Some scenes stay with you longer than the story does. A lake in the background, a narrow old street, a hill town buried in fog. By the time the credits roll, Google Maps is usually open. And in some of the cases, these scenes often become a big part of the movie. Like the road shown in Dear Zindagi, the stairs in Hangover 2 or the Chapora Fort shown in Dil Chahta Hai.

Indian Destinations To Add To Your Travel List

From Leh to Kerala, visit these Indian destinations from your favorite Netflix find and update your Instagram.

1. Leh, Ladakh (Dhurandhar)

Ranveer Singh and Sara Arjun on a bike, with dry golden mountains stretching behind them. That's Ladakh. Start at Sangam Point, where the Indus and Zanskar meet and the two rivers run in visibly different shades.

Summer is the easiest time to go. Spend the first day or two just resting, because the altitude hits harder than most people expect.

2. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh (Highway)

Highway used Spiti for its quiet, nearly empty frames. The white monastery on the hill is still the most photographed spot in the valley. It's cold, high and very still. Summer is the safer window, though winter turns the whole valley white if you can handle the temperatures.

3. Manali, Himachal Pradesh (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani)

Bunny and Naina's trip is the reason Manali became the default friends' getaway. Hidimba Devi Temple, a wooden structure surrounded by tall deodar trees, is the first stop. Then walk through the cafes in Old Manali and take a day trip to Solang Valley. That's the whole plan.

4. Pahalgam, Kashmir (Laila Majnu)

Laila Majnu was shot against Kashmir's green meadows and snow-capped peaks, and Pahalgam is where you can see them yourself. Go for horse rides and riverside walks, and add Betaab Valley and Aru Valley, which are both close by. Check the latest travel advisories before booking.

5. Athirappilly Waterfalls, Kerala (Baahubali, Dil Se)

Few places have appeared in as many films. The falls from Baahubali and Dil Se are Athirappilly, and in person they're just as huge. The water is strongest during monsoon, so plan for June to September. The thick forest around the falls also makes it an easy add-on to any Kerala trip.

Which One Should You Pick?

If mountains and open sky are your thing, Ladakh or Spiti will suit you. Going with friends? Manali is the safest bet, and a bike trip through Leh and Ladakh works well for a group too. Prefer greenery and water? Pahalgam and Athirappilly are the ones.
Next time a scene makes you want to pack your bags, this time you actually can.


(Image Credits: Pinterest)
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