Ultimate Kerala Top Film & TV Locations 2025

Kerala, with its lush landscapes, serene backwaters, and stunning architecture, has long been a favorite location for filmmakers from India and beyond. Its scenic beauty has served as the backdrop for countless iconic films, TV shows, and web series. Whether you’re a cinema lover, a Bollywood fan, or a history buff, exploring Kerala’s film and TV locations offers a unique perspective on the state’s visual appeal and cultural richness. Here are some of the top destinations in Kerala that have been immortalized on screen.

Famous Movie Shooting Locations

1. Alleppey Backwaters
   • The tranquil backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha) have been featured in several South Indian and Bollywood films. The serene setting of houseboats gliding through the narrow waterways offers a picturesque backdrop, making it a go-to location for filmmakers.
   • Notable films: Kandukondain Kandukondain (Tamil), Vinodayathra (Malayalam), and Dil Se (Bollywood).
2. Athirapally Waterfalls
   • Known as the “Niagara of India,” Athirapally Falls has made its mark in several popular films, especially for its breathtaking shots of water cascading down the rocks. The misty surroundings and lush greenery make it perfect for romantic sequences.
   • Notable films: Baahubali: The Beginning (Telugu), Ponniyin Selvan (Tamil), and Guru (Bollywood).
3. Munnar’s Tea Plantations
   • Munnar, with its rolling hills and vast tea plantations, has become a favorite film location for both South Indian cinema and Bollywood. The greenery, cool climate, and mist-covered hills add a dreamy quality to many films.
   • Notable films: Chennai Express (Bollywood), Life of Josutty (Malayalam), and Nirakkoottu (Malayalam).
4. Kumarakom Backwaters
   • Kumarakom’s serene backwaters and luxurious houseboats have appeared in many films, offering a peaceful and beautiful backdrop. It’s a favored spot for romantic songs and slow-paced narrative scenes.
   • Notable films: Ravan (Bollywood), Rasiya (Hindi), and Mohanlal’s Drishyam (Malayalam).

Bollywood Travel Destinations

1. Kochi’s Fort Area
   • The colonial-era streets of Fort Kochi have been used in various Bollywood films for their historical charm and vibrant culture. The iconic Chinese fishing nets, colorful streets, and European architecture make it a popular spot for filmmakers.
   • Notable films: Salaam Bombay! (Bollywood), Kaminey (Bollywood), and Neerja (Bollywood).
2. Bekal Fort
   • This massive coastal fort offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and is frequently used in Bollywood songs and scenes. Its beauty and historic importance have made it one of the most famous cinematic spots in Kerala.
   • Notable films: Bombay (Bollywood), Bheeshma Parvam (Malayalam), and Uyare (Malayalam).
3. Thekkady’s Wildlife Reserves
   • The dense forests and wildlife of Thekkady have often served as the backdrop for thrilling action sequences in Bollywood and regional films. The natural beauty of the area also lends itself to documentaries and adventure films.
   • Notable films: Raavan (Bollywood), Devaraagam (Malayalam), and Pranayam (Malayalam).

Best Destinations for Cinema Lovers

1. Varkala Beach
   • Varkala, with its cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, has been used in various films for its scenic beauty. The contrast of red cliffs and golden beaches makes it a perfect film destination for dramatic and visually stunning scenes.
   • Notable films: Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi (Malayalam), Premam (Malayalam), and Thattathin Marayathu (Malayalam).
2. Wayanad’s Misty Hills
   • The mist-covered hills, caves, and plantations of Wayanad provide a natural and mysterious vibe, which filmmakers love. It’s perfect for horror, thriller, or intense emotional scenes.
   • Notable films: Charlie (Malayalam), Ustad Hotel (Malayalam), and Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (Malayalam).
3. Alleppey’s Kuttanad Region
   • The vast paddy fields of Kuttanad, known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala,” have been featured in many movies for their unique beauty. The green fields and reflective waters add depth and serenity to cinematic landscapes.
   • Notable films: Thakara (Malayalam), Paleri Manikyam (Malayalam), and Evidam Swargamanu (Malayalam).
4. Kovalam Beach
   • Kovalam Beach, with its crescent-shaped shoreline, is one of the most famous tourist and film destinations in Kerala. Its popularity with filmmakers stems from its sun-kissed beaches and easy accessibility.
   • Notable films: Anandabhadram (Malayalam), Vellimoonga (Malayalam), and Manichitrathazhu (Malayalam).

Historic Sites Featured in Indian Films

1. Padmanabhapuram Palace
   • This ancient palace, with its intricately designed wooden architecture, has been a filming location for several historical and period films. The palace’s historical significance and architecture make it a must-visit spot for cinema enthusiasts.
   • Notable films: His Highness Abdullah (Malayalam), Manichitrathazhu (Malayalam), and Pazhassi Raja (Malayalam).
2. Mattancherry Palace, Kochi
   • Also known as the Dutch Palace, Mattancherry Palace has appeared in films for its regal ambiance. It’s a fantastic location for those who appreciate Kerala’s history and its representation on the silver screen.
   • Notable films: Mamangam (Malayalam), Ezhamathe Varavu (Malayalam), and Anarkali (Malayalam).
3. Thalassery Fort
   • Located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, Thalassery Fort’s colonial-era charm and rugged beauty have attracted filmmakers. Its strategic location on the Malabar Coast and historical significance make it a must-visit for history buffs.
   • Notable films: Urumi (Malayalam), Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (Malayalam).

Visiting Locations from TV Shows and Web Series

1. Fort Kochi in Web Series
   • The charming streets of Fort Kochi, with its colonial architecture and vibrant art scene, have been the setting for several popular web series, adding to its allure for fans of digital storytelling.
   • Notable shows: The Family Man (Amazon Prime), Sacred Games (Netflix), and Suzhal – The Vortex (Amazon Prime).
2. Munnar in TV Commercials and Series
   • Munnar, with its stunning tea estates, has appeared in many advertisements and TV shows due to its lush green backdrop. It’s a favorite spot for travel-related commercials and romantic TV dramas.
   • Notable shows: Kalyanam Mudhal Kadhal Varai (Tamil TV Series) and various brand commercials for tourism.
3. Alleppey in Web Series
   • The serene backwaters of Alleppey have found their place in web series, showcasing the beauty of Kerala’s rural life. Houseboats and local village life make it a perfect location for slow-paced narratives and character-driven stories.
   • Notable shows: Paatal Lok (Amazon Prime), Little Things (Netflix), and Masaba Masaba (Netflix).
4. Kumarakom in Travel Series
   • Kumarakom’s laid-back charm and bird sanctuaries have been highlighted in travel shows and documentary series, offering viewers a glimpse of Kerala’s natural beauty.
   • Notable shows: MTV Traveller, The Great Escape (Fox Life), and BBC’s Kerala Travel Documentary.

Kerala’s diverse landscapes and historical sites have played a significant role in shaping the visual appeal of Indian films and TV shows. Whether you’re a film buff looking to explore iconic movie locations or a casual traveler interested in cinema’s influence on Kerala, visiting these famous film and TV spots is sure to provide an enriching and unique experience.