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Do you remember “waterfall scenes” from Bahubali? Any guesses about this beautiful location? Well, the place is located in Kerala! Not just Bahubali but there are many famous Indian movies shot in Kerala that made those places very popular. If you are planning for a Kerala trip and want to know about those magical places made popular by famous movies and are preferred by film shooting locations in Kerala, this article is for you.

Film shooting often takes us to a dream paradise by showcasing some best shots and locations. It makes us believe that there is beauty on Earth and life can be the bed of roses. Much of a film shoot is done outdoors than in the studios.

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The hunt for a suitable location begins known as location scouting by the location scout. There are several aspects to keep in mind so that the finance of the film is not over-budgeted and the producers do not turn to Agony Aunts. There cannot be a better option than Heaven on Earth, God’s Own Country- Kerala.

Kerala: Why it is a Famous Shooting Location in India?

Kerala-why-it is-famous-shooting-location-in-india

Kerala fulfills all the requirements that are needed for a film shoot. It has all the aesthetic beauty. If you are looking for Beaches, Waterfalls, Hill Stations, Historical Caves, Ghats, Dams, Wildlife, the state situated on India’s tropical Malabar Coast has it all. The production cost is reasonable. The place is logistically feasible.

There are many domestic and international airports like Cochin International Airport, Calicut International Airport, and Trivandrum International Airport. The place can be reached by road, water, and rail as well. The weather of 600 km of the Arabian Sea shoreline makes it apt to shoot indoors and outdoors as well.

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All these things attract directors to prefer film shooting locations in Kerala. Let’s see a few famous shoots that happen in Kerala.

Popular Film Shooting Locations in Kerala

  1. Athirappilly Waterfalls
  2. Bolgatty Island
  3. Chandragiri Fort and River
  4. Eravikulam National Park
  5. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
  6. Munnar
  7. Chettuva Backwater
  8. Cherai Beach
  9. Fort Kochi
  10. Kovalam

The state that is known for palm-lined beaches, coconut trees, and emerald greenery all over, makes the director of a film head over heels to capture the beauty of the place. The backwaters of Kerala land bestow some of mesmerizing effects to the overall scenario. This is the reason why Kerala tops the charts when it comes to film shooting locations. To believe yourself read the following –

1. “Bahubali” Shooting Location at Athirapally

Bahubali-shooting-location
Image source: The news minute

If you have been dumbstruck looking at the Bahubali key poster where Bahubali held the stone of Shivling on his shoulder at the backdrop of mighty waterfalls and wondered if could be a piece of photoshop, well it’s Athirappally WaterFall – Thrissur, Kerala, that makes the poster so real. The scene shoot was held at the Athirappally Falls known by Indian Niagara falls.

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People all over the world come to witness the breathtaking view of nature. The view of upstream and downstream of the waterfall keeps one captivated. It is known as one of the most significant waterfalls in Kerala.

The natives call it Suren Chellakutti Falls who do not mind plunging it the cold forest water during monsoons, to experience the tranquillity of this place. The best time to experience and get some spellbound cinematography, it is ideal to visit this place in Monsoon.

Best Time to Visit Athirapally: September to January.

Watch the song & explore Athirapally Waterfalls

2. Karwaan Song Chota Sa Fasana Was Shot in Irinjalakuda & Kumarakom

Karwaan Song Chota Sa Fasana Was Shot in Kerala

Not just South Indian films, many Bollywood movies have also been shot in Kerala, One such example is the Karwaan movie. In this film, two of Kerala’s most popular tourist destinations, Irinjalakuda and Kumarakom, play starring roles. Irinjalakuda is a small town located in Thrissur district; having different tourist spots to visit with the nearest one. It is best known for its temples and traditional handicrafts. A major part of the song Chota Sa Fasana was shot on the highway of NH 47 in Irinjalakuda. The song is a portrayal of an apprehensive road trip, the journey experience, and the relationships.

Kumarakom is a village located on the banks of Lake Vembanad. It is a popular destination for travelers who want to experience Kerala’s backwaters. In the film, Kumarakom is shown as a peaceful and idyllic place, and the crew took advantage of the village’s stunning scenery.

Some parts of the song Chota Sa Fasana were shot in a 5-star resort in Kumarakom, named Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resorts & Spa. This resort offers a breathtaking view of the backwater of Vembanad Lake. Here you can feel the peace and enjoy a luxurious stay with mouthwatering local cuisines.

Thanks to films like Karwaan, Kerala’s unique culture, and natural beauty are being showcased to a global audience.

Best time to visit: Winter is the best time to visit Kumarakom. On the other hand, as Irinjalakuda is blessed with various historical and religious places, the 11-day annual festival of the temple held in April-May is the best time to visit this town. 

Check out the song from Karwaan shot inIrinjalakuda and Kumarakom:

3. “Guru” was Here – Barso Re Megha Song!

Guru was here -barso-remegha Song!

Kerala has been the Paris for lovers. Amidst the nature of sky, air, water, parakeet, there is a sweet smell of romance that lingers in the air. The movie Guru captured this very essence in the song ‘Barso Re Megha’.

When Aishwarya Rai Bachchan danced to the tunes of A.R. Rahman, not only did the dance made the sensation everywhere, but it was the backdrop of the song that acclaimed much praise.

Athirappally Falls the favorite amongst the directors hence. The rains that the song showed were all real and it was the waterfalls that gave a cutting edge to the entire song. Do visit this place during the monsoons, (June to November), when Athirappally falls the neck of the woods.

Watch the song & See how beauty of Athirapally water falls is captured

4. “Chennai Express” Ran Here As Well

chennai-express-ran-here-as-Well

How can one forget the song “Kashmir Main, Tu Kanyakumari”! Shot amid the confluence of three mountain streams of Munnar, this song has broken many records. Shot in Devikulam, 8 km from Munnar, it has enthralled tea, coffee, and spice plantations.

This hill station is an exotic honeymoon destination and one of the best film shooting locations in Kerala. Munnar is famous for its Neelakurinji blossoms that bloom to their glory all over the place. Neelakurinji blossoms every twelve years and 2018 is the year when between April 2018 to August 2018, the entire region will become blue with 40 odd varieties of this flower.

To witness the amour in the air, this place becomes the much-awaited destination for romance. Whether you want to embrace your partner betwixt and between of tea estates or ride on a safari at Rajamali National Park in Eravikulam, from taking historic photographs at the hill station top to enjoying river rafting activities in Munnar, this place has it all.

Best Time to Visit Munnar: Throughout the year

Watch song & See how beauty of Munnar is captured

5. “Titli” from Chennai Express Also Flew Here

Titli-from-chennai-express-also-flew-here

The song ‘Titli’ from the popular movie Chennai Express by Deepika Padukone was shot at the Messapulimala hill station. When the actress, Deepika Padukone swayed herself onto the World’s highest tea plantation, the entire shot becomes a picture-perfect Kodak moment.

Messapulimala is the second highest peak in the Idukki district of Western Ghats and is known to be the highest trek-able peak in South India. Via Rhodo Valley Trekking to this area is a beautiful adventure.

The land currently seeks many adventure enthusiasts to be their favorite tourist destination. Summers (March-May) is an excellent time to be here to be a gawker and enjoy the locus.

Best Time to visit Messapulimala: October to February.

6. Even Hollywood Loves Kerala: ‘Life of Pi’ Was Shot Here

even-hollywood-loves-kerala:-life-of-pi-was-shot-here

Director Ang Lee couldn’t have thought of a better location to shoot for ‘Life of Pi’ than in the beauty of Munnar in Kerala. The famous Hollywood movie is all about how Pi Patel named boy survives on a lifeboat along with a Bengal tiger after his ship was wrecked in the Pacific Ocean.

Munnar’s Tea Gardens and Rose Gardens were shot during the making of the movie for several scenes. Munnar incorporates all the elements of nature. It is closed to nature and showcases the beauty of the megacosm with full wright.

Read Also: 11 Best Kerala Weekend Trips for One & Two Days in 2024

7. Raavan Shooting in Malayatoor Reserve Forest, Athirappilly Falls & Surrounding Forest

Raavan Movie Shooting Location in Kerala

Malayatoor Reserve forest is a beautiful place with plenty of greenery and fresh air. This is a great place to see some of the native animals of India, as well as to get a feel for the state’s lush vegetation. On the other hand, the Athirappilly waterfalls is simply majestic.  Its surrounding forest is a sight to behold. The Raavan movie was shot in these places. Some parts of the movie was shot in the forests. And the backdrop of the  song Behne De was Athirappilly waterfalls.

Best Time to Visit Malayatoor: Though it is a year-round destination, September to February is the best time to visit Malayatoor when the temperature is mild and the climate is moderate.
Watch how the beauty of Athirappilly Falls is captured in the song Behne De here:

8. “Tu Hi Re…” from ‘Bombay’ Mesmerized Everyone

Tu-hi-re-from-bombay-mesmerized-everyone

The cinema’s cape of ‘Tu Hi Re…’ was shot in the heart of Kerala’s most massive fort, Bekal Fort. The song won many accolades and is a famous love song all over the nation.

This song sung by legendary singer Hariharan is a love ballad showcasing how Shekhar (Arvind Swamy) sings for the love of his life Shaila Bano (Manisha Koirala) when there is the bitterness of separation dwelling between them.

The song shot shows the grand architecture of Bekal Fort with its greenery on one side and beach to the other with the enchanting view of the Arabian Sea. The place is captured aptly during the monsoons from March to May.

Best Time to Visit Bekal Fort: December to February (During Monsson)

9. “Jiya Jale” from ‘Dil Se…’ Was Shot With Love

Jiya-jale-from-dil-se-was-shot-with-love

The exotic location of Dil Se’s movie song ‘Jiya Jale’ has marked an impression in the minds of many due to its sensuous dance performance, Lata Mangeshkar’s charismatic voice, and music legend A.R Rehman’s contribution and the weathered backdrop just added icing to the cake.

The song filmed on Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta was shot at Thekkady, Idukki. Thekkady is famous for adventures Bamboo rafting and wildlife, much of it is seen in the song. The majestic mammoths in the song brighten up the intoxicated environment around.

Thekkady is known for bewitching the images of elephants. The song has won many hearts and the picturesque remains vibrant in the minds for years.

The lustful greenery of Thekkady ought to pull its tourists for some reasons. It is eminent for boating and bamboo rafting activities. Thekkady’s Periyar National Park offers a pleasant walk. The elephant treks and wildlife safari makes every wildlife lover in complete awe.

The sanctuary is rich with vegetation, flora, and fauna and one can have a close watch on wildlife. This land can be best explored from October to February to witness its unending chains of hills.

Best Time to Visit Thekkady: September to February

10. “Ek Deewana Tha” to “Baaghi” was here

Alleppey has been a favorite destination amongst the location scout for several reasons. The beautiful spread of houseboats and backwaters, the chartreuse paddy fields of Kerala, the boat races, the landscape has made this locale enticing.

baaghi-boat-race-alleppey

This is the reason why super-hit action-packed movies like Baaghi, Dil Se, and love story Ek Deewana Tha scenes were shot here. A love song on Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor from the movie Baaghi ‘Girl I need you’ was shot on the boats was at Alleppey.

Baaghi movie scene

The traditional boat race competition has been captured well. Most of the portions of the movie Dil Se show the surroundings of Alleppey.

The movie Ek Deewana Tha was shot in Alleppey. The churches and houseboats in the film are a blessing known as Venice from East, Alleppey.
Tourists can enjoy spine-tingling experiences throughout the year except March to May being the peak summers and witness the shoot locations to capture immoral moments.

Alleppey-Ek-deewana-tha

Best Time to Visit Alleppey: October to March

11. Puli Shooting Spot at Athirappilly, Vagamon & Malayattoor 

Puli, an Indian Tamil fantasy-adventure film, was shot in some of the magnificent locations in Kerala. Athirappilly is one among them. A grand action scene from the Puli was shot at Athirappilly falls and nearby forest areas. This is a heavenly place with serene natural beauty, gushing waterfall, pristine streams, and verdant plantation. The forest nearby Athirappilly is quite dense and includes various types of flora and fauna. The exotic wildlife of this forest is simply mesmerizing.  If you are searching for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst nature, Athirappilly is the place for you to go.

Some parts of the movie were shot in Vagamon. It is a hill station situated near the Kerala border. Vagamon is blessed with the breathtaking natural beauty of lush green hills, beautiful ravines, and winding rivulets. Another mesmerizing place in Kerala where some of the scenes were shot is Malayattor. The place is surrounded by dense forests, green hills, enchanting valleys, lazy streams, and exotic wildlife. Both these places have a tranquilizing natural beauty that can refresh your mind, body, and soul. 

Best Time to visit these locations: September to February is the ideal time for visiting these places and enjoying the serene natural beauty to the fullest.

Pack Your Bags Now!

The terrain of Kerala invites every nature lover to come and be one with nature. Every visitor ought to fall in love with the Athirappally and Vazhacha Waterfalls near Thrissur or Bolgatty Palace in Kochi harbor, be it the Chettuva Backwaters of Thrissur or Parambikkulam Tiger Reserve in Coimbatore.

Kerala has much more in store than it shows on the map. Exploring is the best way to know this place. Take your trip today and tick that favorite destination from your bucket list!