The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is just around the corner, and if you are a cricket fan, you might be planning to visit India to witness the thrilling matches and cheer for your favorite team. 

India is a diverse and fascinating country, with a rich culture, history, cuisine, and natural beauty. Each of the 10 host cities for the Cricket World Cup 2023 has something unique and special to offer, and you will surely have an unforgettable experience exploring them. 

In this blog, we will give you a brief overview of each city, along with the best places to visit in India or some of the popular tourist attractions you can visit during your stay there. 

Let’s get started!

1. Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Ahmedabad is the largest city in Gujarat and one of the fastest-growing cricket cities in India. It is also home to the world’s largest cricket stadium, the Narendra Modi Stadium, which can accommodate up to 132,000 spectators. 

The stadium will host several matches of the Cricket World Cup 2023, including the final. 

Ahmedabad is also a city with a rich history and culture, dating back to the 11th century. It was the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate and a major center of trade and commerce. 

It was also an important hub of the Indian independence movement and the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation.

Some of the attractions you can visit in Ahmedabad are: 

The Sabarmati Ashram

This was the residence and headquarters of Mahatma Gandhi from 1917 to 1930. Here you can see his personal belongings, such as his glasses, spinning wheel, and books, as well as learn about his life and philosophy.

The Jama Masjid

This is one of the most beautiful mosques in India, built by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1424. It has 260 pillars supporting 15 domes, carved with intricate designs and inscriptions.

The Adalaj Stepwell

This is a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture, built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai. It is a five-story structure with ornate carvings and sculptures, as well as a water reservoir that provides relief from the heat.

The Kankaria Lake

This is a man-made lake that was built by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din in 1451. It is surrounded by gardens, amusement parks, zoos, museums, and other recreational facilities. It also hosts a carnival every year in December.

Nearby Places to Visit: Statue of Unity, Gir Lion Sanctuary, Somnath, Rann of Kutch

2. Bangalore, Karnataka

Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka and one of the most cosmopolitan cities in India. It is known as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’ because of its booming IT industry and innovation hub. 

It is also known as the ‘Garden City’ because of its many green spaces, such as Lalbagh Botanical Gardens and Cubbon Park. Bangalore has a pleasant climate throughout the year and a vibrant cultural scene, with many festivals, events and nightlife options. 

Bangalore also has a rich architectural heritage, with many palaces, temples and monuments from different eras.

Some of the attractions you can visit in Bangalore are:

The Bangalore Palace

This is a majestic palace that was built by Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar in 1887. It is inspired by the Windsor Castle in England and has Tudor-style architecture, with turrets, battlements, and Gothic windows. It also has a museum that displays paintings, furniture, and other artifacts belonging to the royal family.

The Vidhana Soudha

This is the seat of the state legislature and one of the most impressive buildings in Bangalore. It was built in 1956 in Dravidian style, with granite pillars, domes and arches. It also has a huge statue of Mahatma Gandhi at its entrance.

The ISKCON Temple

This is one of the largest temples dedicated to Lord Krishna in the world. It was built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1997 and has six shrines, a gold-plated flag post, a huge hall for prayers and cultural programs, and a vegetarian restaurant.

Popular Nearby Places: Mysore, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Coorg, Hampi

3. Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and one of the oldest cities in India. It was formerly known as Madras and was an important port city under British rule. 

Chennai has a mix of ancient Hindu temples and colonial buildings that reflect its rich history and culture. Chennai is also famous for its beaches, which are among the longest and cleanest in India. 

Chennai is a center of art, music, dance, and cinema, and hosts many festivals and events throughout the year. Chennai is also known for its spicy and delicious cuisine, especially the idli, dosa, sambar, and chutney.

Some of the attractions you can visit in Chennai are:

The Kapaleeswarar Temple

This is one of the most sacred and beautiful temples in Chennai, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built in the 7th century by the Pallava kings and has a Dravidian style of architecture, with a towering gopuram (gateway tower), a huge tank and a hall with 63 bronze statues of Shaivite saints.

The Fort Saint George

This is the first British fortress in India, built in 1644 by the East India Company. It houses the St. Mary’s Church, which is the oldest Anglican church in India, as well as a museum that displays weapons, uniforms, coins and other relics from the colonial era.

The Marina Beach

This is the longest natural urban beach in India, stretching for 13 km along the Bay of Bengal. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, who enjoy walking, jogging, playing, eating and relaxing on the sandy shore. It also has a lighthouse, a promenade, statues and memorials of famous personalities.

Nearby Places to Visit: Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry (Puduchery), Tirupati, Madurai, Rameswaram

4. Delhi

Delhi is the capital of India and one of the oldest cities in the world. It has been ruled by various dynasties and empires over the centuries, such as the Mauryans, the Mughals, the British and the Indians. 

Delhi has a wealth of historical and cultural attractions that showcase its glorious past and present. Delhi is also a hub of politics, commerce, education and entertainment, with many institutions, markets, malls and theaters. 

Delhi is also known for its diverse and delectable cuisine, influenced by different regions and communities.

Some of the attractions you can visit in Delhi are:

The Red Fort

This is a magnificent fort that was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 as his residence and seat of power. It has a massive red sandstone wall that encloses several palaces, halls, gardens and mosques. It also has a museum that displays artifacts from the Mughal era. It is also where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag on Independence Day every year.

The Qutub Minar

This is a soaring tower that was built by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak in 1193 to celebrate his victory over the Hindu kings. It is 73 meters high and has five stories with balconies and inscriptions. It is surrounded by other monuments, such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque (the first mosque in India), the Iron Pillar (a rust-resistant iron column) and the Alai Darwaza (a grand gateway).

The Lotus Temple

This is a stunning temple that was built by the Bahá’í Faith in 1986. It has a lotus-shaped design that symbolizes unity and harmony among all religions. It has 27 marble petals that form nine pools around it. It also has a hall for prayers and meditation that can accommodate up to 2,500 people.

Popular Places to Visit from Delhi:  Jaipur, Agra, Mathura, Vrindavan, Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, Chandigarh, Shimla, Rishikesh

5. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

Dharamshala is a scenic hill station in the foothills of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its natural beauty, 

Tibetan culture and spirituality. It is the home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism) and the headquarters of the Central Tibetan Administration (the government-in-exile of Tibet). 

Some of the attractions you can visit in Dharamshala are:

The Tsuglagkhang Complex

This is where His Holiness resides and conducts his teachings and prayers. It consists of a temple, a monastery, a museum, a library, and a cafe. You can see the statues of Buddha, Avalokiteshvara and Padmasambhava, as well as the relics and paintings of Tibetan history and culture.

The Namgyal Monastery

This is the largest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet, founded by the Third Dalai Lama in 1575. It has around 200 monks who study and practice Buddhism. You can also join them in their daily rituals and ceremonies.

The Norbulingka Institute

This is a center for the preservation and promotion of Tibetan art and culture. It has workshops, studios, galleries, and a shop where you can see and buy various handicrafts, such as thangka paintings, wood carvings, metal sculptures, and silk appliques.

The Triund Hill

This is a popular trekking destination that offers a panoramic view of the Dhauladhar range and the Kangra Valley. It is about 9 km from Dharamshala and takes around 4 hours to reach. You can also camp overnight at the top and enjoy the starry sky.

Nearby Popular Places: Dalhousie, Amritsar, Jammu, Manali

6. Kolkata, West Bengal

Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and the cultural capital of India. It is the birthplace of many famous personalities, such as Rabindranath Tagore (the first Indian Nobel laureate), Satyajit Ray (the legendary filmmaker) and Mother Teresa (the saint of the poor). 

Kolkata has a rich literary and artistic heritage, as well as colonial-era landmarks that reflect its history as the former capital of British India. Kolkata is also renowned for its sweets, such as rasgulla (spongy cheese balls soaked in sugar syrup) and sandesh (cottage cheese fudge).

Some of the attractions you can visit in Kolkata are:

The Eden Gardens

This is one of the most historic and iconic cricket stadiums in India, established in 1864. It has a seating capacity of 66,349 and will host several matches of the Cricket World Cup 2023. It is also the home ground of the Kolkata Knight Riders, one of the teams in the IPL.

The Victoria Memorial

This is a majestic marble building that was built by Lord Curzon in 1906 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s reign. It has a museum that displays paintings, sculptures, weapons, coins and other artifacts from the British Raj. It also has a garden that spans over 64 acres and has fountains, statues and flowers.

The Howrah Bridge

This is a steel cantilever bridge that spans over the Hooghly River and connects Kolkata with Howrah. It was opened in 1943 and is one of the busiest bridges in the world. It has a length of 705 meters and a width of 30 meters. It also offers a stunning view of the city skyline at night.

The Indian Museum

This is the oldest and largest museum in India, founded in 1814 by Dr. Nathaniel Wallich. It has six sections that cover art, archaeology, anthropology, geology, zoology, and botany. It has over 100,000 exhibits, including fossils, mummies, paintings, coins, sculptures and meteorites.

Nearby Places to Visit: Sikkim, Darjeeling, Bhubaneswar, Puri, Gaya

7. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and one of the most refined cities in India. It is famous for its Nawabi culture, cuisine, and architecture. Nawabs were the Muslim rulers who governed Lucknow from the 18th to the 19th century. 

They patronized art, music, poetry and cuisine, creating a unique style that is still evident today. Lucknow is also known for its exquisite embroidery work, such as chikankari (white-on-white) and zardozi (gold-and-silver).

Some of the attractions you can visit in Lucknow are:

The Bara Imambara

This is a magnificent complex that was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 as a famine relief project. It consists of a mosque, a labyrinth (Bhool Bhulaiya), a stepwell (Baoli) and a grand hall (Asafi Imambara). The hall is one of the largest vaulted chambers in the world, without any pillars or beams to support it.

The Rumi Darwaza

This is an ornate gateway that was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 as part of the Bara Imambara complex. It is inspired by an entrance gate in Istanbul and has a height of 18 meters. It also has a lantern on top that used to light up at night.

The Chota Imambara

This is another splendid complex that was built by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah in 1838 as his mausoleum. It has a mosque, a palace, a garden, and a clock tower. It also has several tombs, including those of the Nawab and his mother. It is decorated with chandeliers, mirrors, lamps, and tazias (replicas of the tomb of Imam Hussain).

Nearby Places to Visit: Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Khajuraho, Panna Tiger Reserve

8. Mumbai, Maharashtra

Mumbai is the financial and entertainment capital of India and the home of Bollywood (the Hindi film industry). Mumbai is a city of contrasts, where skyscrapers coexist with slums, modern malls with street markets, and cosmopolitan crowds with religious devotees. 

Mumbai has many iconic attractions, such as the Gateway of India, the Marine Drive and the Elephanta Caves. 

Mumbai is also known for its street food, such as vada pav (potato fritter sandwich), pav bhaji (spicy vegetable curry with bread), and bhel puri (puffed rice with tangy sauce).

Some of the attractions you can visit in Mumbai are:

The Gateway of India

This is a majestic arch that was built by the British in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. It is located on the waterfront and overlooks the Arabian Sea. It is also a popular spot for boat rides, photography, and souvenir shopping.

The Marine Drive

This is a 3.6 km long boulevard that runs along the coast of South Mumbai. It is lined with palm trees, buildings, and hotels. It is also known as the Queen’s Necklace because of its curved shape and glittering lights at night. It is a great place to enjoy the sea breeze, watch the sunset, and relax.

The Elephanta Caves

These are a group of rock-cut caves that date back to the 5th to 8th centuries. They are located on an island about 10 km from Mumbai and can be reached by ferry. They have sculptures and carvings depicting Hindu gods and goddesses, especially Lord Shiva in his various forms.

Popular Nearby Places: Goa, Pune, Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Shirdi

9. Pune, Maharashtra

Pune is the second-largest city in Maharashtra and a major educational and IT hub. Pune has a vibrant cultural scene, with many festivals, events and nightlife options. 

Pune has a rich history, with many forts, palaces and museums related to the Maratha Empire and the Peshwas (the prime ministers). Pune is also close to some popular hill stations, such as Lonavala and Khandala.

Some of the attractions you can visit in Pune are:

The Shaniwar Wada

This is a grand fort that was built by Bajirao I (the first Peshwa) in 1732 as his residence and seat of power. It has five gates, nine bastions, a palace, a garden, and a fountain. It also has a light and sound show that narrates its history and legends.

The Aga Khan Palace

This is a majestic palace that was built by Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III in 1892 as an act of charity for the poor. It was also where Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi were imprisoned by the British from 1942 to 1944. It has a museum that displays their personal belongings, photos and letters.

The Sinhagad Fort

This is a historic fort that was built by Shivaji Maharaj (the founder of the Maratha Empire) in 1670. It is located on a hilltop about 25 km from Pune and offers a panoramic view of the surroundings. It was also the site of many battles, especially the one where Tanaji Malusare (a brave general) sacrificed his life to capture it from the Mughals.

Popular Nearby Places: Lonavala, Shirdi, Shani Shignapur, Ajanta – Ellora Caves

10. Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala and one of the greenest cities in India. It has a tropical climate and a laid-back atmosphere. 

It has many attractions related to its royal past, such as the Padmanabhaswamy Temple (the richest temple in the world), the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, and the Napier Museum. 

Thiruvananthapuram is also a gateway to some of Kerala’s most beautiful beaches, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, and hill stations.

Some of the attractions you can visit in Thiruvananthapuram are:

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple

This is an ancient temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his reclining form. It is also the richest temple in the world, with an estimated value of over $20 billion. It has a gold-plated gopuram (tower), a 100-foot-long idol, and six vaults that contain treasures of gold, jewels, and antiques.

The Kuthiramalika Palace Museum

This is a palace that was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal in 1840 as his residence and music hall. It has a unique architecture, with 122 wooden horses carved on its exterior. It also has a museum that displays paintings, musical instruments, weapons and other royal memorabilia.

The Napier Museum

This is a museum that was built by Lord Napier in 1880 in Indo-Saracenic style. It has a collection of art, sculpture, bronze, ivory, and woodwork from various periods and regions of India. It also has a natural history section that exhibits animal skeletons, fossils, and taxidermy.

Popular Nearby Places: Kanyakumari, Rameswaram, Kovalam, Alleppey, Cochin

Wrapping it Up

India is a country that offers a variety of attractions, experiences, and cultures for every kind of traveller. Whether you are looking for adventure, nature, history, spirituality, or entertainment, you will find something that suits your taste and budget in India. 

However, every travel bug knows that planning a trip can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the destinations, transportation, accommodation, and other aspects of travel. 

That is why you need a reliable and professional travel partner who can help you make your trip hassle-free and memorable.

Footloose Holidays is the best travel agency in India and your ultimate guide to the vibrant and culturally rich state of Rajasthan. It is also counted among the best Rajasthan tour packages providers and Indian travel agents in the industry. For over a decade, we’ve crafted personalized, budget-friendly travel packages. 

As the best travel agent in Rajasthan, we are dedicated to curating extraordinary travel experiences that leave you with lasting memories. Our dedicated team of travel experts will create a customized and affordable package just for you.

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