IPL Turns 10: Catch the Action at These Top 5 IPL 2017 Venues

Since it started in 2008, the Indian Premier League has truly become a grand cricket festival celebrated with super entertainment, glamour and most importantly, a huge love for the game that unites the country. As IPL turns 10 this year, the celebrations will definitely be extraordinary. There are going to be opening ceremonies at each venue, which means there will be 8 in all! We bring you the top five venues where you can catch the best action and get a little touristy while you are at it. 

1. M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Home to the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Virat Kohli, this one’s obviously on top of the list. This Bengaluru stadium attracts the humongous crowds as cricket fanatics queue up to watch ace players of the RCB team like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers in action.

While you are there:

Known as the Garden City of India, Bengaluru boasts of some incredible gardens like Lal Bagh, Lumbini Garden, Cubbon Park and many more. History buffs would love Bangalore Palace and Tipu’s Sultan Palace – the summer residence of the legendary ruler of Mysore. While you are there, do visit the Dodda Ganesha Temple, ISKCON Temple and St. Mark’s Cathedral. Don’t forget to enjoy the exotic nightlife of Bengaluru. You might just run into Chris Gayle after a match!

Author’s Tip: In the mood for some adventure? Take a short drive from Bengaluru to Nandi Hills – a popular hill station 60kms from the city and try your hand at paragliding!

2. Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad

As the record goes, it is almost impossible to beat last year’s champions, Sunrisers Hyderabad on their home ground. If they reach the finals this time, they will have a huge advantage as they have won almost every match played in this stadium. It will surely be worth a spectacle for Sunrisers fans.

While you are there:

The City of Nawabs has a lot more to offer than the famed Hyderabadi Biryani. Places like Char Minar, Golkonda Fort and Taj Falaknuma Palace are a must-see for everyone visiting Hyderabad, but if you want something really interesting, head to Ramoji Film City. You’ll be amazed to see how your favourite movies are shot and if you are lucky, you might even run into a movie star! There are several fun shows to catch and the film city has 14 beautifully landscaped gardens – so you can well imagine the size of this place.

Author’s Tip: No matter what anyone says, Paradise Hotel is still the best place the most flavoursome Hyderabadi Biryani. Try their famous ‘khumaani ka meetha’ as well.  

3. Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi

Feroz Shah Kotla is one of the oldest grounds in the country and has been the home ground for The Delhi Daredevils since the beginning of IPL. This iconic stadium is one of the smallest in India, so this is where you need to be if you’re looking for high-scoring matches.

While you are there:

In simple words, Delhi is a complete package when it comes to tourism. If you want something historic, Delhi has Red Fort, India Gate, Qutub Minar and many other monuments to pique your interest. Foodies can head straight to Chandni Chowk’s famous Parathe Wali Gali, and sample delectable goodies at Old Delhi Jalebi Wala and Karim’s at Jama Masjid. The city has some of the best malls and street markets –head to Lajpat Nagar and Sarojini Market for fashionable stuff at throwaway prices. Evenings in Delhi are best spent lounging at one of the happening pubs in Connaught Place or having a fancy dinner at the India Habitat Centre.

Author’s Tip: Spend a day at the Kingdom of Dreams for a high dose of fun and entertainment for kids as well as adults. They have Bollywood themed shows which you are sure to enjoy.

4. Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

The country’s favourite, Wankhede is home to Mumbai Indians who won the IPL trophy in 2013 and 2015. This stadium will always hold a special place in the heart of every cricket fan because this is where M.S.Dhoni swung that marvellous six which led to India’s 2011 World Cup victory.

While you are there:

Mumbai’s energy is infectious. Apart from tourist landmarks like Haji Ali Dargah, Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Palace and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai has umpteen options for foodies. Do try out street delights like vada pao, pav bhaaji and sandwiches that the city is so famous for. Don’t forget to take a ride in a local train – it’s bound to be one experience you’ll never forget.  

Author’s Tip: Spending an evening by the Marine Drive may be clichéd but it is definitely not overrated. It’s incredibly romantic to watch the queen’s necklace come alive with nights after dusk.

5. Eden Gardens, Kolkata

A list of top IPL venues can never be complete without a mention of the largest and most legendary stadium of India. Home ground of the two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders, Eden Gardens is the oldest stadium in the country, and the second largest in the world!

While you are there:

Having been the first capital of the British East India Company, Kolkata boasts of some stellar examples of Victorian architecture such as the Victoria Memorial. The Howrah Bridge and Mother Teresa’s Mother House are other iconic landmarks worth seeing. Kolkata is also famous for its Durga Puja celebrations, when the whole city comes alive with colours and cheer. 

Author’s Tip: Fish is sacrosanct for Bengalis. Don’t come back without tasting one of their incredibly delicious fish preparations like Doi Machh and Machhor Jhol.