Places to Visit Near Gurgaon

by IV S. Consultant

Gurgaon is the IT/ITeS hub on the outskirts of Delhi, and is known for its hectic lifestyle. If you live in Gurgaon, there are plenty of opportunities to take a vacation over the weekend, where you can give the buzz of city life a break. You can take a day trip to Delhi itself and visit all the famed monuments, enjoy the experience of Old Delhi and its gallis. However, visiting places around Gurgaon can be an interesting option. Here are some places you could visit:

The Damdama Lake is a large nature lake, a mere 20 km from Gurgaon, on the Gurgaon-Alwar road. The lake makes for a popular getaway and you can enjoy boat rides, and even go on a trek near the Aravali Hills. There are plenty of other adventure sports such as parasailing, cycling, air ballooning, rowing and angling.

Sultanpur Lake Bird Sanctuary is one more spot that is a mere 15 km away from Gurgaon. If you are into bird-watching, it is the right place for you because winters attracted many migratory birds like the Asian koel and the Siberian crane. The spot is especially interesting if you have children accompanying you because there is a park for kids here.

Also close to Gurgaon is Farukh Nagar which is known for its great work of architecture, Sheesh Mahal, dating back to the Mughal era. The structure, made of slate, lime and stone, also has intricate mirror art work. Another popular spot in the vicinity is the Ali Gosh Khan Baoli, which has an underground connection to the Sheesh Mahal.

Don’t miss the small town that goes by the name Sohna. The hot water springs here are said to have curative properties, and the place sees a huge gathering of devotees during the solar or lunar eclipse when they come here for a holy dip. The other claim to fame for Sohna is the vintage car rally that is held here annually in the month of February. The place attracts hordes of tourists in that month every year.

Heading further away from Gurgaon but not too far away, in fact, just over 175 km is the famed Bharatpur sanctuary, which is a paradise for bird lovers. Bharatpur also has mythological and historical significance. The town gets its name from Bharat, the brother of Lord Rama, from the epic Ramayana. The town was ruled by the Mughals, Rajputs and the British, and has many forts such as the Lohagarh Fort and the Mahal Khas. Visit Bharatpur in the June-July period when the region attracts many migratory birds.

Gurgaon is a bustling township and is home to glitzy malls, restaurants and entertainment hubs. The ideal time to visit the place is between October and March. Accommodation is hardly a concern and there are all kinds of hotels in Gurgaon, from budget to luxury. Depending on your budget and availability, you could even opt from among the 5 star hotels in Gurgaon for a comfortable stay.