If you are looking to escape the crowded city life, then make your way to the Leopard Trail for a perfect weekend getaway. It is a biking trail with a winding road in the Aravalli Hills in Gurugram (formerly known as Gurgaon). With lush greenery on both sides of the road and its terrain, you get the feel of a hill station and experience the serenity around. The thrill of riding a two-wheeler on this narrow lane is an experience unmatched by any other in and around the bustling city and a reason enough for you to explore this lesser-known area.
This trail was discovered accidentally by some cyclists who took a wrong turn near the Aravallis in search of a safe space for a ride. They ended up in Pandala Village and started visiting it regularly as they found a destination that had the best of hills and desert. Though this trail is mostly frequented by bikers and cyclists, you can also ride through in your four-wheeler with your favourite music playing in the background and stop by one of the many eateries on the way.
What to do on the Leopard Trail?
It is a place you can go to with your friends and family. You can have a picnic or hike up to a safe spot and admire birds like peacocks, doves and parrots that are not easy to find in the city. If you are simply looking to relax, find a spot to enjoy the scenic environment or head to a café for a hearty meal.
How long is the Leopard Trail?
It is a 5.2-kilometre-long trail in Gurugram.
How to reach?
The nearest bus stop is Aravalli Biodiversity Park and Sector 55-56 on the Rapid Metro line is the nearest metro station. You will have to take a cab or an auto to the trail, which is around 20-22 km away. However, the trail is best explored on a two-wheeler.
Cafes around the trail
There are several cafes that you can make a pit stop at. The most popular is Throttle Shrottle which is also a meeting point for avid bikers who mostly stop here for breakfast after their ride. Other cafes you can try are Café Toraa, Beige Café, Rathi Café and Ashoka Hills Jungle Café. These eateries serve a variety of food and drinks, including parathas, pizzas, burgers, omelettes, Maggi, tea and coffee.
Best time to visit
You can visit the Leopard Trail any time of the year. However, summer days can get extremely hot. A precautionary tip is to not visit the trail alone during the night as the road is deserted.
(Hero and feature image credit: Leopardtrailgurgaon.com)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: It is a route surrounded by greenery where you can enjoy riding, hiking or even a picnic. Or visit one of the many cafes that serve delectable Indian cuisine.
Answer: It is not difficult to hike up to the safe spot.
Answer: Yes, according to the Wildlife Institute of India’s report in the year 2017, there are a total of 31 Leopards in the five NCR districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Mewat, Rewari and Mahendragarh.
Answer: You can visit the Leopard Trail any time of the year. However, days during summers can get really hot.
Answer: The closest metro station to the Leopard trail in Aravalli Hills is Sector 55-56 of the Rapid Metro. It is around 18 kilometres away.
Answer: The southern states have the highest number of leopards. Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are home to 31 percent of the leopard population in India.
Answer: The exact number is unknown, however, according to the last official counting done in 2021, there are a total number of 31 leopards in five NCR districts; that are Gurugram, Faridabad, Mewat, Rewari and Mahendragarh.
A post-graduate in journalism and mass communication, Ayushi is a digital writer who has worked with several Indian media organisations, including Times Internet Limited and Zee Media Corporation Limited, in the news, lifestyle and entertainment space. When she's not on her desk, she can be found dancing, trying new restaurants or packing her bags to explore a new destination.
