Gurugram travel guide
Gurugram Tourism | Gurugram Guide
You're Going to Love Gurugram
Just a short trip from Delhi lies the town of Gurgaon, a bustling hub that's fast becoming one of the central industrial towns in India. With global brands setting up shop here and a plethora of multiplexes, Gurgaon feels like the daughter to Delhi's fast-paced vibe. There's plenty to do, see and, most importantly, eat. So, make sure to bring your walking shoes and appetites!
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Gurugram
1. Visit the Kingdom of Dreams
The Kingdom of Dreams is a funky replica land of other famous places in India, all packed into one location. Bring your camera!
2. Check Out the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
Located in the Sultanpur National Park, the bird sanctuary allows lovers of migratory birds and bird watching enthusiasts to see the creatures in their natural habitat.
3. Experimental Art in Gurgaon
The Devi Art Foundation in Sector 44 is a great draw for lovers of experimental art. Don't miss this beautiful space dedicated to showcasing the contemporary Indian art scene.
4. Chill Out at the Wet'n'Wild Resort
This water resort is a great attraction during the summer months, with outdoor pools, water slides and rides.
5. Take in the Buzz of Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road
This is where the hawkers, street food vendors and multiplexes converge. Be ready to spend an entire day on these thronging streets.
What to do in Gurugram
1. A Haven For Bird-Watchers
The beauty, greenery and incredible biodiversity of Sultanpur National Park makes it the perfect weekend getaway from the rush and hubbub of Gurgaon's city center. Its quiet lakes, lush wetlands and high ficus trees make it the perfect winter getaway for over 250 species of migratory birds. Expect to see such feathered friends as great egrets, large purple herons and black-necked storks taking flight, as well as little white throated kingfishers perched watchfully above as great cranes stalk the waters. This sanctuary is easily accessible, with amenities such as public parking, bathrooms, drinking water facilities and a children's park. Expect to spend at least two hours roaming its wild borders.
2. Pomp And Circumstance, Bollywood Style
Playing up all the kitschy elements of classic "Bollywood" films, the Indian film cinema experience is now one that you can take in as a live show. And there's nothing cheesy about the spectacular production of drama, song, dance and emotion on stage like the "Kingdom of Dreams" production. Put on by the "Great Indian Nautanki Company", expect "fusion" plays and Indian theatrical takes on old classics like Alice in Wonderland, Arabian Nights and even The Nutcracker. On ice. With music. Sounds too weird and wacky to pass up? Don't miss this one!
3. Take A Breather
The city of Gurgaon has tons of great multiplexes, up-and-coming developments, awesome shopping and trendy eateries. But when you want a break from it all, retire right in the middle of that unique Indian madness to this oasis in the city. Leisure Valley Park attracts both visitors and locals who like to break their day up with a stroll through its fragrant and flowering rose gardens or end a busy day with a musical fountain water show. Bring a picnic lunch in a "tiffin" and pick your favourite spot or head to a cafe within the thriving park. Roam, play and relax at your leisure.
4. It's Actually Never Enough
Aptly named, this local attraction is not just for train enthusiasts. It combines the native, natural beauty of Haryana with its industry. Here's where you'll find easy, well-maintained walkways from which to tour its scale-model trains and tracks that wind through the park. These miniatures will keep your family occupied for hours as each model is unique and has track-side model villages and towns. Children can interact with the train models, moving them along, and even remotely control boats on its ponds. Plan to spend an easy and engaging afternoon here.
5. A Sacred Shrine
Consecrated in the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, this sacred temple has stood tall since the 18th century. Dedicated to the wife of Guru Dronacharya, the Sheetla Mandir stands three levels tall and is also a major symbol, besides being an architectural testament to religious design, of the defeat of the Mughal empire.
1. A Haven For Bird-Watchers
The beauty, greenery and incredible biodiversity of Sultanpur National Park makes it the perfect weekend getaway from the rush and hubbub of Gurgaon's city center. Its quiet lakes, lush wetlands and high ficus trees make it the perfect winter getaway for over 250 species of migratory birds. Expect to see such feathered friends as great egrets, large purple herons and black-necked storks taking flight, as well as little white throated kingfishers perched watchfully above as great cranes stalk the waters. This sanctuary is easily accessible, with amenities such as public parking, bathrooms, drinking water facilities and a children's park. Expect to spend at least two hours roaming its wild borders.
2. Pomp And Circumstance, Bollywood Style
Playing up all the kitschy elements of classic "Bollywood" films, the Indian film cinema experience is now one that you can take in as a live show. And there's nothing cheesy about the spectacular production of drama, song, dance and emotion on stage like the "Kingdom of Dreams" production. Put on by the "Great Indian Nautanki Company", expect "fusion" plays and Indian theatrical takes on old classics like Alice in Wonderland, Arabian Nights and even The Nutcracker. On ice. With music. Sounds too weird and wacky to pass up? Don't miss this one!
3. Take A Breather
The city of Gurgaon has tons of great multiplexes, up-and-coming developments, awesome shopping and trendy eateries. But when you want a break from it all, retire right in the middle of that unique Indian madness to this oasis in the city. Leisure Valley Park attracts both visitors and locals who like to break their day up with a stroll through its fragrant and flowering rose gardens or end a busy day with a musical fountain water show. Bring a picnic lunch in a "tiffin" and pick your favourite spot or head to a cafe within the thriving park. Roam, play and relax at your leisure.
4. It's Actually Never Enough
Aptly named, this local attraction is not just for train enthusiasts. It combines the native, natural beauty of Haryana with its industry. Here's where you'll find easy, well-maintained walkways from which to tour its scale-model trains and tracks that wind through the park. These miniatures will keep your family occupied for hours as each model is unique and has track-side model villages and towns. Children can interact with the train models, moving them along, and even remotely control boats on its ponds. Plan to spend an easy and engaging afternoon here.
5. A Sacred Shrine
Consecrated in the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, this sacred temple has stood tall since the 18th century. Dedicated to the wife of Guru Dronacharya, the Sheetla Mandir stands three levels tall and is also a major symbol, besides being an architectural testament to religious design, of the defeat of the Mughal empire.
Where to Eat in Gurugram
Gurgaon is a great city for chowing down on some delicious chaat, which are sweet and spicy plates of snacks. Head to the famous Halidram's for great Indian fast food and chaat dishes like Raj Kachori for ₹50 or a veg thali for ₹128.
When to visit Gurugram
The best time to visit Gurgaon is actually September until December, when temperatures are around 68°F. The summers are very hot and sticky, with temperatures as high as 104°F, which then drops to around 35°F in January.
How to Get to Gurugram
Plane
Travelers will arrive at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport. From here, take a taxi to Gurgaon.
Train
To get here by train from places like Delhi, Connaught Place in Chandigarh or Saket, tickets cost ₹25 one way.
Car
NH8 is the main route to get from Delhi or Jaipur to Gurgaon.
Bus
Buses in to Gurgaon from cities like Delhi arrive at Dhaula Kuan. Private companies like Haryana Roadways, Mewat and Kamal charge ₹22 one-way.
Airports near Gurugram
Airlines serving Gurugram
Where to stay in Gurugram
IMT Manesar - The "IMT" stands for "Industrial Model Township". This means that Manesar is in the process of being developed and transformed from a sleepy village into a well-connected, industrial hub in Gurgaon, with office buildings, upscale residences and posh eateries.
Popular Neighborhoods in Gurgaon
Kanhai Colony - Better known as "Kanhai", this district houses the headquarters of several global brands such as the Sunlife Unitech Cyber Park. It's a primarily residential area with great schools and state-of-the-art hospitals.
Sultanpur - This is home to the lush beauty of the Sultanpur National Park. Right in the middle is a large lake for water sports.
Where to stay in popular areas of Gurugram
Most booked hotels in Gurugram
How to Get Around Gurugram
Public Transportation
Use the Rapid Metro Gurgaon system to get around, which also connects to the Delhi Metro. Trains run at a frequency of 5 minutes and it costs ₹12 to get around to anywhere. Inter-city bus fares are ₹20.
Taxi
Taxis are easily hailed in Gurgaon. Fares start at ₹50 and it is ₹6.2 per mile after that.
Car
Use local providers like AR Car Rental Gurgaon or Car4Hires for self-drive rentals. Rates start at ₹3,841 a day.
The Cost of Living in Gurugram
Shopping Streets
There are multiple multiplexes and malls in Gurgaon so take your pic. Head to Mehrauli-Gurgaon (MG) Road to start shopping 'til you drop at spots like Galaxy Mall or Ambience Mall Gurgaon.
Groceries and Other
A quart of milk costs ₹48 and a dozen eggs will cost you ₹64.