India doesn’t yet have a Disneyland, sure, but we do have plenty of other amusement and theme parks. Aparna Sundaresan lists the more edgy ones that offer a unique experience
India doesn’t yet have a Disneyland, sure, but we do have plenty of other amusement and theme parks. Aparna Sundaresan lists the more edgy ones that offer a unique experience ndia’s most recognisable amusement park is EsselWorld in Mumbai, probably because it is India’s first. Since its inception, a number of parks have spawned, each promising a different experience to visitors. Roller coasters are fun and all, but their novelty fades if they’re run-of-themill. An amusement park should be able to do just what it promises – amuse you all the time. With that in mind, let’s look at some parks that fulfil that promise.
KINGDOM OF DREAMS, GURGAON
With that kind of name, it serves to up the ante, but Kingdom of Dreams is less about fulfilling your whimsical dreams and more about presenting the colourful chaos that is India. Art, culture, heritage, traditions, crafts, cuisine and performing arts are on display here.
Don’t miss: Showshaa Theatre. The website describes it as “a fabulous, colourful drama marquee spotlighting Indian mythology productions, a mock wedding show and the great Indian talent circus.”
How to get there: Delhi Metro, Yellow Line. Closest station is IFFCO Chowk.
Tickets: Rs. 700 for Culture Gully
Days open: Tuesday to Sunday, 1 pm to 1 am
NICCO PARK, KOLKATA
Nicco Park is an amusement park with a slight difference – it has interesting artefacts on display in addition to its rides, some of which are a decommissioned MIG-21, a replica of the Eiffel Tower and a 40 foot high waterfall, among others. The park attempts to be educational as well as entertaining. The scientific principle behind every ride is explained to visitors on signboards and placards.
Don’t miss: The Cyclone – so far India’s biggest wooden roller coaster with a track of 750 m. Impressive enough to win it awards.
How to get there: Take bus RT-122 from Amhear Street and change to bus AS-2 at 13 No Tank.
Tickets: Rs. 130 per head which includes 8 rides. Rs. 430 for all attractions in the main park.
Days open: Open on all days except Holi, 10:45 am to 7:30 pm.
WONDERLA, BANGALORE
Wonderla makes it to the top 10 lists of best parks in India and Asia. And with good reason. It is indeed world class in its attractions. Wonderla has a ton of rides, both land and water based, and caters to small children as well. The draw for families is the clear and pristine waters in the park.
Don’t miss: The Rain Disco, an indoor dance floor with psychedelic laser lights and a rain machine that showers warm water.
How to get there: Drive from Bangalore. It’s 30 km away on the Bangalore-Mysore highway.
Tickets: Rs. 590 on weekdays, Rs. 730 on weekends, Rs. 790 during peak season
Days open: Monday to Friday, 11 am to 6 pm. Weekends, holidays and festival time 11 am to 7 pm.
RAMOJI FILM CITY, HYDERABAD
It’s in the name… Ramoji Film City is a massive film studio. The difference is that its sets are permanent. Under one roof you will find airports, railway stations, hospitals, libraries, schools and more. At the same time, Ramoji also has a multitude of rides and other fantasy sets.
Don’t miss: The demo at Action Studio – a hilarious demonstration of how films are made, from shooting to special effects and dubbing to editing.
How to get there: Buses from Pochampally, Hyderabad, operated by Andhra Pradesh Tourism take you straight to the park.
Tickets: Starting from Rs. 400 per head for a guided tour
Days open: Everyday, 9 am to 5:30 pm.
ADLABS IMAGICA, KHOPOLI
When in Mumbai, EsselWorld is the obvious choice, but we’d like to recommend the new kid on the block Adlabs Imagica to avoid the beenthere- done-that feeling. As a theme park, all its rides and attractions are themed – Bollywood, pirates, Arabian Nights, monsters, magic and more. The majority of its rides are indoor.
Don’t miss: The Mr India ride – a 4D simulation of flying through the park with Mr India by your side.
How to get there: Khopoli is accessible via the local train network. A free shuttle runs from Khopoli station to the park.
Tickets: Rs. 1300 for college students on weekdays, Rs. 1500 on weekends and holidays; Rs. 1500 for other adult visitors on weekdays, Rs. 1900 on weekends and holidays
Days open: Everyday. Weekdays 11 am to 8 pm (rides close at 7 pm), weekends 11 am to 9 pm (rides close at 8 pm).
Volume 3 Issue 12
