Gurgaon – A modern and vibrant city, just 20 miles away from India’s capital
If you are visiting Gurgaon for the first time, you might be mistaken in thinking that you are in one of Western Europe’s capital cities due to the numerous high-rise buildings and a multitude of fashionable cafes, boutiques and malls. When it comes to choosing the right hotel, guests will be pleased to know that they will be spoilt for choice. Gurgaon city centre is brimming with large hotel chains as well as boutique-style hotels and privately rented apartments. There are options for various tastes, preferences and budgets.
From Shopping Malls to Hindu Temples
Even the most ardent opponents of consumerism won’t be able to resist the temptation to have a wonder around some of the ultra-modern shopping malls in the centre of Gurgaon The Ambience Mall is the biggest of its kind in Delhi and is home to a multitude of popular fashion brands as well as cafes and restaurants. There’s also a cinema for evening entertainment. If shopping has left you hungry and exhausted then a trip to the popular Cyber Hub will have you energised and rejuvenated. Food lovers will be able to choose from a vast array of restaurants and bars, offering Indian, Asian and Continental cuisines. Before heading back to the comfort of your hotel room, you can enjoy some peace and tranquillity within the walls of the spectacular Sheetla Mata Temple. Local residents come here to pray to the Indian goddess for good health and prosperity whilst curious tourists marvel at the ornate and colourful interior. If you are staying in one of the larger hotels in the centre of Gurgaon, you can ask the front-desk staff to point you in the direction of another beautiful temple, Sai Ka Angan. Within this peaceful shrine, guests can see a life-size kneeling statue of the Indian spiritual leader, Sai Baba.
Amazing Nature and Green Open Spaces
Gurgaon is sometimes, and often unfairly, referred to as a ‘concrete jungle’. However, nature enthusiasts visiting the city won’t leave disappointed as just a half an hour’s drive from the city will take them to the expansive Sultanpur National Park Bird Sanctuary. Keen hikers can enjoy a walk around the park which takes about an hour to complete. Before setting off to the park from your hotel, be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes and a pair of binoculars which will come in handy when bird watching. According to many visitors, the best time to come here is during winter when migratory birds flock to this part of northern India. The lake within the park becomes a sanctuary for pelicans, flamingos and Siberian cranes – a real treat for all nature enthusiasts. For those who are not keen on venturing too far from their Gurgaon city hotels, there is a vast open space even closer to home, the Leisure Valley Park. The park is centrally located, making it very accessible to those staying in the very heart of Gurgaon. Locals come here to enjoy picnics with their families while tourists use it as a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is full of colourful plants and flowers, and has a number of fountains where joggers can stop off for refreshment.
A haven for foodies and Bollywood fans
No trip to Gurgaon is complete without a visit to the famous Kingdom of Dreams. This colourful and lively venue has restaurants, bars, exhibitions and live shows all under one roof. Guests keen to enjoy a Bollywood show can pre-book their tickets at their hotel reception desk as these performances sell out quickly, being immensely popular with the local residents. The venue is close to many of the large hotels in Gurgaon as it is located in sector 29 of the city. There are a wide range of dining options on-site many of which offer interesting regional delicacies, so guests will have the unique chance to sample dishes whichthey might not be able to find on their local Indian restaurant’s menu back home. Before leaving the hustle and bustle of the Kingdom of Dreams, guests can pick up a souvenir as a memento of their visit to Gurgaon at some of the many theme-based shops within the premises.