Mumbai is the home of the Hindi film industry, the world’s most prolific, nicknamed Bollywood, and a studio visit is a fun way to see how it works. This private tour takes you to Bollywood Park at Mumbai Filmcity in Goregaon in the north of the city, where sets, stages and outdoor locations are used for films and television. With a local guide, you walk through the lots, hear how scenes are staged, and watch a live Bollywood dance show, with the chance to try a few steps yourself. The tour is run by a specialist Bollywood operator, who collects you from your hotel in a private vehicle and brings you back, so the travel across a sprawling city is handled for you. It is light, entertaining and suited to families and film fans. The studio is a working location, so what is being shot varies by day.
How to visit
The tour is private for your group and includes hotel or chosen-location pickup and drop-off, a private vehicle, a local guide, a live Bollywood dance show and bottled water. Admission to the studio park is included. It runs daily, usually in the morning, with the operator asking you to confirm the start time a day ahead, and the studio portion takes about three hours. Hotel pickup starts about an hour before the tour. You can cancel free up to 24 hours before.
What to expect
The studio is a working location, so there is no guarantee of what is being filmed on your day, and sets can change at short notice. Reviewers describe a well-organised visit with a lively dance show, and a few mention that transport arrangements can run late, so confirm your pickup details. Snacks, tips and alcoholic drinks are extra, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour runs in all weather, so wear light clothing, sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
Making the most of it
Book a day before you arrive and confirm the pickup time, ask your guide about the films shot in the park, and take part in the dance show, since that is the highlight for most groups. Because the studio is far north of Colaba, pair it with a rest afternoon rather than another sightseeing round.
What to expect
The experience
A private guided visit to a working film studio park, with sets, behind-the-scenes explanations and a live Bollywood dance show.
Best time
Morning, which is when most tours run and before the heat builds.
How long
About three hours at the studio and four to five hours door to door with travel.
Tips
Confirm your pickup time a day ahead, wear light clothing and comfortable shoes, and do not count on seeing a particular film being shot.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Film fans and families who want a light, entertaining half-day.
- Families
- A good fit for children over about six, with the dance show as the high point.
- Couples
- A fun, different afternoon, if you like the idea of joining the dancing.
- Pair with
- A Kanheri Caves morning, as both are in the north of the city.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Will I see a film being shot on a Bollywood studio tour?+
Not necessarily. The studio is a working location, so what is happening varies by day, and the tour is mainly about sets, explanations and a live dance show.
Is hotel pickup included in the Bollywood tour?+
Yes, the private tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel or chosen location in a private vehicle. Confirm the time with the operator a day before.
How long does the Bollywood studio tour take?+
The studio visit takes about three hours, and the whole experience runs four to five hours including travel across the city.
Where is the Bollywood studio in Mumbai?+
Mumbai Filmcity is in Goregaon in the north of the city, well away from the South Mumbai sights. Allow substantial travel time in traffic.
Is the Bollywood tour suitable for children?+
Yes, children usually enjoy the dance show and the sets. Those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
