If you’re planning a weekend trip to Hyderabad, or even if you’re a resident looking for a thrilling day out, your destination is clear: Ramoji Film City. Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest film studio complex, this sprawling 2000-acre wonderland is a haven for visitors of all ages.
Getting There and Tickets: Our journey to Ramoji Film City began on the second day of our three-day tour of Hyderabad. I had pre-booked our tickets online, but for those who prefer on-the-spot bookings, there are ticket counters at the parking area. The general day tour ticket for adults is Rs 1250 and Rs 1000 for kids. There’s also a premium ticket available for Rs 2350.
The Journey Begins: We were staying in Jubilee Hills, and the film city was a bit of a trek from our hotel, so we set out early, allowing for a 1-hour 30-minute drive as indicated by Google Maps. We followed the Nehru Outer Ring Road, took an exit according to the GPS, and finally arrived at the entry gate.
Unexpected Detour: To our surprise, despite having booked tickets online, we were stopped by the guards at the gate. They informed us that parking wasn’t allowed at this point, and we needed to drive back about 7 kilometers to park our cars, get physical tickets, and board a common bus to and from the film city. It was an inconvenient hiccup that cost us an hour, and I couldn’t help but feel disheartened that I hadn’t come across this information earlier.
Exploring the Film City: Upon reaching the film city’s bus drop point, known as Eureka, it was already 11:30 AM. We swiftly acquired a guide map from the nearby help desk and began perusing the list of attractions and shows for the day.
Backlot Adventure: Our adventure commenced with the Backlot tour, which takes approximately 2 hours. A knowledgeable guide equipped with a microphone narrated the significance of various attractions used in films as our bus meandered slowly, allowing tourists to capture the scenery through photographs.
Highlights on the Backlot Tour: Among the notable stops on the Backlot tour were the Limelight Garden, where the climax of “Dilwale” was filmed, the park featured in the “Ooh La La” song from “The Dirty Picture,” and sets resembling London streets, Delhi streets, South Indian streets, a vegetable market, a central jail, a village, an urban railway station, and an airport.
Bhagavatam Set: The tour paused at the Bhagavatam set, which allowed us to disembark and explore both the Bhagavatam set and a nearby railway station set. The narrow entry to the Bhagavatam set created a bit of chaos, as everyone was eager for selfies with the magnificent set.
Central Jail Set: Our journey continued to the Central Prison set, a less-visited spot where we were probably the only adventurous souls. The staff kindly requested us not to linger, so we swiftly captured some photographs before moving on.
The Bahubali Extravaganza: The most anticipated stop was undoubtedly the Bahubali set, where we hopped on a bus from the railway station set. Here, we observed a film crew in action, shooting an action sequence using green screens and cranes. The Bahubali set was an awe-inspiring spectacle, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Mahishmati.
Artificial Attractions: Following a bus ride, we explored a cluster of artificial attractions, including the Hawa Mahal, a replica of a Rajasthani palace; a Japanese garden; and finally, we ventured towards the Kripalu Caves, resembling the Ajanta Caves.
Cinematic Shows and Experiences: We made it a point to catch several live shows, including “Lights, Camera and Action,” “Filmmaking Experience,” and “Space Yatra.” Each of these shows provided a unique glimpse into the world of cinema and filmmaking.
The Grand Finale: Although we missed the renowned Fort Frontier Stunt Show due to time constraints, we did get to explore the Eureka area, where visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including bull rides, a carousel, and food stalls. An open theatre at Eureka also featured live dance performances.
Conclusion: To summarize our full day at Ramoji Film City, it’s essential to note that the park generally operates from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Guests can stay at the film city’s hotel rooms, tailored to suit various budgets. Visitors should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable footwear, as there’s much to explore. The film city offers safe drinking water, but bringing your water bottle is recommended. Outside food isn’t allowed, but the themed restaurants on-site offer a variety of cuisines. Special food for toddlers is permitted.
Arriving early is key to experiencing all the wonders of Ramoji Film City fully. The film city also accommodates special needs, with wheelchair facilities and other services available upon request.
In conclusion, Ramoji Film City promises an unforgettable cinematic adventure, inviting you to step into the magical world of movies and filmmaking. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or simply seeking a day of entertainment, this sprawling film studio complex has something for everyone.
