The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a 2011 British comedy-drama film based on the 2004 novel These Foolish Things by Deborah Moggach. The movie follows a group of British retirees who decide to “outsource” their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. Upon arrival, they find that the Marigold Hotel has been misrepresented and is in a state of disrepair. The film stars Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, and Maggie Smith, among other acclaimed British actors.
Directed by John Madden, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was filmed on location in India, primarily in the cities of Jaipur and Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan. The movie highlights the incredible architecture found in these destinations, from grand palaces to bustling bazaars. Many of the film’s memorable scenes take place in real hotels, temples, and landmarks throughout the cities.
For fans of the film, visiting the real filming locations in Jaipur and Udaipur offers an immersive experience and the chance to trace the steps of their favorite characters. Reliving the magic of the movie while surrounded by the sights, sounds, and culture of India creates memorable travel moments. This article will highlight the top filming destinations in Jaipur and Udaipur that visitors can still explore and experience today.
Jaipur
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is known as the Pink City due to the pink-colored buildings in its old city. It’s a lively and historic destination with grand forts, bustling bazaars, and extravagant palaces. Jaipur served as a prominent filming location for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel due to its vibrant culture and beautiful architecture.
The filmmakers chose Jaipur because it authentically represents the sights, sounds, and spirit of India. As one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, Jaipur provided an ideal backdrop to portray the experiences of British retirees in India. The pink buildings, camel-drawn carts, chaotic streets, and majestic forts allowed the audience to truly feel transported to India.
Several key scenes were filmed in Jaipur to showcase the city’s iconic landmarks. When Evelyn explores the streets and gets lost, those scenes were actually shot in Jaipur’s old city bazaars. The characters also visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, Jaipur’s famed observatory. Overall, Jaipur was integral for portraying the sights and immersing viewers in India’s chaotic yet magical atmosphere.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This astronomical observatory was built in the early 18th century and features the world’s largest stone sundial. Jantar Mantar played a prominent role in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel as a location where the characters explored during their visit to Jaipur.
The scene shows Evelyn and Douglas touring the astronomical instruments and having a deep conversation about their relationship. As Evelyn studies the sundial, it inspires her to reflect on time and its passing, a major theme in the film. She recites the poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot, which examines regret and aging. This poignant moment in the film highlights Jantar Mantar as not only a scientific marvel, but also a thought-provoking site that evokes introspection about life’s big questions.
Jantar Mantar’s ancient stone structures that measure celestial phenomena create a visually striking backdrop for this pivotal discussion between two characters. The scene captures the beauty and magnificence of the observatory’s sundials, making it a memorable location for movie fans to visit. Jantar Mantar allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of Evelyn and Douglas and reflect on themes of the film while admiring the craftsmanship of historic Indian astronomy.
Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of Winds,” is one of Jaipur’s most iconic landmarks. Constructed in 1799, this unique five-story palace features 953 small windows, or jharokhas, which allowed the royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivities on the streets below without being seen.
In The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, the Hawa Mahal makes a brief but memorable appearance when Graham, played by Tom Wilkinson, becomes separated from his tour group and gets lost in the bustling streets of Jaipur. As he wanders aimlessly, marveling at the pink sandstone palace, he has a chance encounter with a local cafe owner named Champa, played by Lillete Dubey. Their meeting sparks a charming friendship and helps Graham open up to new possibilities and experiences in India.
Though the Hawa Mahal scene is short, it captures the palace’s grace and intricate beauty. It also represents a turning point for Graham as he sheds his initial discomfort and begins embracing the vibrancy of Jaipur and its people, setting the tone for his personal growth throughout the film. The Hawa Mahal provides a picturesque backdrop that captures the magic and cultural richness that awaits the characters in India.
Albert Hall Museum
The Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur played a prominent role in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel film. This beautiful historic building served as the backdrop for many important scenes showcasing the blossoming romance between characters Evelyn and Douglas.
Built in the late 1800s during the British Raj, the Albert Hall Museum is known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture featuring domes, turrets, balconies, and an open courtyard. The museum houses an impressive collection of sculptures, paintings, decorative arts, and natural history displays.
In the film, the museum’s courtyard and galleries provided a charming and romantic setting for Evelyn and Douglas to connect while admiring the exhibits. As their relationship developed throughout the story, pivotal moments between the two characters unfolded against the backdrop of the museum’s ornate architecture.
Visiting the Albert Hall Museum offers fans of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel film the chance to step into the same spaces featured on screen. Wandering through the galleries allows visitors to imagine Evelyn and Douglas’s fictional love story coming to life in these historic halls. For those charmed by the film’s depiction of finding love and connection in one’s later years, the Albert Hall Museum remains an iconic location.
Udaipur
Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes”, is a beautiful and romantic city located in the state of Rajasthan in Western India. With its picturesque lakes, grand palaces, and colorful bazaars, it’s easy to see why Udaipur was chosen as a filming location for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
The city is situated around Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, and several other lakes, earning it the nickname the “Venice of the East.” The lakes and water palaces offer breathtaking views and scenery. The Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Udaipur and was featured prominently in the film. Parts of the movie were also filmed around the City Palace complex.
Beyond the lakes, Udaipur has a magical old-world charm with winding lanes, vibrant markets, and historic havelis (mansions). There is a lively arts scene and the city is filled with handicrafts shops, textiles, miniature paintings, and more. The backdrop of the Aravalli Hills surrounds Udaipur, adding to its natural beauty.
It’s easy to understand why the filmmakers chose Udaipur for shooting key scenes in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The city perfectly encapsulates the romanticism and mysticism of Rajasthan. Udaipur offers cinematic landscapes as well as a window into India’s rich culture and history. For fans of the movie, visiting Udaipur allows you to step right into the film’s settings and see the majesty of the palaces, lakes, and cityscapes.
Fateh Prakash Palace
The stunning Fateh Prakash Palace served as the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in the popular film. Overlooking the glistening Lake Pichola, this grand palace was built in the 19th century as part of the City Palace complex.
Today, a section of the palace operates as a luxury hotel managed by the Taj Group. With its opulent interiors and Rajasthani architecture, it’s easy to see why it was chosen as the perfect filming location. Guests at the hotel can truly feel like royalty sleeping in the same palace rooms where scenes from the movie were shot.
Some of the most memorable moments from The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel happened right inside the Fateh Prakash Palace. Scenes showed the British retirees checking into the chaotic hotel, interacting in the grand Durbar Hall, and exploring the ornate corridors.
Staying at the Fateh Prakash Palace lets fans walk in the footsteps of characters like Evelyn, Muriel, and Douglas. It’s an unforgettable experience to wander around the open courtyards, marble floors, and regal reception rooms that formed the backdrop for much of the story.
Beyond its Hollywood fame, the palace has a fascinating history stretching back to the Rajput rulers. Visitors can admire the crystal chandeliers, antique furnishings, and colorful glasswork while learning about the royal heritage. It’s a one-of-a-kind accommodation choice for anyone who loved the warmth and humor of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola is one of the most scenic attractions in Udaipur and was a prominent location featured in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Spanning over 3 miles, this man-made freshwater lake was built in 1362 AD and is named after the nearby Picholi village.
Several palaces, temples, ghats, and havelis are located around the lake, adding to its beauty. In the film, scenes were shot at the Lake Palace hotel which appears to float magically on the Lake Pichola. We see the characters arriving at the palace by boat, which provides stunning views of the City Palace complex and Aravalli hills.
The natural charm of the lake, along with its palaces and temples, transported the audience to enchanting Udaipur which served as a transformative backdrop for the retirees in the film. Visitors who want to recreate moments from the movie should definitely enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Pichola and take in the sights it has to offer. Its serene waters, grand architecture, and mountainous landscape never fail to captivate.
City Palace
The City Palace in Udaipur is one of the most famous palaces in Rajasthan and a highlight for any visitor to the city. This magnificent palace complex towers over Lake Pichola and was featured prominently in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel film.
The palace was originally built in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the royal residence of the Sisodia Rajput clan. It was expanded over the centuries by successive Maharanas until the mid-20th century when the Mewar royal family moved to a newer palace. Today, the City Palace is divided into public spaces that serve as museums, and private spaces where the royal family still resides.
In the film, the City Palace provided a memorable backdrop for key scenes. When the British retirees first arrive in India, they take a boat ride across Lake Pichola with the palace visible in the distance, giving them their first taste of Udaipur’s splendor. Later, Evelyn and Douglas tour the palace and admire its ornate architecture and decorations. The scenic view of the palace from their hotel evokes a sense of wonder and magic about their journey.
For fans of the film, visiting the City Palace offers an immersive experience to walk in the footsteps of the characters. The palace brings the film to life in vivid detail, letting visitors imagine the production experience and appreciate the beauty that enchanted the Marigold Hotel guests. It’s a must-see destination for anyone looking to recreate the movie’s moments.
Jaipur and Udaipur are two stunning destinations in Rajasthan that served as filming locations for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. They offer a glimpse into India’s rich history and culture with impressive palaces, bustling bazaars, colorful festivals, and mouthwatering cuisine.
A visit to Jaipur, the Pink City, allows you to experience the regal ambiance of the past at attractions like the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal. Don’t miss shopping for textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts in the lively markets.
Udaipur, the City of Lakes, charms with its shimmering lakes, ornate palaces, and serene ghats. Must-see sights include the lavish City Palace complex, the Lake Pichola boat cruise, and the iconic Taj Lake Palace hotel.
For fans of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, retracing the characters’ footsteps in these two destinations is a delightful way to immerse in India’s vibrance. The backdrops almost steal the show. With colorful culture, delectable food, and opulent architecture, Jaipur and Udaipur offer an unforgettable Indian holiday. Book your tickets today for an exotic escape!