One of the biggest hits of 2013, Chennai Express featured several fascinating locations. Thanks to the Bollywood hit, most of these little known places were brought into the limelight. Rohit Shetty and team ventured into remote areas in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra to reveal secluded treasures. We present some of these lovely destinations, what you can do there, and how they were used in the film.
Meesapulimala, Idukki, Kerala
Parts of the song “Titli”, where Deepika Padukone is in Bharatnatyam garb with other dancers, was shot at this popular spot among the Western Ghats. It is the second highest peak in South India, at a height of 8652 ft. It is distinguished for the Meesapulimala trek, which is a highly adventurous expedition.
Munnar Tea Plantations, Kerala
A sweeping cover of green greets you at this cool spot in Kerala. Chennai Express has a few scenes shot in Munnar, such as Meenamma’s father’s jeep drowning in the Devikulam Lake, and parts of the song “Titli” which were filmed at the tea plantations.
Dudhsagar Falls, Goa
Pouring down the Western Ghats, the “sea of milk” is amongst the tallest waterfalls in India. Situated at the Mandovi River, the falls mould the boundary between Goa and Karnataka. In the film Chennai Express, there is a fleeting glimpse of the majestic falls as the train passes over a bridge with the waterfall in the background, after it leaves Kalyan station for Tamil Nadu.
Panchgani, Maharashtra
A jewel of the Western Ghats that flourishes in the post monsoon season, this is one of the hill stations in the high ranges of Maharashtra. It has a number of viewpoints from where you can get beautiful views of the valleys below. There are also a number of treks you can embark on.
In the film, Meenamma and Rahul run away to a distant village where they seek shelter, claiming they are a married couple. This village, meant to depict one in Tamil Nadu, was recreated in Panchgani.
Vattamalai Murugan Temple, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
This landmark temple of Lord Murugan, atop the Vattamalai hill, is visible from miles away. The locals have a tradition in which a newlywed husband has to carry his bride in his arms up the 300 steps of the temple to the summit. If he successfully accomplishes the task, this signifies his ability to take care of his wife forever. This scene is enacted by Rahul as he deftly climbs the stairs with Meenamma in his arms.
Pollachi, Tamil Nadu
This is a remote hamlet in Tamil Nadu, untouched by the glitz and glamour of city life. It is notable for the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Azhiyar Dam, and Valparai, which is a scenic hill station. In the film, the song “Titli” has some scenes shot in Pollachi, particularly the ones where Shah Rukh Khan is riding in a tractor.
ARTICLE FIRST POSTED ON ASKMEONTRAVEL.COM
