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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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’.