A vibrant city filled with exciting visiting places, Gurgaon or Gurugram seeks to cater to tourists of every temperament, be it jolly couples or just fun travel enthusiasts. Plan a weekend trip near and around here to create your own assortment of memories.
Kingdom of Dreams, a Perfect Weekend Gateway
Managed by the Great Indian Nautanki Company, KOD, near sector 23, is India’s first live entertainment zone that offers you a taste of the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage through music and drama. There’s also Culture Gully, the only indoor food street of India comprising of mouth-watering cuisines from 14 different Indian states along with year-round art and craft exhibitions.
Once You Reach:
You may watch musicals like “Jhumroo”, a comedy dedicated to singer Kishore Kumar, or “Zangura”, a musical show glorifying the magic of Indian cinema. On New Year’s Eve, its Showshaa Nightclub can be a good party destination with a revolving DJ console, aerial acts, and 30ft LED panels.
Timing:
Tuesday to Friday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM (closed on Mondays)
DLF CyberHub, a Venue to Visit at Night
For night parties with friends and colleagues, head to DLF Cyber Hub in Gurgaon. Strategically located on the NH-8 just near the Cyber City, it boasts of housing some notable bar-cum-restaurants, namely Frazier Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe, and Imperfecto, where crowds throng on weekends.
Getting Here:
Once You Reach:
Frequenting pubs like Hard Rock Cafe or Soi 7 Pub and Brewery can be an ideal option in summer. There’s also Smaaash, the only arena in the city, presenting hi-tech virtual reality thrills through games such as cricket, Air Rider, Jurassic Escape, Bowling and Motor Racing.
Timing:
10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Damdama Lake, a Favourite Hangout for Couples
One of the biggest lakes in Haryana, Damdama, lies within 100km of Gurgaon in the Sohna region. Nearly 90 species of both native and migratory birds can be found here.
There are a number of resorts in the lake’s vicinity where you may rest and have some refreshments.
You may enjoy a paddle- or motor-boat ride, or trek in the rocky Aravalis. Other exciting options involve kayaking, parasailing, angling, cycling, fishing, hot air ballooning, rowing, and nature walks.
11:00 AM‑9:00PM
Visit early in the morning, anytime between June and August to spot some of the endangered species of cranes, waterfowl, terns, cormorants, and kingfishers along with other birds.
Manesar, a Place near Gurgaon to Visit for a Day
This fast developing industrial town within 50 km from Gurgaon is popular for its exquisite spas and resorts.
Getting Here:
From Garhi Harsaru railway station, (8 km from New Delhi airport), take a bus or a cab to arrive at Manesar. You may also avail any of the Haryana Roadway buses plying from Delhi as well as nearby cities like Sohna, Pataudi, Naharur, and Kasan.
Once You Reach:
Besides entertaining yourself by exploring the Sohna Lake and Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, you may avail a hot-air balloon ride if you crave for some adventure (costs around 12,000 onwards per head). To eat and drink, try nearby restaurants like Jharoka, Bhangra Beat, and Barahandi, serving authentic Haryanvi, along with north Indian delicacies.
Best time to visit:
Heritage Transport Museum, an Exciting Day-Out for Students
Displaying transports of different times through an interactive session, this first transport museum of the country extends in an area of about 3 acres, considered to be one of the largest private museums in India.
Getting Here:
Being near Manesar, it can be reached via all means of local transport.
Once You Reach:
Feast your eyes on the vintage car, and buggy collection from all over India. There are also outdoor activities for kids such as camel cart riding, and car painting. The museum has a cafeteria and washroom too.
Timing:
9:00 AM – 06:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
Mata Sheetla Devi Temple, a Religious Spot near Palam Vihar
This temple, a Shakti Peetha is dedicated to the Hindu goddess, Sitala Ma, who is believed to ward off sores, ghouls, pustules, and diseases.
Getting Here:
Board a bus from Gurgaon to arrive at the temple.
Once You Reach:
Observe in silence the aura of the goddess once you step inside the temple. Offer puja, stay for the evening aarti, or just meditate in the peace of the sanctuary.
Timing:
6:00 AM – 08:00 PM(remains closed in July-August)
Visit in the months from March to April, when the Chaitra festival is held.
Farrukh Nagar Fort, a Historical Site to Explore with Family
Also referred to as the Dilli Darwaza, this fort built in 1732, is regarded as the domain of about 4000 people of the Farrukh Nagar Town. Constructed by Nawab Faujdar Khan, it has an octagonal shape that speaks vociferously of Mughal architecture.
Getting Here:
Board a bus from Gurgaon to arrive at the Fort.
Once You Reach:
Take a round of the Sheesh Mahal, Jama Masjid, and Baoli. Carry water bottles and some light snacks as there are no eateries on the premises; however, washrooms and restrooms are there. Cameras are allowed here, and this place does offer a nice opportunity to fine-tune your photography skills.
Timing:
9:00 AM‑6:00 PM
You may consider other tourist areas like Meerut, Panipat, and Alwar that lie within 200 km of Gurgaon, provided that you have more time at hand. For places situated as far as 250 to 300 km, the top terminus ought to be the Jim Corbett National Park, requiring almost 6.5 hours by either bus or car. Stay at any of the resorts at night to avoid making your trip too hectic and tiresome.