Ramoji Film City

Regional cinema’s the beating heart of India, and Tollywood’s beating heart is Ramoji Film City. Spread across a staggering 2,000 acres and certified by Guinness as the world’s largest film studio, this cinematic megapolis houses over 500 film sets, 47 sound stages, life-sized cities, palaces, railway stations, Mughal gardens, fantasy forts, and entire streets that hop between eras. 

Since it was built in 1996, it’s churned out over 2,500 films across a variety of genres and languages, including megahits like Baahubali and RRR. The real magic’s that it isn’t limited to film stars – because it doubles as a full-on theme park with rides, tours, live performances, shows, and more. 

Day-long excursions here include a signature studio tram tour that winds through movie zones and iconic film sets – including Wild West backdrops, European boulevards, colourful bazaars and palace facades. They’ve also got live performances and shows scheduled every day of the week, plus amusement rides, water park zones, high-ropes, and even a couple butterfly and bird parks. 

Time Out tip: If you’re doing this, you’ve got to commit to the full day, because it’s definitely not a let’s-glance-and-leave type of situation. Besides, it’s got multiple sightseeing options that work across itineraries and budgets, so if you’re getting your kids here, don’t think you can’t have some fun too.