GURUGRAM: Haryana Tourism's official Gurgaon destination page lists more than a handful of heritage places that sit well away from the glass towers of Cyber City, from a stone baoli in Farrukhnagar to a colonial hall near Sector 10A. This Dalimss News feature goes through what the tourism corporation's own listings say about seven of them, for readers who like to spend a weekend morning on the older side of the district. It is a feature built on those listings, not a report from a visit.
The listings are short, and none of them gives opening hours, entry rules or fees. Dalimss News has not verified the present condition or access of any site, so the details below are the tourism department's descriptions only.
What the listings say, site by site
Baoli Ghaus Ali Shah is in Farrukhnagar, on the Farrukhnagar-Jhajjar road near the old gate of the town. The page says it is built of stone, lime plaster and bricks, that it resembles a Turkish hammam, and that a central water tank is ringed by a verandah with arches on all sides, with chambers for relaxation and recreation on the upper storeys. It is listed as dating to the 18th century and as protected by the Government of India.
Shish Mahal, also in Farrukhnagar, sits in the Purani Anaj Mandi and is listed as protected by the Haryana government. The page says it was built by a Khan in 1733. Its Diwan-e-Aam is a rectangular sandstone structure on a high plinth, with mirrors fixed in the wooden ceiling and on the back wall, which gave the palace its name of glass palace. A fountain pool once kept water flowing in an artificial channel in front of the hall.
The Mosque and Sarai of Ala Vardi Khan is in the village of Sarai Ala Vardi Khan, north of Gurgaon railway station. The page says mosques of this type, with a sarai and a well, were possibly built at every eleventh mile from Delhi to Ajmer for travellers, and that this one has a platform in front that served several purposes. It is listed as an 18th century site under the Government of India.
Badshahpur Fort and Baoli is in Badshahpur, Sector 66. The page says a very old fort, probably built in medieval times, stands in the village, and that it is in ruins and needs restoration. That is the tourism corporation's description, and the page offers no date for any work.
Begum Samru Palace is at Mohyal Colony, Sector 40. The page says that after the Begum's estate was annexed, the palace was used as the Deputy Commissioner's residence or camp office, and that it is about 200 years old and still in a good state.
Sheetala Devi Temple is at Ram Vihar, Sector 104. The page calls it a Shakti Peeth whose presiding deity is Mata Sheetala Devi, the goddess of small-pox, and says a large number of pilgrims visit.
John Hall is near DAV, Sector 10A. The page says Gurgaon was a village until 1819, and that after it became a district a British officer, F. L. Bryne, was posted as Deputy Commissioner. His second son, John Goble Bryne, died young, and a grand hall was built in his memory.
The same Gurgaon page also lists Museo Camera, the Sultanpur bird sanctuary, golf courses and farm stays. For details such as timings or ticket rules, the tourism corporation's registered office in Chandigarh lists +91 172 2702956-57, and the listings do not name a local contact for these monuments.
Dalimss News did not receive payment or any other consideration for this article. It is independent editorial coverage.
