Goa’s iconic Bollywood filming locations beckon Instagrammers

Goa’s iconic Bollywood filming locations beckon Instagrammers

Goa has long been a favourite destination for Bollywood filmmakers, with numerous films using its beautiful locations and contributing to the fame of many of its spots. Here are some of the places that have attracted new fans through social media over the years.

Meriston Fernandez

Goa, with its sunny beaches, lush greenery and vibrant culture, has long been a favourite backdrop for Bollywood filmmakers. This picturesque state not only offers stunning visuals but has also added a unique charm to numerous movies. Here, we take a film tour of the iconic locations in Goa that have graced the silver screen and captured the hearts of movie buffs. Other locations used include Divar Island, Jehuem Bridge, Old Goa, Makinez Palace in Panjim, various Goan villages and beautiful homes.

Chapora Fort: Popularly known as Dil Chahta Hai Fort, Chapora Fort came into the limelight with the release of Farhan Akhtar’s film Dil Chahta Hai in 2001. Chapora Fort in North Goa is a popular tourist attraction and a well-known landmark in the region. It is considered a stunning location by filmmakers, offering breathtaking views of the Chapora River and the surrounding coastline. The film has several famous scenes shot at the fort, which have come to symbolize the film’s plot and characters. The fort’s commanding views over the Arabian Sea provide a dramatic backdrop for many of the film’s scenes.

Arpora Night Market: This bustling market was featured in the film Dum Maro Dum starring Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide range of products, it is a great place to visit that captures the essence of Goan culture. A popular spot for locals and tourists alike, Arpora’s Saturday Night Market sells a wide range of items including clothing, accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs, jewellery and art pieces. The market also features live music performances, cultural shows and a variety of food stalls serving local and international cuisine.

Pala Road: This scenic stretch of road lined with coconut trees was featured prominently in the film Dear Zindagi. It is now a popular spot for tourists looking to recreate the film’s memorable cycling scenes. What was once a quiet road has now become a tourist attraction. Traffic congestion caused by tourists is another problem for locals. “Tourists cause a lot of trouble for us locals. They are a nuisance. They take photos in the middle of the road, they tease and abuse us when we honk. You need to be on time to get to work. Have fun, but not at the expense of others. Behave like an educated and respectful tourist. In fact, it’s even difficult to drop your kids off at school. They tell you you can’t wait five minutes. They also throw empty water bottles and wrappers on the side of the road,” says Evander Noronha, a Pala native.

Dudhsagar Falls: A famous film that prominently featured Dudhsagar Falls is Chennai Express (2013), starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, which features the falls in a key scene.

The train scene emphasises its grandeur and natural splendour.The name “Dudhsagar” translates in English as “Ocean of Milk”, referring to the milky look of the water cascading down the rocky cliffs.

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Panjim: A beautiful white church. Some of the movies shot here include Josh, Aashiqui 2, and Dilwale 2. This church in Panjim is a popular tourist destination due to its unusual architecture and convenient location. Tourists flock to this place all year round. “Whenever I pass by this place, there is heavy traffic. A lot of tourists flock to this place all year round. They park their cars on the road and cause trouble for us residents. They seem unaware of their surroundings when they cross the road. I am not against tourists visiting, but I think they should be aware of the right etiquette while traveling,” says Joseph Fernandes from Panjim.

Fontainhas: A famous Goa filming location where the movies Ek Villain and Malang were shot, this picturesque and culturally rich neighbourhood in the heart of Panjim is known for its narrow, winding roads, vibrant Indo-Portuguese architecture and colorful buildings. The narrow, cobbled streets of Fontainhas add to the old world charm of the area. Walking through these streets will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

Dona Paula: In 1981, Dona Paula appeared in “Ek Duje Ke Liye”. The famous fight scene from the film “Singham” was shot here. Another film, “Dilwale”, also featured here. This scenic spot is in the Dona Paula area of ​​North Goa. It is named after Dona Paula Amaral Antonia de Souto Maior, a historical figure from Portuguese India. The jetty offers great views of the Arabian Sea and is a popular tourist destination in Goa.