Haryana to celebrate world tourism day with trekking expedition in Aravalli Hills

The planned events aim to showcase Haryana’s diverse offerings, from adventure tourism to culinary experiences, officials said.

Published on: Sep 21, 2024, 19:21:18 IST

By Leena Dhankhar

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In celebration of World Tourism Day on September 27, Haryana Tourism is organising a trekking expedition through the Aravalli Hills in collaboration with the forest department. The trek, scheduled for September 28, will begin at the Saras Tourist Complex in Damdama and conclude at Bada Jhod Talab, covering approximately 4.5 kilometres. The expedition will start at 6am, providing a prime opportunity for nature lovers to explore Haryana’s landscapes, officials said.

The event is organised by Haryana Tourism in collaboration with the forest department. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo)

Harvinder Singh Yadav, a Haryana Tourism representative, pointed out the uniqueness of the trail. “This expedition offers a perfect opportunity for trekking enthusiasts to connect with nature profoundly. Participants will not only get to enjoy the serene beauty of the Aravalli Hills but also engage in bird watching, tree identification, studying biodiversity, and potentially encountering local wildlife,” Yadav added.

The trek from Saras Tourist Complex, Damdama to Bada Jhod will start at 6 am on September 28. (Haryana Tourism)

Additionally, the organisers will provide guides, emergency medical assistance, and refreshments during the event.The trekking experience will take place in the Chir Forests, featuring activities such as observing resin trapping, exploring water conservation projects, and engaging in soil moisture conservation work. Attendees may also have opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife encounters, and photography throughout the trek around the landscapes of Shivalik Hills and Ghaggar River.

A view of the Gurugram stretch of Aravalli Hills. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo)

According to officials, the trek is part of a broader series of World Tourism Day events organized by Haryana Tourism, including another trek at Morni Hills and food festivals at renowned tourist spots such as Hotel Rajhans in Faridabad, Tilyar Tourist Resort in Rohtak, and Red Bishop Tourist Resort in Panchkula. These events aim to showcase Haryana’s diverse offerings, from adventure tourism to culinary experiences, they added.

Participants must register on the spot with an online fee of ₹200. Additionally, Haryana Tourism has shared a detailed post on their social media, including a QR code for advance payment. Officials have advised candidates to wear trekking shoes, bring a walking stick if needed, carry rainwear, and bring their own water bottles, among other things. Participants aged 14 or older are also advised to have quick snacks for instant energy.

A view from the top of Aravalli Hills, in Gurugram. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo)

Meanwhile, Kala Ramachandran, principal secretary of the tourism and heritage department, said that the event will appeal to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers. “This trekking event promises an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers. It will spotlight the natural beauty of Haryana, promoting eco-tourism and emphasising the importance of preserving its rich biodiversity,” she added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Leena Dhankhar
Leena Dhankhar is Senior Editor and Bureau Chief, Gurugram, at Hindustan Times, where she has spent over 17 years chronicling the transformation of one of India's fastest-growing urban regions. From starting her career as a crime reporter to leading the Gurugram bureau, her journalism has been defined by investigative reporting, in-depth storytelling and an unwavering focus on public interest. Over nearly two decades, she has reported extensively across crime, politics, civic governance, elections, real estate, environment, courts, sports, education and entertainment, covering Gurugram, Faridabad, Nuh and Palwal. Her reporting has exposed several major scams and systemic failures, including insurance frauds, waste management irregularities, illegal arms manufacturing units in Nuh, illegal mining in the Aravallis, organised crime networks and governance lapses affecting millions of residents. Known for her investigative work and exclusive stories, Leena has reported on high-impact national issues, including the Nicaragua charter flight carrying Indian migrants that was turned back amid allegations of human trafficking, exposing the growing network of illegal immigration rackets. Her work has also focused on gang wars, prison administration, juvenile crime, women and child protection systems, the functioning of the Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committee, and environmental challenges such as pollution, waterlogging and deteriorating civic infrastructure. Beyond hard news, Leena has extensively documented Haryana's rich heritage, forests and wildlife, bringing attention to the state's historical landmarks, biodiversity, conservation efforts and ecological challenges through immersive reportage and feature writing. Her journalism has consistently gone beyond breaking news. She has documented Gurugram's rapid urbanisation through long-form narratives and enterprise reporting on issues ranging from pothole-ridden roads, flooding and waste management to the changing social fabric of India's Millennium City. She also writes widely read feature columns, including The Outsider, Changemaker, and Concern for Gurugram, profiling people, places and ideas shaping the city's identity. Leena is the author of Gurugram School Murder, published by Juggernaut Books, a deeply reported account of one of India's most high-profile school murder investigations. She is currently working on her second book, an investigative work exploring some of India's most significant scams and fraud investigations. Beyond print journalism, she has expanded her storytelling through public speaking and digital media. She is a TEDx speaker and has produced podcasts exploring Gurugram's transformation, civic challenges and untold stories. Her work reflects a commitment to narrative journalism that combines rigorous reporting with compelling storytelling. A law graduate with an MBA in Human Resources, Leena brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her reporting, particularly on governance, public policy and legal affairs. She has travelled extensively across India to pursue investigative assignments, often reporting from remote locations and conflict-prone areas in search of stories that matter.Read More