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Eden Gardens, India - Things to Do in Eden Gardens

Things to Do in Eden Gardens

Eden Gardens, India - Complete Travel Guide

Eden Gardens is not a city but rather the iconic cricket stadium located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Known as the 'Mecca of Indian Cricket,' this historic venue has been hosting cricket matches since 1864 and is one of the oldest and largest cricket stadiums in India. The stadium is situated in the heart of Kolkata and serves as the home ground for the Bengal cricket team and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. For travelers interested in cricket culture and Kolkata's rich sporting heritage, Eden Gardens offers an incredible experience. The stadium can accommodate over 66,000 spectators and has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in cricket history. Visitors can explore this legendary venue while also discovering the vibrant city of Kolkata, with its colonial architecture, cultural landmarks, bustling markets, and renowned Bengali cuisine.

Top Things to Do in Eden Gardens

Cricket Match Experience at Eden Gardens

Attend a live cricket match at this legendary stadium to witness the electric atmosphere and passionate crowd support. The experience includes watching world-class cricket while being surrounded by some of the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic cricket fans in the world.

Booking Tip: Book tickets through official channels or authorized dealers, with prices ranging from ₹200-2000 depending on seating. Best matches are during IPL season (March-May) or international fixtures - book well in advance as popular matches sell out quickly.

Stadium Tour and Cricket Museum

Take a guided tour of Eden Gardens to explore the players' dressing rooms, media center, and learn about the stadium's rich history. The tour often includes access to areas usually restricted to players and officials.

Booking Tip: Stadium tours cost around ₹100-300 per person and are available on non-match days. Contact the Cricket Association of Bengal directly or check with local tour operators - morning tours are preferred to avoid afternoon heat.

Victoria Memorial and Maidan Area

Explore the magnificent Victoria Memorial, a stunning white marble monument dedicated to Queen Victoria, located near Eden Gardens. The surrounding Maidan area offers beautiful gardens, walking paths, and views of the stadium.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is ₹30 for Indians and ₹500 for foreigners, open Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM. Visit early morning or late afternoon for better lighting and fewer crowds - combine with Eden Gardens visit for a full day experience.

Howrah Bridge and Hooghly River Cruise

Visit the iconic Howrah Bridge, one of Kolkata's most famous landmarks, and enjoy a sunset cruise on the Hooghly River. The bridge offers spectacular views and photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.

Booking Tip: River cruises cost ₹200-800 per person depending on duration and operator. Evening cruises offer the best experience with city lights - book through established operators near Millennium Park or Babughat for safety and reliability.

Bengali Food Trail in Kolkata

Embark on a culinary journey through Kolkata's street food scene and traditional Bengali restaurants. Sample iconic dishes like kathi rolls, phuchka, rosogolla, and traditional Bengali thali while learning about local food culture.

Booking Tip: Food tours range from ₹1500-3000 per person for 3-4 hours including tastings. Look for tours that include both street food and restaurant experiences - evening tours are ideal as many street vendors operate after sunset.

Getting There

Eden Gardens is located in Kolkata, which is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is about 17 km from the stadium, with regular flights from major Indian cities and international destinations. Kolkata has excellent railway connectivity with two major stations - Howrah Junction and Sealdah Station, both within 10 km of Eden Gardens. The stadium is easily accessible by taxi, app-based cabs, or local buses from anywhere in the city.

Getting Around

Getting around Kolkata and reaching Eden Gardens is convenient with multiple transportation options. The Kolkata Metro has stations nearby including Maidan and Park Street, making it the fastest way to reach the area. Yellow taxis, app-based cabs like Uber and Ola, and auto-rickshaws are readily available throughout the city. Local buses connect Eden Gardens to all parts of Kolkata, though they can be crowded. For short distances, walking is pleasant, especially in the Maidan area where the stadium is located.

Where to Stay

Park Street Area
New Market vicinity
Chowringhee Road
Salt Lake City
Ballygunge
Alipore

Food & Dining

Kolkata offers an incredible culinary experience with its famous Bengali cuisine and diverse food scene. The area around Eden Gardens has numerous restaurants serving traditional Bengali dishes like fish curry, rice, and sweets like rosogolla and sandesh. Park Street, just a few kilometers away, is the city's food hub with everything from upscale restaurants to street food stalls. Don't miss trying Kolkata's famous street food including kathi rolls, phuchka (pani puri), and jhal muri from roadside vendors near the stadium.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Kolkata

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Kolkata Rajbari

4.6 /5
(14780 reviews) 2

Spice Kraft

4.5 /5
(8617 reviews) 2
bar

Mirabelle

4.7 /5
(1978 reviews)

La Vue Cafe & Restro

4.5 /5
(1831 reviews) 2
cafe

Mysore Canteen

4.7 /5
(1378 reviews) 2

Banjara Multi Cuisine Restaurant

4.5 /5
(1361 reviews)

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Eden Gardens and Kolkata is during the winter months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing. This period also coincides with the cricket season, offering the best chance to catch live matches at the stadium. The monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall which might affect outdoor activities, while summers (April to June) can be quite hot and humid. For cricket enthusiasts, the IPL season (March to May) is particularly exciting despite the warmer weather.

Insider Tips

Arrive early for cricket matches as traffic around Eden Gardens can be extremely heavy on match days, and consider using the metro to avoid road congestion
Carry cash as many local vendors and smaller establishments around the stadium may not accept cards, and ATMs can have long queues during events
Try the famous 'Maach Bhaat' (fish and rice) at local Bengali restaurants near the stadium, and don't leave without sampling authentic rosogolla from KC Das or Balaram Mullick

Explore Activities in Eden Gardens