enter Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad by 9 AM blogaberry
Our day was booked for an outing at Ramoji Film City (RFC) – the largest film studio complex in the world (certified by the Guinness World Records) as it is spread over 1,666 acres.
We started with an hour’s drive from Gachibowli. Due to unplanned logistics and the quick visit to Dino World Theme Park (15-20 minutes further from Ramoji Film City) where the kids enjoyed for an hour, we landed in the Film City at around 3 pm.
The tickets are priced at Rs 1475/- for adults and Rs 1235/- for kids. Entry for tiny kids (shorter than 33”) is free.
After buying the tickets, it took about 15 minutes for the internal bus to come and take us to the main city. From the entrance, we had to walk through the high door and to the Eureka Bus Stop to take the bus to the Bahubali film set. But that bus first took us to the ‘Foreign City’ and dropped us there. We then had to walk to the ‘Airport’ to catch the bus to the ‘Railway Station’. From there, the bus finally took us to the sets of the famous Bahubali movie. Phew! The whole travelling process was pretty stressful considering our aim to reach the popular film set before the last bus (around 1600 hours).
The time taken (from the moment you get off your cab, buy the tickets, wait for the internal bus and get to the main city) would be 30-40 minutes at the least.
So, though RFC is open till 2100 hours, here’s why we recommend that you enter Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad by 9 AM:
The welcome dance starts at around 1000 hours and you can join them and copy their moves if you like. There is a repeat every hour but perhaps not later than 1500 hours.
We missed all the shows (shadow dances, animations, garden scenes, etc.) at the film studios that our friends visited before we got there. All the shows had their last screenings at 1600 or 1730 hours.
We also missed the movie-making session where they showed the audience how they made fake animals look natural, the idea behind Ramoji and how it started, etc. They selected one volunteer from the audience, made them take a few shots and displayed the final short movie scene created then and there with behind-the-scene sounds.
Though we saw the Eiffel tower, we didn’t get to see the other Wonders of the World at Ramoji Film City. That is one of the agendas for the next trip.
This was a beautiful bus ride (on our way to the Bahubali film set) through the clean but pretend ‘foreign city’, ‘vegetable market’, ‘snowy area’, ‘rain’, etc. We were also shown the ‘Bengali house’, ‘airport’, ‘railway station’, etc. used in various Indian movies.
While we were on the way to the Bahubali set, we crossed the Sahas Adventure area where we would have gone if we were not short of time. They have ATVs, obstacle races, paintball, mountain biking, bungee ejection, shooting, archery and more. Oh! Not only the kids, even we, adults, were aching to go there! But, it closes by 1730 hours.
Finally, when we reached the most awaited set, we were in awe. The entry of the set itself was overwhelming with the huge bell, elaborate film set model, colossal door, and more. Then, when we went inside, it was massive. The horses, the chariot, the gardens, the throne, the statues, the tabla – all larger than life. Even the dosas and the puris were 4 times the normal size!
The last bus to this set was at 1600 hours.
Around the entertainment area at The Sun Fountain, there were only a few activities for our kids below 12 years, so they could only enjoy bungee jumping and the merry-go-round. The other rides were for kids above 16 years of age.
There is a lot of walking so we would advise you to wear walking shoes and not heels or any other uncomfortable footwear. On the way back, we had to walk through a beautiful waterfall, bird sanctuary, butterfly park, novelty shop and the make-believe ‘Mysore Vrindavan Gardens’ before we caught the bus back to the exit.
After enjoying the Bahubali set, we got back to the Eureka Bus Stop on the fancy red bus. The whole place was beautifully illuminated! The Angel Fountain was a treat to the eyes. The lighting was so well concealed that I wished the whole of India followed this concept.
Therefore, if you reach the Film City by 9 am and finish exploring all it has to offer, you will have ample time to walk through and admire the colourfully lit-up Film City after dusk. You can also sit and enjoy the carnival parade, dandiya night and other live shows that start by 1830 hours around The Sun Fountain.
We did all this in one day but if you are not a morning person or want to enjoy the place one day at a time, you can stay within the premises and choose anything between star luxury and economy accommodations. Next time, we plan to book a room in one of the hotels listed here so we can experience each and every part (including Fundustan, Adventure Land, Timber Land, Toyland, etc.) of the Film City at leisure.
Check out their Pick-Up and Drop service here.
Ramoji Film City is not only for movie buffs. There is also entertainment for kids, adults, bird lovers, butterfly lovers and adventure lovers all in one place. Though my kids were initially skeptical about joining me for the Film City Day-Out, they loved it AND want to go there again (because apparently, my 6-year-old son noticed some construction going on at the far end and decided that it was ‘to make the Film City more beautiful’ – exactly his words). But, that’s yet to be decided at a later date!
To conclude, I have to mention that this is my first visit to any Film City. When I saw the size and the record, I must say that I set the standard high. Not sure how I would feel visiting another (out of the Guinness Records) Film City elsewhere. There was one in Bangalore but I never wound up checking it in all my 11 years of living here and now it seems to be shut. Nevertheless, I’m glad I visited RFC because the place was clean, tidy and well-maintained (despite being closed for the pandemic and all that jazz).
Have you been to a Film City before? How was your experience? Do you suggest we check out another one and compare both?
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31 Comments
Seems like you had a memorable trip despite visiting late!
I have been to Ramoji Film city, Hyd and varindawan. So, i could relate with the content of the blog. Ramoji filmcity is exciting and fun to be there with the family. Would like to visit it again soon.
I have been to Ramoji multiple times and agree that one needs to be there as early as possible to get the best out the visit. This was indeed a great guide to all people planning to visit.
Didnt had the film city experience till now. But surely will now look forward to it. And before hand will visit your blog to plan.
I have been to Ramoi Film city long back before Bahubali happened. I have been hearing a lot about the parts of the film set still there, and your detailed review of the place makes it sounds super exhilarating, would definitely visit when i visit Hyderabad next
I had heard a lot about this film city in Hyderabad , but never get a chance to visit . Good to read about it ; shall come in handy if we plan to visit.
I visited once but just for some event and still, my entire tour inside is pending, now this time when I visit Hyderabad I will surely go to explore more!!
RFC has long been on my wish list although I didn’t know so many activities that you shared in this post. Would love to experience this with my family!
I had heard a lot about Ramoji film city Hyderabad before but never get a chance to visit . Your post has made me tempted to visit it with my family. I am visiting India this month , will try to make a plan for visiting this amazing place.
Have heard a lot about Ramoji from my Cousin
I lived in Bombay for years and never visited the Film City though I have seen many sets and shootings. The Ramoji Film city actually looks like a complete package with so much for everyone, Thanks for the tips!
Ramoji film city Iis one place I regret not visiting despite living in Hyderabad for good 5 years. What a place… After reading your post I am really tempted to go as it is not too far from the place I am residing now. Thanks for such a detailed post.
You should visit. Which area are you in?
My family and I are planning a trip to the South and your post is so so tempting!
I had been to Hyderabad once but could not visit Ramoji Film City due to a shortage of time. Its definitely in my wish list.
Thank you for sharing the details and tips. Seems like you guys had a lot of fun. I had not heard of Ramoji film city, so now I will recommend it to peeps.
You should have gone early. Been to Ramoji around 4 times. Every time was different. The best was when I went with my friends. One of them is related to Director Raghavendra Rao. We were given free access to the movie sets that were shooting and to the stars. We met Kareena, Karishma, Babita, Shakti Kapoor, Genelia, Riteish, and others. In fact, we stayed at Sitara and could interact with them and dine with them. Ramoji is good for a day maximum after that the glitz looks very fake.
Ramoji is an experience in itself right! So many sets and amazing photography chances. I will keep in mind to reach the city as early as possible on our visit to experience it all.
I didn’t know that Ramoji film city was this huge with all the experiences and everything. My places to visit in Hyderabad are adding up. Hope to visit the city soon. Thanks for sharing the details and some useful tips.
Heard a lot about ramoji-film-city but never got the opportunity to be there to explore but your post gave me the chance for a virtual trip to Ramoji…. Thanks a lot and it means a to me.
I have heard that the film city is HUGE. So maybe multiple trips is ideal so you don’t tire yourself out. I haven’t been there myself. Most of my Hyderabad trips have been for work and have always been on tight schedule.
I visited Ramoji Studios years back with our ladies club when my husband was posted in Hyderabad. It has really come up well since then. Thank you for sharing all the details. I would love to visit it again.
I have been to Ramoji film city 8 yrs back, and it was indeed the best place to visit. I think it has changed a lot since then. I hope to see this place again someday.
I have heard so many stories and happy experiences about Ramoji studio. The place looks adventurous. I would love to be there.
Never thot it had so much to it, loved the details you have shared very helpful and informative.
Though visited Hyderabad & Secunderabad on two or three occasion, but never made a trip to RFC. Heard a lot about RFC &Tollywood.
You are right we have to enter Ramoji Film City before 9 am. I visited in 2017 and made the same mistake. We reached late because of traffic and missed the main entrance dance and many more things you mentioned above. I really wanted to see the night view but unable to stay. Thank you for fulfilling my wish.
awwww… so sad that u guys missed half the fun… but whoever reaches a place as big at 3p.m.🤭
I really didn’t know that RFC had all those things inside… thought it’s just related to films. I think the Bombay one is all about movies.
A very detailed write up Cindy… enjoyed reading it👍
I haven’t been to Ramoji, I have heard about so many good experiences from friends. The whole experience is worthy of your post just supported what I have heard about the place. The Angel fountain picture really caught my attention. Hope to visit the place.
When it comes to tourist attractions, I’d always want to come in as soon as they open. I’m pretty sure it’s because of a few reasons such as being the early bird on me, me wanting to make sure I got to see/experience whatever my ticket is worth for, and of course, to avoid the crowd. This place that you’ve recommended is a great place to see. I hope to visit one day!
I had been waiting to visit Ramoji film city since long. It’s actually a make believe paradise! Love your description!