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India

Map

Season
Cricket season runs October to March

When to go
Hot tropical weather with variations from region to region. Coolest weather lasts from December to February, with cool, fresh mornings and evenings and dry, sunny days. Really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and May

Foreign Office Information
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You must obtain a visa before travelling to India. If you arrive without a visa, you will be refused entry

Pros
Weather in most parts good enough (hot) to play cricket year round - and enthusiasm for the game - and plenty of exotic sights to take in - religious spots, culture, architectural wonders - in each part of the country

Cons
Long distances between cities and centres of interests, cultural differences

Contacts
Incredible India website
India - Lonely Planet guide

British High Commission
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110021
Website

Indian High Commission
India House
Aldwych
London WC2B 4NA
Website

 

General
The land of Sachin Tendulkar, probably the most recognisable face in world cricket at the moment, is a country rich in culture and tradition. One of the most popular travel destinations because of the diversity it offers - India can be a place to lose yourself, or find yourself. Cricket's big centres - Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata Bangalore and Chennai are all easily accessible and can form the hubs from which short trips to places like the Taj Mahal or the beaches of Goa can be undertaken. An open mind and an adventurous spirit are all you need to make a trip to India memorable

Grounds
From maidans where you will be playing virtually alongside scores of other games, to college and school grounds that occasionally double up as first-class venues, to grounds that once hosted Test matches, you can expect to run through the whole spectrum in India. Fast bowlers be prepared for long, hard days, on pitches with low bounce and slow turn. Batsmen that don't make runs here might want to think about a change in sport.

Opposition
Matches are played on all days of the week and teams can vary from school and college sides to competitive club teams that use these games as practice for the leagues they play in. Don't be totally surprised if you see a former Indian or first-class cricketer in the ranks of better club teams.

Entertainment
India is fast shedding its reputation as a conservative bastion. All the major cities have a cosmopolitan air to them, and a wide range of foods, from traditional Indian to Oriental or Western can be had at eateries that range from road-side and economical to swank and expensive. Nightclubs and bars packed with noisy revellers dot most big hotels.

Conclusion
Whether it's for cricket, or for the soul, there are few destinations to beat India, and away from the cricket, few countries can boast such a diversity of things to do.