Hyderabad Trip : Fun at Ramoji Film City

On the last day of our visit to Hyderabad, we planned to go to Ramoji film city and leave for Bangalore after that. Ramoji film city is an hour drive from the city and is around 30 kms away. We reached the place at around 10 in the morning.

Guided Tour : After entry into the film city, a bus took us to the actual destination(the film city!), from where the tour began. Huge fountains, beautiful sculptures greeted us along the way. The bus dropped us to the point called Eureka, from where we had to catch one more bus painted red and which looked like it was from a fairy tale. A guided tour began from the time we boarded this bus. A guide explained the various sets made of plaster of Paris and its significance like which movie was shot there etc. It was a great feeling when we came to know that our favorite movies were shot in those locations.

Set of Mahabharatha, Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad

Sets : First set we saw was that of Mahabharatha. Then we went to see the railway station shooting location. To our surprise, the station name was Mangalore Central in Kannada!
It seemed like some Kannada movie was recently shot there. Would we miss our unique chance of taking a photo there? Movie sets of residential layout, airport, religious places were a feast to our eyes. Meanwhile, the soft-spoken guide was briefing us about the Hindi and Telugu movies, which were shot at various sets. People got thrilled when the guide said that in one of the sets, Siya Ke Ram, a serial, now showing in Star Plus channel was being shot! One curious location was Charisma garden, where the flowering plants would be grown, the colors of which would match the colors of heroine's costume, when shooting a song sequence. Of course, this would be done if the film city crew is informed well in advance, like say 3 or 4 months before!

Mangalore Central at Ramoji Film City!

Hawa Mahal, Japanese Garden : At last, the bus dropped us to Hawa Mahal. Hawa Mahal, located on a high altitude, reminded me of Jaipur palaces. Getting down from Hawa Mahal, we found sculptures of dancing girls in various poses. Then we had a look at the beautiful Japanese Garden.

Hawa Mahal, Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad

Japanese Garden, Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad

Bird Park : From Japanese Garden, one could board any bus, which takes the vistiors to Bird park, an attraction added recently. Butterfly garden, exotic birds and free range birds are the main attractions here. We felt later that we spent lot of time here, missing other attractions as we had planned to leave for Bangalore at around 4 pm.

Kripalu Caves, Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad

Kripalu Caves, Bonsai Garden : Then we visited Kripalu Caves which had Buddhist theme. Bonsai Garden could be visited after Kripalu Caves. Then, it was time for the shows! One needs to check the brochure provided, when one enters the film city for the timings of the shows at Ramoji Movie Magic. One can also get the timings from the volunteers present near to theaters, where the shows happen.

Lights, Camera, Action show at Ramoji Movie Magic : . This show is a must watch. Performers on stage create a spectacle with radium lights, masks - an enthralling experience indeed!

The Mask at Ramoji's Movie Magic

Spirit of Ramoji Show : Spirit of Ramoji show is a dance extravaganza based on Bollywood, and patriotic themes, which could be skipped for exploring other attractions in the film city.

Rides : Eureka, the starting point of exploring Ramoji Film City, offers few rides as in an adventure park. As we were in a hurry to return to Bangalore, we had to curtail our exploration at 4 30 pm. Film city is open till 8 pm for the visitors.

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