Filmcity (Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri)

The Basics

Because Filmcity houses working studios, public visitors can't just show up and walk around—rather, you must be on an organized tour. Tours vary a bit depending on what parts of Filmcity are in use at any given time, but generally include the opportunity to see some of the sets and learn more about the industry in general. Often, visitors can even catch a glimpse of a filming in action.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Filmcity is large and you may have to walk outside a lot, so wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes.

• Travelers aren’t allowed to visit on their own, so make sure to sign up for a tour in advance.

• Bottled water and food are available for purchase on-site.

• Photos and videos are restricted in some areas of the complex.

How to Get There

Filmcity is located in the suburb of Goregaon in the northwest of Mumbai, at the edge of the gargantuan Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Getting there from the touristy heart of the city involves quite a trek, so it’s best to take a taxi. Without traffic, it takes at least an hour to get there from the Gateway of India.

When to Get There

Much of Filmcity is outdoors, so weather plays a big role in when to go. Mumbai temperatures are consistently warm throughout the year, but December through March are the most ideal because they’re the least humid. July and August mark the peak of Mumbai’s notoriously torrential monsoon rains, and can make visiting Filmcity uncomfortable, if not impossible.

What is Bollywood?

A portmanteau of Bombay and Hollywood, Bollywood refers to the Hindi-language film industry, accounting for nearly half of the Indian film industry's annual revenue. Most Bollywood films are considerably longer than Hollywood films, many lasting upwards of three hours, usually with an intermission in between. Nearly all feature some choreographed songs, often (but not always) used to drive a larger narrative.

Ways to explore

Because Filmcity houses working studios, public visitors can't just show up and walk around—rather, you must be on an organized tour of the Bollywood Park component. Tours vary but generally include a dance show, the opportunity to see some of the sets, and a chance to learn more about the industry in general. Often, visitors can even catch a glimpse of a filming in action, but this isn’t guaranteed. Guided tour packages that include transfers from hotels or other meeting points in central Mumbai are most convenient, as Filmcity is located in northern Mumbai.

Accessibility

A small number of wheelchairs are available to borrow. There are accessible restrooms.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, sun hat or umbrella

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed

Photos and videos are restricted in places, so follow any signs.

Amenities

Eateries, first aid services, restrooms

Address 

Filmcity is located in the suburb of Goregaon in northern Mumbai, at the edge of the huge Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Take a tour with transfers, or a taxi.

Driving

Tourists don’t typically self-drive in India, but you can rent a car and driver, or take a taxi from other parts of Mumbai. From South Mumbai, where most tourists are based, the journey to Filmcity takes about an hour, depending on traffic.

Public transportation

It’s a bit of a hassle to reach Filmcity by public transportation as you’d need to change services, depending on where you’re traveling from—and trains can get very crowded. If you want to try, take a metro to Aarey station or a train to Goregaon (East), and then an autorickshaw the rest of the way.

Best times to visit

The park is open from late morning until late afternoon. Guided tours take around three hours, and you should arrive at the venue about 30 minutes before your tour time.

Best days to visit

Filmcity is open daily but is likely to be busier on weekends.

Best months to visit

Much of Filmcity is outdoors, so weather plays a big role in when to go. Mumbai temperatures are consistently hot throughout the year, but December– March are the least humid. July–August is peak monsoon season; visiting Filmcity then can be uncomfortable, if not impossible.

Special events

None