Eden Gardens is one of the most famous and prestigious cricket stadiums in the world. It is also one of the oldest and largest cricket grounds in India. But Eden Gardens is more than just a cricket stadium. It is a cultural landmark and a green oasis in the heart of Kolkata, the city of joy.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Eden Gardens, its history, significance, attractions, events, and tips for visitors. Whether you are a cricket fan or a culture lover, Eden Gardens is a must-visit destination for you in Kolkata.
Eden Gardens Stadium: The Mecca of Indian Cricket
The Eden Gardens stadium is the main attraction of Eden Gardens. It has a capacity of 66,000 spectators, making it the second-largest cricket stadium in India and the fourth-largest in the world. The stadium was established in 1864 and named after the Eden sisters, who were the daughters of Lord Auckland, the then Governor-General of India.
The stadium has witnessed some of the most memorable and historic cricket matches in history. It hosted the first-ever Test match on Indian soil in 1934, when India played against England. It also hosted the 1987 World Cup final, when Australia defeated England by seven runs in a thrilling contest. It was also the venue for the 2001 Test match between India and Australia, when India pulled off a miraculous comeback after following on to win by 171 runs. This match is widely regarded as one of the greatest Test matches ever played. The stadium also hosted the 2016 World T20 final, when West Indies beat England by four wickets in a dramatic finish.
The stadium has also seen some of the legendary cricketers who have graced its pitch with their skills and charisma. Some of them are Sachin Tendulkar, who scored his 35th Test century at Eden Gardens to become the highest run-scorer in Test cricket; Sourav Ganguly, who captained India to many famous victories at his home ground; Kapil Dev, who took his 300th Test wicket at Eden Gardens; and Brian Lara, who scored his maiden Test double century at Eden Gardens.
The stadium is not only a place for cricket lovers, but also for architecture enthusiasts. The stadium has a unique design that blends modern and traditional elements. The stadium has four stands: High Court End, Club House End, B.C. Roy Club House End, and Gostha Paul Sarani End. The stadium also has a giant electronic scoreboard, floodlights, and a retractable roof.
The stadium is open for visitors on non-match days from 10 am to 5 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 50 per person. Visitors can explore the stadium premises, see the pitch, the dressing rooms, the galleries, and the museum. The museum showcases some of the rare memorabilia and artifacts related to cricket history and legends.
Eden Gardens Garden: The Oasis of Greenery and Serenity
The Eden Gardens garden is the other attraction of Eden Gardens. It is a sprawling area of greenery and serenity that surrounds the stadium. The garden covers an area of about 50 acres and has more than 10,000 trees and plants of various species.
The garden has some of the main attractions and landmarks that add to its beauty and charm. Some of them are:
The Burmese pagoda: A four-tiered Buddhist temple that was brought from Burma by Lord Dalhousie in 1856. It is located near the Club House End stand and is one of the oldest structures in Kolkata.
The lake: A large artificial lake that was created by Lord Auckland in 1841. It is located near the High Court End stand and has a fountain and a boating facility.
The clock tower: A tall tower that was built by Lord Auckland in 1842. It is located near the B.C. Roy Club House End stand and has a clock that chimes every hour.
The statues: Several statues of eminent personalities and icons that adorn the garden premises. Some of them are Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Mother Teresa, Rabindranath Tagore, Jagmohan Dalmiya, etc.
The garden also hosts some of the cultural and religious events that take place at Eden Gardens. Some of them are:
Durga Puja: The most popular festival of Bengal that celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The garden has a grand pandal (temporary structure) that displays the idols of Durga and her children. The garden also has a carnival atmosphere with food stalls, music, and fireworks.
Kali Puja: Another festival of Bengal that worships Goddess Kali, the fierce form of Durga. The garden has a huge idol of Kali that is decorated with flowers and lights. The garden also has a ritual of animal sacrifice that is performed by the priests.
Rath Yatra: A festival that commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra from their temple in Puri to their aunt’s house in Gundicha. The garden has a chariot (rath) that carries the idols of the deities and is pulled by thousands of devotees. The garden also has a fair with games, rides, and food.
The garden is open for visitors on all days from 6 am to 6 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 10 per person. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of the garden, walk along the pathways, sit on the benches, or take a boat ride on the lake.
How to Reach Eden Gardens: Modes of Transportation and Directions
Eden Gardens is located in the central part of Kolkata, near the Hooghly river. It is easily accessible by various modes of transportation and directions from different locations in Kolkata. Some of them are:
By air:
The nearest airport to Eden Gardens is the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, which is about 17 km away. Visitors can take a taxi, a bus, or a metro from the airport to Eden Gardens. The taxi fare is around Rs. 300 to Rs. 400, the bus fare is around Rs. 50 to Rs. 100, and the metro fare is around Rs. 20 to Rs. 40.
By train:
The nearest railway station to Eden Gardens is the Howrah Junction, which is about 3 km away. Visitors can take a taxi, a bus, or a ferry from the station to Eden Gardens. The taxi fare is around Rs. 50 to Rs. 100, the bus fare is around Rs. 10 to Rs. 20, and the ferry fare is around Rs. 5 to Rs. 10.
By metro:
The nearest metro station to Eden Gardens is the Esplanade Metro Station, which is about 1 km away. Visitors can walk or take a rickshaw from the station to Eden Gardens. The rickshaw fare is around Rs. 10 to Rs. 20.
By bus:
There are many buses that ply to and from Eden Gardens from various parts of Kolkata. Some of them are AC1, AC4B, AC9A, AC12D, AC17B, AC24A, AC37A, AC39B, etc. The bus fare varies depending on the distance and type of bus.
By car:
Visitors can also drive their own cars or hire cabs to reach Eden Gardens from anywhere in Kolkata. There are several parking spaces available near Eden Gardens for a nominal fee.
Know Before You Go: Tips and Guidelines for Visiting Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens is a wonderful place to visit for anyone who loves cricket or culture in Kolkata. However, there are some tips and guidelines that visitors should keep in mind before visiting Eden Gardens:
Dress code: There is no strict dress code for visiting Eden Gardens, but visitors should dress modestly and comfortably according to the weather and occasion.
Photography rules: Photography is allowed inside Eden Gardens, but visitors should not use flash or tripod without permission. Visitors should also respect the privacy and sentiments of other visitors and performers while taking photos.
Weather conditions: Kolkata has a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Eden Gardens is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and cool.
Security measures: Eden Gardens has tight security measures for the safety and convenience of visitors. Visitors should carry valid identity proofs and tickets while entering Eden Gardens. Visitors should also follow the instructions of the security personnel and staff while inside Eden Gardens.
Accessibility: Eden Gardens is wheelchair-friendly and has ramps and elevators for visitors with disabilities or mobility issues.
Eden Gardens is one of the most iconic and attractive places in Kolkata that offers a blend of cricket and culture for visitors. It has a rich history, significance, and charm that make it a must-visit destination for anyone who visits Kolkata.
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If you want to experience the thrill and excitement of watching a cricket match at Eden Gardens or explore its beautiful garden and its attractions and events, you can book a tour to Eden Gardens through our website or contact us for more information or queries.
