Have you ever thought why Punjab happens to be one of the most preferred shooting locations of movies, pre-wedding photoshoots, and music videos? I have visited this colorful state and I have to tell you about it Punjab is a filmmaker heaven! Punjab finds the ideal location of any type of shoot with its endless mustard fields, majestic forts, quiet riversides, and the busy streets.
I will tell you my personal experience, the knowledge of the experts, and a detailed guide to the best shooting spots in Punjab in this blog. This will be your list whether you are a photographer, a filmmaker, a traveler, or planning a pre-wedding shoot.
Why Punjab is The Location of Shooting?
When I think of Punjab, I picture the gold fields, vibrant festivals, massive gurudwaras, and rustic villages.This is the very reason why this state is loved by directors and photographers. Punjab is the setting of many iconic shots in Bollywood blockbusters such as Veer-Zaara and Udta Punjab, as well as Punjab music videos of such stars as Diljit Dosanjh and Jass Manak.
The major attractions that make Punjab an ideal place to shoot:
- Scenic beauty: Mustard fields, lush farms, and peaceful riversides.
- Architectural gems: Historic forts, gurudwaras, and palaces.
- Cultural richness: Traditional villages, festivals, and vibrant street life.
- Accessibility: Well-connected by road, rail, and air for quick crew movement.
Best Punjab Shooting places.
To my list of the Best Shooting Places now I will take you. Every place is special and cinematographic.
Amritsar Golden temple- A spiritual Frame.
I was struck by the beautiful reflection of the Golden Temple in the sacred lake when I was there. It is the finest shooting scenario in Punjab, either spiritually, culturally or emotionally.
- Best suited to take serene pictures and soulful photos.
- Most recommendable time of day to shoot: early morning or evening golden hour.
- The movies that were filmed there include Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Rang De Basanti.
Wagah Border — Patriotic Backdrop
I can still recall the vigor of the Wagah Border ceremony. The swinging flags, advancing troops, and shouting mobs make it an effective place to shoot a patriotic movie.
- Bright crowd shots with emotional color.
- Perfect in films that revolve around India-Pakistan relations.
Jallianwala Bagh — Historical Depth
Jallianwala Bagh is a historic place that is full of emotions and located close to the Golden Temple. I've seen a lot of documentarians filming here to chronicle India's fight for independence.
Best tip: Shoot in natural daylight for authentic vibes.
Farmlands of Ludhiana - Perfect Punjabi Vibes.
Green fields in Ludhiana cannot be beaten when it comes to Punjabi songs, pre-wedding shoots and rural films. I have once captured this scene in the evening and the natural golden light was amazing!
- Ideal for romantic songs and traditional shoots.
- There was filming of famous Punjabi music videos such as Laung Laachi here.
Heritage Palaces- Royal Grandeur, Patiala.
Film makers are blessed with patiala. Its royal architecture has a regal feel, ideal in historical shooting and luxury shooting, which has been utilized in Qila Mubarak through to Sheesh Mahal.
Pro Tip: Make your reservations in advance; these spots are usually hot.
Chandigarh’s Rock Garden — Artistic Frames
I went to the Rock Garden created by Nek Chand, and the sculptures and designs of this garden amazed me. You should visit it in case you want abstract or artistic pictures.
Anandpur Sahib — Cultural Heritage
The ideal location for documentaries, religious projects, and cultural films is Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa.
Ropar Wetlands-Nature Beauty.
Ropar Wetlands will be a favorite of nature lovers such as me. Its tranquil body of water and bird life could easily see it feature in wildlife documentaries and romance photos.
Read more:- Mridul Tiwari: Village YouTube Star in Bigg Boss 19
Hidden Gems in Punjab for Unique Shots
There are a few unconventional shooting spots in Punjab in addition to the typical ones:
- Kila Raipur – Perfect to shoot sport festivals.
- Harike Wetlands- Ideal when it comes to wildlife filming on birds.
- Bathinda Fort – Great for historical and royal shots.
- Muktsar Sahib – Known for cultural fairs and festivals.
Best Time to Shoot in Punjab
In my experience the best season to shoot is October-March.
- Winters: The weather is crisp with clear skies and diffused lighting - ideal outdoor shooting.
- Spring: Ideal for mustard fields and floral backgrounds.
- Use low seasons: It may get hot and stressful during peak seasons.
Opinions of the Experts on the Beauty of Punjab Cinema.
When a filmmaker dreams about a location to shoot the film, Punjab has all of it landscapes, culture, and architecture. Its variety allows you to shoot an amorous song in the fields in the morning and in the evening a patriotic scene at the border. — Anurag Kashyap, Filmmaker
Final Thoughts
Whenever I consider the most favorable shooting sites in Punjab, I recall the rich colors, dynamic culture and spectacular scenery. You need it to shoot a Bollywood movie, a Punjabi music video, a pre-wedding photo shoot, or a documentary and Punjab provides all that. Punjab is known as the cinematic heart of India with its heritage palaces, mustard fields, monuments and artistic landscapes.
FAQ
1. Can I be allowed to shoot Golden Temple?
Yes, you must have previous permission of the SGPC authorities.
2. Which is the most popular city in Punjab where Punjabi songs are popular?
Music videos are mostly shot in Ludhiana and Patiala.
3. Am I allowed to take drone shots?
Yes, but only with special permissions that are granted by local authorities.
4. Would you say Punjab is safe to shoot at night?
Of course, you must always align with the local guides and exercise safety precautions.
5. How much does it cost on average to shoot in Punjab?
It depends on the location permits, crew size and duration but the overall cost is between 20,000 to 1 lakh per day.
