TILL RECENTLY, roads to Delhi would be chock-a-block on Saturdays and Sundays, with cars flocking there in huge numbers, as people would plan their weekends in the city. The path to Noida, however, would be mostly empty. But the ebb and flow of traffic has reversed of late.

Visitors, previously loyal to the hustle and bustle of Delhi, are now turning to Noida for entertainment, family outings and recreational activities, thanks to the multi-purpose malls, luxury cinema halls and theme parks that have recently sprouted up in the area. Take, for example, PVR’s Superplex. Launched in March this year, movie-goers here can experience formats like IMAX, 4DX, Atmos, Gold Class, as well as a dedicated theatre for children called Playhouse. For its second offering in India, theme park Kidzania, which first opened in Mumbai in 2013, also opted for Noida instead of Delhi or Gurgaon, owing to the area’s growing popularity.

Then there is Smaaash. An entertainment and sports arena located at the new Mall of India, it is also attracting several people from across the capital. Here are some exciting destinations that have changed the face of Noida…

Game for fun

SPORTS BARS and clubs have a very niche following, as these venues are mostly visited by adults looking for a fine-dining experience with their favourite games being streamed live. But now, the younger lot, too, has the chance to experience their favourite sports in an environment tailormade for them.

An entertainment and sports arena, Smaaash blends sports, music and dining under one roof. Visitors can enjoy interactive simulators across different sports such as cricket, football and racing, as well as many other recreational attractions. The virtual reality activities here are especially popular. The prices are reasonable too, with activities priced between Rs 100 and Rs 300.

With cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and footballer Cristiano Ronaldo associated with it, everything at Smaaash looks and feels sporty. Even the menu at Mighty Small, the in-house restaurant, has a sporty feel to it, with categories such as ‘quick runs’ (appetisers) and dishes like Tendulkar’s favourite, chakhna salad. The restaurant is split into three individual areas to suit every type of visitor: the bar is separate; a tiny kiosk offers on-the-go food and drinks; and the main restaurant has a bright carnival ambience for children and families.

“The activities—most of them built with proprietary technologies—include a twilight bowling zone, football, motor racing, bike and F1 racing simulators, etc. We are also pioneers in creating experiences using virtual reality,” says Shripal Morakhia, chief imagination officer and promoter, Smaaash. Noida was a natural choice, he says, as the area lacked any such recreation centre. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to piggyback on the visitor count generated by the new Mall of India.

Where: Mall of India, Noida

Movies galore

Located at the Logix City Centre in Noida, Superplex is the latest addition to PVR’s wide array of cinema concepts. Movie buffs here will be spoilt for choice, as Superplex offers 15 screens in five different cinema formats, including IMAX, Gold Class, Premiere, 4DX and a dedicated format for children called Playhouse as well.

IMAX at Superplex is the first-of-its-kind in north India—PVR had launched its first IMAX in Forum Mall in Bengaluru in November 2012. “We wanted to bring it (IMAX) to north India, or at least to Delhi-NCR. We couldn’t get space in Delhi because it comes at a premium, but we were lucky to get it in Noida. We jumped at the opportunity to develop IMAX here,” says Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, joint managing director, PVR. “It’s a densely populated area and ensures great footfalls,” he adds.

But what takes the cake here is the Playhouse. A young movie-goer’s paradise, it’s an auditorium meant just for children. It has bean bags, a slide, colourful walls and a special customised menu as well. There’s seating arrangement for parents too, so that they can keep a watchful eye on their wards.

At Superplex, everything has been taken care of, from affordable ticket prices to the sumptuous caramel popcorn. “This is the 2.0 version of the cinema exhibition industry. With five superb formats all at one place, there is never a dull moment. We are excited to give patrons the most sophisticated movie-viewing experience through international formats, advanced technology and PVR’s hospitality all under one roof,” says Ajay Bijli, chairman and managing director, PVR.

Currently, the total number of screens in Noida is 42. That number is expected to reach 80 by next year, owing to hordes of movie-goers making their way to Noida from different corners of Delhi. And it’s not just the location that is attracting people. Easy connectivity through Delhi Metro, more viewing formats and cheaper ticket prices have made Noida the next big thing for movie-goers in Delhi-NCR.

Cinepolis India, which recently launched its first international multiplex in west Delhi, also has plans to enter Noida in the future. “In NCR, we have more than 75 screens planned as of now, which are in various stages of development and construction. Of these, we have 15 under fit-outs—five in Grand Venice mall, Greater Noida, and 10 in Red Mall, Ghaziabad. We have many more screens in the pipeline,” says Ashish Shukla, director, expansion, Cinepolis India.

Where: Logix City Center, Noida

Snow business

ONE OF Dubai’s main attractions is Ski Dubai, a beautiful snow slope recreated inside a mall, where one can actually ski, take gondola rides and play in real snow. Closer home, Noida has recently got its own snow park in the form of Ski India, which is attracting long queues already.

If not for curiosity, many visitors will be happy to shell out a little over a thousand bucks for an hour-and-a-half in minus 10 degrees Celsius when temperatures outside hover at 45 degrees. Ski India has all the activities associated with a typical winter resort, be it toboggan, bob sledge, penguin shows, carousal or a snow play area. The park is good fun for adults too. On a hot summer day, it’s a perfect family getaway, even if for just about over an hour. In fact, that’s a good enough time inside, as it feels a little too cold after a while. Visitors are provided insulated jackets with caps, gloves and boots, and can indulge in any activity they like multiple times.

“Winter-themed sports activities were untapped in India. In Ski India, we have a year-round indoor snow sport resort that, hopefully, will become a well-loved amusement destination,” says Prasuk R Jain, co-founder and managing director, Ski India. Promoted by hospitality and entertainment group Chiliad Procons, Ski India is located in Mall of India, which ensures good footfalls. The company operates a similar hub in Mumbai called Snowworld. This is their second snow park in the country.

Where: Mall of India, Noida

Play & learn

KIDZANIA IS a place where entertainment and learning go hand-in-hand. Meant for children aged between four and 16 years, KidZania is an indoor theme park, with more than 90 role-playing activities for children. It has been designed like a city, with paved roads, battery-operated cars, buildings, a functioning economy and even its own currency. Children have plenty to choose from, as they can indulge in activities like being a pilot, surgeon, radio jockey, chef, fire fighter and much more. Each experience is designed to empower children.

A globally successful theme park, KidZania is located in international locations, including Bangkok, Dubai, London, Kuala Lumpur, among others. This is their second theme park in India after Mumbai. The Noida facility includes features such as an archaeological site, a courthouse, a stadium and an earthquake-prevention training centre, among others.

The people behind KidZania looked at multiple locations—Delhi, Gurgaon, etc—but zeroed in on Noida, owing to its growing popularity and easy accessibility. “We are delighted that we chose Entertainment City at Noida as our location partner. Its easy access, huge parking space, infrastructure development and proximity to Delhi make it a perfect destination—just a 25-minute drive from south Delhi,” says Viraj Singh, chief marketing officer, KidZania. “Furthermore, this new destination—with an amusement and water park, shopping malls and now KidZania—has become the ultimate entertainment hub in Delhi-NCR,” he adds.

Where: Entertainment City, near The Great India Place Mall, Noida