Cricket is one thing that evokes a sea of emotions in Indians. Whether it is the young college goers, missing lectures to secretly catch a session at a friend’s house; or the white collar workers who’re taking that conference call so half heartedly because their attention is on the scoreboard on a TV screen halfway across the hall.
The IPL T20 series is like a box of mini donuts - pop in as many as you want and you will still not be satiated. So why should it be any different for the cricket crazy people of Hyderabad, which has given Indian cricket such legendary players as VVS Laxman? Led by the sizzling Sri Lankan, Kumar Sangakkara, Hyderabad SunRisers have taken the excitement in the City of Nizams to great new heights!
Catching the Action…Live!
With scores of matches to be played between April and May in stellar cricketing facilities across the country, a cricketing fan is spoilt for choice. While the option of sitting on a couch with a tub of grub and drinks to wash it all down is always attractive, more and more cricket fans now want to be there right in the middle of all the excitement and action at the cricket stadium. Being there in the thick of the excitement, watching the cheerleaders up close with the possibility of a high six looming in the horizon actually landing in your lap, can be enough to give any fan goose bumps!
Planning Your Trip
Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium where eight IPL 2013 matches are scheduled to be held will see a fair share of the season’s excitement. Eager fans have already begun booking tickets for matches, especially since getting in and out of the city and the stadium is easy. There are also a number of good hotels to fit all pockets located close to the stadium. A good budget hotel like the Taj Mahal Hotel, in Himayath Nagar can be a great B&B option. Those looking for something more upmarket can check in at Courtyard by Marriot on Lower Tank Bund Road or the luxurious, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace in Madhapur.
The glorious Charminar in Hyderabad
Located in the city’s eastern suburb of Hapsiguda on Uppal road, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is some 30 kilometres from the Hyderabad airport. There are regular taxi and bus services available from the airport which can take you directly to the stadium or to your hotel.
Of Food and Nightlife
Of course, you will want to make the most of your stay in Hyderabad during and after the coveted match and there are plenty of options here. In case you want to first try the famed Hyderabadi biryani, step in to Bawarchi for an authentic local experience. Those looking for something more international or continental, Indi Joe’s with fresh from the oven pizzas to some mouthwatering salads, soups and vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, is a superb option.
The mouthwatering Hyderabadi Biryani
Boasting a happening nightlife too, this city has learned to sleep late, if at all. With so many watering holes opening shop here, it is difficult to ignore the heady rush of loud music, packed bars and a good cocktail. While tourists can play safe and head to a well-known joint like the Hard Rock Café or Firangi Pani, trying out an exciting new place like Rush Sports Bar and Café or Little Italy can be an unforgettable experience.
So if you are among the ones who don’t just plan to dekhneka, but karne ka too, begin by booking your flights to Hyderabad!