Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest cricket stadium in the world, welcomes 132,000 attendees through its doors. The cheer of so many people courses through the crowd, and it’s an exciting place to kick off the season. Linger in Ahmedabad, India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, thanks to its history, architecture, and artwork. Stroll around the Old City to see majestic mosques and Hindu temples. For solitude and self-reflection, stroll the Sabarmati Riverfront or visit the Gandhi Ashram.

Eden Gardens cricket stadium features heavily on many bucket lists— with a healthy 52% of travellers wanting to visit the stadium for its atmosphere. A visit here is a walk through over 160 years of cricket history. Opened in 1864, it’s the oldest stadium in India and one of the country’s largest. Outside of match days, you’ll have plenty to do. Visit the Victoria Memorial Hall, a gorgeous marble museum housing 25 galleries and incredible gardens. The Indian Museum, the largest in the country, has an impressive collection of artworks and anthropological exhibitions. When hunger strikes, visit Park Street and take your pick of street eats or upscale restaurants.

Experience the excitement of the first Test match against South Africa at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, where over 35,000 fans come together in vibrant support. Be sure to plan a few extra days to savour the city’s incredible food scene—a major draw for 44% of travellers—with Delhi serving up the best chole bhature around. To beat the crowds, head early to iconic landmarks like the 17th-century Red Fort, the magnificent Jama Masjid, and the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk.

The second Test match against South Africa takes place at ACA Stadium, the largest cricket venue in northeast India with a capacity of 55,000 spectators. Beyond the stadium, you’ll find a blend of heritage and natural beauty. Visit the Kamakhya Temple atop Nilachal Hill, cruise down the Brahmaputra River for serenity at Umananda Island, which hosts its namesake temple. Nearby, Nehru Park is perfect for family fun with well-kept floral gardens and playgrounds for little ones.

Ranchi’s JSCA Stadium is the home ground of former Indian captain M.S. Dhoni, and watching a cricket match is always an exciting experience among a crowd of 50,000. Outside of game day, soak in the region’s natural beauty. Venture to stunning Patratu Valley, where a winding road with gorgeous views and convenient street food leads to the calm waters of Patratu Lake. Dassam Falls, a waterfall with multiple streams, is only an hour away by car from the stadium. You’ll find temples carved with eye-popping intricacy and panoramic views atop Tagore Hill within the city.

Watching a cricket match at Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Cricket Stadium—India’s 50th international venue with a 65,000-seat capacity—is a thrilling experience for any cricket fan. This state-of-the-art stadium has hosted major events like IPL and Ranji Trophy games. After the match, explore Raipur’s highlights, from the peaceful Vivekanand Sarovar and the fascinating Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum to the family-friendly MM Fun City water park. If you’re up for a road trip, Raipur’s city centre is just 85km from Jatmai Mata Temple. The drive there is surrounded by vibrant greenery with walking trails to stretch your legs. Jatmai Temple is built amongst a waterfall, and pictures simply don’t do it justice.

Can you combine cricket and beachcombing? Sure, why not. Of those surveyed, 74% would love to attend a match with friends and this is one of the best destinations to do so. Watch the 3rd ODI match at Visakhapatnam’s (Vizag) ACA-VDCA Stadium (the venue where MS Dhoni scored his first international century). Beyond the bleachers, Vizag offers plenty to explore, from the INS Kurusura Submarine Museum and TU 142 Aircraft Museum to the scenic views at Kailasagiri, a hilltop park with the Shiva Parvati Statue at its centre. If you wish to escape all the urban excitement, go beach hopping. Yarada Beach is a hidden gem, and you’ll find more of a buzz at Rishikonda or Ramakrishna Beach.

Watch the first T20I match against South Africa at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium, hosting 45,000 attendees. It’s one of the best matches to visit if you’re interested in history and architecture—the impressive 14th-century Barabati Fort was once a royal palace. The Chandi Temple is also worth visiting. Nature enthusiasts, walk across the suspension bridge above the Mahanadi River to Dhabaleswar Temple. The Netaji Birth Place Museum offers insights into the life of Subhas Chandra Bose.

Modern and able to seat up to 38,000 attendees, New Chandigarh’s New PCA Stadium, also known as the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, is a great match to attend to combine a trip with city excitement and a natural escape. The upbeat city of Chandigarh, just fifteen minutes from the stadium by car, has restaurants doling out delicious food among well-kept public spaces. Save space in your suitcase for souvenirs from Sector 17 Market! Venture into the wilderness, and you can go boating on Sukhna Lake, stop and smell the roses at Zakir Hussain Garden, wander among waterfalls and rock sculptures at the Rock Garden, and soak in sights from above on a cable car ride up Timber Trail.

Dharamshala’s Himachal Pradesh Stadium is a favourite among well-travelled cricket fans. Modern and spacious, it’s easy to gaze at the dramatic surrounding Dhauladhar mountain peaks during slow moments. After the match, visit the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, known for its spiritual significance and serene ambiance, and the Bhagsu Waterfall, a great spot for trekking and relaxation. Adventure enthusiasts, bring your hiking shoes and embark on the Triund Trek for panoramic mountain vistas. For a taste of Tibetan culture, there’s the Gyuto Monastery.

Lucknow’s impressive 50,000-capacity Ekana Cricket Stadium hosted the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup – so you’ve likely seen it on screen. If you’re a foodie (44% of those surveyed said it’s a top factor in where they travel), don’t miss trying the Lucknowi kebabs. There are plenty of cool things to do nearby, like visiting the Bara Imambara’s 240-year-old labyrinthine maze or going to the Chota Imambara to admire its ornate chandeliers and architecture.