Audio Guided Tour of Maidan – Calcutta Sports Walk

Kolkata , India

Audio Guided Tour of Maidan – Calcutta Sports Walk

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1h - 1h

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About this experience

In this walking tour with our do-it-yourself Audio Guide (On HopOn India app) you will visit some of the important sporting landmarks at the Maidan – starting from the iconic Eden Gardens to the three nerve centres of Kolkata’s age old football heritage – Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting Grounds.

The most special features are: 1. The app uncovers new places & stories in familiar cities, 2. Each walk is expertly crafted for an immersive blend of history, culture, myth, & food with professional narration, music, and sound effects, 3. Travellers can walk anytime at their own pace without a guide, 4. The Content is created by domain experts, 5. One payment gives access for 3 months with no repeat guide fees.

Please note: This is a GPS-enabled self-guided outdoor audio walking tour. It does not include guided entry or guaranteed access to Eden Gardens Stadium or other sports venues. Any access, if available, depends on local authority permissions & is not part of the tour.

Available options

Audio Guided Tour of Maidan – Calcutta Sports Walk

What's included

The tour can be accessed multiple times up to a certain validity period

Audio Guided Walking Tour Through HopOn India App

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

A legendary individual who is regarded as the father of ‘Kolkata football’, Goshto Pal. Football for ages has been one of the most popular sport played in this city.

Stop 2

Eden Gardens has been one of the principal landmarks of the city. Initially designed in 1841 Eden Gardens was eventually constructed in 1864 primarily for cricket matches and is the second largest cricket stadium in the World after the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The stadium at the very beginning was named after the Eden sisters of Lord Auckland, the then Governor General of India.

Stop 3

The stadium and its seating capacity (presently 68000) have been revamped a number of times to turn this arena into a world class cricket ground and I will come to the details later in the commentary. In addition to cricket, football and tennis have also been played here apart from holding the inauguration ceremony of the World Cup in cricket (1996) and ‘Military Tattoo’ which is a popular demonstration of army manoeuvres by the Army personnel. Cricket however has been the principal sport of the Gardens.

This indoor stadium was built by the Congress Government under the leadership of the Late Siddhartha Shankar Roy, a sportsman himself, to host the 33rd World Table Tennis Championship in 1975. The Championships were a landmark event to be held in the City of Joy featuring a number of World Class TT players.

Stop 5

A legendary name in Indian football this club was established in 1889 in North Kolkata and was initially housed at Mohun Bagan Villa owned by the eminent Mitra family of North Kolkata. The ground which has natural grass is one of the finest in the country.

The Club was established in 1920 and its birth was as dramatic as it’s roller-coaster ride for the last nine decades. In the early stages when India was under the British Rule, football had become a popular sport among the younger generation particularly amongst the Bengali youth. But the “natives” in those days, were not allowed to have the same privileges as of their British counterparts. The then IFA Governing Body permitted only two Indian teams in the top tier of Calcutta Football League. Natives had to whet their appetites by playing in the second grade tournaments restricted to Indian teams only like the Cooch Behar Cup and Trades Cup.

Stop 7

The roots of Mohammedan Sporting can be traced back to the late 19th century. In 1887 Nawab Aminul Islam started the Jubilee Club even as there were two other smaller clubs belonging to the Muslim community - Crescent Club and Hamidia Club. Mohammedan Sporting was established in 1891 by merging all the three above mentioned clubs.

What's not included

Headphones/Earphones (We request please carry your Headphones/Earphones)

Hand Sanitizer (We suggest please carry Hand sanitizer)

Available languages

Audio guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Near the Goshto Pal Statue towards Goshto Pal Sarani Road.

About Kolkata

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and intellectual legacy. It is a city that beautifully blends tradition with modernity, offering a unique experience to its visitors.

Top Attractions

Victoria Memorial

A stunning white marble monument dedicated to Queen Victoria, the Victoria Memorial is a symbol of Kolkata's colonial past. It houses a museum with a rich collection of artifacts.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours INR 20-100

Howrah Bridge

One of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world, the Howrah Bridge offers stunning views of the Hooghly River and the city skyline.

Architecture/Historical 1-2 hours Free

Indian Museum

The largest and oldest museum in India, the Indian Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient sculptures, fossils, and rare coins.

Museum 2-3 hours INR 20-50

Belur Math

A serene and spiritual destination, Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission. It is known for its beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere.

Religious/Architecture 2-3 hours Free

Eden Gardens

One of the largest and oldest cricket stadiums in India, Eden Gardens is a must-visit for cricket enthusiasts. It is also a beautiful park with lush greenery and a peaceful ambiance.

Nature 1-2 hours INR 10-100 (depending on the event)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rasgulla

A popular Bengali sweet made from chenna (fresh cheese curds) and soaked in sugar syrup. It is soft, spongy, and has a distinct flavor.

Dessert Vegetarian

Rolla

A sweet roll made from chenna, similar to rasgulla but rolled into a cylindrical shape and coated with coconut shavings. It is a popular sweet during festivals.

Dessert Vegetarian

Sandesh

A sweet made from chenna and flavored with various ingredients like pistachios, coconut, or rose water. It is a popular sweet in Bengal and comes in various shapes and sizes.

Dessert Vegetarian

Machher Jhol

A traditional Bengali fish curry made with fresh fish, potatoes, and a variety of spices. It is usually served with rice and is a staple in Bengali cuisine.

Main Course Contains fish

Popular Activities

Boat safaris in the Sundarbans Trekking in the Eastern Himalayas Parasailing at the Ganges River Spa treatments at luxury hotels Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through the gardens of Belur Math Visiting the museums and art galleries Attending classical music and dance performances

Best Time to Visit

October to February

This is the best time to visit Kolkata as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The city hosts several festivals during this period, including the famous Durga Puja.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Bengali
Widely spoken: English, Hindi
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas and among the educated population

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Kolkata is generally safe for travelers, but it is advisable to exercise caution, especially in crowded areas and at night. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and scams, can occur, so it is important to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable transportation services
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport • 17 km from city center

By train

Howrah Junction, Sealdah Station

By bus

Esplanade Bus Terminus, Karunamoyee Bus Terminus

Getting around

Public transport

The Kolkata Metro is the oldest underground metro system in India. It is efficient and covers most parts of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Ola

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Park Street New Market Ballygunge Chowringhee

Day trips

Sundarbans National Park

100 km from Kolkata • Full day to overnight

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans National Park is the largest mangrove forest in the world and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Bengal tiger.

Dakshineswar Temple

20 km from Kolkata • Half day

A famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, the Dakshineswar Temple is known for its beautiful architecture and spiritual significance.

Shantiniketan

160 km from Kolkata • Full day

A small town known for its rich cultural heritage and as the former home of the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its unique architecture, art, and music.

Festivals

Durga Puja • September/October (dates vary each year) Kolkata International Film Festival • November/December (dates vary each year) Christmas • December 25

Pro tips

Visit the Victoria Memorial early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful gardens
Try the local street food, such as puchka (pani puri) and jhalmuri (spicy puffed rice), for an authentic culinary experience
Explore the city's vibrant nightlife in areas like Park Street and New Market, but be cautious of your surroundings and belongings
Use the metro for efficient and affordable transportation, especially during peak hours
Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak seasons and festivals, such as Durga Puja