Ice Skating location: Ice-Skating rink, Shimla

Duration: 1- 3 hours

Timings: 8 am to 11 am

Entry fees: ₹ 200 per person/ per hour

Ice- Skating Season: December to February

Age limit: Above 6 years

About Shimla

Shimla, encased in Rhododendron, Himalayan Oak, and fir trees is crowned with the title ‘Queen of hills’. Shimla has been in importance since the very beginning, from being the summer capital during the British era to being the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. It has always captivated numerous tourists from all over India and the world. The city has received its name from Shyamala Mata who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Kali for whom a temple is dedicated on the hilltop of Bantony as Kali Bari Temple. Shimla is one of the favorite hill stations in Indian hearts and is also listed under UNESCO World Heritage sites along with a few other hill stations of India. Also, the Shimla-Kalka Railway which still runs on the almost century-old engine built during British rule is listed in UNESCO World Heritage sites. Shimla was brought into importance only after the start of British rule. Shimla is home to the oldest post office and only Natural Ice skating Rink. In 1806 Shimla was invaded by Bhimsen That Nepal. After the Anglo- Nepalese war between 1814-16, the British East India Company took over the territory under control as per the Sugauli Treaty. Due to once being the Britisher’s vacation hub, Shimla has many structures influenced by British culture, one of those is the Second Oldest Church of North- India. Leaders of the freedom movement Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad, and many others frequently visited Shimla during the struggling days of Independence. Shimla has an important role in Indian History as the India- Pakistan peace treaty, Shimla agreement was signed by Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi and President of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto at that date in Viceregal Lodge which is now, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.  During its heyday, it attracted many princes, diplomats, merchants, and political leaders of countries like Tibet, Afghanistan, Myanmar, China, and other countries. Shimla is also an Agricultural trade center and has industries like manufacturing, Brewing, and handloom weaving.

About Ice-Skating

Ice Skating is a pleasing and fun activity done on the frozen floor of ice, gliding across the ice wearing shoes with blades attached to its bottom, skates. It’s just until one learns the game of balancing self on skates and various performances and moves can be done while skating. People like enjoying time skating for fun and leisure means with friends or family making good memories. It is something one should try once for a memorable experience.

About Ice-Skating in Shimla

The Shimla Ice-Skating Rink is a popular place for tourists and ice-skating enthusiasts from all over the world as it is the largest and only natural ice-skating rink in South Asia. It is also the oldest Ice-Skating Rink in India. Indulging in a sport at the hummock is a once in a life experience. People come with family or friends to have fun and quality time. The Ice-skating Rink has been in use for Sports and recreational activity since the very beginning in the year 1920. It also holds sports events for Ice skating, Ice hockey, and the annual carnival. The ice skates can be rented here at reasonable rates. It is highly recommended to experience ice-skating on a visit to Shimla in winter.

Best time to visit Shimla

• The best time for Ice Skating in Shimla is in winter from December to February, when the temperature ranges between 9℃ to -1℃ and the region also receives snowfall just like a cherry on the cake.
• Shimla in Summers ( March- June)
• Summer in Shimla is from May to June, while March and April are of the Spring season.  The temperature during this season remains between 15℃ to 30℃ making the land a little warmer and melting the snow after cold winters exposing the shadeful green meadows and blossoming flowers. The climate is gratifying throughout the day, perfect for tourists to enjoy and explore the place. During the summers Shimla is the escape for tourists in the neighboring town and states. Shimla was declared the summer capital of India in 1864. It is one of the most crowded times by tourists but that doesn’t decrease any level of joy that one could get. This season is perfect for summer adventure activities like paragliding, camping, hiking, trekking, etc. People can also enjoy the summer festivals like Holi,  Baisakhi, and Shimla Summer Festival which is a five-day carnival with folk music, dance, culture, and ritual performances with an exhibition of cultural handicrafts and many more.
• Shimla in Monsoons (July- August -September)
• Monsoons in Shimla are heavy and unpredicted rainfall, not an appropriate time for tourists, and is considered as an offseason for tourism. Yet adventurous and risk-taking tourists visit to explore Shimla at the low budget prices available is in this season. The temperature in the monsoon sustains from14℃ to 20℃. Haryali Teej is a festival celebrated in the monsoon season on the first day of Shravan Maas, tourists can experience the culture of Himachal  Pradesh. All adventure activities are at pause during the monsoons.
• Shimla in Winters ( October- February)
• Shimla is famous for its winters as it is the best time to visit snow-covered Shimla for snow lovers. Though the winter starts from mid-October, the coldest months of Shimla are December and January. The weather in October and November is pleasant and calm, best for sightseeing and shopping. As the winter season keeps getting colder the more perfect time is for Skiing and trekking to the snow-clad mountains or to have a snow fight with your companions with snowballs. The temperature in winter remains from -6℃ to 8℃. Shimla holds the Winter Carnival inviting people to indulge in winter adventure activities like skiing, ice skating, other entertainment, and cultural events.  People can witness other events like Navratri, Bhoj fair, Diwali, ice-skating Carnival, and Christmas in December and Lohri.

How to Reach Shimla

Shimla by Air

The nearest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti Airport (SLV)  at a distance of approximately 28 km but only functions occasionally with limited flights from Delhi, Kullu, Chandigarh, and Dharamshala. The major nearest airport to Shimla is Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) which is well connected with all major cities of India with frequent flights. Chandigarh International Airport is located 216 km away from  Shimla. Flights of Indigo, Vistara, Air India, and GoFirst land at Chandigarh International Airport. For further journey cabs, taxis and buses are available from the airport till Shimla.

Shimla by Rail

The nearest railway station to Shimla is Broad Gauge railway station, Kalka Railway Station at a distance of 89km. Himalayan Queen and Howrah Express are available from Delhi to Kalka daily. The journey further can be commenced by cab, taxi, buses but enjoying a toy train ride in Shimla is not an everyday delight to miss. Riding a Railcar in Shimla is a must-do activity that gives out of the world experience. Toy trains for Shimla Railway station (SML) from Kalka Railway station (KLK) are

• Kalka - Shimla Himalayan Queen
• Kalka - Shimla  Shivalik Deluxe Express
• Kalka - Shimla Holiday Special
• Kalka - Shimla Passenger
• Kalka - Shimla NG Express

Shimla by Road

The route to Shimla is very well constructed and well linked to other parts of Himachal Pradesh and other northern parts of India. Chandigarh-Shimla Highway is the nearest route to Shimla and a well-accessed road from Chandigarh requiring only a 3 and a half-hour ride covering 120km.  Deluxe and many more other buses are available frequently from all northern parts of India. Delhi to Shimla 347 km via NH44. The highways accessible to Shimla are NH05, NH44, and SH18.

Things to Carry

• ID Proof: Carry a valid ID proof issued by the government.
• Clothing: Warm clothing (Down Jacket/Fleece Jacket, Woolen Cap/Scarf, Hat, Lowers, Woolen & Cotton Socks, Thermal wears), Cotton Towels, Trekking/Hiking shoes & other comfortable regular wear.
• Toiletries: Lip Balm, Wet Wipes, Skin Moisturizer, Sunscreen.
• Medical: Personal medicines (if any), Mosquito repellent, prescribed medicines for high altitude sickness, Dehydration salt.
• Miscellaneous: Trekking Poles, Sunglasses, Rubber Slipper, Power Bank, Candy, Dust Mask, etc.

Do’s and Don’ts in Shimla

Do’s

• Do wear warm and suitable clothes for the cold weather and activity
• Do wear safety pads and guards to escape any injury
• Do follow the safety instructions provided
• Do return the rented materials safely.

Don’ts

• Do not skip any instructions that are to be followed
• Do not carry any eatables  inside the rink
• Do not wear or carry any valuables as they can be lost if dropped anywhere.