Last week, we stumbled upon an article that talked about the costliest cities in India & Gurgaon is one of those. Though I always knew that the city was expensive, it being costlier than other tier 1 cities was a news.
All in all, it was an interesting read, and I could relate to almost everything that was mentioned about the city (as I have lived here for almost a decade, now.) However, there was one point that I kind of did not agree with (or let me say I ‘completely disapprove of’). Here’s what the writer had mentioned, “If your pockets aren’t full, forget about having a great time in Gurgaon.”
To be honest, this was not the first time I had read (or heard) something of that sort; I have come across a lot of people with a similar opinion. But, guys, let me tell you, this is a misconception that many people have. The fact is that there are a lot of fun things that you can do in Gurgaon…and that too without breaking the bank.
To prove my point, and to help those with a limited budget have a great time, here’s a list of the top ten things to do in Gurgaon for under ₹ 999. Hope this helps.
1. Hit the Racing Track at F9 Go Karting
Racing Track at F9 Go Karting
Bring out the professional racer in you at the F9 Go Karting track in Gurgaon. The best part is that you don’t need a driving license to enjoy this exciting sport that lets you test your speed limits and make new records. Before you hit the track, you will receive a quick briefing and safety gear. You can choose a package depending upon the number of laps that you want to take. If you are a beginner, we would advise you to pick a kart with fresher tires to avoid drifting away from the track if your kart is going way too fast.
- Location: Sector 17-18
- Timings: 1.00 pm to 10.00 pm
- Cost: Starting ₹ 500 + GST
2. Go Gaming at Smaaash – A One-stop Multi-gaming Destination
Gaming at Smaaash
If you and your friends are gaming freaks, then you will surely love this place. No matter what your age, there are games for people of all ages. From bowling and high-speed racing to highly interactive Virtual Reality games, the place offers a wide range of options. Quick tip – When at Smaaash, do try ‘Smaaash Cricket’ to get bowled by the likes of Lasith Malinga, Wasim Akram, and Brett Lee. If you ask me, this is one of the best things to do in Gurgaon alone…
- Address: DLF CyberHub, Ambience Mall and Sector 29
- Timings: 12.30 pm to 11.30 pm
- Cost: Starting ₹ 699
3. Say “Cheese” to the Vintage Camera Museum
Vintage Camera Museum
The Vintage Camera Museum is a dream come true for photography aficionados and amateurs, who would love seeing cameras of the 19th and the 20th centuries. The museum that was started in 2009 by one of India’s most celebrated photographers, Aditya Arya, has cameras from all over the world. Besides these cameras and Arya’s personal collections, the museum is also home to photographs from the portfolio of India’s most renowned photojournalist, Kulwant Roy.
The Vintage Camera Museum is a great place to visit in Gurgaon with family, especially if you have kids. That’s because places like these promote curiosity in children, and as a result, they ask questions that lead to an increase in their ability to think critically.
Suggested read – Museum in Gurgaon
- Location: DLF Phase 3, Sector 24
- Timings: 11.00 am to 5:00 pm
- Cost: ₹ 400
*By appointment only. All bookings to be made a day in advance.
4. Celebrate the Unsung Artists at Vimla Art Gallery
Vimla Art Gallery
The Vimla Art Gallery is a perfect example of the age-old adage ‘The best things in life are free.’ An art gallery-cum-training center, it is an ideal place for art connoisseurs to celebrate the works of unsung artists that walked the planet. The gallery houses different forms of paintings from artists specializing in different styles of visual arts and crafts.
Started by Kanchan Mehra, it is also a training institute for budding artists to showcase their artistry and refine their skills. So, if you have a friend or someone in the family who loves art, you must take them to this place at least once.
- Location: House No 1396, HUDA Colony, Sector 46
- Timings: 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm (closed on Sunday)
- Cost: Free
5. Enjoy the World of Miniature Trains at NeverEnuf Garden Railway
NeverEnuf Garden Railway
Remember Sheldon Cooper (from The Big Bang Theory) and his love for miniature trains? Well, if you too are crazy about miniature trains like him, then you must visit this beautifully landscaped 1-acre site. It is based on a miniature village model that has working trains running in it. The icing on the cake are the remote-controlled boats and cars that you can control on your own. Places like these are rare in India, and just in case you do find one, I am not sure if it would be as meticulously laid out as this one. I would highly recommend you visit this place with your kids. They are going to love it and stay engrossed all throughout their visit.
- Location: Village Para, Tehsil Tawad
- Timings: 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm (weekends)
- Cost: ₹ 750 (free for kids below 2 years)
6. Watch a Live Performance at Amphitheater in CyberHub
Amphitheater in CyberHub
The open-air amphitheater at the DLF CyberHub is popular for its weekend cultural events and rock shows. Located in the center of CyberHub, the amphitheater is a great space to enjoy live concerts with friends and family. And, the best part about this space is that entry to this place is free. Yes, you read that right, you don’t have to pay a single penny to see some of the biggest stars perform live. Some of the most popular performances that recently took place here at the amphitheater include those of Guru Randhawa and Palash Sen. If you are looking for things to do in Gurgaon at night, then this is your answer as the amphitheater stays abuzz with activity till the late hours.
- Location: DLF Cyber City
- Timings: 10.00 am to 12.00 am
- Cost: Free
7. Indulge in Rock Climbing in the Aravalli Hills
Aravalli Hills
Let the Spiderman in you conquer the rocks at Damdama Lake Rocks, located in the Aravalli Hills. But before you take the first step, watch your instructor show you the technique of tying the perfect knot and climbing the rocky hills. If it is your first rock climbing session, you would most probably be asked to take the beginner route. And, just in case you are an experienced rock climber, you will have the choice to go for intermediate and advanced routes.
- Location: Damdama Lake
- Timings: 8.00 am to 10.00 am and 10.00 am to 12.00 pm on Sundays
- Cost: Starting at ₹ 800 per person
8. Enjoy Bird Watching at Aravalli Biodiversity Park
Aravalli Biodiversity Park
If you are a nature lover, you will definitely love Aravalli Biodiversity Park that is home to different species of birds, butterflies, insects, and reptiles. The park that is spread over 153.7 hectares of land will bowl you over with its lush greenery and tranquility. It is reported that the park is home to over 175 bird species that includes long-billed pipits, black drongos, steppe eagles, and white-eared bulbul. In fact, a report on the ecological impact of ecological restoration suggested that areas that have been ecologically restored have higher encounter rates of birds as compared to other areas. This is a great thing to do in Gurgaon for couples as you can just walk through lush greenery without anyone or anything disturbing you.
- Location: Near Guru Dronacharya Metro Station, MG Road
- Timings: 5.00 am to 11.00 am and 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm
- Cost: Free
These were just some of the many things that you can do other than just resting at your hotel in Gurgaon if you don’t want to spend too much. Hope you found the list useful. In case you want to share any such ‘budget’ activity in Gurgaon, please leave us a message in the comment section, below.
