The lure of filmy spots: Spain, Czech Republic are highly preferred by Indian directors

Reel to real... Indeed, there’s immense power in the impact of Bollywood. And the biggest rewards are being handsomely reaped by Tourism Boards. Be it domestic or international locations, films that are shot in picturesque venues often bring the locale in the spotlight. In this edition today, you will find a fine selection of films that may have transformed the way you romance and seek adventurous thrills during your vacations abroad.

It is said that late filmmaker Yash Chopra was the harbinger of good times for Bollywood films in international shoot locations. It was Switzerland that had caught his fancy then. As the Hindi film industry evolved in its new robust, bold look, newer destinations crept into its naach-gaana sequences.

With big tax rebates, lucrative technical assistance and promising promotional norms, Indian filmmakers now have a plethora of destinations to select from and fit them into their script. It’s a win-win situation for filmmakers and the tourism agency of the destination, which gets fabulously woven into a rollicking Bollywood flick. Agree?


Cruising in luxury: The myriad hues of the Mediterranean Sea have been a true treat in Bollywood films. Cruising itself set the stage for an entire film called Dil Dhadakne Do

Destination: Spain Movie: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara The sequence: Directed by Zoya Akthar, this film highlighting a bachelor road trip of three male friends, starring Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Hrithik Roshan along with Katrina Kaif and Kalki Koechlin was shot featuring La Tomatina in Valencia, Flamenco dancing in Seville, bull running in Pamplona along with a few scenes at the beautiful coastline of Costa Brava.


Chase the bull: The renowned bull chasing tradition of Spain is a must-witness activity

Things to do National Museums and Art Centres: In Spain over 1,500 museums youfll find masterpieces by great artists known all over the world. There are also science museums, archeological museums, maritime museums. Out top suggestions include National Altamira Museum, Santillana del Mar, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and more.

Soak in the cultural festivities: Dont miss festivities such as Semana Santa (Holy Week) or sign up for a route such as the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James), which ends at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, or do the Camino de El Rocio Pilgrimage in Andalusia. If you like some fun entwined into your regular itinerary then head to a flamenco club. Since you have heard so much about it, why not witness it to form your own opinion. Check out the famous Spanish bullfighting session.

Olive Oil Tasting, food markets and wine trails: Apart from the unique Olive Oil tasting and its delicious food pairings, you can visit the Spanish food markets and strike a bargain. And then plan your entire day according to the Wine Routes of the Spanish Association of Wine-Producing Towns and Cities. The experts will take you to the heart of the culture and way of life of some of Spainfs most traditional wine-growing regions. You can visit wineries, discover the secrets of the wine-making process, stay in accommodation set amid vineyards and discover the delights of match matching food and wine, of course whilst making some Spanish friends.

Destination: Czech Republic Movie: Rockstar The sequence: In the film Rockstar directed by Imtiaz Ali featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri, it was the cultural extravaganza of the Czech Republic that came to the fore. The film was shot extensively in Prague and Liberec.


Prague vacay: Plan your next vacation to explore beautiful architecture and street treats

Top things to do Prague calling: Pick up any online reference and the capital city of Prague is an obvious place to start touring. Visitors who have been here swear by the amazing atmosphere in this European cultural spots. You must take a cruise on the Vltava. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, of course, you must cross the medieval Charles Bridge and take numerous pictures on it. Take some time to study the history behind Mala Strana, which is home to the worldfs largest citadel of Prague Castle.

Moravia trails: Internationally, cycle tours are a big hit with tourists as the entire family moves on a guided trail and that in an eco-friendly manner. We suggest you pedal your way around the rolling hills, glistening vineyards and historic villages of South Moravia. Go wine tasting in Mikulov and Valtice, or cycle your way through UNESCO-listed Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape (it was once owned by the principality of Liechtenstein).

Liberec time: Amidst the Jizera Mountains, heres your chance to visit the North Bohemian city of Liberec. It is an ideal place to spend your holidays in any season with so much outdoorsy fun activities to keep yourself busy or you could count on street cafe options where you could just relax. If you are visiting Liberec soon then time it around August 11-14, 2016 during The Fragile Beauty Exhibition, the largest international exhibition of glass and jewellery making in the Czech Republic.