As Seen on Film in Huntsville, Alabama: Places in Bollywood’s ‘Zero’

The largest space flight museum in the world holds more than 1,500 artifacts including a real Saturn V rocket; Explorer I, a prototype of the first U.S. satellite; and a rare “full stack” – a space shuttle, external tank and two rocket boosters. You can also walk amid 27 rockets in the rocket garden and experience thrilling space-flight simulations. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is also home to Space Camp, which offers programs for campers of all ages to make make lasting memories, train like an astronaut and reach for the stars.

More than just a pretty backdrop, downtown Huntsville buzzes with activity. Explore various neighborhoods, from Alabama’s largest concentration of pre-Civil War homes in the Twickenham Historic District, to the trendy restaurants of Five Points, to arts and culture at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment. Stop for a pint at one of seven craft breweries, find unique mementos at locally owned boutiques and watch the local calendar for concerts, festivals and holiday celebrations.

Stroll nearly 50 hectares of colorful gardens, tranquil trails and beautiful water features, and you’ll see why Huntsville Botanical Garden is the perfect film setting. The children’s garden is full of whimsical statues, and the seasonal, open-air butterfly house is the largest in the nation. The garden is a delight any time of year, with spring and summer offering flowers in full bloom.

Huntsville’s multi-purpose events center has a concert hall, playhouse and sports arena. Get tickets to events ranging from a symphony or Broadway performance to a basketball game or rock concert. The facility’s signature events include the Von Brewski Beer Festival (January), Heads-n-Tails Crawfish Boil (April) and Family Fun Festival & Expo (June).

A temple scene of the movie was filmed at the Hindu Cultural Centre of North Alabama. This religious site holds traditional services and features elaborate statues of deities and the symbolic architecture of centers in India.

Satisfy your Indian-food cravings at one of Huntsville’s international restaurants. Check out the lunch buffet at Ruchi and tandoori chicken and garlic naan at Sitar Indian Cuisine. Suraj Imports sells authentic Indian groceries just outside of downtown.

Huntsville International Airport (HSV) offers easy access to the city, with connecting flights and rental cars available from other major airports in the Southeastern USA.