Asia is full of tourist destinations ready to offer unique experiences. Whether your plan is to travel solo or in a group, India is a land of wonder and mystery to many western eyes. It is a place of exotic spices and unique foods. It is important to remember that India today is a bustling modern country with its own culture. Sport is incredibly important to that culture and there are many sporting arenas in India. Visiting India for vacation should be more than visiting.This guide will share spotlights on some of Indian Sports Destinations.
Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium, Kolkata
Eden Gardens is the world’s second-biggest cricket stadium and India’s largest. It is without a doubt India’s most famous sporting arena. The stadiums, dubbed “India’s home of cricket,” can hold 66,349 spectators. It was founded in 1864 and had a Colosseum-like edifice surrounded by luxuriant flora. It is home to the Bengal cricket team and the Kolkata Knight Riders, an IPL franchise cricket side.
It also hosts Test, Twenty20, and ODI (one-day international) cricket matches for the Indian cricket team. They played the 199th (penultimate) test match of Sachin Tendulkar (the “God of Cricket”) in this stadium. Even just hearing the crowd yell is worth visiting here while a match is playing.
HPCA (Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association) Stadium, Dharamshala
This is one of India’s most beautiful athletic arenas, located at an elevation of 1,457 meters (4780 feet) above sea level and surrounded by stunning snow-capped peaks. This stadium, built-in 2003 and had a capacity of 23,000 spectators, was first opened in 2003. It has hosted ODI matches, Ranji Trophy matches, and domestic matches for Kings XI Punjab and Himachal Pradesh cricket teams. Winter ryegrass has been planted around the outfield for the first time in India.
Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
Salt Lake Stadium (also known as Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan) is a multi-purpose stadium in Bidhannagar, Kolkata, first opened in 1984. It can hold up to 85,000 people. Numerous international competitions have been held in the stadium, including the 1986 FIFA World Cup Qualifications, the Third South Asian Games, and the 1995 Jawaharlal Nehru International Gold Cup.
Lionel Messi and other international players have graced the field, and Oliver Kahn’s formal farewell match for Bayern Munich vs Mohun Bagan was held here. The 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup final will be held at this venue. If you are a football enthusiast, here is the place to see the FIFA U-17 World Cup live in action.
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium has held cricket, football, other athletic events, and various entertainment events, despite not being a sport-specific arena. It was named after India’s first prime minister and opened in 1983. It has a capacity of almost 60,000 people (sometimes even 100,000 for special events and concerts). The Asian Games in 1982, the Commonwealth Games in 2010, and the South Asian Games in 2013 are just a few of the notable events it has hosted.
Amnesty International’s Human Rights Now! performance took place at the same location. The same designers that created China’s Century Lotus Stadium redesigned it before the 2010 CWG. They developed the stadium for the 2010 CWG opening and closing ceremonies. It contained a Teflon-coated top, an electro-voice audio system, a 10-lane synthetic track, warm-up tracks, and a 150-meter tunnel.
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai has hosted some of the most epic cricket matches of all time. Wankhede is an iconic and well-known sports venue globally. The most famous match at this stadium occurred in 2011 when India defeated Sri Lanka to win the World Cup. The Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar’s final test match, and the match in which Ravi Shastri struck six sixes in an over were also held there. This is as iconic as it gets! It has a seating capacity of 33,108 people and is notable for its suspended cantilever roofs, which allow spectators to enjoy unobstructed views.
Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Delhi
The Dhyan Chand National Stadium opened in 1933 and was refurbished in 2010. It is home to the Indian men’s field hockey team and the Delhi Wave Riders. It was formerly known as the Irwin Theater until being renamed Dhyan Chand Theater in 2002. The stadium has a capacity of 16,200 people. In 2010, this arena hosted the Hockey World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. Though there is not much to look at when it is empty, the atmosphere is distinct and vibrant on match days.
Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai
The Mahalaxmi Racecourse, which has been in operation since 1883, is a 225-acre oval horse racing track featuring a 2400-meter straight chute. The racecourse’s inner lane is open to the public for running, strolling, or exercising. However, we can only appreciate the magnificence of this location during the annual Indian Derby, which takes place from mid-November until the final week of April. The venue will be crowded with glitterati and derby fans at that time.
Delhi Golf Club, Delhi
What makes the Delhi Golf Club so recognizable? Built in the 1930s, India’s oldest golf club and one of Asia’s most beautiful golf courses. The ‘Lodhi Course’ is an 18-hole course, while the ‘Peacock Course’ is nine. A massive bungalow-style clubhouse with a swimming pool, pavilions, a sauna, an indoor/outdoor bar, a gym, a restaurant, and wide grass is also available. Relax and play a game of golf at this beautiful location. India Gate, Lodhi Gardens, and Humayun’s Tomb are all within walking distance of this location.
Conclusion
Visiting India for vacation should be more than visiting just the wonderful history and tasting the incredible foods. To immerse yourself into the culture you should try some entertainment like the locals. Check out a cricket, field hockey, or kabbadi match while you’re visiting. Visiting some of these historical stadiums will give you a true thrill and cultural experience.
