Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom poster ⭐ 7.5 🕑 1h 58m

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Filming Locations

1984 Movie
Action Adventure

In 1935, Indiana Jones is tasked by Indian villagers with reclaiming a sacred stone stolen from them by a secret cult.

Filming Locations Map 37 locations

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Sirangahawatta, Polwattakanda, Matale District, Central Province, 21400, Sri Lanka
Scene: (on location)
Bogambara, Bahirawakanda, Kandy, Kandy District, Central Province, 20000, Sri Lanka
Scene: (on location)
Mariposa County, California, United States of America
Scene: (on location)

Indiana Jones’ darkest adventure is set in 1930s India – but India, unhappy with the script, refused permits, so the production turned to Sri Lanka for its jungles and rope-bridge, with Macau, California and English studios completing the globe-trot.

Where was Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom filmed?

Temple of Doom was filmed in Sri Lanka (as India), Macau, California and at England’s Elstree Studios.

Every Temple of Doom location, explained

1

Sri Lanka as India

The jungles and the famous rope-bridge finale were filmed in Sri Lanka, around Kandy, standing in for India.

2

Macau – the opening

Early scenes used Macau, including its bridge, for the story’s Shanghai-adjacent setting.

3

California – the escape

The white-water and mountain scenes used California locations around Mammoth Lakes and the Sierra.

4

Elstree – the mine and temple

The mine-cart chase and the Temple of Doom itself were built at Elstree Studios in England.

Planning a visit

Sri Lanka‘s hill country around Kandy is the film’s most evocative real location, its jungles and rivers doubling for Indiana Jones’s India – a lush, accessible destination.

Temple of Doom Fun Facts

1
India said no India refused filming permits over the script, so Sri Lanka doubled for the country.
2
The mine-cart chase was a model Much of the breakneck mine-cart sequence used intricate miniatures and models.
3
It helped create PG-13 The film’s darkness contributed to the creation of the PG-13 rating in the US.
4
A famously grim banquet The ‘chilled monkey brains’ dinner became one of the series’ most notorious scenes.
5
Spielberg met his wife Steven Spielberg met Kate Capshaw, later his wife, on the film.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was Temple of Doom filmed?
In Sri Lanka (as India), Macau, California, and at Elstree Studios in England.
Why wasn't it filmed in India?
India refused filming permits over the script, so Sri Lanka stood in.
Where was the rope-bridge scene filmed?
In Sri Lanka, around Kandy.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Sri Lanka’s hill country around Kandy is accessible.
Who directed Temple of Doom?
Steven Spielberg.