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India’s cinematic universe has long been a canvas for storytelling, but beyond the glitz and glamour, Bollywood has quietly revived interest in forgotten corners of the country’s architectural legacy. From haunting stepwells to lakeside palaces, several lesser-known heritage sites have found new life after being featured in popular films. These locations, once overlooked by mainstream tourism, are now drawing curious travelers eager to walk through scenes that once played out on the big screen.
Here’s a curated list of five such heritage sites that Bollywood helped rediscover—and why they deserve a spot on your travel itinerary.
Vijaya Vilas Palace, Mandvi, Gujarat
- Featured in: Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
- Architectural style: Indo-Saracenic with ornate interiors and sprawling gardens
- Why it matters: Built in the 1920s as a summer retreat for the Kutch royal family, this seaside palace was relatively unknown until it became the romantic backdrop for Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai’s love story. The film’s sweeping visuals showcased the palace’s majestic courtyards and intricate latticework, turning it into a must-visit destination for fans and architecture lovers alike
- Travel tip: Visit during sunset for a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea from the palace’s rooftop
Jag Mandir, Udaipur, Rajasthan
- Featured in: Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela
- Architectural style: Rajput with Mughal influences, marble pavilions, and lush gardens
- Why it matters: Located on an island in Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir was once reserved for royal gatherings. The film’s dramatic sequences brought its romantic aura to life, highlighting its serene waterside setting and elegant design. Post-release, the palace saw a surge in tourist interest, especially among couples seeking cinematic charm
- Travel tip: Take a boat ride from City Palace to reach Jag Mandir and enjoy its tranquil ambiance
Chand Baori, Abhaneri, Rajasthan
- Featured in: Paheli and Bhool Bhulaiyaa
- Architectural style: Stepwell with geometric precision, dating back to the 8th century
- Why it matters: With over 3,500 perfectly carved steps descending into the earth, Chand Baori is one of India’s oldest and deepest stepwells. Its haunting symmetry and mysterious aura made it the perfect setting for fantasy and thriller sequences. Bollywood’s spotlight helped revive interest in ancient water architecture and conservation practices
- Travel tip: Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Harshat Mata Temple for a deeper historical experience
Martand Sun Temple, Kashmir
- Featured in: Haider
- Architectural style: 8th-century Hindu temple with classical Kashmiri stonework
- Why it matters: Shahid Kapoor’s powerful performance in the Bismil song sequence brought this crumbling yet majestic temple into national consciousness. Nestled in the hills of Anantnag, the Martand Sun Temple had long been neglected, but its cinematic portrayal reignited interest in Kashmir’s pre-Islamic heritage
- Travel tip: Visit early in the morning to witness the temple bathed in golden light, echoing its solar dedication
Rohtas Fort, Bihar
- Featured in: Gangs of Wasseypur
- Architectural style: Blend of Mughal and Afghan fortifications
- Why it matters: Anurag Kashyap’s gritty crime saga turned Rohtas Fort into a symbol of forgotten grandeur. The fort’s massive gates, ruined bastions, and panoramic views added authenticity to the film’s raw narrative. Since then, history buffs and film enthusiasts have begun exploring this underappreciated site
- Travel tip: Hire a local guide to understand the fort’s layered history and strategic importance
Why Bollywood’s Lens Matters
These cinematic revivals are more than just visual spectacles—they serve as cultural bridges. By placing heritage sites in the heart of storytelling, Bollywood has helped preserve history, spark curiosity, and boost local tourism. Each of these locations offers not just architectural beauty but a chance to relive moments that shaped India’s cinematic imagination.
Sources: Times of India, DNA India, Moneycontrol Travel
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