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A Cricket Lover’s Guide to the Best of India

The 2023 Cricket World Cup is kicking off on October 5th, hosted by ten cities across the cricket-loving nation of India. The thirteenth men’s Cricket World Cup will see 10 teams battle to be crowned World Champions on the 19th of November.

If you’re planning to catch some of the matches across India and wish to do some exploring at the same time, we’ve put together a guide to each host city to help you plan a great trip itinerary.

2023 Cricket World Cup Host Cities

Ahmedabad

The opening game and Final will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s second-largest stadium based on seating capacity, located in the city of Ahmedabad. The stadium will also host Australia’s match against England on the 4th of November.

The city is located near the banks of the Sabarmati River, the backdrop to many of Ahmedabad’s cultural and recreational activities. Nearby, you’ll find the Sabarmati Ashram, the former home of Mahatma Gandhi which now serves as a museum and a monument to his life and work.

For history lovers, this city will not disappoint. You can explore the narrow and colourful streets of the Old City, or visit the Adalaj Step-Well, an architectural wonder. If you’re more interested in trying the local cuisine, Ahmedabad is famous for its ​​Gujarati dishes like dhokla, khandvi, and fafda.

Bangalore

Hosting Australia v Pakistan on the 20th of October, Bangalore is a vibrant and bustling city in the southern part of India. The city is known for its pleasant weather, greenery, and rich cultural heritage.

Highlights of the city include the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, the Bangalore Palace, and the ISKCON Temple. If shopping is more your style, you can’t miss Commercial Street, lined with vibrant markets and shops selling everything from clothing to jewellery, electronics, and souvenirs.

If you’re planning on spending some extra time in Bangalore, we recommend taking a day trip to Nandi Hills. Located about an hour’s drive from the city, it is a popular destination for trekking and sightseeing, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape including several ancient temples and fortresses.

Chennai

Formerly known as Madras, Chennai will see Australia’s match against host nation India. Located on the east coast of India, you’ll find Chennai has one of the longest urban beaches in the world, Marina Beach.

The city also boasts a rich history which can be uncovered by exploring Fort St. George (built in 1644) and the Kapaleeswarar Temple with its impressive Dravidian architecture. The local restaurants will also give you a taste of South Indian cuisine, particularly dosas, idlis, and sambar.

Delhi

Home to India’s capital New Delhi, the territory of Delhi will host the match between Australia and the Netherlands. The vibrant metropolis offers a plethora of activities and experiences from historical monuments including Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and India Gate, to local markets and a diverse and delicious street-food scene.

Delhi is also known for its exciting nightlife with a wide range of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re into rooftop bars with stunning views or underground clubs playing the latest music, Delhi’s nightlife will be sure to impress.

Dharamshala

Australia will face our rivals from across the ditch, New Zealand, in Dharamshala, the winter capital city of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. One of the city’s biggest attractions is the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, a sacred place of worship for Buddhists, which attracts tourists from all over the world. The complex houses a monastery, a museum, and a temple where you can witness the chanting of Buddhist monks.

Another popular attraction is the Bhagsu Waterfall, located in the small village of Bhagsu. It’s the perfect spot to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life while enjoying the natural beauty and taking a dip in the cool waters.

Hyderabad

Although Hyderabad won’t host any of Australia’s matches, the ‘City of Pearls’ is still worth a visit if you have the time. The culturally rich city has no shortage of iconic attractions including the Golconda Fort, the Hussain Sagar Lake, the Salar Jung Museum, and Charminar - a 16th-century monument which you can climb to the top of to enjoy stunning views of the city.

Kolkata

Kolkata is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of West Bengal. While the city won’t host any of Australia’s round-robin matches, it will see the semi-final match between the 2nd and 3rd placed teams.

So if you do get the chance to visit the ‘City of Joy’, our top recommendations are visiting the Victoria Memorial (built in memory of Queen Victoria), exploring the restaurants and cafes of Park Street, and taking a boat ride on the Hooghly River.

Lucknow

Host to two of the Aussie team’s matches, Lucknow is a multicultural city with several beautiful monuments and parks, an abundance of traditional handicrafts, and mouth-watering local cuisine including kebabs and biryanis. You’ll be wowed by the sixty-foot-tall Turkish Gate (Rumi Darwaza), the stunning architecture of Lucknow Charbagh railway station, and the high-rise buildings in Gomti Najar.

Mumbai

India’s most populous city (with over 12.5 million people) will play host to Australia’s match against Afghanistan. Also known as the City of Dreams, Mumbai is one of the country’s most captivating cities, where you’ll never find yourself bored!

A must-visit for anyone travelling to Mumbai is the Gateway of India, a stunning archway that overlooks the Arabian Sea and will make all your friends jealous on Instagram. Have time up your sleeve? You can take a ferry ride from Mumbai to the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features beautifully carved statues and temples. The city is also very well known for its vibrant nightlife, with popular spots such as Hoppipola, Social, and Toto’s Garage.

Pune

The city of Pune is one of the largest IT hubs in the country and will host Australia’s final round-robin match against Bangladesh. Highlights include the Aga Khan Palace, the Shaniwar Wada, the Osho Ashram, and the Pune Okayama Friendship Garden.

Getting Around India

By Plane

Air travel may be the most efficient option for you if you are travelling between host cities. Flying domestically is relatively cheap and can help you save time during the tournament.

By Train

India’s vast rail network means you can take the train to almost every corner of the country and explore India’s charm in a unique way. You can plan your trip and book your tickets online via Indian Railways.

By Road

If you’re planning to explore outside of the host cities, then hiring a car may be a more cost-effective option for you. Alternatively, you can rent both a car and a driver if you don’t feel brave enough to face the challenging driving conditions.

You can also hire a taxi or rideshare for shorter distances but be mindful that you may need to negotiate your taxi fare before you set off.

Travel Smart with the Travelex Money Card

If you’re heading to India for the Cricket World Cup, Travelex can help you make your trip a breeze. You can order your Indian Rupees in cash online and collect them at your nearest Travelex store or at your local Australia Post office before you leave.

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