By Archita Goyal, Batch of 2017
Amusement and entertainment in Delhi takes a leap forward as one of the most exciting rides, an experience of a lifetime is rendered open for the Delhiites. Delhi’s Eye-India’s largest ferris wheel , housed in an amusement park in Kalindi Kunj rotates across many popular sites in Delhi giving a panoramic view of the major attractions, that too in a matter of 20 minutes!
The 150 feet tall structure with 36 cabins, accommodating a shocking figure of around 288 people in one go takes inspiration from similar rides in London, Paris and Singapore, and is run by iZara Entertainment, the same company which runs London’s Eye and Singapore’s Eye.
The ride which consists of 3 rotations of the wheel gives a bird’s view of not only notable monuments viz. Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple and Humyaun’s Tomb but also an extravagant view of Connaught Place.
The cabins are centrally air conditioned, enclosed in a dark tinted glass to prevent direct sunlight and are equipped with cushioned seating and LCD screens to make the viewing no less than a luxury itself. Slow paced at 4 m/sec to not startle the inmates, the cabins are provided with a help button which can be pressed any time in between, in case of an emergency. A power backup, along with a manual brake system, makes it all the more risk-free.
Apart from the giant wheel, the amusement park, spread over around 3.61 acres offers a thrilling range of rides including Parachute Tower, Ranger, Striking Cars, Frizbee along with a water park, hence being a wholesome full-day experience for the visitors. The strategic location of the park makes it possible for enthusiasts from all over Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad to
take the experience. An easy metro connectivity, the nearest metro station being Jasola on the violet line makes it even more suitable for youngsters.
The wheel, constructed by a Dutch company at a budget of around Rs.70 crore had been completed in September 2010 itself. However, it had made itself land into controversies for being situated in the vicinity of river Yamuna, around which any construction within 300 meters was prohibited. Having resolved all such disputes, the wheel is finally open to the Delhiites, w.e.f. 2 October 2014.
