On the outskirts of Hyderabad lies a remarkable amusement park that will thrill movie lovers and film fanatics. Ramoji Film City is a filmmakers’ paradise that opened in 1996 and is spread over 674 hectares. This one-of-a-kind thematic tourism destination was recognised as the world’s largest film studio in 2005 by Guinness World Records. Around 200 film units come here every year to realise their celluloid dreams and over 2,500 films in many Indian languages have utilised the location. To give just one example, the sets and props from “Baahubali: The Beginning” and “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion” can be found here.
Here’s a complete guide on what you can expect from a trip to Ramoji Film City.
Originally conceived as an integrated filmmaking facility with all services under one roof, the people behind Ramoji Film City subsequently realised that there was a growing desire among the public to visit iconic movie locations. So, they threw open their doors to tourists and now regularly attract around 1.5 million people every year from all over the country.
There are glamorous film sets, fun rides, games, daily live shows, top-level action stunts, thematic food courts, shopping boutiques and on-site hotels for visitors. You can go on a studio tour, participate in adventure activities, relax with therapeutic wellness programmes, host weddings, honeymoons and corporate events or simply enjoy a fun-filled family vacation.
Start with the studio tour. This day-long engagement will have you exploring cinematic sets and locations (such as Highway Street, Kerala Palm Street and so on), thematic attractions, live shows, rides, children’s attractions, and food and shopping experiences. For children, “Fundustan” is specially designed to catch their fancy with rides, games, a haunted house and other colourful attractions.
Next, check out the entertainment zone at “Ramoji Movie Magic” where you can see interactive live shows that give insights into the basics of filmmaking, a ready-to-launch spacecraft that awaits you for a voyage into the galaxy and other sci-fi adventures, and live performances by artists in blacklight costumes. Of particular note is the “Hawa Mahal,” a sprawling garden modelled on the Rajasthani theme. It’s where you can have a bird's eye view of the entire complex.
Designed by National Award winner Sabu Cyril, the larger-than-life “Baahubali” set is spread across an enormous area of about 100 acres. The carved corridors and vast courtyards of the mystical Mahishmati Kingdom are a tourist paradise for thousands of people, making it one of the top attractions at Ramoji Film City.
For those looking to connect with a more natural landscape, “The Wings, Birds Park” has a wide variety of unique species of birds from all over the world like macaws, cockatoos, pheasants and parrots. The water birds greet visitors with their non-stop quacks, chirps and hoots. Ramoji Film City also hosts educational tours for school children where they learn about different birds, butterflies and plants of the region, and investigate their relationship to the local ecology. There are also themed gardens at the complex such as a Japanese Garden, a Mughal Garden, an Askari Garden, a Puzzle Garden and so on.
For those with an adventurous bent of mind, look no further than the “Thrill-a-Thon” experience at Sahas, an adventure park. From ziplining and archery to sumo suits and sand volleyball, every activity is meticulously curated to push visitors’ boundaries and deliver excitement.
Food is an essential element in Ramoji Film City and a wide variety of restaurants offer plenty of indulgences. One can relish spicy South Indian delicacies, tangy North Indian and Oriental dishes as well as Western meals here. Choose from the Galaxy Restaurant, the Sangam Restaurant, the Hollywood Restaurant, the Dilse Restaurant and more.
There are also plenty of snack shacks scattered throughout the amusement park such as the Japanese Café in the Japanese Garden and the Bhagavatham Café in the “Baahubali” zone.
The Sitara Luxury Hotel and Vasundhara Villa are perfect for those looking to live it up in style during their visit. If you’re on a budget then stick with Hotel Tara, Greens Inn and Shantiniketan. Sahara has dormitories for backpackers.
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in Hyderabad is the nearest airport to Ramoji Film City while the closest railway stations are Secunderabad Junction and Nampally. There are cab and bus services available to the studio from Hyderabad and Secunderabad.