If you want a taste, feel, and glimpse of the Indian movie industry outside of Mumbai, we suggest you take a mandatory trip to Bollywood Parks in Dubai that is reminiscent of everything that is so quintessentially Bollywood.
The bright, colorful, and vibrant Bollywood-themed park opened its doors to the public for the first time in 2016. It spans across an area of 1.7 million square feet. Needless to mention, Bollywood fans thronging the park comprise a curious mix of the native Emiratis, foreign nationals, and (no prizes for guessing this) the Indian fraternity from across the globe who are big takers of Bollywood movies and music/songs right from the ‘60s era down to contemporary ones.
Inside, there are exciting rides, music and live performances, and incredible attractions and untold amusement besides VR recreations of iconic scenes, places, and characters of Bollywood blockbusters like Sholay; 7D rides of movies like Krishh, and other theme-based rides like RaOne, Don The Chase, and Lagaan. Live shooting experience of movies like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, and live shows of movies like Dabangg compel you to contemplate on the risks and thrills of actions and stunts on real shoot locations.
The most unbelievable part is the meet-and-greet with look-alikes of Bollywood legends like Shah Rukh Khan! As you take a walk around, dummies of the yellow-black Mumbai cabbies and autos, the Mumbai Central, the popular local train will remind you everything of ‘Amchi Mumbai’. Well, it doesn’t stop there — there are other things galore that reflect the true spirit and essence of India and her culture in this fascinating theme park.
The Bollywood Park — as the name suggests, is inspired from movies and actors of Bollywood — is divided into five different zones, all of which are themed. They are: Bollywood Boulevard, Mumbai Chowk, Rustic Ravine, Royal Plaza, and Bollywood Film Studios. Let’s have a look at the special attractions of each of these below.
Features & Highlights
Bollywood BoulevardÂ
This section has a lineup of entertainment for you from the ‘60, ‘70, and ‘80 decade with beautiful performances on popular Bollywood tracks, besides cafes, Mumbai street-food on carts, and retail shops for some quick picks. Check out Rock On, Chalte Chalte, and Desi Emporium here.
Mumbai Chowk
This section brings Mumbai alive with the double-decker bus, the yellow-black color coded taxi and auto, the very popular Mumbai Central that doubles up as a restaurant serving your favorite dishes, and more. It reminds you nothing of being in Dubai, but Mumbai. Don’t be surprised if you inadvertently find yourself grooving to the Bollywood beats and music that fill the air of the area. There are restaurants and shopping destinations here too.
Rustic Ravine
As the name suggests, you are transported to rural India in all its complete glory. From mud-baked houses, handpumps, hanging lamps, stony landscape, to a quiet rivulet dotting the land, you are reminded of the beauty and pristineness of middle India.
Your visit to the place will be incomplete without the motion simulator Lagaan ride. It is here that you can explore the fun at Lagaan – Champaner’s Cricket Carnival, ‘Dabangg Stunt Spectacular’ show, and the endearing animated recreation of the unforgettable classic – Sholay! Enjoy the dining and shopping experience here as well.
Royal Plaza
This one is adorned in splendor and takes you to a bygone era belonging to the royalty. Live drama, musical and dance performances by famed artists in the courtyards are both realistic and entertaining. The giant LED screens bring the action closer to those far behind.
Bollywood Film StudiosÂ
RaOne Unleashed, Krrish: Hero’s Flight, and behind-the-scenes shooting experience of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara are unmissable! It is in this part of the park that you get to enjoy some lovely traditional banjara performances by artists, and be an audience to the old ‘Nautanki’ or street-style drama that was a hit with people in the olden times. It’s nostalgic!
Mela Junction
This is a recent addition to the park where you can feast on some great-tasting Indian food and take thrilling rides with family or friends.
Some of the Park’s popular rides are — Hawa Hawai, The Bollywood Skyflyer, Wheel of Stars, Abra Ka Dabra, Monsoon Masti, Lagaan – The Thrill of Victory, Lagaan – Bhuvan’s Wheel, Lagaan – Champaner’s Cricket Carnival, Sholay – The Hunt for Gabbar Singh, RaOne Unleashed, and Krrish: Hero’s Flight.
Timings and Tickets
The Park is open all days in the week, Sundays through Saturdays. On weekdays, the timings are 12 pm to 9 pm. On weekends, the timings are 12 pm to 10 pm. Single entry to the Park costs AED 330; for UAE residents it is AED 149 ( inclusive of taxes) per person.
If you are a frequent visitor there, you can avail of the various types of annual passes, the details of which are mentioned on their website. You can save a lot on your bucks if you book online in advance and can get exciting discounts and offers on tickets.
How to Reach, Address & Phone
Bollywood Parks is located at Dubai Parks and Resort, Sheikh Zayed Road, Opposite Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE. For queries or complaints, you can reach them on phone at 800-AMAZING (2629464) or +971 4 820 0000. You can also write to [email protected].
If you are a tourist or a resident traveling from afar, you may avail of either the metro or the taxi service to reach the Park. Residents owning private vehicles can drive there directly.
Take the Dubai Metro Red Line towards Jebel Ali, and get down at Ibn Battuta Metro Station. You can take a cab service from here to Bollywood Park Dubai. A metro ride will be far more economical than taking a taxi.
You will have to direct the driver to drive you straight to the popular Park on Sheikh Zayed Road at Dubai Parks and Resorts. Bollywood Park is located beyond Dubai Marina and Jebel Ali.
