Take a virtual trip to these Indian destinations by watching these patriotic films

For many of us, travel seems like a far-fetched dream, owing to the pandemic and the need for social distancing. Being a national holiday, celebrating Independence Day would also mean travelling to scenic locations and experiencing the magic of Indian cities, beaches, hills and cultures. This year, however, since most of us are confined to our homes with celebrations shifting online, you can take a virtual trip to some of the most beautiful places by watching these evergreen patriotic movies.

And while you let the patriotic fervour take over, immersing in these movies might bring many destinations to mind for when travel restrictions are lifted and it's safe to travel again.


From an Indian spy movie set in the beautiful valley of Kashmir to an NRI returning home to the historic town of Wai, Booking.com has created a list of destinations inspired from these movies for travellers to add to their wish list for when the time is right to do so.

Raazi (Kashmir)

Set in the backdrop of picturesque mountains of Kashmir, the Alia Bhatt-starrer Raazi

revolves around the life of an Indian spy, Sehmat, who is married to a Pakistani officer inorder to transfer classified information. The movie portrays Sehmat’s nationalism and her sacrifice for her country. Set against the picturesque background of Kashmir, the movie takes the audience to the breath-taking snow-capped mountains and lush-green valleys of the city.

Swades (Wai, Maharashtra

The SRK-starrer classic, Swades, is the story of a man who leaves his job at NASA and returns to India to bring about a meaningful change. A film that often invokes the feeling of oneness belonging to our country, Swades was extensively shot in a place called Wai, situated at the foothills of Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar. Located on the banks of Krishna River, Wai is a town of prominence and resonates the glorious years of the Peshwas. With beautiful temples and scenic views, Wai makes for a hidden gem of Maharashtra portrayed in the movie. The famous boat ride in the movie that was also the poster of the film was shot at Dhom Dam, which is a beautiful dam on Krishna river near Wai.

Rang De Basanti (Jaipur)

Reconnect with India’s freedom story with Rang De Basanti as you travel through the journey of six young Indians who sacrificed their lives while fighting for their friend who taught an important lesson to society. The film explored parallels between how India would change if today’s youth were as driven as those in pre-independent India. The song and the youth anthem of 2006, ‘Khalbali’ from this patriotic movie, was shot in the majestic Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur. Built in around 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the then king of Jaipur, the fort was constructed as a place of retreat. The fort is situated at the edge of the Aravalli Hills and overlooks the charismatic city of Jaipur.

Airlift (Bhuj, Gujarat)

Akshay Kumar starrer Airlift is a story of a Kuwait-based businessman, who carries out the heroic evacuation project of Indians based in Kuwait and brings them safely back to India during the invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein 's Iraq. While the film starts with Ranjit Katyal’s (played by Akshay Kumar) life in Kuwait, it portrays the feeling of belongingness to one’s own country as the evacuated people successfully arrive in India after moments of immense struggle. To recreate and depict Kuwait during 1990, the film was shot in the desserts of Bhuj. Based in the Kutch district of Gujarat, Bhuj is known to depict the cultural and structural instances from the Indus Valley civilization and the invasion of Alexander the Great . The place is also host to the celebrated ‘White Rann of Kutch festival’.

Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (Lucknow)

Based on the real story of Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena and how she makes history in her journey from aspiring aviator to India’s first Indian female combat pilot in the Kargil War, this recently released movie is extensively shot in Lucknow. This beautiful city, famed for its Nawabi era fitness and amazing food, is a unique mix of the ancient and the modern culture. It is home to extraordinary monuments depicting a fascinating blend of ancient colonial and oriental architecture. Immerse in the cultural heritage and richness of Lucknow as you watch Gunjan Saxena this Independence Day.