Kingdom of Dreams, Gurgaon

Visiting Kingdom of Dreams had been on my mind for some time. I had seen so many ads and photos about the place, even more popularized by Bollywood stars. They even roped in Shah Rukh Khan, the king of endorsement to be the face of their brand. The first of its kind in India and also called the first 'live entertainment and leisure destination,' this place has lots of things to offer, if you are planning a trip for the first time. The magnitude of events and the grandness of the place will surprise you and take you to a world that looks more like dreams, than reality.

I had done some research about the place, so finding the place wasn't much of a problem. I took a metro till IFFCO Chowk, located on the yellow line. From here Kingdom of Dreams is just few minutes walk away or 20 Rs ride by Paddle Rickshaw. It will be good to note that the place opens only at 1 pm. 

Entry fee is cheaper on Weekdays. On weekdays (Monday-Friday) an entry fee cost Rs. 500, where as it cost Rs. 750 on weekends. I didn't know this before but I saved at least Rs. 250 by going on Wednesday. And of course, the Kingdom is less crowded on Weekdays. Each entry fee of Rs. 500 includes an entry fee of Rs. 100 and spend value of Rs. 350, which has to be spend on the same day at the Kingdom. No refunding is available except for that remaining Rs. 50, whether you spend it or not. But spending is not a worry. There are lots of places to eat and shop. This is only for the Culture Gully. Entry fees for live performances and other shows at Nautanki Mahal can be quite expensive, with tickets ranging from Rs. 1500- 6000. Currently they are showing the first Musical called Zangoora-The Gypsy Prince, which also stars some well known Bollywood actors.

Folk singers performing at the entrance.

The Christmas tree put up for Christmas was still there and it made for a grand sight.

Kingdom of Dreams is built on the theme, 'A spectacle so grand it can fit only in your dreams'.  The place is a showcase of India itself. It is like creating smaller India at a confined place. The whole place comprises of many places we are proud off as Indians; like the replicas of Lal Qila of Delhi, Truck from Punjab, Mumbai's train, Chennai's temples, beaches of Goa, huts and boats of Kerala, Rajasthani dances etc. 

China Town

Dance in progress. The street cum Restaurant comes alive with music and dance from different States after each interval. You can enjoy it as you enjoy your meal, but the top view from the bridge is a better one. 

Decorative items are popular here. Shopping for small gift items can be very interesting. It is one good way of spending your time here. My plan was to cover all the shops before sitting down for a hearty meal. But I soon found out the place was expensive and not the friendliest place for shopping. But it is still worth.

Expensive vase with Indian designs and paintings displayed at a shop.

Is it London bridge? This place has many popular landmarks and building if you see it carefully.  I spent a great part of my time admiring all the installations. 

'Dreamy' is the most appropriate word I can think of when I'm Inside it. They' used cutting edge technology to create a place that is in every bit looks like projection of our dreams. Here at the far corner of the Kingdom is a little Goa where you can get a feel of the sandy beaches, just about sunset.

Now, I've explored every shops and restaurant. There are Spas of Goa, Astrologers and Palmist and Ayurveda Products from Kerala to add spice to the great collection of pavilions and stores. You can go for your own choice and decide where to sit down for your much awaited meal. The only problem is that you can become indecisive at the huge number of restaurants. People looking for western food will be disappointed as there are no popular fast food joints. 

Enjoying a bhangra performance from the bridge after a good cup of masala tea at the Madras Pavilion was quite relishing.  There's something jovial about the atmosphere. After a good meal and a tea I still have some balance in my card so i decided to buy a gift for myself. I went to the cup shop and bought a broad mouth cup, by refilling some money into the card. Refilling the card is done at the Rajasthan counter. Some shops accept Debit Cards and Credit Cards but no cash at all. In case of cash you have to refill your entry card for the amount you want. 

A vintage car displayed outside the Kingdom of dreams completes my visual bonanza tour. On the whole, the place was expensive but was worth every bit of the penny. How many times do we get to see a place like this? This is a moments to remember. So take a nice camera along with you (Photography is allowed) and make the most of your visit.

How to Reach: IFFCO Chowk Metro Station, yellow Line. It is just walking distance from here. (Or Rs. 20 by Rickshaw if you don't wish to walk).