Bollywood movies have a reputation of taking us on a roller coaster of emotions – they make you laugh, they make you cry, they make you want to get up and dance…they even make you want to pack your bags and set off on a life-altering adventure.

Last month, the JenJon editorial team compiled a list of Hollywood’s best travel-themed movies. Turns out, Bollywood’s travel movie track record can give its American counterpart a run for their money! In the last decade, the Hindi film industry has seen the emergence and successful acceptance of movies that beautifully capture the various elements and emotions associated with wanderlust. We’ve rounded up some of the best ones for you.

HIGHWAY (2014)

Credits: UTV Motion Pictures / Window Seat Films

Highway is a visual diary of the ‘Great North Indian Road Trip’ as it tells the story of a young Delhi girl who forms a strange bond with her kidnapper. The plot of the movie takes the audience by surprise, but it firmly captures Imtiaz Ali’s vision of a ‘wandering traveler.’ Highway is an atypical Bollywood road movie that traces a complex journey of self-discovery, and can be easily considered as one of Aliaa Bhatt’s finest performances till date.

Watch the trailer here.

FINDING FANNY (2014)

Credits: Fox Star Studios / Maddock Films

Finding Fanny is a window to Goa – minus the rave parties and beaches. It shows Goa like no other film has ever done before, and captures the simplicity of its landscapes, people and culture.  Five dysfunctional adults, one dead cat and a less-than-perfect car set off on a road trip to complete a decades-old love story.  Although the movie tends to have a very niche audience, it makes for a feel-good watch that tells an average story rather interestingly.

Watch the trailer here.

DIL CHAHTA HAI (2001)

Credits: Excel Entertainment

No travel movie list is complete without the mention of this Indian cult classic that taught us a thing or two about traveling and friendship. Beautifully shot, it captures Goa’s rustic charm and Sydney’s exciting culture. Goa really banked on Dil Chahta Hai’s success, quickly rising to the status of becoming the ultimate ‘exotic’ travel destination for urban Indians. Almost 15 years old, and this film still drives the idea that friendships are incomplete without a Goan adventure!

Watch the trailer here.

YEH JAWAANI HAI DEEWANI (2013)

Credits: UTV Motion Pictures / Dharma Productions

A trek through Manali saw an entry in every urban twenty-something’s travel bucket list after the release of this movie. Friendship, romance, dreams, heartbreak – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani perfectly captures these elements of growing up while taking us through the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the picturesque alleys of Europe and the lavish forts of Udaipur. The relationships between the main characters, the protagonist’s toggle with the complexities of wanderlust, and the differing notions of ‘home’ beautifully underline this re-watchable entertainer.

Watch the trailer here.

QUEEN (2014)

Credits: Viacom 18 Motion Pictures / Phantom Films

A naïve, young, overprotected middle class Delhi girl decides to travel solo on her honeymoon trip after her fiancé calls of the wedding – with such a storyline, Kangana’s character has us rooting for her from the start of the film itself. Initially devastated and scared, Rani’s journey through a romantic Paris and quirky Amsterdam transforms her into a brave, confident woman. Traveling the world and meeting new people bring with it experiences that changes you for the better, and Queen makes a strong case for this.

Watch the trailer here.

ROAD, MOVIE (2009)

Credits: Madman Entertainment

This film is unconventional to the say the least, and sadly forgotten by many. Vishnu (Abhay Deol) takes a journey through Rajasthan to deliver his father’s truck to a local museum. Travelers join in along the way, and this journey proves transformational for each one of them. The rural and rustic landscapes of the state are nothing less than a visual treat.

Watch the trailer here.

ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBAARA (2011)

Credits: Eros International / Excel Entertainment

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is a more than just a re-boot to Dil Chahta Hai’s charm and popularity. It takes the Indian road-trip movie out of India and captures Spain in all its breathtaking beauty.  A coming-of-age film brilliantly directed by Zoya Akhtar, it is a heartfelt tale of love and friendship. With a stellar ensemble cast, foot-tapping music and beautiful poetry, it stands to be a timeless cinematic experience for every movie-lover.

Watch the trailer here.

PIKU (2015)

Credits: MSM Motion Pictures / Yash Raj Films

An eccentric father-daughter duo on a road trip from Delhi to Kolkata – Piku is charming, simple, heartwarming and will have you smiling from start till end. The film hilariously depicts the happenings of taking an ageing parent on a 48-hour car journey without getting too preachy. Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan emerge as a trio to be reckoned with as they translate their star power into ‘real’ characters that you might find living next door to you. Shoojit Sircar does a beautiful job in capturing the cityscape of Kolkata, in addition to giving us a brief glimpse into the spiritual aura of Varanasi at dusk.

Watch the trailer here.

Got a favorite travel movie that needs to be up on this list? Share it with us on our Facebook page! We’d be happy to hear from all you Bollywood-enthusiasts out there!

Written by Lynn Verghese for JenJon Retail & Services Pvt. Ltd. Images used in this post are taken under the Creative Commons Licenses. 

World over, filmmakers have found inspiration in the universal concept of travel. Films have the power to transport you into another world – and travel movies tap into the potential of the visual medium to encourage journeys and promote the magic of life-altering adventures.

To fuel your wanderlust, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite travel films that will help you indulge in the sights, sounds and stories from every corner of this planet.

THE DARJEELING LIMITED (2007)

Courtesy: Fox Searchlight Pictures

The Darjeeling Limited is an emotional comedy about three estranged brothers who reconnect on a soul searching train voyage across the vibrant landscape of India. With a host of family conflicts waiting to erupt, the film follows the three brothers as they explore spirituality and reinstate their lost sense of brotherhood. Wes Anderson subtly handles melancholy through the highs and lows of travel to create an uplifting, instantly re-watchable film.

Watch the trailer here.

THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES (2004)

Courtesy: Buena Vista International

No list of best travel films is complete without the mention of this internationally co-produced masterpiece. The Motorcycle Diaries is a biopic on the legendary Ernesto Che Guevara’s 14,000 kilometer motorcycle journey across South America. The film offers a glimpse into the region’s stunning locales and the fascinating cultural aspects of its communities. Watch it to truly understand the sense of freedom and exhilaration that travelers seek – and pay homage to this Latin-American icon’s awe-inspiring story.

Watch the trailer here.

MAP FOR SATURDAY (2007)

Courtesy: Earthchild Productions

Long-term travel can be one of the most personal sacrifices one can make – and A Map For Saturday puts this message across without intimidating those who contemplate such a life-altering decision. This travel documentary follows backpackers on their year-long solo adventures around the world. Relatable and real, it is a visual guide to different locations, languages, cultures, people and experiences that collectively make up the kaleidoscope that is a world of travel.

Watch the trailer here.

EAT PRAY LOVE (2010)

Courtesy: Columbia Pictures

Julia Roberts brings her charm to the silver screen in this movie based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s critically acclaimed memoir. After a bitter divorce, Liz Gilbert (Roberts) sets off on an international adventure in the quest for self-discovery. Eat Pray Love follows Gilbert as she eats her way through Italy, prays her way through India, and finds love in Indonesia. This book-turned-movie released in 2010 created quite a compelling case for solo travel (especially among middle-aged women), and has since risen to the status of being a pop-culture phenomenon.

Watch the trailer here.

WILD (2014)

Courtesy: Fox Searchlight Pictures

A biographical drama about writer Cheryl Strayed (brilliantly portrayed by Reese Witherspoon) and her 1,100 mile solo hiking trip in the Pacific Crest Trail. In the attempt to redeem herself and gain mental clarity after a string of personal tragedies, an inexperienced Strayed braves through dark forests, snowy peaks, and muddy trails on her own. Gritty, intense and emotional, Wild de-glamorizes solo travel in an honest, tell-all tale about pushing one’s limits in the journey through life.

Watch the trailer here.

UP IN THE AIR (2009)

Courtesy: Paramount Pictures

George Clooney stars as Ryan Bingham in this American comedy-drama film that captures the life of a businessman who lives out of his suitcase. With an outstanding cast, the movie explores the theme of isolation and detachment – the two harsh realities of an urban nomadic life.

Watch the trailer here.

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE (2006)

Courtesy: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Boasting of an ensemble cast that includes Toni Collette, Steve Carell, Alan Arkin and a young a Abigail Breslin, Little Miss Sunshine follows an emotionally dysfunctional (although completely relatable and endearing) family on an inter-state road trip adventure. In order to fulfil the wish of their 7-year old daughter, the Hoovers take their broken-down Volkswagen microbus from Albuquerque to California on an epic journey that borders on the bizarre. Heartwarming, funny, with nutty characters and a refreshingly simple storyline, Little Miss Sunshine rightfully made for a strong contender at the 79th Academy Awards – with six nominations and two subsequent wins.

Watch the trailer here.

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (2011)

Courtesy: Fox Searchlight Pictures

The quirks of seven elderly Britons against the backdrop of a bustling, exotic (read: rustic) Indian city sets the tone for this comedy-drama film. Judi Dench and Maggie Smith lead an all-star cast in this heartening story that follows seven 60-plus British retirees to India as they decide to spend their twilight years in the country. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel intrinsically captures the West’s fascination with the East. The observations and experiences of each character seamlessly translate into humorous and honest insights – albeit occasionally borrowing from clichés to up the ante.

Watch the trailer here.

Got a favorite travel movie that we’ve missed? Share it with us on our Facebook page!

Written by Lynn Verghese for JenJon Retail & Services Pvt. Ltd. Images used in this post are taken under the Creative Commons Licenses. 

Travelling need not always be about cramming your life into a suitcase and attempting to survive a flight next to a complete stranger – it should be fun and easy, giving you a change to spend quality time with friends or family. As we scan our 2016 calendars for long weekends to plan the ideal getaway, consider taking a leisurely road trip to a holiday destination near you and make travel a little interesting this year!

Road trips make the journey as exciting as the destination – while giving you that episodic push outside your comfort zone. Planning a perfect road trip may appear to be an exhausting ordeal, but we’ve got you covered.

Plan your route.

Once you skim through the notes of your fellow travelers and pick a destination that speaks to your wanderlust, take into consideration several personal priorities while deciding on the preferred route – Do you want to see several attractions on the way? Would your family prefer breaks to cut the fatigue? Do you have children who get car-sick easily? Are you looking to save petrol or avoid the rush hour traffic?

Mapping out the route and exits accordingly will give you a good estimate of the travel time, helping you plan the rest of the weekend better. Source your information from the internet and travel blogs. Speak to the concierge at the resort or holiday home you plan on staying in about the quality of the roads or temporary detours – and avoid surprises en-route.  Save the coordinates of your destination on your preferred GPS system a night in advance to avoid wasting time the day you set off on your adventure.

Port-a-bed.

Travelling with young children? Here’s a tip to up the comfort levels of the weekend journey for your snoozing little ones – create a portable bedroom for them! Recline the back-rest and line the seat with thick blankets. Throw in a few pillows along with their favorite soft toys you’ve transformed an otherwise uncomfortable car seat into a cozy bed for the long haul car ride.

Don’t drive in silence.

Music is to a road trip what petrol is to a car – and good music can kick your highway journey into high gear. Pre-set your favorite radio stations to get a mix of today’s latest tunes or curate a playlist with your favorite road trip albums that you and your travel buddies can enjoy. A CD collection works best if you happen to drive through regions that have sketchy radio signals. Movie soundtracks and show tunes will get everybody to sing along – and if you’re feeling particularly musical, download a few karaoke tracks to let your inner rockstar shine. 

If you wish to bring your travels to the digital age, music apps such as 8tracks, SoundCloud, Wynk, Last.fm and Gaana are the perfect road trip companions. These apps allow you to stream songs based on genres, artists, moods, activity or decade – the options are endless.  The songs you choose need not have “travel” or “road” in their lyrics – all they have to do is make sure you sing out loud and have fun!

Keep a back-up of your papers and emergency numbers.

Regardless of where you’re going and for how long, it’s always a good idea to ensure that your dashboard has a copy of your driver’s licence and vehicle’s insurance papers – you never know when they may come in handy! Also, always keep a little notepad in your car with a list of persons who can be contacted by strangers in case of an emergency – and be sure to update this information periodically.

Scrap your trip. 

Scrapbooks are a great way to preserve the memories of a good holiday. Entrusting your children with theresponsibility of maintaining a scrapbook will keep them busy and help you avoid the dreaded “are we there yet?” Motivate them to take pictures, record videos, sketch the scenery and write about their favorite activities along the way. You could help them collect mementos such as brochures, tickets stubs, receipts, paper coasters, leaves or sea shells, from the holiday destination. Use them to compile a scrapbook at the end of your trip and reminisce about your little adventure, together!

There are sights and terrains that are waiting to be a part of your travel story. So, let’s hit the road this 2016?

Written by Lynn Verghese for JenJon Retail & Services Pvt. Ltd. Cover Photo credits: Mariam Thomas. All other images in this article have been used under the Creative Commons License.