The eagerly awaited ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is back after four years and India is hosting the 2023 edition. With 48 matches slated across ten stadiums, the excitement around the biggest cricket tournament is bound to reach every corner of the country.
Cities like Ahmedabad, Dharamshala and Chennai will play host to the ODI World Cup. If you are planning to attend the matches, then you can also seize the opportunity to explore the marvels each city has to offer. We have compiled a list of renowned tourist attractions around all the city stadiums, making it easy for you to plan your visit before or after the match.
ICC World Cup 2023 itinerary: The host stadiums and places to see around them
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, this cricket ground was established in 1883. It will host five World Cup matches – South Africa vs Sri Lanka on Oct 07, India vs Afghanistan on Oct 11, England vs Afghanistan on Oct 15, Australia vs the Netherlands on Oct 25, and Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka on Nov 06.
Places to see around Arun Jaitley Stadium
While the cricket fever will surely grip the capital, you can still try to squeeze in some time to do your very own ‘Dilli Darshan’ (sightseeing in Delhi). The stadium is close to some iconic landmarks in Delhi. You can explore Red Fort, Purana Qila and Feroz Shah Kotla to gain insights into Mughal and Tughlaq histories or the National Museum to delve into ancient India. To know about the ‘father of the nation’, a visit to Raj Ghat and Mahatma Gandhi Museum is essential.
For those intrigued by arts and culture, witnessing plays at the Kamani Auditorium is a recommendation. The Delhi Zoo, also located close to the stadium, offers the chance to witness the renowned white tiger. If you want to grab a bite before or after the match, you can head to Chandi Chowk for authentic and popular street food or grab a drink at one of the many bars and restaurants in Connaught Place.
How to reach Arun Jaitley Stadium
By air: Indira Gandhi International Airport is 18 km away
By rail: New Delhi Railway Station is 3 km from the stadium
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Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
The World Cup is starting and ending at the Narendra Modi Stadium, with the first and the final matches taking place here. Rebuilt after demolishing the Motera Stadium, it sits on the banks of the Sabarmati River that runs through the heart of Ahmedabad. The largest cricket stadium in the world will host the following matches – England vs New Zealand on Oct 05, India vs Pakistan on Oct 14, England vs Australia on Nov 04, South Africa vs Afghanistan on Nov 10 and the final on Nov 19.
Places to see around Narendra Modi Stadium
The stadium rests in the Motera neighbourhood of Ahmedabad city, and the most popular attraction there is the cricket ground. However, at Sabarmati Ashram, just 5 km away, you can learn about Mahatma Gandhi’s life and his contribution to the Indian freedom struggle. You can embrace the beauty of Ahmedabad at the Sabarmati Riverfront or experience the culture at Manek Chowk’s Night Market. The city’s diverse traditions can be observed at Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Shree Swaminarayan Mandir and Hutheesing Jain Temple. Exploring all these places might require a bit of travel, but if you’re looking for a convenient spot to enjoy a quick meal, you’re in luck. Several eateries, such as The Fusion Pizza, Mahalaxmi Bhaji Pav, Jugaadi Adda and Honest Restaurant, located near the stadium, offer a variety of options.
How to reach Narendra Modi Stadium
By air: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is 8 km away
By rail: Ahmedabad Junction Station is 11 km from the stadium.
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Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (HPCA), Dharamshala
HPCA is the only stadium in the mountains hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup matches. With the gorgeous backdrop of snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain, the cricket ground offers stunning views of the hill station while enjoying a cricket match. HPCA will host five matches — Bangladesh vs Afghanistan on Oct 07, England vs Bangladesh on Oct 10, South Africa vs the Netherlands on Oct 17, India vs New Zealand on Oct 22 and Australia vs New Zealand on Oct 28.
Places to see around Dharamshala stadium
Dharamshala is divided into two halves — Lower Dharamshala is the commercial centre, where the stadium is and if you want to experience spiritual and cultural serenity, then head to Upper Dharamshala, to the township of McLeod Ganj. It is just 12 km away and this tourist destination is the abode of the Dalai Lama. You can visit the Namgyal and Gyuto monasteries and Kalachakra Temple. St. John in the Wilderness Church is also quite significant. It was built in 1852 and is surrounded by deodar forests. The town is famous for its delicious food, with several cafes and restaurants. You can also have the joy of hiking in McLeod Ganj. Triund and Bhagsu Nag Waterfall are popular trekking destinations here.
How to reach Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium
By air: Kangra Airport is 15 km away
By rail: Pathankot Junction Station is about 90 km away.
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MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Popular among locals as Chepauk Stadium, it will be witness to five matches of the mega cricket tournament. They are: India vs Australia happening on Oct 08, followed by New Zealand vs Bangladesh on Oct 13, New Zealand vs Afghanistan on Oct 18, Pakistan vs Afghanistan on Oct 23 and Pakistan vs South Africa on Oct 27.
Places to see around MA Chidambaram
MA Chidambaram is located in the heart of Chennai, with Marina Beach, Government Museum, Fort St. George Museum, Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple, Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Santhome Cathedral Basilica located within a radius of 5 km. If you have some extra time, you can also explore Cholamandal Artists’ Village and Dakshinachitra, a bit far from the stadium but worth a visit. Since Chennai has a long coastline, there are many beaches to explore, like ECR and Gandhi beaches, in addition to Marina.
How to reach MA Chidambaram
By air: Chennai International Airport is 21 km away
By rail: Chepauk Station is just 500 m away.
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Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Situated in South Bombay, Wankhede Stadium will host pivotal ICC Cricket World Cup clashes: England vs South Africa (Oct 21), South Africa vs Bangladesh (Oct 24), India vs Sri Lanka (Nov 02), Australia vs Afghanistan (Nov 07), and one of the semi-finals on Nov 15.
Places to see around Wankhede Stadium
First, visit Haji Ali Dargah and Shree Siddhivinayak Temple before the match and seek blessings. Since these sacred places are about 7-8 km from the stadium, plan your visit accordingly, given Mumbai’s traffic situation. Then, whenever you have time, you can visit the iconic landmarks of South Bombay, like the Gateway Of India, Taj Mahal Palace and Kala Ghoda, Mumbai’s trendy art district. Near Kala Ghoda, there is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, where you will find exhibits depicting Indian history.
If you want to do some shopping, then you should make your way to Colaba Causeway. It’s one of the popular shopping streets of Mumbai. The dining options in the vicinity of the stadium are also equally impressive. You can enjoy delicious food at Kala Ghoda Cafe, Pizza By The Bay, Gaylord, Cafe Mondegar, Leopold Cafe, Sassy Spoon Narimont Point and indulge in delightful ice cream sandwiches at K. Rustoms Ice Cream. And, after a day of exploration or enjoying the match, consider winding down by soaking in the panoramic views of the Arabian Sea at Marine Drive.
How to reach Wankhede Stadium
By air: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is 22 km away.
By rail: Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is just 1 km away.
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Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Eden Gardens, the largest cricket stadium in India till a few years back, is on the banks of Kolkata’s Hooghly River. Being one of the most iconic stadiums in the world, it will host five World Cup matches, including one of the semi-finals. The schedule is as follows: Netherlands vs Bangladesh on Oct 28, Pakistan vs Bangladesh on Oct 31, India vs South Africa on Nov 05, England vs Pakistan on Nov 11, and the other semi-finals on Nov 16.
Places to see around Edens Garden
Kolkata is a city that boasts many legacies, be it historical, cultural, educational or culinary. It has many places to showcase its rich heritage. But if you are in the city just for a World Cup match and don’t have much time on hand, we listed a few places that you can fit into your schedule. You can visit any of these holy sites: Kalighat Kali Mandir, St Paul’s Cathedral, Birla Mandir and Nakhoda Masjid for their architectural beauty. The intricate artwork here is awe-inspiring. Also, iconic landmarks like Fort Williams, Shaheed Minar, Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum and Howrah Bridge should not be missed. These are a treasure trove of historical and cultural knowledge. Kolkata’s culinary scene is second to none. It is famous for its mouthwatering street food, especially markets like Tiretti Bazaar, Dacre Lane, Vivekananda Park and Bara Bazaar. If you like sweets, you will surely love sandesh. Do not give it a miss.
How to reach Edens Garden
By air: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is roughly 26 km away.
By rail: Howrah Station is just 5 km away.
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M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Home to India’s National Cricket Academy, the Chinnaswamy Stadium is nestled in the heart of Bengaluru. Flanked by the charming Cubbon Park, the five-decade-old stadium will organise five ICC Cricket World Cup matches — Australia vs Pakistan on Oct 20, England vs Sri Lanka on Oct 26, New Zealand vs Pakistan on Nov 04, New Zealand vs Sri Lanka on Nov 09 and India vs the Netherlands on Nov 12.
Places to see around M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
A variety of captivating landmarks are close to the stadium that are worth exploring. It all depends on what interests you and how much time you have. If palaces are your thing, then a visit to Bengaluru Palace, which is quite close to the stadium, is a must. And not far from it, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace can also be on your itinerary. Similarly, there is something for arts and culture enthusiasts too, like the National Gallery of Modern Art, Jawahar Baala Bhavana Auditorium, Government Museum and St Mary’s Basilica.
If you want to unwind and engage in a recreational activity, then in the stadium’s vicinity, there are a lot of parks like Cubbon Park, Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park, Ulsoor Lake and Mahatma Gandhi Park, where you can spend some quality time. And, since you are in India’s ‘Science City’, it is highly recommended to check out Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum and Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium. You can even witness exhilarating races at Racecourse Bengaluru.
How to reach M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
By air: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru is roughly 33 km away.
By rail: Bangalore Cantt Station is just 2 km away.
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Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Located on the outskirts of Pune, the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium was established in the village of Gahunje along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The stadium is roughly two and a half hours away from Mumbai and about an hour from Pune. Five ICC Cricket World Cup matches will be held at this stadium — India vs Bangladesh on Oct 19, Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka on Oct 30, New Zealand vs South Africa on Nov 01, England vs the Netherlands on Nov 08, and Australia vs Bangladesh on Nov 11.
Places to see around Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium
Pune is famous for many iconic places, which you must factor into your travel plan while in the city. The stadium is far from the city centre and the closest tourist attraction is an amusement park, Apu Ghar; however, the heart of the city resonates with history and culture, showcased through iconic monuments like Aga Khan Palace, Shaniwar Wada, Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden, Laal Mahal, Sinhagad Fort and Pataleshwar Cave Temple. You can follow our detailed travel guide for Pune to experience the best of the city.
How to reach Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium
By air: Pune International Airport is 32 km away
By rail: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Nagar Station is 26 km away.
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Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Also known as Ekana International Cricket Stadium, the stadium will host five World Cup matches — Australia vs South Africa on Oct 12, Australia vs Sri Lanka on Oct 16, Netherlands vs Sri Lanka on Oct 21, India vs England on Oct 29 and Netherlands vs Afghanistan on Nov 03.
Places to see around Ekana Cricket Stadium
It is located in Gomti Nagar of Greater Lucknow, with mostly residential and business settlements around it. The closest attraction to the stadium is the Ambedkar Memorial Park. However, the land of ‘Nawabs and Kebabs’ has several tourist attractions like the Rumi Darwaza, Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara and the Residency, where you can learn about the history of Lucknow. You can also indulge in juicy kebabs and Awadhi cuisine at Tunday Kababi, Oudhyana, Dastarkhwan and Raheem’s Kulcha-Nahari. Read our guide on the best breakfast places in Lucknow. Along with visiting these places and indulging in some lip-smacking food, be sure to make time for shopping local artefacts in Hazratganj.
How to reach Ekana Cricket Stadium
By air: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport is 17 km from the stadium.
By rail: Gomti Nagar Station is 7 km away.
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Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Hyderabad Cricket Stadium will host three CWC matches — Pakistan vs Netherlands on Oct 6, New Zealand vs Netherlands on Oct 09 and Pakistan vs Sri Lanka on Oct 10.
Places to see around Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
Hyderbad’s tourist spots are sprawled across the huge city; however, the stadium is in the suburb of Uppal. You can still visit the famous ones if you have a day or two to spare. Renowned and historically significant monuments Charminar and Golconda Fort deserve a visit. If you do go to Charminar, you can also explore the Salar Jung Museum nearby. Mecca Masjid and Chilkur Balaji Temple (also famous as Visa Balaji Temple) can also be added to your itinerary. Movie buffs can experience the Ramoji Film City, the largest integrated film studio complex in the world, and see how the filmmaking unfolds. Furthermore, Telangana’s capital has plenty of local markets where you can shop till you drop, like Sultana Bazaar, Begum Bazaar and Laad Bazaar. The Hyderabadi biryani is a must-try.
How to reach Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
By air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is 32 km from the stadium.
By rail: Kacheguda Station is 7 km away.
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Related: Narendra Modi Stadium To Eden Gardens: The Best And Largest Cricket Stadiums In The World
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– How do I create a World Cup itinerary?
To create a World Cup itinerary, plan your day around the match you will attend. For instance, if you are in Delhi, you can spend time before or after the match exploring the city.
– When should I start planning my World Cup itinerary?
Try to start planning the moment you have bought the tickets, and this will allow you to have enough time to find the best accommodations and flight/train.
– Can I combine my World Cup trip with local tourism?
Yes, you can! Many of the stadiums are in the heart of the city, with tourist spots very close to the stadiums.
– Can I attend multiple matches in different cities during the World Cup?
You can attend multiple matches in different cities as long as you make sure to attend the ones taking place on different dates.
– Is it better to stay close to the stadiums or city centres?
It depends on how you have planned your World Cup itinerary. However, many stadiums are in the city centre, so try and stay close to the venue. This will help in cutting travel time.
– How can I ensure I have time for sightseeing between matches?
Plan your day around the match. If the match is in the morning, then you will have the evening to explore the city. If the match is in the afternoon, then plan sightseeing in the morning and the evening.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. ..Read More
