ICC Cricket World Cup 2011: The Perfect Excuse to Explore India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 (starting February 19) presented an unparalleled opportunity to visit India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Lonely Planet named it one of the top 10 things to do that year for good reason.
For the coming months, travelers could immerse themselves in the Indian Subcontinent's peak cricket hysteria—a feverish excitement that bordered on obsession, captivating fans and locals alike.
This World Cup offered traveling supporters plenty to savor. Scheduled during cooler winter months, it provided northern hemisphere fans (from England, Canada, Ireland, Netherlands) with winter sun. Fans of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the West Indies could tour these nations with the tournament as a thrilling backdrop—a rare chance. For South Asian host nation supporters, it was the ultimate road trip centered around matches.
India's host cities enabled enticing tours. Chennai, kicking off India's matches, served as a gateway to Tamil Nadu's beaches along the developing Coromandel Coast. Major hubs like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata hosted numerous games, ideal for staying put. Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens, an 82,000-capacity cricket mecca, featured the Group B clash between Ireland and Netherlands on March 18—a prime ticket.
Seasoned India visitors seized the chance to explore newcomers like Nagpur, en route to India's densest forests and Bengal Tiger reserves. Even without spotting the majestic tiger, wildlife adventures delivered unforgettable stories.
Bengaluru (Bangalore) and northernmost Mohali appealed more to business travelers and die-hard fans. Mohali's Punjab Cricket Association Stadium (35,000 capacity) buzzed with anticipation for potential India semi-finals.
Ahmedabad stood out as a hidden gem—a vibrant modern city with ancient roots, off the beaten path. The final unfolded at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on April 2.
Beyond India, the tournament timed perfectly with Sri Lanka's post-civil war resurgence, winning back visitors. While Galle's scenic stadium wasn't used, Colombo, Hambantota, and Kandy framed ideal tours of southern and central Sri Lanka.
Competitive flights linked Colombo to India for easy add-ons. Note: India's multi-entry visas then required a two-month absence before re-entry—check Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree forum for updates and workarounds.
Bangladesh, hosting for the first time, welcomed visitors warmly. Dhaka and Chittagong, match venues, showcased this under-visited gem. Lonely Planet's Best in Travel named it the world's best value destination that year. Cheer captain Shakib Al Hasan, explore Sundarbans' tigers, flying foxes, and pangolins—all on a budget with rich experiences.
Logistics were fan-friendly: affordable tickets for all, value flights during low season, and easy bookings—even for premium hotels, often just one-two days ahead sufficed.
Non-cricket fans needn't fret—India's vastness offered escapes like Goa's beaches and Kerala's backwaters. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh similarly allowed crowd-free retreats, though street cricket games were inevitable on the subcontinent. This was its sporting spotlight moment—lucky travelers indeed.
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