Bollywood’s favourite hill station: Dharamshala & why YOU should visit it

Hi! I’m Shreya Dwivedi — a certified Bollywood paglu.
If you’ve read my past blogs (bless your soul if you have), you’d know that Bollywood toh mere ragon mein hai. Like, it’s not even intentional anymore. It just… happens.

But this time, I didn’t choose this article just because my brain plays “inn waadiyon mein” every time I see mountains. I chose it because I realised something — Dharamshala is tiny. Like, teen-chaar galliyan, ek market, thoda sa hillside vibe. And yet, it’s so iconic. So colourful. So stunning.
(Yes, I wanted to use words like tranquil, majestic, and mesmerising, but my editor calls them "ChatGPT words," so I can’t, even though they fit Dharamshala perfectly) the chhota packet, bada dhamaka kind of tiny.

The point is — the second I stepped into this town, my Bollywood paglu brain went BAM! Scene ban gaya. I have seen this somewhere (cue: Highway) and like seriously — if directors are not shooting in Dharamshala, what are they even doing?

And I was right, there have been some movies like Rockstar, Highway, Haider, and Manmarziyaan that have been shot here in Dharamshala & some that I think you should recreate:-

Rockstar feels at St. John in the Wilderness Church

Scene inspiration: Jordan wandering alone, heartbroken yet poetic.

This 1852 neo-Gothic church is hidden among tall deodars — the kind of place that holds silence like a secret. Bring your special someone here for some soul-searching strolls and soft conversations. Walk slowly, let the breeze interrupt your thoughts, and maybe whisper some shayari when no one’s listening.

Mood song: "Phir Se Udd Chala" on loop
Filmy tip: Shoot a slow-mo reel walking under the pine trees with a brooding expression. Add grainy filters. Instant heartbreak aesthetic.

The neo-gothic church of Dharamshala

Artsy montages at Norbulingka Institute

Scene inspiration: The still, stirring vibe of Manmarziyaan.

Want to bond over culture and quiet moments? Norbulingka is your canvas. Surrounded by Japanese-style gardens, Tibetan murals, and prayer flags, this institute lets you slow down and soak in the calm. Learn to paint a thangka together or just sit by the water and talk like it’s your last evening in a rom-com.

Mood song: “Hallaa”
Filmy tip: Stand by the prayer wheels, ditch the chappals for drama, and stare into each other’s souls like you’ve got a whole Karan Johar monologue coming.

Unleash your Mary Kom spirit at the HPCA Stadium

Scene inspiration: Training montages and finding your inner badass.

If Priyanka Chopra can train for a boxing championship, you can definitely run a few laps with the Dhauladhars watching you. The HPCA Stadium is not just for cricket fans — it’s where even the most non-sporty souls feel like champs. Do jumping jacks, pretend you’re doing a Rocky-style warm-up, and breathe in that mountain air like it's cinematic gold.

Filmy tip: Pan your phone camera 360° while running across the field. Add dramatic music. Thank us later.

Instagram: @shreyaxyaa | The prettiest stadium of India

Long-drive confessions on the way to Mcleodganj

Scene inspiration: Highway’s quiet love, away from the world.

Sometimes, the journey is the story. Take a cab or scooty and drive up from lower Dharamshala to Mcleodganj. The road curves, the trees lean in like old friends, and the golden hour light makes everything look like an Instagram filter. Talk about dreams, regrets, and “what ifs” — it’s the perfect stage for those late-night conversation types of bonds.

Filmy tip: Put on “Patakha Guddi” and let your hair fly. Or go silent and let the hills do the talking.

Triund trek = Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani IRL

Scene inspiration: Bunny & Naina falling for the mountains and each other.

This one’s a must. The Triund trek is short but stunning — enough to leave you breathless (from views and love, both). Share stories along the trail, help each other cross boulders, and reach the top just in time for a pastel sunset. Maggi and chai at the summit? That’s your interval snack.

Mood song: “Ilahi” or “Kabira”
Filmy tip: Do the SRK arms-wide-open pose at the cliff’s edge. Extra drama if it’s misty.

Tamasha feels and quiet revelations at Bhagsu Waterfall

Scene inspiration: Tamasha

This one’s for the deep-thinkers and wild hearts. Sit by Bhagsu waterfall and have a Tamasha-style meltdown about society, life, and why we’re all playing roles. Or, splash around and pretend you’re shooting a dance sequence in your mind. Either way, it’s a full scene.

Mood song: “Agar tum saath ho” or “Wat wat wat”
Filmy tip: Stand beneath the waterfall, toss your hair, and mutter ‘tum koi aur ho’ like you’re auditioning for Imtiaz Ali’s next heartbreak saga

Soon to be your favorite spot in Dharamshala

Conclusion

The thing about Dharamshala is that it's where actors take a breather, directors find their muses, and writers like me? We can’t help but leave a love letter for the city.

Maana sheher chotha hai par itna pyaara hai ki iss se pyaar hone se mujhe koi nahi rok paaya main bhi nahi, Dekha wapas cheesy and corny hogayi right? Classic Bollywood Paglu.So, for the first time in my life, I would advise you to be like me - Go to Dharamshala and let yourself just be, get into that main character mode, and think the world revolves around you. You. Deserve. It. (Aap convince hogaye yaa main aur bolu?)