Top 5 Web Series Set in the Heartland of Rural India

The era of hardcore web series in India is upon us and how! There are so many of them popping up every month that being up to date can be a little difficult. However, people who love to watch sitcoms and documentaries can easily soak in all the goodness created by talented directors and actors for the Indian audience. The most appealing aspect about this exciting time in our reel industry is the unabashed reality of rural India being displayed on-screen. Top web series such as Mirzapur, Jamtara, and several others provide today’s youth a peek into the lives of the people in the heartland of our country. Of course, there are certain exaggerations inserted in for dramatic effect but the one thing that cannot be understated is the beauty of rural India that can be seen in most of these web series. Be it Mirzapur’s backdrop of Purvanchal in Uttar Pradesh or the rustic vibe of Kota in Kota Factory, watching any of these series on OTT platforms can surely tickle your travelling instincts.

Due to the extraordinary production and cinematography, travellers often tend to visit the same spots where their favourite web series were shot. If you happen to be one of them, below are the top 5 web series which are based in the heartland of rural India: -

1. Mirzapur 

With the rise of Amazon Prime Video in the past few years, actors who haven’t had their due in the past were gifted a new beginning of sorts. Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Vikram Massey, and Shweta Tripathi are just a few names that caught the attention of the public with their mind-blowing on-screen presence. The first season came with a big surprise with Munna played by Divyendu Sharma, who earlier had an image of playing “lovable and cute” characters. Soon enough, people were hooked to Mirzapur, a web series that falls into the fast-paced gangster genre and those who did not watch had some serious FOMO (fear of missing out). An intriguing factor about it was its locations in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Places such as Jaunpur, Azamgarh, and Gazipur began to fascinate people who had the itch of discovering unique travel destinations. As one of the top 5 Indian web series, it was picked up by Amazon Prime for the second season too. As soon as it was out, the public went mad. The reviews for Mirzapur are very positive and the wait for the next season is on!

Travellers keen on visiting the eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh after watching Mirzapur should include the following places in their itinerary:

1.1 Ballia

A town famous for ashrams of sages such as Valmiki, Bhrigu, Durvasa, etc. is ideal for individuals looking for some enlightenment. Besides this, Hanuman mandir and Chitragupta mandir can also be visited to pay homage to the respective deities.

1.2 Azamgarh

This city has an interesting cultural mix of Avadh, Mughal, and Jaat traditions. The famous Rajaji Sahib or Atala mosque and the temple dedicated to Thakurji are tourist destinations that should not be missed out.

1.3 Gazipur

The main attraction that tourists can explore near Gazipur is in a town called Saidpur located 32 km from the main city. It is reputed to have unique archaeological artefacts dating back to the times of Asoka’s rule in the region.

2. Jamtara  

A web series that had a dedicated promotional team from the day its release date was out is Jamtara. Remember the official teaser that released on YouTube, radio channels, and several other platforms? The phishing scam plot appealed to every sitcom watching individual because it sounded oh-so-thrilling! In fact, people were curious about the name of the web series - Jamtara: Sabka Number Aayega. This is mainly because the name of the town had not been known by a lot of us. Set in the middle of Jharkhand, this city is one of the cleanest places with palatial houses owned by well-to-do villagers. A web series like Jamtara was needed for people to open their eyes and protect themselves from phishing scams that occur on a daily basis. Moreover, it also encouraged travellers to visit a unique city in Jharkhand that lay hidden in plain sight.

Our recommendations for travellers visiting this part of the country are:

2.1 Maithon Dam

A spectacular man-made creation that can be visited Maithon. From the capital city of Dhanbad, it is only 48 km of distance that can be covered via a private vehicle or taxi.

2.2 Parwat Vihar Park

Vacationing in Jharkhand with your loved ones is incomplete without a picnic to this well-maintained park. Parwat Vihar Park is very close to the railway station of Jamtara (approximately 5 km), so you can take a rickshaw or taxi at very a reasonable price.

3. Panchayat 

When we think of the rural heartland of India, this particular web series comes to mind. Panchayat follows the story of a newly graduated man played by Jitendra Kumar who is forced into a government posting in one of the remotest villages in Rajasthan called Phulera. Not used to the lifestyle and cultural norms of the people in this village, the protagonist finds himself an escape - studying for the CAT exam in order to find a high-paying job in a big city. But we all know how it will end, don’t we? The community love and respect found in the rural parts of our country have a strong pulling force. As one of the top Indian web series, the makers of Kota Factory bring to you a comedy-drama that will make you laugh, smirk and cry. Travellers who wish to explore this town while vacationing in Jaipur very easily. An hour-and-a-half drive from the capital city by road, you can hire a taxi or drive down yourself. Who knows? You might find a Panchayat meeting there.

As Phulera falls in the district of Jaipur, visiting the capital city’s treasures would be a sin. Here are the top tourist spots in that you must visit:

3.1 City Palace

One of the most popular places in Jaipur, City Palace depicts the rich Rajputana culture with influences from the Mughal era. Jewellery, clothes, and dinnerware used by the royal family can still be seen here on display. The alfresco restaurant inside the premises has delightful continental and Rajasthani delicacies that you should try out.

3.2 Amber Fort

An enchanting sound and light show is organised during the evening time at this medieval fort that showcases the history of this royal residence in the best possible way. The charges for this show are Rs. 250 per person. In the daytime, the fort and palace grounds can be explored between 9 am to 6 pm every day.

3.3 Hawa Mahal

An iconic red and pink sandstone structure built in the heart of Old Jaipur, the Hawa Mahal is a tourist spot that every tourist needs to visit. The sheer magnificence of this monument can felt when the cool winds of its interiors brush by you. It is open between 9 am to 4 pm with entry charges of Rs. 10 per person.

4. Rangbaaz 

Rangbaaz has made it into our list of the top 5 Indian web series and fully deserves it for the stellar performances of actors like Saqib Saleem, Tigmanshu Dhulia, and Ranvir Shorey. It is a story that is set in the infamous town of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh where crime and respect go hand-in-hand. Important subjects such as gang wars and political rivalries are discussed throughout the first season. While the location shifted to Rajasthan in the second season, depictions of only true events in the storyline were followed just like in the first season. The cinematography is so enigmatic that you will find yourself searching for hotels or hostels in Rajasthan for your next vacation!

For tourists, this city has several options to visit such as:

4.1 Gorakhpur Temple

To honour Nath Sampradhaya, a devotee built this beautiful temple in Gorakhpur where daily rituals and prayers are still performed. The best time to visit this temple is during Makar Sakranti, a Hindu festival that is celebrated with gusto.

4.2 Railway Museum

People who are keen on learning about the history of trains in Gorakhpur should explore this museum for sure. It houses a toy train that is operational even today and can be a treat for children and adults alike.

4.3 Imambara

A dargah that was constructed in the 17^th century still holds importance in Sufism because of its fascinating story. It is said that the smoke lighted by Baba Roshan Ali Shah 300 hundred years ago is still burning without any intervention. Set in the Main Bazaar, it is open to devotees all year round.

5. Laakhon Mein Ek 

Amazon Prime Video has encouraged Indian comedians to showcase their talent like never before. Biswa Kalyan Rath, a popular name in this industry, has created a web series, Laakhon Mein Ek that turned many heads in the country. In the first season, the story follows an IIT-aspirant who faces a lot of backlash and judgement from his peers and teachers. In the second season, the rural health care of our country is brought to reality in the fictional town called Sitlapur in Maharashtra. Although this village is made-up for the show, the distinct charm of the Western Ghats shines through in every episode. Due to this reason, tourists across the country have flocked in the most unexplored parts of Maharashtra to have a peek into the lives of people in quaint villages. Although Sitlapur is not real, it is an interpretation of the charming little towns found all over Maharashtra. Some of the most delightful ones that you can visit on your next vacation are mentioned below:

5.1 Matheran

From the capital of Mumbai, it takes only two hours to reach this village. However, once you are inside the town, no vehicles can be used. Walking on foot or on cycles is followed by every citizen in this region in order to reduced air pollution. It is an ideal place to relax and switch off from the world for a few days!

5.2 Khandala

A popular vacation spot for Mumbaikars as well as Punekars, it is a hill station that loves to hide behind clouds all-year-round. There are several treks located in the mountains surrounding this town, so you can explore the Western Ghats in all their glory in Khandala. On your way back, do not forget to buy some ceramic pots, fudge, and organic honey from local vendors.

5.3 Aurangabad

It is a known fact that the Mughal’s hold in Maharashtra was fairly weak, however, a few influences of its architecture can be found in this town. Bibi ka Maqbara is a mausoleum that is said to have been inspired by Taj Mahal significantly. If you are keen on visiting the Ajanta and Ellora caves, then it would be best to hire a taxi or bus from Aurangabad.

 

If you haven’t watched any of these web series, then take out some time from your busy schedule right away. You might just get the travel inspiration you need to travel to the heart of rural India!