Date: 12 Aug
Venue: Gurgaon near Manesar

While the city is panting for breath, the outskirts still have the luxury of free space. This is what we realised when we visited Warrior’s Village this Independence Day to celebrate Jashn-E-Azaadi. Warrior’s Village is located near Gurugram, off Manesar.

The drive is quite straightforward. We stuck to NH-8 and then took a left near Manesar. The scenery changed drastically after that. The high rises on both sides of NH-8 gave way to the red coloured foothills of Aravallis. It was monsoon so there was ample greenery punctuating the area. Within no time we were transported from the city to a holiday zone.

When we reached Warrior’s Village, the celebrations were on in full swing and colourful kites dotted the sky. This wide expanse of land was divided in various areas. For adventure lovers, there were rock climbing, rappelling, flying fox etc. They had archery and shooting kiosks in the same area. There was also a pool with kids’ pool and given that it was a hot day, this area was full of people in for a dip.

Post activities, one would obviously be hungry and they had a dedicated kitchen cum dining hall. They had prepared vegetarian fare and we kept sipping buttermilk alongside. Village women were preparing bajra ka roti (millet bread) in a hut outside and this was a great photo-op. The rotis were fresh and tasty and went very well with gur (jaggery) and churma that was laid on the buffet table. It was simple food with a strong rural flavour and provided a break to our urban taste buds.

By this time we were done and tired. Yet how could be leave without taking a ride on the colourful camel cart. This was a first time and we enjoyed the slow bumpy ride on the roads inside Warrior’s Village. There were ponies too and kids were more inclined on having a pony ride. They were also very excited to see a charkha, a pounding wheel and a grinder – things they would have only seen in Social Science text books.

This was a wholesome experience barely an hour from the city. The fresh air here gave a whole new meaning to the word ‘freedom’. No wonder our Jashn-E-Azaadi at Warrior’s Village was such a memorable celebration.

What would make this good experience even better:
1. Cleaner Toilets – The toilets were dirty and ill managed.
2. More Water Stations – For such a big place, having just one water station outside the dining hall is not sufficient.
3. Some sitting arrangement in the activity area where elders can sit while kids are involved in activities