Not just Delhi, Gurgaon has some wonderful monuments to check out so you can get your fix of culture without crossing NH8. Beautiful remnants from a different era, we found four worth checking out.
Wait for a day-off, put on those sunnies, grab a bottle of water and put your GPS on – you’re in for a historic treat.
If visitor accounts are to be believed, locating this mosque isn’t particularly easy. Drive past the skyscrapers and make your way to Sarai Aliwardi and ask around – don’t confuse this monument with the Jama Masjid of Gurgaon, though locals might try and send you that way.
The mosque you’re looking has an all-white, marble exterior and was built by Nawab Aliwardi Khan, who ruled the area, about 200 years ago. Head here for a few stolen moments of peace, bird-watching {the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is close by} and a break from the skyscrapers.
Aliwardi Mosque is located about 2 kms from the Old Tehsil office, close to Rajiv Chowk.
Making the trip to Farrukh Nagar {located about 22 kms from Gurgaon} is highly-recommended, if you haven’t visited already. This township was established in 1732 by the first Governor of Farrukh Nagar, Faujdar Khan. Renowned in the 19th century for its flourishing salt trade, Farrukh Nagar lay abandoned 100 years later, during the British rule.
The once-glorious Farrukh Nagar Fort, that originally had 5 gateways into the city, is in ruins today. Today, only three gateways remain and, of them, Dilli Darwaza is well-preserved and still echoes with secrets of fine Mughal architecture.
Also in Farrukh Nagar, Sheesh Mahal was the residential palace of Faujdar Khan, who was appointed by the great-grandson of emperor Aurangzeb, Emperor Farrukh Siyar. The Diwan-e-Aam is adorned by the mirrors that lend this palace its name.
Carry your binoculars – the sandstone palace has four machans {towers} that are great for spotting rare birds that fly over, from the Sultanpur National Park.
Don’t forget to check out Ali Ghosh Khan Baoli, located on the premises of Sheesh Mahal. A baoli is a stepwell and this one is listed by the Archaeological Survey of India as a monument of national importance. The baoli supplied fresh water to the palace and legend has it that the walls of the step-well were inhabited by fairies that lent the water magical, healing properties.