If You Dream To Be In An Imtiaz Ali Movie, Then You Must Visit These Iconic Vacation Spots In India

Picture yourself standing at the same spot where Ranbir Kapoor screamed his heart out in Rockstar, walking the same streets where Kareena Kapoor in Jab We Me declared "Main apni favourite hoon!", or gazing at the same Himalayan peaks that healed Alia Bhatt in Highway. Imtiaz Ali didn't just make movies; he created visual love letters to India's most stunning destinations. So, this article isn't a travel guide, it's your backstage pass to the real-life sets of Bollywood's most soulful stories. We're taking you from the beautiful Meadow of Aru Valley to Rajasthan's golden deserts. These 10 vacation spots in India don't just belong on screen; they belong on your bucket list. Pro Tip: pack your camera and a playlist of AR Rahman's greatest hits, because these places have a way of stirring the soul. Let's hit the road—Tamasha-style!

1. Aru Valley - Rockstar

Nestled 12km from Pahalgam, this Himalayan meadow served as Jordan's soul-searching sanctuary. At 2,400m altitude, the valley dazzles with emerald pastures framed by snow-capped peaks. Visit between May and September for trout fishing in the Lidder River or winter for snowscapes worthy of "Tum Ho" montages.

2. Rohtang Pass - Highway

This 3,978 m-high mountain pass connecting Manali to Lahaul becomes Alia Bhatt's character's liberation route. Open May-November, its hairpin turns reveal panoramic views of glaciers and valleys. Adventure seekers can try snowmobiling at Marhi, while foodies must stop at Beas River dhabas for piping hot rajma-chawal.

3. Betaab Valley - Rockstar

Originally called Hagan Valley, this Pahalgam spot was renamed after Sunny Deol's film and now doubles as Rockstar's melancholic paradise. The crystalline Betaab River cuts through flower-carpeted meadows, with pony rides available to nearby Baisaran Hills. 

4. Spiti Valley - Highway

Alia's starkly beautiful captivity location sits at 3,800m in the trans-Himalayan desert. Keyhal Monastery's prayer flags and Key's lunar landscapes remain unchanged since filming. Visit June-September for the 7-day Pin Valley trek or winter's Chadar ice trek. Don't miss stargazing at Kibber Village (Asia's highest motorable village).

5. Shimla - Love Aaj Kal

The colonial-era Gaiety Theatre and Annandale ground feature prominently in Kartik Aaryan's love triangle. Beyond film spots, ride the UNESCO-listed Kalka-Shimla toy train through 102 tunnels, then explore Mall Road's neo-Gothic architecture. Wake up early for morning walks on the Jakhu Temple trails guarantee monkey-free photo ops.

6. Kinnaur - Love Aaj Kal

Sara Ali Khan's apple orchard scenes were shot in Sangla Valley, where Baspa River cuts through terraced farms. Time your visit for September's apple harvest or April's cherry blossoms. Base yourself at Rakcham village for Kinnauri culture immersion - try local delicacies like siddu (steamed bread) with walnut chutney.

7. Rishikesh - Love Aaj Kal

The iconic Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge frames several romantic sequences. Beyond reel moments, experience white-water rafting on Grade IV rapids or attend Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat. Wellness seekers: Book sound healing sessions at the Beatles Ashram, where the band once meditated.

8. Pushkar - Tamasha

Ved's transformative journey unfolds in this sacred town surrounding Pushkar Lake. The annual camel fair (November) transforms the desert into a cultural carnival. Climb to Savitri Temple at dawn for views matching the film's "Agar Tum Saath Ho" sequence. Must-try: Rabri lassi at Pink Floyd Café.

9. Dharamshala - Rockstar

McLeodganj's Tsuglagkhang Complex doubled as Jordan's Tibetan refuge. Today, you can meditate alongside monks at the Dalai Lama's temple or hike to Triund for Kangra Valley vistas. Film buffs should visit the Church of St. John in the Wilderness, where Heer's wedding was filmed.

10. Bhatinda, Punjab - Jab We Met

Geet's hometown shines beyond comic scenes at the 1,800-year-old Bhatinda Fort. Time travel through Qila Mubarak's 32 m-high walls or witness sunset at the 250-acre Zoological Park. Food pilgrimage: Devi Talab Mandir's langar serves legendary kadhi-chawal.

Now go on and create your recreation of your fav Imtiaz Ali Movie.