India’s First Disneyland-Style Theme Park Proposed in Manesar, Haryana

In a move aimed at positioning Haryana as a prominent destination for tourism and infrastructure development, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has announced the proposal to develop India’s first Disneyland-style amusement park in Manesar. The park is proposed to be built across 500 acres near Pachgaon Chowk, situated along the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway and the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor.

The initiative seeks to create a large-scale entertainment hub within the National Capital Region (NCR), leveraging Manesar’s proximity to Delhi and its growing commercial significance. During a recent meeting with Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, CM Saini described the proposal as a strategic move that aligns with the state’s long-term vision for tourism and economic development.

The proposed site lies within Gurugram district, an area already known for its industrial base and corporate presence. CM Saini stated that the selection of Manesar was based on factors such as logistical accessibility, urban infrastructure, and the potential to complement other ongoing developments like the Global City project.

According to the Chief Minister, the entertainment park is expected to generate large-scale employment, both direct and indirect. It is also likely to increase demand for hospitality, retail, and transport services in the surrounding region. Saini emphasised that the state plans to create an enabling ecosystem around the project to facilitate its smooth execution, including necessary support infrastructure.

The amusement park would become the first of its kind in India modeled after international Disney-style theme parks. Currently, Disneyland parks are operational in California and Florida in the United States, as well as in Paris, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. No official confirmation has been made regarding the involvement of the Walt Disney Company in the Manesar project.

Beyond entertainment infrastructure, the Haryana government is also focusing on cultural and spiritual tourism to broaden the state’s appeal. Saini announced plans to expand the Surajkund Mela into a multi-event cultural platform. In addition to the current annual fair, the state proposes to host two more annual events at Surajkund, a Diwali Mela and a Book Fair.

These events are intended to provide wider exposure to local artisans, folk artists, and cultural performers from both India and abroad. The Surajkund Mela already attracts participants from across states and countries and serves as a showcase of regional crafts and traditions. The government hopes that expanding such platforms will further boost tourism and cultural exchange.

In a related effort, the state also seeks central assistance to scale up the International Gita Mahotsav, a religious and cultural event held annually in Kurukshetra. CM Saini expressed the government’s intent to establish Haryana as a spiritual tourism destination and stated that the Mahotsav has the potential to attract pilgrims and cultural tourists from around the world. A request has been made to the Union Tourism Ministry for financial and logistical support to expand the event's reach and quality.

The twin focus on entertainment and cultural tourism is part of Haryana’s broader tourism development strategy. With key infrastructure corridors passing through the region and increasing investor interest in Gurugram and nearby areas, the state government appears to be positioning itself for major tourism-linked economic activity in the coming years.

Further details regarding timelines, investment sources, and private participation in the proposed amusement park are expected to be announced once the project framework is finalised.