A weekend of adventure and relaxation
The weekend is approaching; the exams are over, and there is a clamour to get out of the city. Travel is the buzzword. “We want a break,” say the kids. You can’t agree more.
Of Hovercrafts and Lakeside Camps [Illustration by Anup Singh]
A lake complex and resort just 64 km from Delhi on the National Highway 8, Damdama lake is known for its range of adventure sport facilities like canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, cycling, trekking and camping.
Fed by monsoon rivulets dropping into a natural trough at the base of the Aravalli ranges, Damdama is an ideal fun spot – especially post-monsoon or winter.
The family on NH 8 and bon voyage
Two approach roads lead you to the spot. One is the Delhi-Mehrauli road and the other is via the busy Dhaula Kuan roundabout, in south-west Delhi. Both lead to National Highway 8.
A car for a family with two children and a mini bus for a group of families would be ideal.
Driving is a pleasure on NH 8, recently converted into a four lane super way. The city skyline soon gives way to the simple human scale of beautiful mustard fields – exactly at a child’s eye level.
Here you get a glimpse of modern Haryana at its best, with dhabas and buffalo herds rubbing shoulders with MNC names like Motorola and GE – and the robust Haryanvi dialect.
A game of antakshari can make the journey even more pleasurable, especially if it is interspersed with a luxuriant meal of paranthas washed down with huge lashings of lassi. One of the major milestones along the road is a food place, namely the 32nd Milestone.
Sohna Chowk and you are almost there
Almost five kilometres from the 32nd milestone on the NH8 is a roundabout called Sohna chowk. It is from here that we part with the highway and take left.
Damdama is around 12 km from the Sohna Chowk. You can reach this place in less than an hour’s time. Damdama is a lake complex, spread over an area of 13 acres, and expanded into a multi-activity family getaway by the state government. The lake provides ample activities for both children and adults.
Things to do once in Dumdama
Boating: This includes rowing, canoeing, kayaking – and the hovercraft.
Games: Certain games like cricket are out of bound in the complex. Try playing the good old outdoor games like ‘chain’ and Frisbee.
Camping: Haryana tourism provides for the basic camping gear, which includes tents and stove. However, make sure to carry a torch, small knife and matchbox. Also, do not forget to carry mosquito cream and extra warm clothing if visiting in winters.
Adventure Activities: Rock climbing on the Aravalli, the oldest mountain range in India! Or if heights do not excite you, how about a cycling expedition to surrounding locations, which are organised regularly.
Where to stay
On weekends it is advisable to make prior staying arrangements at the lodge, with air-conditioned and ordinary rooms. For those interested in camping life is no problem.
So, how about getting away this weekend?
