District Gurgaon of Haryana: The district
headquarter is situated in Gurgaon city. Other smaller towns are Nuh,
Ferozepur Jhirka, Sohna, and Pataudi. Total area of the district is 2,105
sq km and its population is 11,46,000.
In Mahabharat times, Gurgaon was a thick forest where the ashram of Guru
Dronacharya existed. It was here that Pandav and Kourav princes got their
training in arms and warfare. Because of Guru Dronacharya's ashram, people
started calling it the 'Gurugram' which later on changed into 'Gurgaon'.
This place had been gifted by Yudhister to Guru Dronacharya, as 'guru-dakshina'.
Because of its close proximity to Delhi and excellent infrastructure,
Gurgaon has now become one of the most important corporate and industrial
hubs of Haryana. The office and manufacturing plant of India's largest car
maker Maruti Udyog Limited (promoted by Suzuki Motors) is situated here,
as are a large number other industries. Another area in which Gurgaon is
excelling is the Information Technology (IT) industry and software
development.
To cater to the corporate clientele many
top class hotels, like The Radisson, have sprung up in Gurgaon.
Places of Interest
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, founded by Dr. Salim Ali is situated 16 km from
Gurgaon and 46 km from Delhi. During winter birds migrate from as far as
Siberia and Europe. The important species found in the park are saras,
crane, spot bill, ruddy shel duck, rosy pelicans etc. Over 100 species have
been identified in this Sanctuary.
There
are hide outs, watch towers and a museum of sorts for those keen on serious
study. Guest rooms, restaurant, family cottages, bar, hide outs, water
towers and catering wing, are there for bird watchers and tourists. The best
time to visit November-February.
Sheetala Devi Temple
This famous Hindu temple is located one and a half kilometers in the
suburbs of Gurgaon near a pond. Also referred to as a 'Shakti Peeth', the
presiding deity of this temple is Mata Sheetala Devithe goddess of
small-pox. It is held in great esteem throughout this part of the country.
It is visited by a large number of pilgrims.
Sohna
Sohna is known for its hot springs. Haryana Government has built a
Barbet Hut complete with its own sitting area and an attached kitchen for
tourists. A motel wing has air-conditioned rooms for stay. A four bed
dormitory, family huts and simple camper huts have been built for
every-budget tourists. In February every year, a Statesman Vintage Car Rally
to the Sohna hill is held and Haryana Tourism celebrates the day with a mela
event.
Damdama Lake
Located a few kilometers South of Gurgaon off Alwar road. There is a
adventure resort Water Banks, with deluxe tents along the lake side. There
are facilities for boating and hot air ballooning.
