Introduction: Travel Itinerary Inspired by Movies
Films are journeys, not just stories. Travelers dream of visiting places that are so vividly portrayed in many films. Fortunately, a number of famous movie sets are accessible for exploration. With the right movie-themed itinerary, these locations enable you to enter your favorite movies, whether you enjoy romantic dramas, epic adventures, or fantasy sagas.
This 2025 guide lists seven most iconic movie locations you can actually visit, along with activities, food, and insider tips.
1. Ronda, Spain (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara)
The audience experiences the same rush of adrenaline as Kabir (Abhay Deol), Imran (Farhan Akhtar), and Arjun (Hrithik Roshan) as they overcome their fears by skydiving in Ronda, Andalusia. It was more than just a plane jump; it was about conquering one’s inner demons, and Ronda’s breathtaking cliffs made it an event to remember.
Why Visit?
One of the oldest towns in Spain is Ronda, perched dramatically above El Tajo Gorge. It combines history and excitement with its whitewashed streets, bullring culture, and Puente Nuevo bridge. Here, adventure lovers can still skydive and follow the ZNMD trio’s exact path. In addition, Ronda hosts traditional Andalusian festivals that allow visitors to experience the music and dance of the region.
Pro Tip:
Take pictures of Puente Nuevo at sunset for the most cinematic effects; the lighting makes the cliffs glow like a movie backdrop.
2. Pangong Lake, Ladakh, India (3 Idiots)
Every Bollywood fan’s heart is engraved with the scene from 3 Idiots where Pia (Kareena Kapoor) races across barren landscapes on her scooter to meet up with Rancho (Aamir Khan) by the glittering Pangong Lake. Searches for the 3 Idiots Ladakh shooting location have increased dramatically since the movie’s release, making Pangong one of the most visited Bollywood movie shooting locations in India.
Why Visit?
At 14,000 feet above sea level, the lake changes colors from blue to green to violet, creating an unreal scene. Small cafes now even offer “Rancho’s Café” specials, which are named after the character. The site attracts Bollywood fans, bikers, and adventure seekers alike. The area has strong ties to Ladakhi culture and is home to monasteries, regional handicrafts, and age-old customs.
Pro Tip:
Spend the night at a lakeside eco-camp. Here, stargazing is as enchanted as a scene from a movie.
3. Hobbiton, Matamata, New Zealand (The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit)
It wasn’t just fantasy when Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin danced in the Shire; it was Matamata in New Zealand turned into Middle-earth. For fans around the world, the Party Tree, the rounded Hobbit doors, and the undulating hills became legendary. Director Peter Jackson loved the landscape so much that the set was left standing, and today it’s one of the most famous movie locations you can visit.
Why Visit?
Hobbiton is like being in a book when you walk around it. You’ll discover small Hobbit holes, the famous Bag End where Bilbo starts his journey, and the Green Dragon Inn where you can enjoy themed drinks. The set is detailed down to laundry on clotheslines and smoke from chimneys, it’s immersive storytelling comes to life. With regional celebrations of Tolkien, including themed marathons, festivals, and souvenirs, New Zealand has embraced its identity as “Middle-earth.”
Pro Tip:
Reserve a twilight banquet tour. You can dine like a Hobbit under lanterns, it’s less crowded, and the lighting is fantastic for photos.
4. Dubrovnik, Croatia (Game of Thrones)
Few cities have blended fiction and reality as well as Dubrovnik did with Game of Thrones. From Tyrion’s cunning in Red Keep to Cersei’s notorious “Walk of Atonement” on the Jesuit Stairs, fans recognize the medieval city walls as King’s Landing right away. Due to its centuries-old forts, winding alleys, and views of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik became one of the most iconic Hollywood filming locations of last decade.
Why Visit?
Beyond its fandom, Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that combines architecture, history, and nostalgic film. You can either stand at Fort Lovrijenac, which served as Red Keep, or walk the same walls from which Daenerys once gazed. The city also holds summer festivals that offer live theater and music, making it the ideal place to experience its culture outside of the screen.
Pro Tip:
Try taking a tour of the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik. Many guides are extras who appeared in the show and share behind-the-scenes stories that you won’t find online.
5. Ooty & Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India (Chennai Express, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Barfi!)
In Chennai Express, Ooty’s toy train became famous due to Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s amusing banter on board the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Previously, Barfi! used its colonial charm, while Kuch Kuch Hota Hai preserved its misty hills and pine forests. For many years, Ooty has been Bollywood’s go-to location for romance, comedy, and drama.
Why Visit?
Ooty blends views of the mountains, tea gardens, waterfalls, and colonial churches. Taking the Nilgiri train is a UNESCO heritage experience in addition to being a nostalgic movie ride. For fans who grew up watching these movies, every tunnel and turn feels familiar. The region’s charm is enhanced by the yearly Ooty Summer Festival, which features flower displays and tea tastings.
Pro Tip:
When traveling uphill, take a seat on the left side of the toy train for the most cinematic views, it’s the same angle seen in Chennai Express.
6. Petra, Jordan (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade)
Indiana Jones discovers the Holy Grail in Petra’s famous Treasury façade. Although the sandstone marvel has appeared in numerous movies, Indy made it famous. For Indiana Jones fans, walking through Siq, the breathtakingly winding canyon that leads to Treasury feels like stepping directly into the movie, hearing Indy’s footsteps echo against the sandstone walls.
Why Visit?
Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a rich history of trade, architecture, and desert survival, the city has been inhabited for more than 2,000 years. Hikers can hike to vantage points that offer stunning views of the entire city, stroll through the Monastery, or explore the Royal Tombs. The Treasury is lit by thousands of candles in Petra by Night, recreates the kind of cinematic magic seen in adventure films and feels like a moment lifted straight from the screen.
Pro Tip:
Wear comfortable shoes for walking through Petra’s vast and uneven terrain, and arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and the desert heat.
7. Udaipur, Rajasthan, India (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela)
Bollywood directors have long favored Udaipur, also known as the “City of Lakes.” The lakes and forts in the city play a crucial role in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani as Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor) and Naina (Deepika Padukone) explore the romantic streets and historic palaces. In addition to showcasing the city’s vibrant architecture and regal atmosphere, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Ram-Leela captured epic love and drama through Udaipur’s grand palaces and colorful festivals. It’s like entering a Bollywood set as you weave your way through the alleys, admire the elaborate havelis, and watch the Lake Palace appear to float on water.
Why Visit?
Beyond the screen, Udaipur offers a cinematic experience. Lake Pichola sunset boat rides create the perfect photo opportunities, while heritage hotels let visitors live like royalty. Festivals like Mewar’s Gangaur and Shilpgram Crafts Fair bring vibrant colors, local music, and culture to the trip, making it both aesthetically pleasing and culturally engaging. Rajasthani food, traditional music, and dance performances all contribute layers of cultural richness that make a trip to Udaipur a whole experience.
Pro Tip:
Enjoy stunning views from a boat ride on Lake Pichola in the morning or at sunset, and for a truly cinematic experience, combine it with a stay at a heritage hotel.
Tips for Movie Buff Travelers
- Keep a list of mini-movie scenes to recreate photos.
- Get the map offline. Many sets are located in isolated places.
- Seek out theme park behind-the-scenes tours.
- Make use of local guides. They combine cultural history with movie trivia.
Pro Tip:
If you enjoy themed photography, bring props or costumes during your tour.
Movie Themed Activities Around the World
The majority of movie destinations also provide immersive movie-themed activities, so your trip doesn’t end with sightseeing.
- Workshops: Sword-fighting lessons in Dubrovnik (Game of Thrones).
- Festivals: Harry Potter’s fan events in Scotland.
- Screenings: Movie nights outside in the vicinity of Hobbiton.
- Local Tours: Monument Valley storytelling sessions led by Navajo people.
Pro Tip:
If you want to attend fan festivals, check the local event calendars regularly. You might find fan festivals that coincide with your trip.
FAQs
Q1. Does Universal Studios offer tours that feature actual film sets?
Indeed. In addition to immersive rides for Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and other attractions, both Orlando and Hollywood parks provide behind-the-scenes tours.
Q2. What’s the best way for movie lovers to experience Monument Valley?
For better experience, go on a tour with a Navajo guide. You’ll discover stories about films shot in the desert. Explore famous iconic movie places used for Western filming.
Q3. Can I dress up in costumes at these filming locations?
Yes, one can dress up in costumes for cinematic photos. Just make sure to check local regulations first.
Q4. Which movie location provides the most engaging experience?
Hobbiton and Universal Studios are the most interactive. While places like Petra and Monument Valley offer breathtaking cinematic landscapes.
Final Thoughts
Most iconic movie scenes inspire us to dream, and visiting their filming locations lets us live those dreams. In 2025, turn your favorite films into unforgettable travel memories with The Tarzan Way. We design cinematic journeys that blend iconic movies with authentic cultural experiences. From magical sets to timeless landscapes, every trip becomes a story worth telling. So, what are you waiting for? Build your movie-inspired itinerary and make your travel dreams come alive today!
