Recently, Bollywood actors Ananya Pandey and Aditya Roy Kapoor were spotted indulging in a joyful ice-skating session in the heart of London, in a delightful escapade captured by paparazzi cameras. The picture, which showed the actors skating over the ice while dressed in winter clothes and holding hands, went viral on social media and gave the wintry British capital a dash of Bollywood glamour.
Now, if you’re someone who wishes to experience the joy of ice skating, you don’t have to go all the way to Europe or some other faraway land. There are several destinations in India where you can try ice skating. We've curated a list of India's finest indoor and outdoor destinations where you can experience the joy of ice skating.
iSKATE, spanning an impressive 15,000 square feet, is a premier entertainment hub featuring a vibrant bar, a karaoke area, a cosy café, and, notably, a large ice skating rink that can comfortably accommodate up to 150 skaters. It's perfectly fine if you're not the best skater (especially on ice). Experienced instructors are always on hand to guide and support you. Skating sessions here are an hour long and can be booked individually.
Ice skating in Gulmarg is a winter season highlight, offering a thrilling experience for both beginners and experienced skaters alike. Although you can try ice skating in Gulmarg from December to March, January usually offers the best conditions. The enchanting frozen lakes and ice rinks of Gulmarg transform into a winter wonderland, perfect for this exhilarating sport.
Nestled in the picturesque town of Shimla, this outdoor ice skating rink holds the distinction of being the only natural ice skating rink in India that's easily accessible. Established in 1920, the Shimla Ice Skating Club not only stands as the oldest of its kind in India but also in South East Asia. The rink in Shimla attracts numerous enthusiasts from across the nation, drawn by its unique charm and historical significance. Owing to the sport's immense popularity in the area, the Ice Skating Club of Shimla organises an annual ice skating festival each winter, celebrating this beloved winter activity amidst the scenic beauty of Shimla.
The heart of Auli's ice skating experience is the Auli Artificial Lake, strategically positioned to freeze during the winter, transforming into a naturally occurring ice rink. Surrounded by snow-covered pine trees set against the backdrop of Nanda Devi, India's second-highest mountain, the Auli Ice Skating Rink is not merely a recreational venue but also a visual masterpiece.
Hosting the annual National Ice Skating Championship, the rink in Auli earns nationwide acclaim. During this prestigious event, the ice surface turns into a dynamic stage where top skaters from across India converge, showcasing their skills and competing at the highest level. This event not only highlights the rink's significance in the sporting world but also adds to the allure of Auli as a premier destination for ice skating enthusiasts.
This large skating rink in Bangalore is great for skating about in the afternoon or evening. Additionally, there's a nearby Snow Park where you can make snowmen and play in the snow.
If you're new to ice skating, there's no cause for concern! The friendly staff at Bangalore's Snow City are eager to assist beginners. They provide quick and helpful skating lessons, after which you can practice at your own pace or enjoy the experience with friends.
The land of dreams and seas is also home to one of India's most technologically advanced ice rinks. Nestled within the bustling Phoenix Marketcity Mall in Kurla, Snow World stands as a haven for snow sports aficionados. Since its inception in 2012, this amusement zone has been a hotspot for those seeking a slice of winter wonderland. Activities available to visitors include snowboarding, ice sliding, snow sledging, snow play, and an indoor ice skating rink.
Frozen Planet stands out as a premier ice skating destination in India, located in the heart of Guwahati, Assam. This rink is a highlight within the region's first-ever snow-themed park, offering a unique experience. Engineered to maintain temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celsius, the ice skating arena is capable of accommodating at least 50 skaters simultaneously.