Kingdom of Dreams History, Hidden Gems, Best Time to Visit and Photography
Located at
close to Delhi
Delhi
Kingdom of Dreams is a large, vibrant entertainment complex located in Gurgaon, India. It offers a mix of theatrical performances, live shows, and unique experiences. The venue is known for its two main theaters: Nautanki Mahal, which hosts large-scale Broadway-style musicals, and Showshaa Theater, which offers a variety of performances and events. The complex also features a food street with global cuisines, a shopping area, and themed restaurants that reflect Indian culture. It provides a complete, immersive entertainment experience for families and tourists.
Kingdom of Dreams is a premier entertainment destination in Gurgaon, India, offering a blend of world-class performances, live shows, and a variety of immersive experiences. It is one of the countrys most popular spots for theatrical entertainment, blending art, culture, and modern technology.
Key Features:
- Nautanki Mahal:
- A grand theater inspired by Indian culture, designed to host large-scale musicals and theater performances. It is known for its stunning sets and advanced technology, providing a Broadway-style experience. Famous shows like Zangoora and Jhumroo have been performed here.
- Showshaa Theater:
- A more intimate venue for various performances, including musicals, comedy shows, and dance performances. It also hosts themed events that highlight Indian culture.
- Culinary Experiences:
- The Culture Gully, an indoor street offering a diverse range of regional and international cuisines, with live food stations, creating a vibrant food culture atmosphere.
- Cultural Experiences:
- The venue showcases the fusion of modern entertainment with Indian traditions, presenting a variety of musical, dance, and theatrical performances from across the country.
- Themed Restaurants:
- Kingdom of Dreams is home to several unique, themed dining experiences that match its cultural and entertainment offerings, allowing guests to enjoy a multi-sensory experience.
- Technology Integration:
- The venue uses state-of-the-art technology in staging performances, including impressive lighting, sound systems, and special effects to enhance the viewing experience.
- Interactive Shows:
- Apart from theatrical productions, Kingdom of Dreams hosts live, interactive performances that engage the audience in unique ways.
Kingdom of Dreams was conceived as a one-of-a-kind entertainment destination, bringing together global theatrical experiences with the essence of Indian culture. It was established by Apra Group and Wiz Khalifa Group in collaboration with the Rajasthan State Government.
The foundation stone of the Kingdom of Dreams was laid in 2006, and after several years of planning, designing, and construction, it officially opened to the public in 2010. Located in Gurgaon, near the national capital, Delhi, it quickly became a landmark for entertainment in India.
Milestones in its History:
- Opening in 2010:
Kingdom of Dreams opened its doors with the aim of offering an immersive, world-class entertainment experience blending Indian culture with international production values. It was designed to rival global entertainment hubs.
- Introduction of Major Shows:
The first big show, Zangoora – The Gypsy Prince, premiered in 2010 and became a major success, drawing in large crowds. It was Indias largest theatrical production at the time, featuring elaborate sets, technology, and performances inspired by Broadway musicals. This set the stage for future productions.
- Partnerships with Global Talent:
Kingdom of Dreams has collaborated with international talents and production companies to enhance the quality of its offerings, bringing global standards to Indian audiences.
- Expansion of Offerings:
Over the years, it expanded its offerings beyond musicals. The Culture Gully was added to the complex, featuring a wide variety of Indian cuisines, regional performances, and themed dining, creating an all-encompassing cultural experience.
- Continuous Evolution:
Kingdom of Dreams continues to evolve, with new shows and experiences regularly being introduced to cater to changing tastes and trends. It has hosted a variety of performances, from Bollywood-inspired plays to musical revues and cultural events.
Best Time to Visit Kingdom of Dreams:
The best time to visit Kingdom of Dreams is during the winter months (October to March). The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the experience without the discomfort of the summer heat. The weekends, particularly Friday to Sunday, tend to be the busiest, so if you prefer a less crowded experience, visiting on a weekday can be more enjoyable.
Things to Do & Attractions at Kingdom of Dreams:
- Watch a Musical or Theatrical Show:
- The main attraction of Kingdom of Dreams is its live theatrical performances. The Nautanki Mahal theater hosts large-scale Broadway-style musicals, such as Zangoora and Jhumroo. These shows are known for their grand sets, elaborate costumes, and high-energy performances, blending traditional Indian themes with global theater.
- Showshaa Theater features smaller performances that showcase Indian art forms, comedies, and musicals, making it a more intimate experience.
- Explore the Culture Gully:
- Culture Gully is an indoor, air-conditioned food street that offers authentic regional cuisines from across India. Its a unique experience to try dishes from different states, all under one roof. The ambiance is colorful and vibrant, and the area often has live performances, traditional dance, and music, giving visitors a rich cultural experience.
- You can also explore themed restaurants within the Culture Gully, where the décor and ambiance reflect the traditional styles of different regions of India.
- Interactive and Themed Dining Experiences:
- Enjoy a themed dining experience at one of the several restaurants within Kingdom of Dreams. The Mughal Mahal restaurant, for example, provides a royal dining experience with traditional Mughal décor and food, while other venues offer varied Indian and international cuisines.
- Shop for Unique Souvenirs:
- Kingdom of Dreams has various souvenir shops that sell traditional Indian handicrafts, cultural artifacts, and other unique items. You can pick up a piece of Indian culture to take home.
- Attend Special Events and Festivals:
- Kingdom of Dreams also hosts festivals, cultural events, and seasonal shows, so check their calendar before your visit to see if any special performances or festivals coincide with your trip.
- Visit for a Themed Festival:
- Depending on the time of year, you may experience festivals like Diwali or Navratri, with specific performances or events planned around these occasions. The atmosphere is often festive, and you may even witness special cultural performances.
- Catch International Acts:
- Occasionally, international performers or global entertainment acts may perform at Kingdom of Dreams. Its worth checking their calendar for any special performances that could be unique to your visit.
Tips:
- Book in Advance: Since some of the shows, especially the big ones like Zangoora and Jhumroo, are quite popular, its recommended to book your tickets in advance.
- Arrive Early: Arriving early will give you enough time to explore Culture Gully and enjoy a leisurely meal before heading to your show.
Photography at Kingdom of Dreams:
- Photography Rules:
Photography is generally allowed in the public areas, such as Culture Gully (the food street) and outside the main theaters, but its typically restricted during performances to avoid disruptions. Flash photography is discouraged in the theaters, and in some shows, photography and videography may be prohibited entirely.
- Tips:
If youre planning to take pictures, make sure to ask the staff for any specific restrictions before snapping shots. The brightly colored decor of Culture Gully and the grandeur of the theaters make for some fantastic photo opportunities.
Entry Fee at Kingdom of Dreams:
The entry fee for Kingdom of Dreams varies depending on the shows and activities you wish to participate in. The general pricing includes:
- Entry to Culture Gully:
- Entry to Culture Gully (the food street and shopping area) is usually free. However, you may need to pay for food and drinks or any special performances within the area.
- Theater Shows:
- Musicals (e.g., Zangoora or Jhumroo) have specific ticket pricing that can range from INR 1,000 to INR 3,500 or more, depending on the seating category (VIP, Premium, etc.) and show timings.
- Smaller Performances or other cultural shows may have a different pricing structure.
- Packages:
- Sometimes, combo tickets or packages for both shows and Culture Gully access may be available at discounted rates. Its always a good idea to check the official website for updates on any deals or offers.
Safety Tips for Visitors:
- Follow Show Guidelines:
Be attentive to the safety guidelines given by staff before entering theaters. Some performances may have special instructions about seating, exits, and audience behavior.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing & Footwear:
The venue involves a lot of walking, especially when exploring the sprawling complex. Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended.
- Hydrate & Eat Well:
The performances may last for a couple of hours, and youll likely spend time in Culture Gully as well. Make sure you drink plenty of water and grab a snack or meal before your show.
- Maintain Social Distancing & Hygiene (If applicable):
In light of the pandemic, its advisable to adhere to any health and safety protocols in place. Carry sanitizers and wear masks if necessary.
- Guard Your Belongings:
Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas like the food court or the theater lobby. Kingdom of Dreams is a popular tourist spot, so its important to remain aware of your surroundings.
Famous Food at Kingdom of Dreams:
- Regional Indian Cuisine at Culture Gully:
Culture Gully is an indoor food street featuring diverse regional cuisines from across India. Here are some popular items you must try:
- Chole Bhature (Punjab) – A popular North Indian dish with spicy chickpeas served with large fried bread (bhature).
- Kathi Rolls (Kolkata) – A street food favorite, rolled with flavorful fillings like chicken, mutton, or paneer.
- Dosa (South India) – Thin, crispy rice pancakes served with a variety of chutneys and sambar.
- Tandoori Delights (North India) – Grilled kebabs, tandoori chicken, and other tandoori specialties.
- Biryani (Hyderabad) – Aromatic rice and meat dish, perfect for those craving a flavorful meal.
- Mughlai Cuisine:
- If youre a fan of Mughlai food, try the Mughlai-inspired dishes like kebabs, biryani, and Naan with curries at the themed restaurants. The Mughal Mahal restaurant offers an excellent royal dining experience.
- Street Food:
- Pani Puri or Gol Gappa – A fun, tangy, and crunchy street food snack.
- Dhokla (Gujarat) – A savory steamed cake made from rice and chickpea flour.
- Fusion and International Cuisine:
- Besides Indian, there are also options for international cuisine like Italian pizza, Chinese food, and Continental dishes.
- Sweets and Desserts:
- Dont forget to try Indian sweets like Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, or Rasgulla for a sweet ending to your meal.
Final Tips:
- Make sure to book your tickets and meals in advance during peak hours or seasons, especially weekends.
- Take time to enjoy the ambiance of Culture Gully, which not only offers food but also various cultural activities like live music and dance performances.
- Enjoy the variety of food offerings from different parts of India and savor the regional flavors on offer!
Kingdom of Dreams is located in Gurgaon (now known as Gurugram), Haryana, India, near the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi. It is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Heres how you can reach Kingdom of Dreams:
By Metro:
The most convenient way to reach Kingdom of Dreams is by the Delhi Metro.
- Nearest Metro Station:
- The closest metro station is Huda City Centre Metro Station (Yellow Line), which is about 1 km from Kingdom of Dreams.
- From the metro station, you can either walk to Kingdom of Dreams or take an auto-rickshaw/taxi to the venue.
- Metro Details:
- You can board the Yellow Line of the Delhi Metro from central locations in Delhi, like Connaught Place or Rajiv Chowk, and travel directly to Huda City Centre.
By Car / Taxi / Ride-Sharing:
If you prefer a more direct route, you can drive or book a taxi or use ride-sharing apps like Ola or Uber.
- From Delhi:
- Distance: Around 30-35 km from central Delhi (e.g., Connaught Place).
- Travel Time: It takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic.
- From Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi):
- Distance: Around 15 km.
- Travel Time: Approximately 25–30 minutes by car.
- From Nearby Hotels in Gurgaon:
- Kingdom of Dreams is located in Sector 29 in Gurgaon, so if you are staying at hotels in the vicinity, its a very short distance (about 10 minutes) to the venue.
By Bus:
You can also take a public bus to Kingdom of Dreams.
- Private buses or Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses frequently operate from various parts of Delhi to Gurgaon.
- You can disembark at Huda City Centre and take a short auto-rickshaw ride to Kingdom of Dreams.
By Auto Rickshaw / Cycle Rickshaw:
Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are readily available from nearby metro stations or major roads in Gurgaon. You can hire one to reach Kingdom of Dreams, especially from Huda City Centre metro station.
By Local Train:
There is a local train station called Gurgaon Railway Station, which is around 7-8 km away from Kingdom of Dreams. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw, taxi, or bus to the venue.
Landmarks to Help Navigate:
- Kingdom of Dreams is located near Sahara Mall and Gurgaon Huda City Centre. You can ask locals for directions using these landmarks.
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