How To Create Your Own Game of Thrones Fantasies in India

The ancient and mystic land of India provides the perfect setting for creating the real-world Westeros from Game of Thrones. Blessed with a diverse landscape, India’s scenic locations can compete with Westeros’ beauty. So, let us travel to some of the places that can fit the characteristics of these fantasy kingdoms.

1. Kashmir: Winterfell

You simply cannot miss out on this tiny heaven on Earth without drawing parallels with Winterfell. With snow-capped roofs and trees with hills in sight, Kashmir is the closest place to the ‘Wall’ of mountains. You will fall in love with the landscape and the beautiful Dal Lake when you take a boat ride in its crystal clear water. You can also laze around in the royal Mughal and Shalimar Gardens while absorbing the views of peaks in the backdrop. Gulmarg is the place where you can feel an adrenaline rush through your veins while skiing down the snowy slopes. In India’s own ‘Switzerland’, a stay at the Vivanta by Taj – Dal View hotel will ensure that you enjoy these spellbinding views in complete luxury.

Shalimar Gardens. Photo credit: Tourism Media

Dal Lake. Photo credit: Tourism Media

Gulmarg – Tourism Media

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[tab title=”Best time to visit Kashmir” icon=”entypo-book”]The best time would be between March and October, when the climate is relatively moderate and you can still enjoy the beautiful sights that the region has to offer.[/tab]

[tab title=”Where to Stay” icon=”entypo-book”]Kashmir has plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets.[/tab]

[tab title=”Getting there” icon=”entypo-book”]You can take a direct flight from New Delhi to Srinagar, which takes 1.5 hours.[/tab]

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2. Varanasi: The King’s Landing

You may have come across photos of thousands of people bathing in the Ganges on the banks of a city; that is Varanasi. A walk down Varanasi’s street will give you the typical ‘King’s Landing’ vibes. Covered in hundreds of tiny winding lanes with varied elevation, this city of temples is a popular religious destination for Hindus and draws millions of devotees from all around the world every year.

Banks of Varanasi- CC by 2.0/ Patrick Barry

Varanasi Lanes- CC by 2.0/ juggadery via Flickr

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[tab title=”Best time to visit” icon=”entypo-book”]The best time to visit Varanasi is during the winter months of November to February when the weather is cool, which facilitates a comfortable trip.[/tab]

[tab title=”Where to stay” icon=”entypo-book”]Check out the places to stay in Varanasi here[/tab]

[tab title=”Getting there” icon=”entypo-book”]There are direct flights from New Delhi to Varanasi, which take just above an hour.[/tab]

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3. Nandi Hills, Bangalore: Casterly Rock

Rising high up in the sky, Nandi Hills is the perfect place to set up the Lannister bastion – Casterly Rock. The similarity is subtle, yet unmissable — the castle is set high up on a hill with cold and overcast atmosphere just like Nandi Hills. Just like the Lannisters’ are known for their abundant wealth, Bangalore is a metropolis which flexes its financial muscle in the country. In addition to that, Bangalore can add a modern zing in your trip with its numerous pubs and bars.

Nandi Hills

View from Nandi Hills

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[tab title=”Best time to visit” icon=”entypo-book”]The best time to visit Nandi Hills is during the winter months of November to February when the weather is cool, and you can see clouds throughout and the chilled climate makes the trip fulfilling.[/tab]

[tab title=”Where to stay” icon=”entypo-book”]Find out the best places to stay around Nandi Hills [/tab]

[tab title=”Getting there” icon=”entypo-book”]There are direct flights from New Delhi to Bengaluru, which take just about 3 hours. Nandi Hills is situated at an hour’s drive from Bengaluru.[/tab]

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4. Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai: Forests in Westeros

Kanheri Caves- CC by 2.0/ Marco Zanferrari

Prayer Hall- CC by 2.0/ Marco Zanferrari

Hill Top of Sanjay Gandhi National Park – CC by 2.0/Isabell Schulz

If you’ve ever visited Mumbai, you cannot miss the enormous green area tucked away in the midst of the city. This is just like the forests that Arya navigates through to reach Winterfell. You’ve got to visit this place, after all, where else can you find a national park right in the middle of a city? You can explore the ages-old Kanheri Caves here or head out for a lion safari!

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[tab title=”Best time to visit” icon=”entypo-book”]The best time to visit Sanjay Gandhi National Park is during the monsoon months of July to September when the lush foliage is scenic and you can find small streams develop throughout the park.[/tab]

[tab title=”Where to stay” icon=”entypo-book”]Find out the best places to stay around Sanjay Gandhi National Park[/tab]

[tab title=”Getting there” icon=”entypo-book”]There are direct flights from New Delhi to Mumbai, which take just about 2 hours. Sanjay Gandhi National Park is located inside the city.[/tab]

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5. Lohagad Fort: The Iron Islands

This may not be an island but rising on the top of a mountain, this fort’s name literally means – The Iron Fort. Rings some bells about the Iron Islands of the Greyjoys, doesn’t it? Located in the Pune District, you will absolutely love the view of the valley from here and will marvel at the effort that must have gone to build this wonder, just like hundreds of other such forts across Maharashtra, built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Lohagad Fort- CC by 2.0/vivek Joshi

Lohagad Fort- CC by 2.0/vivek Joshi

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[tab title=”Best time to visit” icon=”entypo-book”]The best time to visit Lohagad Fort is during the monsoon months of July to September when the lush foliage is scenic and you can see misty peaks and clouds while trekking up here.[/tab]

[tab title=”Where to stay” icon=”entypo-book”]Check out the best places to stay while visiting Lohagad Fort[/tab]

[tab title=”Getting there” icon=”entypo-book”]There are direct flights from New Delhi to Pune, which take just about 2 hours. Lohagad Fort is located about 60km from Pune.[/tab]

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6. Meghalaya: The Kingdom of Vale

The land of rain, Meghalaya, in the northeastern part of India perfectly represents the Kingdom of Vale, rising high up above the sea level. You can see some of the finest wonders of nature here, like the root bridges and the highest waterfall in India, Nohkalikai Falls. You can also visit Mawsynram, which receives tremendous rainfall across the year making it the wettest place in the world.

Root Bridges- CC by 2.0/ Ashwin Kumar

Valleys of Meghalaya- CC by 2.0/Sharada Prasad CS

Nohkalikai Falls- CC by 2.0/ Viaggio Routard

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[tab title=”Best time to visit” icon=”entypo-book”]The best time to visit Meghalaya is during the monsoon months of July to September when the entire state is covered in mist and heavy rains here are indeed a sight to witness; they exemplify the beauty of the city.[/tab]

[tab title=”Where to stay” icon=”entypo-book”]Check out the best places to stay while visiting Meghalaya.[/tab]

[tab title=”Getting there” icon=”entypo-book”]There are direct flights from New Delhi to Guwahati, which take just about 2.5 hours. From there, you can catch a train or a bus to reach Shillong.[/tab]

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7. Mumbai: Braavos

The richest city and financial hub of India is just like the most prosperous city of Westeros. Located on a bay with skyscrapers and riches that cannot be found anywhere else in the country, Mumbai is easily one of the best places to visit in India. You can discover its rich history by visiting the Gateway of India or the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and can enjoy the beauty by sitting on the stunning Marine Drive. You can choose to stay at the 100 year old Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the first 5-star hotel of India.

Rajiv-Gandhi Sea Link

Marine Drive

Gateway of India. Photo credit: Tourism Media

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

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[tab title=”Best time to visit” icon=”entypo-book”]The best time to visit Mumbai is during the monsoon months of July to September when the lush foliage is scenic and you can find small streams develop throughout the park.[/tab]

[tab title=”Where to stay” icon=”entypo-book”]Check out the best hotels to stay while visiting Mumbai.[/tab]

[tab title=”Getting there” icon=”entypo-book”]Mumbai is connected to every major international city via its international airport. There are direct flights from New Delhi to Mumbai, which take just about 2 hours.[/tab]

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All these places play host to some of the best tourist attractions of India, but with these, you’re barely scratching the surface. India is a vast country and has many mysterious spots that await discovery, just like the plots of the Game of Thrones. From endless deserts to highest mountains, you just cannot get enough of ‘Incredible India’.