Alia Bhatt’s Highway: A Journey Through India’s Hidden Gems

As I sit here, reminiscing about Imtiaz Ali’s 2014 masterpiece “Highway,” I can’t help but feel a surge of wanderlust coursing through my veins. This unconventional road trip film not only captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling and performances by the leading star cast Randeep Hooda and Alia Bhatt but also showcased some of India’s most breathtaking, off-the-beaten-path locations. Let’s take a virtual journey through these stunning shooting locations and explore how this film continues to inspire travelers like us.

The Magic of Offbeat Locations in Highway

One of the most striking aspects of “Highway” is its deliberate choice to move away from the typical Bollywood locales. As Alia Bhatt’s character Veera exclaims in the film, “Kaise Kaise Jagah hai is desh mein” (What amazing places there are in this country!), I found myself nodding in agreement. The movie serves as a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary experiences lie just beyond the familiar.

Aru Valley, Jammu & Kashmir: A Slice of Paradise

Located just about 15 km from Pahalgam, the Aru Valley is a visual treat that left me awestruck. The lush green mountains and the crisp, sweet-scented air create an atmosphere that feels almost surreal. As I watched Veera and Mahabir’s story unfold against this backdrop, I couldn’t help but add this location to my travel bucket list.

Travel Tip: Aru Valley is an excellent starting point for trekking to Kolahoi glacier and offers fantastic camping opportunities.

Spiti, Himachal Pradesh: The Land of Monasteries

The scenes shot in Spiti Valley transported me to a world that seemed almost otherworldly. This high-altitude desert mountain valley, with its ancient monasteries and untouched natural beauty, presents a side of India that many of us urban dwellers rarely get to experience.

It Spiti Valley is highly influenced by the teachings of Guru Padmasambhava, also referred as the second Buddha. It is truly a place where one can go to rediscover themselves and transform into a new person with the peaceful ambiance and the melodic echo from the icy mountains.

Must-visit: Don’t miss the Ki/Key Monastery and Dhankar Monastery. For the adventure enthusiasts, Spiti offers challenging trekking trails and mountain biking routes.

Ajmer, Rajasthan: A Spiritual Haven

Though featured briefly in the movie, Ajmer’s inclusion reminds us of India’s rich spiritual heritage. The Dargah Sharif of Saint Moinuddin Chishti stands as a testament to the country’s diverse cultural tapestry. You might be amazed of the fact that there is also a place located within the Dargah that was the initial source of water for the people who used to visit and is still used today by the high priests of the Dargah to ward off evil and bad eye.

Insider Tip: If possible, plan your visit during the Urs festival for a truly immersive experience. The Urs festival is the day during which people gather together to commemorate the anniversary of the death of Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti.

Nurmahal and Faridkot, Punjab: A Glimpse into History

The inclusion of these lesser-known Punjab towns in “Highway” piqued my curiosity. Nurmahal, with its Serai Nurmahal – a remarkable specimen of oriental architecture – and Faridkot, with its majestic Qila Mubarak, offer a fascinating glimpse into India’s Mughal history. If you don’t know much but there has been a significant influence of Mughal culture on India as a whole, from adapting to the language to Urdu which is somewhat similar to the Hindi language to the prominent dishes that often make people salivate by just hearing about their ingredients.

Fun Fact: The Serai Nurmahal does have its Mughal charm to it but it also has a hint of Hindu influence to its architecture and another thing to know is that this magnificent monument was once an educational institution.

Lessons from the Highway

1. Embrace the Unknown: Veera’s journey teaches us that sometimes, stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to the most profound experiences.
2. Look Beyond the Obvious: The film encourages us to seek out destinations that may not be on typical tourist itineraries but hold immense beauty and cultural significance.
3. Connect with the Land: Through Veera’s transformation, we learn the importance of truly connecting with the places we visit, rather than just ticking them off a list.
4. Appreciate Diversity: “Highway” beautifully showcases India’s diverse landscapes and cultures, reminding us to appreciate the richness of our country.

As I reflect on “Highway” and its impact, I’m filled with a renewed desire to explore the hidden corners of India. This film does more than entertain; it inspires us to embark on our own adventure and journeys of self-discovery through travel.

So, dear reader, let Veera’s adventure be your call to action. Pack your bags, hit the road, and who knows? You might just find yourself on your own transformative highway journey through the heart of India.