with religious values and chosen as a mode of preaching the same can use this locale for a sure shot success. Jageshwar, on the other hand, houses a cluster of 124 ancient large and small stone temples that may append an appeal to the script.

Nearest Rail Head: Kathgodam

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Jageshwar

Khirsu

If your script represents a plot of an isolated village enveloped in between the oak, deodar, pine and apple orchards… Khirsu at an elevation of 1,700 meters and 15 kilometers from Pauri is your pick. In addition the panorama of the imposing Himalayan range at the backdrop is just another plush-like feature for your audience at the silver screen. Think of a traumatic situation where a porter finds an injured person (may be assaulted by some gangsters) lying somewhere in the forest and brings him to his village (Khirsu) for treatment. Later he discovers that he lost his identity and thereafter started to live the local lifestyle. After some days the porter comes to know that he is an assassin who killed many scammers and is one of the most wanted fugitives. Knowing everything, the porter plays a vital role in protecting the guy from the arms of the law and gangsters and hides him in a secluded place in Khirsu village that is close to the Ghandiyal Devi temple, which is an ancient temple. Other than summing up such an action packed script… the nature itself will impress you with its flamboyant charm.

Nearest Rail Head: Haridwar

Nearest Airport: Dehradun

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Khirsu

New Tehri

A helicopter view of New Tehri will make it seem like some white pearls embraced in a green carpet. New Tehri unlike other remotely beautiful places of uttarakhand is quite urbanized. The name has an interesting background. It is derived from trihari… meaning 3 types of sins born out of manasa vacha kamana. The gigantic lake that new Tehri overlooks gives it a majestic look. Over all the natural ore calls New Tehri polished with an urban look caters to the eyes that balms longing for a change from the monotony.

Nearest Rail Head: Haridwar

Nearest Airport: Dehradun

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: New Tehri

Dhanaulti

You step to Dhanolti and get to inhale a lot of fresh air, smell a lot if flowers and feel the flavour of apples. It brags the vanity of being a land of majestic rhododendrons. Situated 29 kms frm Mussoourie… Dhanolti will give solace to a writer to pen down his mind and a director to capture it in his archaic lenses.

Nearest Rail Head: Haridwar

Nearest Airport: Dehradun

Bus/Jeep Connectivity: Dhanolti

Pauri

If the story reels on one of the populated destinations in the Garhwal region then Pauri could be one of the wise picks for any directors. The Pauri region is noted as one of the popular pilgrimage destinations in Uttarakhand that is dotted with several temples such as the Jwalpa Devi temple, Kandoliya Devta, Laxmi Narayan, Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev and Hanuman Mandir. From Pauri one can also capture the majestic panorama of the snow covered mountains of Khirsu and Chaukhamba peaks. Well… the script further follows with an adventure journey then you can add on trek to Doodhatoli. Some other least explored places around Pauri are Tara Kund, which is close to Palli village; and Kanvashram, which is notable for its legends.

Nearest Rail Head: Haridwar

Nearest Airport: Dehradun

Bus/Jeep: Pauri