As IPL 2021 Kicks Off, Here’s Your Travel Guide to The 6 Host Cities

The Vivo Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, which begins from April 9, 2021, heralds almost two months of action culminating in the grand finale on May 30, 2021 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Five other stadiums in five states are also set to host matches during IPL 2021.

6 Cities, 56 League Matches

IPL 2021 will feature 56 league matches that will be played across six cities, viz. Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. Each city will host 10 matches except Delhi and Ahmedabad, which will host 8 matches each.

Despite the travel restrictions due to COVID-19, India’s apex cricket body, the BCCI, has stipulated that no team will play from their home cities for this season of IPL. While it seems that spectators may not be allowed to watch the matches at the respective stadiums, further clarity is still awaited.

The safety of our guests is our topmost priority at Club Mahindra. Hence, if you choose to travel to any of the six cities, here are the restrictions you should be prepared for

1. Delhi

Travel restrictions

The Arun Jaitley Stadium is set to host eight of the fixtures in IPL 2021. The Delhi government has made it mandatory for train or air passengers from Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab to produce negative RT-PCR test results on arrival. Moreover, air passengers will be randomly tested and those found positive, will be contacted and asked to quarantine themselves.

Government regulations

In view of the rising cases of COVID-19 in the national capital, the government has announced a night curfew (10pm-5am) until April 30. All public and tourist places require the following of standard COVID-19 precautions.

Where to stay

There are many local stay options in Delhi. However, if you’re keen on clubbing your Delhi trip with a visit to the Taj Mahal, you can stay at the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham in Agra, a Club Mahindra partner resort.

2. Ahmedabad

Travel restrictions

The Narendra Modi Stadium will hosting eight matches of IPL 2021. The Government of Gujarat has imposed somewhat strict travel restrictions even when entering the state by road, with government officials taking swab samples for RT-PCR tests of all visitors. For passengers reaching the city by air and rail transport, negative RT-PCR test reports not older than 72 hours are required.

Government regulations

Although there is no lockdown in Gujarat (at the time of writing this), a routine night curfew from 9pm to 6am has been enacted within the state. This night curfew is expected to continue till April 15.

Where to stay

The Kensville Golf Club Resort isa popular destination to spend your relaxing holiday in Ahmedabad. You can also stay at nearby Gir, home to the famous Asiatic lion, at Club Mahindra Gir. And to experience a beautiful 90-acree green resort just 20 km from Ahmedabad, book your stay at Club Mahindra Netrang, which lies about 65 km from the magnificent Statue of Unity.

3. Mumbai

Travel restrictions

Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium will host 10 IPL matches this year. However, Mumbai right now has been significantly affected by COVID-19. Hence, restrictions are in place across Maharashtra. A majority of the restrictions have been imposed on road, rail, and air passengers from Goa, Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Kerala. All passengers travelling by rail and air must show negative RT-PCR test reports from the last 72 hours, while those coming in by road will be screened at the state borders.

Government regulations

The Maharashtra government has imposed a night curfew from 8 pm to 7 am on weekdays and complete lockdown during weekends. This means that the entire state remains on lockdown every week from Friday 8 pm to Monday 7 am. Nevertheless, travelling in small groups of up to five people is still allowed in the state.

Where to stay?

Since you cannot watch the matches at the Wankhede, why not enjoy them from your resort in the enchanting green hills of nearby Mahabaleshwar? Two great options are Club Mahindra Sherwood and Club Mahindra Saj.

Kolkata

Travel restrictions

Kolkata's Eden Gardens will also host 10 matches in IPL 2021. The only restrictions for visitors to Kolkata are on air and rail travel. Passengers coming to the city from Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kochi, need to produce negative RT-PCR test reports from the last 72 hours.

Government regulations

The West Bengal government has not yet imposed any strict regulations related to COVID-19. However, standard COVID precautions are enforced in all public places.

Where to stay

Club Mahindra’s Summit Hermon and Summit Barsana in Darjeeling and Kalimpong, respectively, are two of the most serene hill station vacation spots for families visiting Kolkata.

4. Bengaluru

Travel restrictions

All the Bengaluru matches will take place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. There are no travel restrictions for visitors to Bengaluru. However, negative RT-PCR test reports (no older than 72 hours) are mandatory for those arriving from Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab and Chandigarh. However, it is thought that test reports may become mandatory for all visitors soon.

Government regulations

Although no such lockdown or night curfew has been imposed in Karnataka, most public places will not allow large gatherings and public transport will not be seating more than the possible capacity.

Where to stay?

For a luxurious stay in Bengaluru, you can choose the Club Mahindra-affiliated Eagleton Gold Resort and experience the joy of watching IPL on live television while enjoying a game of golf. However, if you are looking to enjoy the cooler side of Karnataka, then Club Mahindra Madikeri or Club Mahindra Virajpet in Coorg are perfect for you and your family.

5. Chennai

Travel restrictions

Chennai's M.A. Chidambaram Stadium will host the city-based matches this year. Currently, only travellers who show visible COVID-like symptoms are being tested for RT-PCR and referred to a hospital if found positive. However, passengers coming in from Kerala and Maharashtra need to undergo mandatory RT-PCR tests upon entry.

Government regulations

The government regulations of lockdown are quite strict in Tamil Nadu as the state-wide lockdown has been extended till April 30. Moreover, violators will be prosecuted by law, the government said. Visitors who follow these COVID-19 precautions can enjoy their holiday in Chennai.

Where to stay

If you thought the IPL was the only attraction this year in Chennai, then you are mistaken. Club Mahindra Danish Villa and Club Mahindra Derby Green are two of the most spacious and luxurious places in Ooty, near Chennai. Club Mahindra Lake Forest in Yercaud is another hill station attraction for tourists travelling with family.

Crowd and Attendance at Stadiums

At this point, no concrete statement has been passed by BCCI regarding spectator attendance and restrictions at stadiums. Nevertheless, even with crowd restrictions at the venues, travelling to different cities means experiencing new cultures and indulging in their rich history and heritage. However, for serious cricket fans, the experience of watching IPL matches at local pubs and food joints (in accordance with all the relevant regulations and precautions of course!) in these cities is also something to cherish.

About Mahindra Holidays

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL), India’s leading player in the leisure hospitality industry, offers quality family holidays as also stated by Club Mahindra Resort Reviews, primarily through vacation ownership memberships. While Club Mahindra Membership Fees gives you an opportunity to explore your holidays across the world, the other brands offered by the company are – Club Mahindra Resorts Fundays and Svaastha Spa. As on Mar 31, 2019, MHRIL has 100+ resorts across India and abroad and its subsidiary, Holiday Club Resorts Oy, Finland, a leading vacation ownership company in Europe has 33 resorts across Finland, Sweden and Spain. Visit us at www.clubmahindra.com