For years, Goa has been a much-loved film location. Several Hollywood and Bollywood films have been shot here. Due to its unique identity and pristine locations, it has proved to be an ideal place for filmmakers.
From magnificent white-washed churches to clear waters to palatial houses, Goa has ample backdrops for scenic locations. And, over the years, filmmakers have explored most of the unfamiliar places and taken Goa’s beauty to the silver screen.
If you happen to be in Goa and wish to see some of the locations where films or famous scenes were shot, here is a list of some of the places which you could visit while in Goa.
Fontainhas
If there is anything colourful about Goa, then it definitely the Latin Quarter of Panjim. This quaint location, designated as an UNSECO world heritage zone, is a glimpse into the colonial past of Goa. It is a living legacy left behind by the Portuguese.
If you walk through the streets, you will notice colourful houses, pretty cottages, tiled roofs, artistic doors, overhead balconies, etc. This scene will definitely take you back in time.
If you watched the Hollywood film, The Seawolves, you will notice these houses. Besides that, several Bollywood films like Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, ‘Golmaal’, ‘Ekk Deewana Tha’, ‘Dilwale’, ‘Malang’ were filmed here.
Location: Fontainhas
Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church
Before one even sees the church, the zigzag stairs leading to it will definitely help you identify the church. Situated in the heart of Panjim city is the magnificent Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. Often, when a film is shot in Goa, it definitely shows a clip or a passing glimpse of the church in the background. One of the oldest Bollywood movies Josh had a scene shot here along with ‘Dilwali’, ‘Malang’, ‘Simba’, etc.
Divar Island
The beautiful island of Divar is rarely visited. Despite its scenic locations, not many are aware of what it has to offer. However, it turns out that a mango tree in the fields of the island became a popular spot alongwith various other places on the island. The film ‘Finding Fanny’ featuring Deepika Padukone, Arjun Kapoor, Dimple Kapadiya and Pankaj Kapur are seen sitting and having a conversation.
Location: Divar
Chapora Fort
Caution: Don’t be surprised if you hear people call ‘Chapora fort’ as ‘Dil Chahta Hai fort’. Well! If a lesser known spot got famous for a film, then it’s definitely got to be Chapora fort. If you’ve watched Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, and Aamir Khan in the film ‘Dil Chahta hai’ you will clearly be able to spot the location at the fort.
This film brought a lot of popularity in 2001 and a lot of people even flock to this location till date. The fort overlooking the river provides a breathtaking view; you can sit by and enjoy the peaceful environment it has to offer.
Location: Chapora fort
Parra road
If you have watched the movie ‘Dear Zindagi’ you may have definitely loved watching the scene where Alia Bhatt is seen cycling with Shah Rukh Khan. On the backdrop is the narrow road of Parra lined with coconut trees on either side. Turns out this scene made this stretch so popular that till date, people drive to Parra, in North Goa, just to click a picture.
Several other films have also been shot at various locations like Dona Paula, Aguada fort, Old Goa, Aldona, Siquerim, Cavelossim etc.