8 Gorgeous Movie Locations in Kerala that will Bring Out the Actor in You!
We are movie buffs, and we would love to visit the places where our favorite movies have been shot.
And it is a universal feeling.
The fascination of being in places where famous movies were made, is so real that people travel long distances just to experience the splendid beauty and glory of these locations.
We have rounded up some of the most wonderful destinations in Kerala where popular films were made and are still attracting moviegoers and film crew.
- Athirappally Waterfalls
Athirappally waterfalls is one the most beautiful waterfalls and most famous movie location in Kerala. You will see that it is one of the most chosen locations for songs. The stunning waterfalls and the nearby places have been captured so brilliantly in blockbusters like Baahubali, Raavan, Dil Se, Guru and Iruvar to name a few.
Remember the spectacular scene in Baahubali where the hero hangs like a demigod from the waterfalls in the epic scene? It is so breathtaking that you would want to have a glimpse of the waterfalls in person. The whole film has captured the essence of the waterfall and its gorgeous surroundings.
2. Munnar
Did you know that the movie Life of Pi has a Kerala connection? Yes, the verdant tea gardens do play a role in the American survival drama film. Life of Pi was, actually, a novel written by Yann Martel, and there was mention of Munnar and the glorious sights around it. While at Munnar, don’t forget to visit the Life of Pi Church too.
The beauty of Munnar was captured beautifully in the movie, Raavan too. The perfect lighting added to the mesmerizing cinematographic brilliance of the movie. Chennai Express was another movie that superbly captured the stunning beauty of this heavenly paradise. Watch the song sequences and you will see what we are talking about.
3. Varikkassery Mana
Varikkasseri Mana, a traditional mansion in Ottappalam, Palakkad, is one of the oldest buildings in Kerala and the perfect example of typical, traditional architecture. The aristocratic Namboothiri families of Valluvanad once resided here.
When you visit the mansion, you will be immediately awestruck by the expansive and exceptional detailing of the Padippura or the gatehouse. Also worth visiting are the magnificent bath house and the Lord Sreekrishna temple within the confines of the manor.
The palace has been featured in so many Malayalam movies that we’ve actually lost count, but we can say without doubt that it is more than 100. All time popular movies like Devasuram and Aaram Thampuran, were shot here.
4. Hill Palace, Thrippunithura
The Hill Palace in Thrippunithura, Ernakulam is one of the first heritage museums in the state. It is also the largest archeological museums in Kerala, and you can get interesting glimpses into the ancient history and culture that was once followed by the people.
Apart from that, you can also view models of objects that people of the Indus Valley civilization used. There is a room where you can view 200 antique pieces of pottery, a tomb stone called Kuakkalu and exhibits from China and Japan.
The wide expansive structure of the Hill Palace has been featured in many Malayalam movies, the most prominent one being the classic, Manichitrathazhu.
5. Bekal Fort
Those who have seen the Uyire (Tu Hi Re in the Hindi version) song in the film Bombay would instantly know where it was shot. And that’s not all. The fort has formed the backdrop in several other Indian movie songs.
Bekal Fort is the largest fort in Kerala and well-preserved for tourism purposes. You can enjoy a memorable view of the lovely backwaters and the hills surroundings it.
Shaped like a giant keyhole, the fort is the best resource for studying the antiquity of the buildings of a bygone era. It was Tipu Sultan of Mysore who built this fort.
6. Alappuzha Backwaters
If you have been wondering why Alappuzha has not been featured in the list here, then here you go. We’ve been saving the best for the lost!
Alappuzha backwaters is a central “character” in many Tollywood, Mollywood and Bollywood movies. Alappuzha beach, the light house and pier is a constant figure in many of them.
The magical beauty of the Venice of the East can be seen in Dil Se where the hummable Jiya Jale was shot, Tashaan, where the scene in which Akshay Kumar proposes to Kareena Kapoor, which was shot in one of the houseboats. Other movies shot here are Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, Ek Deewana Tha, Alone and Autograph (Tamil).
7. Thodupuzha
Thodupuzha in Idukki district is a beautiful location to spend a few minutes in quietude relishing the greenery of Nature and its verdant landscapes. Perhaps, this is the reason why many movies have been shot in this picturesque town.
As the main occupation of the people is agriculture, you get to witness uninterrupted vistas of lush green fields. The waterfalls at Thodupuzha, Thommankuthu is a famous tourist-cum-movie location spot.
Kattappanayile Rithwik Roshan, Drishyam, Aadupuliyattam and Janapriyan are just a few of the local language movies shot in Thodupuzha.
8. Vagamon
Vagamon, with its pristine beauty and untouched nature is an obvious idyllic spot for a lot of Malayalam/Hindi/Tamil movies. If you see the movie, Iyobinte Pusthakam, take care to note the enthralling beauty and emerald greenery of Vagamon.
Remember the lovely song ‘AdadaMazhaida’ song from the Tamil movie, Paiya? Some parts of the movie were shot in Vagamon with the pristine hills as the backdrop. Some of the shots of Puli starring Vijay and Shruthi Hassan was also canned in Vagamon.
In fact, National Traveller, a magazine exclusively dedicated to travel has named Vagamon in the best 50 places to visit in India.
Conclusion
These are some of the mind blowing film destinations in Kerala You can visit them, if you haven’t been there already and enjoy the true beauty of Kerala as expressed in the celluloid.
