Most of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 matches are scheduled in India’s capital city. New Delhi in itself is a hub for historical, monumental, cultural and city tourism. You need more than a day to explore full of the city and it’s a relief New Delhi is hosting more matches. Must-see sites include Red Fort (Lal Quila in local language), India Gate and Rajpath, Old Delhi, Jantar Mantar, Qutab Minar and popular commercial spot, Connaught Place. Raj Ghat, the final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, is not to miss. Paying homage to the Father of the nation at Raj Ghat is a life time experience as the aura of the place captures the essence of everything about Gandhi – two museums, national songs that continuously plays, a peaceful ambience – everything remind of the power of one of the world’s greatest leaders.

Is cricket just an excuse?

New Delhi is blessed to be located very near to the city of Agra that houses Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Located at about 200 kilometers from the capital, Agra is well connected by National Highway, fast-speed trains (Shatabdi Express) and New Delhi airport.

The host city for the first match, Chennai is the capital of southern state of Tamil Nadu in India. The city along the Bay of Bengal has a magnificent coast line and the longest beach in India, the Marina Beach – an ideal place to spend evenings. Chennai also hosts tennis tournament, Chennai Open, every year and so, the city offers wonderful visits to some of the sports stadiums. If cultural indulgence charms you, Chennai is the place to watch performances of Bharatnatyam dance, a form of Indian classical dance.

Is cricket just an excuse?

While in Chennai, the nearest must-visit destinations in Tamil Nadu include Mahabalipuram. Located about 55 kilometers from Chennai, the city is famous for the temple art of ancient India and draws tourists to its temples by the shore. Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO’s world heritage site. Popular hill stations in the Nilgiris range are Ooty and Kodaikanal.

The entertainment and financial capital of India, Mumbai also happens to host numerous matches and tourists get more time to discover the vast city. Must-see attractions include Gateway of India, Juhu Beach (Mumbai is located along the coastline of Arabian Sea), Film City, Elephanta Caves, Hotel Taj that was in much spotlight after November 2008 terror attack and popular shopping spots such as Fashion Street.

Is cricket just an excuse?

There are a few small hill stations within a radius of 100 kilometers from Mumbai – Khandala, Lonavala and Matheran – ideal for a day trip. Other options include Alibaug, a coastal city located about 35 kilometers away; Ajanta Ellora and Aurangabad caves that houses marvelous frescos, statues, paintings and more such Indian classical art forms from ancient times.

Capture the essence of the old world charm and the times of the British Raj in this old city of the eastern state of West Bengal. Located on the bank of River Hooghly, boat ride on a row boat is a must-do activity in Kolkata. Other attractions include Victoria Memorial, St. Paul's Cathedral, Downtown Kolkata, Howrah Bridge, Kolkata tram and Vidyasagar Setu Bridge.

Is cricket just an excuse?

Visit Digha, a beach city around 240 kilometers from Kolkata for a sea-sand-sun experience or head up towards the hills of Darjeeling and Siliguri for a wintry retreat.

Bangalore, the capital city of the southern state of Karnataka, is blessed with year-round pleasant weather that makes city sight-seeing worth. Popular spots include Bannerghatta National Park, an ideal place to spot white tigers and lions in plenty; city malls, Wonderla (amusement park), Innovative Film City (entertainment center), Lal Bagh, Cubbon Park, Vidhan Soudha (secretariat) and shopping places mainly MG Road, Commercial Street and Brigade Road.

Is cricket just an excuse?

Bangalore is strategically located near to numerous waterfalls arising from River Kaveri that bestow tourists with beauties of nature. Famous waterfall spots are Mekedatu (92 kilometers), Shivanasamudra (130 kilometers), Abbey Falls (270 kilometers) and Pykara Falls (250 kilometers).

The capital city of the western state Gujarat, Ahmedabad famous for kite-flying festival offers popular tourist attractions, including Jama Masjid, Sabarmati Ashram (Mahatma Gandhi’s home) and more spots on the bank of River Sabarmati.

Is cricket just an excuse?

Escape to the Diu Island (around 370 kilometers), Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary (93 kilometers) or the ancient city of Dwarka (450 kilometers) or the Gir Forest (395 kilometers).

Nagpur in the western state of Maharashtra is the largest city in central India. Popular attractions include Deekshabhoomi, a Buddhist center; botanical gardens and a man-made Lake Sonegaon.

Is cricket just an excuse?

Visit Pachmarhi, a hill station situated in Satpura Range, and Kanha National Park – both are an ideal spots to explore the beauty of Indian vegetation enthused with hills, valleys, waterfalls, wild animals and more.

A cricket match in city of Mohali in the northern state of Punjab in India provides a great escape to Chandigarh, located about 10 kilometers away. Chandigarh offers forested environment rich in flora and fauna. The Sukhna Lake, Gurudwara (Sikh temple) and Rock Garden are the most popular tourist spots.

Is cricket just an excuse?

Both Mohali and Chandigarh are near to the great Himalayas and visiting famous hill stations like Kasuali (about 65 kilometers), Chali (about 110 kilometers), Solan (about 68 kilometers) and Shimla (about 120 kilometers) is worth for a Himalayan retreat.