The Most Iconic Sports Venues To Visit In India

India boasts numerous sports venues. From the highest international cricket stadium set at an elevation of 4,110 feet, to the world-cup winning Wankhede stadium, Culture Trip throws the spotlight on some of the most iconic sports venues in India.

1. Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium, Kolkata

Stadium

Without doubt, the most iconic sports venue in India is Eden Gardens, which is also the world’s second largest cricket stadia and the largest in India. Widely known as the ‘India’s home of cricket’, the stadia can seat around 66,349 people. It was established in 1864 and is surrounded by lush greenery and has a Colosseum-like structure. It is the home ground of the Bengal cricket team as well as the IPL Franchise cricket team – Kolkata Knight Riders. It is also one of the venues the India cricket team plays at when hosting Test, Twenty20 and ODI (one-day international) matches. This stadia has witnessed many legendary matches, for instance, Sachin Tendulkar’s (the ‘god of Cricket’) 199th (penultimate) test match was hosted in this stadia. It is well worth a visit here when a match is on, just to hear the crowd roar.

2. HPCA (Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association) Stadium, Dharamshala

Stadium

This one is the most picturesque sporting venues in India, nestled at an elevation of 1,457 meters (4780 feet) above sea level with an enchanting backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Opened in 2003, this stadium can hold 23,000 people. It is the home ground for Kings XI Punjab and Himachal Pradesh cricket team, and has hosted ODI matches, Ranji Trophy matches and several domestic matches. It is the first stadium in India to have winter rye-grass around the outfield.

3. Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata

Stadium

Opened in 1984, the Salt Lake Stadium (also, known as Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan) is a multi-purpose stadium, known across the world. It can seat a staggering 85,000 spectators. The stadium has hosted numerous international tournaments, for instance, 1986 FIFA World Cup Qualifications, Third South Asian Games, and 1995 Jawaharlal Nehru International Gold Cup among others. International players, like Lionel Messi have taken to the pitch and Oliver Kahn’s official farewell match for Bayern Munich against Mohun Bagan was played here. This stadium happens to be the main location for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup final. If you’re a football fanatic, you should definitely hit this venue to catch the FIFA U-17 live in-action.

5. Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Stadium

Sports arenas can’t get more iconic and popular than the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai that has played host to some of the most legendary cricket matches of all time. The most iconic moment was in 2011, when India beat Sri Lanka to win the World Cup at this stadium. It also hosted the Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar’s last test match, and the match in which six sixes were hit in an over by Ravi Shastri. It surely doesn’t get much more iconic than this! It can hold 33,108 people and an interesting feature of this stadia is its suspended cantilever roofs that ensure unhindered views to the spectators.

6. Indira Gandhi Arena, Delhi

Stadium, Sports Center

Opened in 1982, the Indira Gandhi Arena is India’s largest sports arena and Asia’s third largest. It can hold 14,348 people and has been host to several sporting events, like WWE and Kabaddi. The first-ever International Premier Tennis League was hosted here, and the WWE Live event was hosted here after 13 years in India.

7. Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Delhi

Stadium

Home to the Indian men’s field hockey team and Delhi Wave Riders, the Dhyan Chand National Stadium opened in 1933 and was rebuilt in 2010. Initially it was called the Irwin theatre, and in 2002, it was renamed after the legendary Indian field hockey player, Dhyan Chand. The stadium can hold 16,200 spectators. This arena played host to the Hockey World Cup in 2010 and the Commonwealth Games 2010. Though there isn’t much to look at when it’s vacant, but on match day, the vibe is different and energetic.

8. Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai

Opened in 1883, the Mahalaxmi Racecourse is an oval horse racing track with 2400 meters straight chute and which sprawls over 225 acres of land. The public has access to the inner lane of the racecourse for jogging, walking or exercising. However, the splendor of this venue can only be felt during the annual Indian Derby held from mid-November to last week of April. That’s when the venue is packed with glitterati and derby fans.

Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Dr E Moses Marg, Royal Western India Turf Club, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

9. Buddh International Circuit, Delhi

India’s first Formula One Grand Prix was held at the Buddh International Circuit. This venue played host to the Indian Grand Prix from 2011 until 2013. It can seat a staggering 120,000 spectators. Sprawling over an area of 874 acres, the circuit is 5.13 kilometres long. Racing enthusiasts dream of driving on the F1 track, and this venue offers that opportunity. The track is open twice a week for such activities. It costs around INR 5,000 ($78) for five laps, INR 10,000 ($156) for 30 minutes and INR 15,000 ($234) for 60 minutes track time.

Buddh International Circuit, Jaypee Sports City, Yamuna Expressway, Sector-25, YEIDA, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

http://instagram.com/p/BWCkTMKhhiz/

10. Delhi Golf Club, Delhi

Gym, Sports Center

What’s so iconic about the Delhi Golf Club? It’s the oldest golf club in India, built in 1930s and it is one of the most spectacular golf courses in the whole of Asia. It also has an 18-hole course (called ‘Lodhi Course’) and a nine hole course (called ‘Peacock Course’). It also offers a huge bungalow-style club house with swimming pool, gazebos, a sauna, an indoor/outdoor bar, a gym, a restaurant and a large lawn. The venue is perfect to relax and play a round of golf. This venue is close to the major attractions of the city, including India Gate, Lodhi Gardens and Humayun’s Tomb.
Delhi Golf Club, Golf Links, New Delhi, Delhi, India.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.