Tourism

Event Timeline The Haryana Government has officially initiated the countdown to the First Haryana Bird Festival 2026, a multi-week eco-tourism celebration dedicated to birdlife and nature tourism.📍 Scheduled Dates: 2 February – 21 February 2026📍 Focus Locations: These wetlands attract vast numbers of migratory and resident birds, making them ideal sites for birdwatching and wildlife interest events. 🌍 Purpose and Vision The festival is part of Haryana’s broader eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation strategy, intended to: ✅ Promote sustainable tourism in natural habitats✅ Highlight the importance of wetlands as biodiversity hotspots✅ Attract nature lovers, birders, photographers, and families✅ Boost local tourism economies through organized visits and guided activities✅ Raise awareness about environmental protection and habitat preservation By focusing on birdwatching, the government aims to showcase the rich avian diversity found in this region — especially during the peak migratory season when hundreds of species arrive from colder climates. 📍 Key Locations 🪶 Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary 🌾 Bhindawas Lake (Jhajjar District) Both sites serve both educational and tourism purposes, providing a setting where nature appreciation meets adventure tourism. 📌 Scheduled Activities The festival features a range of activities designed to engage visitors of all ages and experience levels: 🐦 Guided Birdwatching Tours 📷 Photography Workshops 🎤 Educational Seminars 🚶 Nature Walks & Interpretation Trails 🐣 Species and Wildlife Highlights During the festival, visitors can expect to see a variety of resident and migratory birds, including: Such gatherings create a dynamic natural spectacle — ideal for birdwatchers, students, photographers, and eco-tourists alike. 🌿 Eco-Tourism & Conservation Impact This festival plays a strategic role in: 🌱 Supporting Local Tourism 🦆 Promoting Environmental Awareness 🐢 Strengthening Protected Area Management 🚶‍♀️ Who Should Attend? This festival is ideal for:

Event Organiser and Venue The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) — the official tourism promotion body of Japan — organised the Japan Travel Fair 2026 in Gurugram (Haryana) at Ambience Mall. The two-day event was held on 31 January and 1 February 2026, running from 11 AM to 9 PM each day. Entry was free for all visitors, making it easily accessible to travel enthusiasts and families alike. 🎯 Purpose and Focus Unlike a business-only trade show, this fair was consumer-focused and designed to inspire and educate Indian travellers about visiting Japan. Its main objectives were to: 🛫 Exhibitors and Participants The fair brought together major partners from both Japan and India, including: Together, they provided visitors with detailed information on flight options, tour packages, seasonal itineraries, and regional highlights across Japan. 🎎 Cultural Experiences & Activities To create an engaging and inviting atmosphere — not just a standard expo — the event was themed around “Japanese Ennichi”, a concept inspired by traditional Japanese festival fairs. Visitors were able to enjoy: 💡 Visitor Benefits For attendees — especially those considering travel to Japan — the fair offered: ✅ Free access to expert planners and on-site travel advice✅ Brochures and itinerary ideas covering Japan’s major regions✅ Direct contact with airlines, rail services, and tour operators✅ Cultural interactions that illustrated Japanese traditions and travel highlights 📈 Impact on Tourism The Japan Travel Fair 2026 played a role in strengthening India-Japan tourism engagement by:

What has happened?The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has officially opened Ginger Gurugram, Sector 1, a new mid-scale hotel located in Palam Vihar, Gurugram, Haryana. This launch took place in January 2026 and marks a key step in IHCL’s expansion strategy for its Ginger brand. 📍 Location & Positioning 🛏️ Hotel Features & Facilities Ginger Gurugram offers a contemporary, customer-centric design focused on comfort and convenience: ✅ 59 Modern Guest Rooms 🏊‍♂️ Leisure & Recreation 🧑‍💼 Business & Meetings 🍽️ Dining 🏙️ Why This Matters for Gurugram’s Tourism 📈 Boost to Mid-Scale Tourism 👔 Corporate Travel Friendly 👩‍💼 Local Economy & Jobs 💼 Part of Larger Strategic Growth The launch of Ginger Gurugram is part of IHCL’s broader expansion plan under a framework agreement to develop 7 new Ginger hotels across north India, adding over 1,000 rooms in cities such as Jaipur, Agra, Mathura, Vrindavan, Hisar and Karnal. This broader rollout reflects:

Sultanpur National Park has emerged as a prime destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers this season, witnessing a sharp rise in weekend visitors. Located around 15 km from Gurugram, the park is one of North India’s most important bird habitats, especially during the winter migratory season. 🐦 Surge in Migratory Birds With the onset of the migratory season, several bird species have arrived from: Commonly spotted species include: This seasonal arrival has significantly boosted tourism activity in the region. 📈 Rise in Weekend Tourism Forest officials reported: Birdwatching enthusiasts from Delhi-NCR are making short trips to the park for wildlife photography and peaceful nature experiences. 🌿 Importance of Sultanpur National Park The park spreads across approximately 140+ hectares and features: It plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and providing a safe habitat for both migratory and resident bird species. 📸 Popular Activities for Visitors The winter months are considered the best time to visit due to maximum bird activity. 🌱 Responsible Tourism Measures With increased tourist numbers, forest authorities are emphasizing: Officials are encouraging visitors to maintain cleanliness and avoid feeding or disturbing wildlife. 💼 Economic & Local Impact The rise in tourism has benefited: Eco-tourism initiatives are expected to further boost sustainable development in nearby villages. 📅 Best Time to Visit 📌 Conclusion Sultanpur National Park continues to strengthen its reputation as a must-visit eco-tourism destination near Gurugram. While the surge in birdwatchers is positive for local tourism, authorities are focusing on balancing growth with environmental protection to preserve this natural sanctuary for future generations.

Damdama Lake witnessed an unprecedented surge in tourist activity this weekend, drawing families, corporate groups, and adventure enthusiasts from across Delhi-NCR. Located at the foothills of the Aravalli range, the lake has become one of the most popular short getaway destinations near Gurugram. 📈 Record-Breaking Footfall According to local tourism operators: The pleasant weather and rising interest in outdoor activities have contributed to the spike in footfall. 🚣 Popular Activities at the Lake Visitors engaged in a wide range of recreational and adventure activities, including: ✔ Boating & Kayaking Paddle boating and kayaking remain top attractions for families and couples. ✔ Camping & Bonfire Nights Overnight camping packages with tent stays and cultural programs are in high demand. ✔ Rock Climbing & Rappelling The nearby Aravalli hills offer safe adventure sports supervised by trained instructors. ✔ Nature Walks & Photography The scenic landscape attracts photographers and birdwatchers. 🌄 Why Damdama Lake is Gaining Popularity The location offers a refreshing escape from urban traffic and pollution. 🌱 Eco-Tourism Initiatives Planned With the increase in visitors, authorities are now planning eco-tourism initiatives to protect the fragile Aravalli ecosystem. Proposed measures include: Officials aim to maintain the natural charm while promoting sustainable tourism. 🏕 Boost to Local Economy The tourism surge has positively impacted: Small businesses in nearby villages have also reported increased revenue during weekends. ⚠ Challenges & Safety Measures Authorities have deployed: Safety guidelines have been reinforced to ensure smooth visitor management. 📌 Conclusion Damdama Lake is rapidly emerging as a preferred weekend destination for Delhi-NCR residents. While the rise in tourism is boosting the local economy, authorities are focused on maintaining ecological balance through sustainable development initiatives.