| Believe it or not! International Filmmakers have taken | | | | forward to spend some 'me-time' at the same time |
| a liking for Indian destinations in a big way. And | | | | discovering the rich and vibrant history of the place. |
| interestingly, this is not a new found love. In fact this | | | | The place also organizes 'Hami Utsav' year after year |
| connect was established many decades ago and is | | | | during the first week of November. Visiting this place |
| being celebrated even today. Here's a quick movie | | | | during this time is a visual delight for monuments and |
| refresher. | | | | ruins are illuminated with tiny lights in the night, |
| Back in the 80s, James Bond shot spy thriller | | | | followed by an enriching extravaganza of dance and |
| Octopussy in Udaipur. It is said that the cast was so | | | | music. |
| impressed by the beauty of this place that they | | | | 3] Pataudi and Mirzapur Village |
| ended up spending many days sightseeing there. | | | | Undoubtedly, the name Pataudi rings a bell for it |
| Then came Jackie Chan with his film 'The Myth' with | | | | reminds us of the famed, former Indian cricketer |
| Mallika Sherawat in tow. The Myth was shot in Hampi, | | | | Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. Yes, of course the place is |
| Karnataka. More recently, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt | | | | popular in India, thanks to the cricketer. However, |
| shot in Pune for The Mighty Heart. Even Julia Roberts | | | | the place was recently in news, not because of |
| shot for Eat Pray Love in Mirzapur Village and Pataudi | | | | cricket, but because Julia Roberts was here shooting |
| Palace near Delhi. Amazingly, film shoots instantly | | | | for her latest flick 'Eat Pray Love'. More than anything |
| convert the destinations into big tourist attractions. | | | | else, the seasoned actress visited many ashrams |
| Here we turn our spotlight on some of these locales. | | | | here and eventually changed her religion as well. She |
| Here goes: | | | | converted to Hinduism. The film was shot in the |
| 1] Goa | | | | princely state of Pataudi, located 26 kilometers from |
| It is a favorite haunt for both Indian travelers and | | | | Gurgoan. The film was also shot at Mirzapur village |
| international tourists for many years now. An inviting | | | | near Delhi, known for its handicrafts market and |
| sea port with water sport activities at the beaches, | | | | carpet weavers. |
| thatched shacks that serve the best of the seafood | | | | 4] Udaipur |
| delicacies, churches, temples etc. add to the brilliance | | | | It is known as the breathtaking state of India, for its |
| of this space. Apart from many other films, The | | | | famous beautiful lakes and palaces leave the visitors |
| Bourne Supremacy was also shot in different parts | | | | breathless. Anyone and everyone who visits this |
| of Goa. | | | | place make a promise to come back soon. An ideal |
| 2] Hampi | | | | destination for up market westerners, it also formed |
| You may not have heard of Hampi before -an | | | | a backdrop for umpteen movies, including James |
| archaeologically renowned site in Karnataka- until | | | | Bond flick Octopussy in the 80s. Often referred to as |
| Mallika Sherawat brought this place into limelight | | | | 'Venice of the East', the 'Most Romantic City of India' |
| together with Jackie Chan. Yes, a good part of the | | | | and with a good reason. Tourists from across the |
| film The Myth was shot here. The ruins of Hampi are | | | | world swarm the Fateh Sagar Lake, the Lake |
| part of UNESCO World Heritage site and the locale is | | | | Pichhola and Swarrop Sagar Lake here. Tourists also |
| worth a visit. The place is known for its little oasis | | | | enjoy sightseeing at the sites with forts, temples, |
| with lush palm, banana and mango trees by the | | | | gardens, palaces and mountains. |
| riverside. Hampi is a fabulous place if you are looking | | | | |