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Damdama Lake

3.6
·3k reviews·, India

A serene man-made reservoir surrounded by Aravalli hills, offering boating and a peaceful escape near Gurgaon.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Monsoon mornings

Fuller lake, lush greenery

CrowdMedium
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beautiful landscape

Damdama Lake

Best Time

Monsoon mornings

Fuller lake, lush greenery

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene man-made reservoir surrounded by Aravalli hills, offering boating and a peaceful escape near Gurgaon.

3.6
(3k reviews)

"A peaceful weekend getaway near Gurgaon, surrounded by greenery and natural beauty."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Road Conditions

The 4-5 km stretch from the highway can be rough. Drive carefully, especially after rain. :car:

💰 Entry & Activity Fees

Expect entry fees and charges for activities like camel rides and boating. Budget accordingly. :moneywithwings:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boating on the Lake

Boating on the Lake

Main lake area

Enjoy a serene boat ride, taking in the surrounding hills and the vast expanse of water. A classic Damdama experience.

Sunset Views

Sunset Views

Lake periphery

Witness a beautiful sunset painting the sky with vibrant colors over the tranquil waters. A photographer's delight.

Picnic Spot

Picnic Spot

Designated areas

Pack a basket and enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst the natural beauty. A perfect family or friends' outing.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit during the monsoon for a fuller lake, but be prepared for muddy roads. Early mornings offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it ideal for a peaceful experience. Weekends can get busy, so weekdays are best for a relaxed outing.

Manage Expectations

While Damdama Lake offers boating and some activities, reviews suggest water levels can be low outside monsoon. Facilities might not be top-notch, so focus on the natural beauty and a relaxed atmosphere rather than extensive entertainment.

Best Times

When
Monsoon mornings
Why
Fuller lake, lush greenery
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather, sunset
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Damdama lake for one day visit

🚗 Road Conditions

The 4-5 km stretch from the highway can be rough. Drive carefully, especially after rain. :car:

💰 Entry & Activity Fees

Expect entry fees and charges for activities like camel rides and boating. Budget accordingly. :moneywithwings:

reddit.com

Are Aravali hills unsafe?

💧 Water Levels

Lake levels vary. Visit during or just after monsoon for the best water experience. :droplet:

⏰ Visit Early

Arrive early morning for cooler weather and a more tranquil experience. :sunrise:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Road Conditions

The 4-5 km stretch from the highway can be rough. Drive carefully, especially after rain. :car:

💰 Entry & Activity Fees

Expect entry fees and charges for activities like camel rides and boating. Budget accordingly. :moneywithwings:

💧 Water Levels

Lake levels vary. Visit during or just after monsoon for the best water experience. :droplet:

⏰ Visit Early

Arrive early morning for cooler weather and a more tranquil experience. :sunrise:

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Consider bringing your own food as on-site options can be pricey. :sandwich:

What Travellers Say

3.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Damdama Lake offers a peaceful natural escape with boating and scenic views, especially during monsoon. However, visitors often note low water levels outside the rainy season, rough access roads, and pricey on-site amenities. It's best visited for a relaxed picnic and boat ride rather than extensive activities.

"Visited today and felt it was a complete waste of money and time. It's July—the peak of monsoon season—but the so-called lake was nothing but a disappointment.
There’s more water on the roads of Delhi right now than in this lake.
No idea why they’re charging ₹250 per person on the name of tubewell bath and a basic rain dance setup."

S.K SHARMA

"Damdama lake used to be a very commonly frequented place to spend the weekend with family, although that time the activities available seemed justified with the surrounding, location etc. 15 years back, the lake area was a bit larger with ample water and larger area to go boating. But now, there's hardly any water. Sure, it may get better with monsoon, but the lake and area is not maintained. The rides and camel ride area is now moved towards the entry of the lake, next to restaurant/room entry. Decent parking space available, @20/40₹ I guess. Camel ride is for 200 for maybe 5-7 min ride (we were 2 adults and a child). Normal swing ride was around ₹100. There's an ice cream stall and a bhutta stall. Roughly a minimum of 1000₹ can be spent in an hour's time without knowing!!! The food and service inside the restaurant is decent, the seating and toilets are clean. Restaurant is properly air conditioned. You can try tea and pakodas, they justify the cost and quality to an extent. To my surprise, they even serve beer. Boating was nice as the weather was pleasant too. Charge was 50₹/person for the big boat driven by oars by the boatsman, for approx 20 min, for a round of the lake. Lake water is quite dirty. All in all, you can skip this place to rather have a nice lunch or maybe go to Delhi and explore some picnic spots. Gurgaon doesn't seem to have any good spots I feel. Although we can spend 2-3 hours on any random weekend, when you can't seem to think of any place. The stretch of 4-5 km once you enter from the highway is bad, roads are not in good condition."

Kriti Maheshwari

"You can spend a max of 2-3 hour and not more than that if you are with a family because there is nothing except boating and a very short camel ride for kids. Would advise you to visit only on Sundays as it empty even on Saturdays. Haryana Tourism Saras Restaurant at the spot is costly but serve a decent edibles."

Nakshab

What People Like

Peaceful natural setting
Boating experience
Sunset views

What People Dislike

Low water levels
Poor road conditions
Expensive food

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Damdama Lake is accessible by road from Gurgaon. The journey takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. You can drive your own vehicle or hire a taxi. The final stretch of road leading to the lake can be in poor condition, so drive cautiously. :car: Reddit

Damdama Lake is about 60-70 km from Delhi, depending on your starting point. The travel time is usually around 1.5 to 2 hours by car. :road:

Public transport options are limited. Hiring a taxi or using a ride-sharing service is the most convenient way to reach Damdama Lake. :taxi:

Reviews suggest that the road leading to Damdama Lake, especially the last few kilometers, can be in bad condition. It's advisable to drive slowly and carefully. :warning:

Taj Damdama is a resort located near Damdama Lake. Its specific location can be found on mapping services, and it's a popular accommodation option for visitors. :hotel: TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is an entry fee for Damdama Lake, which is often around ₹250 per person, though this can vary. It's best to confirm the current rates upon arrival. :ticket: Reddit

Damdama Lake is generally open during daylight hours. For the best experience, visiting in the morning or late afternoon is recommended. Check with local authorities for exact opening and closing times. :clock1:

Currently, there is no widely available online booking system for Damdama Lake entry. Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance. :computer:

The entry fee usually covers access to the lake area. Specific activities like boating, camel rides, or rain dance setups often come with separate charges. :moneywithwings:

Yes, there is a parking fee, which is usually nominal, around ₹20-40. :parking:

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The main attractions include boating, enjoying the scenic views, having a picnic, and sometimes camel rides. It's a good spot for a relaxed day out. :kayak: Reddit

Yes, Damdama Lake offers beautiful natural scenery, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it a good spot for photography. The surrounding hills add to the picturesque views. :camerawithflash:

Restroom facilities might be basic and not always well-maintained. It's advisable to be prepared for this. :toilet:

Water levels can be quite low outside the monsoon season. For a fuller lake experience, visiting during or immediately after the rains is recommended. :droplet: Reddit

While known for boating, other adventure activities might be limited or seasonal. Some reviews mention basic rides like camel rides. :camel:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There's a Haryana Tourism Saras Restaurant on-site that serves decent food, though it can be pricey. Bringing your own picnic is also a popular option. :forkandknife: Reddit

Yes, the on-site restaurant is considered costly by many visitors, but the quality is generally decent. :moneybag:

You might find some local stalls selling snacks like corn (bhutta) and ice cream near the lake entrance. :ice_cream:

Yes, some reviews mention that the on-site restaurant serves beer. :beer:

Tea and pakoras are often recommended as decent options at the Saras Restaurant. :tea:

📸 📸 Photography

The lake itself, especially during sunrise and sunset, offers stunning backdrops. The surrounding Aravalli hills also provide scenic views. :mountain_camera:

Early morning and late afternoon are ideal for photography due to the soft light and beautiful colors during sunrise and sunset. :sunriseovermountains:

The lake's expanse, the boats, and the hilly terrain are the main photographic subjects. The Saras Restaurant area also offers some views. :camera:

Landscape photography, nature photography, and sunset/sunrise shots are highly recommended. :landscape_photography:

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities before flying a drone to avoid any issues. :drone:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Damdama Lake can be a decent outing for families, especially during the monsoon when the lake is fuller. Kids often enjoy the boating and camel rides. The Saras Restaurant offers a place to eat, though packing a picnic is a good idea to save money and ensure variety. Be mindful of the road conditions leading to the lake, and ensure children are supervised, especially near the water. :child:

💰 Budget Travelers

While Damdama Lake has entry and activity fees, it can still be a budget-friendly option if managed wisely. Packing your own food and drinks is highly recommended to avoid the higher costs at the on-site restaurant. Focus on the free activities like enjoying the scenery and a leisurely walk. Boating is relatively affordable per person. :moneywithwings:

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Damdama Lake offers beautiful natural landscapes, particularly during sunrise and sunset. The surrounding Aravalli hills provide a scenic backdrop. The lake itself, with boats and reflections, can make for stunning shots. Visit during the monsoon for vibrant greenery. :camerawithflash:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating to Damdama Lake

Reaching Damdama Lake involves a drive from major cities like Delhi and Gurgaon. While the main highway is generally good, the final stretch of about 4-5 kilometers leading to the lake can be in poor condition, with potholes and uneven surfaces. Travelers often advise driving slowly and cautiously during this part of the journey. Hiring a taxi or using ride-sharing apps are common choices for those without their own vehicles. Public transport is not a readily available option, making private transport the most practical choice for most visitors. :car: Reddit

For those staying nearby, resorts like Taj Gateway Resort Damdama Lake or other hotels near Damdama Lake offer convenient access. It's worth noting that the 'Taj Damdama location' is a popular search term, indicating the prominence of this resort in the area. Planning your route and being prepared for the road conditions can significantly enhance your travel experience to this popular picnic spot. :road:

Activities and Experiences

Damdama Lake is primarily known for its boating facilities. Visitors can enjoy a serene boat ride on the lake, often accompanied by oarsmen, offering a peaceful way to experience the surroundings. The duration of these rides is typically around 20 minutes. While the lake itself is the main attraction, other activities are available, though they might be seasonal or basic. These can include camel rides, which are popular with families and children, and sometimes a rain dance setup during peak monsoon. :kayak: Reddit

Reviews suggest that the lake's water levels can be a concern outside the monsoon season, impacting the overall experience. For those looking for a more relaxed outing, picnics are a popular choice, with designated areas available. The Saras Restaurant, managed by Haryana Tourism, offers dining options, though it's noted for being somewhat expensive. Visitors can enjoy snacks like tea and pakoras, and some reviews mention the availability of beer. :forkandknife: Reddit

Best Times to Visit and Crowd Management

The best time to visit Damdama Lake largely depends on what you're looking for. For a fuller lake and lush greenery, the monsoon season (July to September) is ideal. However, be prepared for potentially muddy roads and higher humidity. Early mornings are highly recommended year-round for a more peaceful experience, with cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. This is particularly beneficial for enjoying activities like boating without long waits. :sunrise:

Weekends, especially Saturdays, tend to be busier with families and groups. If you prefer a quieter visit, weekdays are your best bet. Some reviews suggest that even on Sundays, the crowds might be manageable, but generally, avoiding peak weekend hours will lead to a more relaxed outing. The late afternoon, leading up to sunset, also offers pleasant weather and beautiful lighting for photography. :camerawithflash: Reddit

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