Since the cricket world cup is being played in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh (besides India) this year, it's the right time to take a pre-summer holiday. Especially if you plan to go for the first match of the world cup - played between India and Bangladesh in Dhaka. Or to Mumbai for the finals.
We put together a list of luxury hotels to put up at, as well as places to see in these cricket world cup cities.
Stay at: Radisson Water Garden Hotel
Where: Dhaka, Bangladesh
What to Do: Bangladesh exposes visitors to many flamboyant facets. Its tourist attractions include archaeological sites, historical mosques and monuments, forests and wildlife of various species. Bangladesh offers ample opportunities to tourists for angling, water skiing, river cruising, hiking, rowing and yachting.
India Match Date: February 19; India vs Bangladesh
Stay at: Taj Bengal
Where: Kolkata
What to Do: At the heart of Kolkata is the Esplanade, a former colonial district to which most tourists pay a visit without fail. Visit the Indian Museum, Asia's largest, or obtain a pass to see the eclectic collection of artwork at the privately-owned Marble Palace.
India Match Date: February 27; India vs England
Stay at: ITC Royal Gardenia
Where: Bangalore
What to Do: Few cities in the world have the power to attract and motivate a casual visitor to move there permanently. Bangalore is one of those rare cities which make people, who are new to the city, to call themselves proud Bangaloreans. This city while enjoying the reputation of being a modern, high-tech city, still offers a lot of places of historical interest for the avid sightseer. A trip around the city can be very interesting and provides a varied experience with palaces, museums, temples, churches and gardens.
India Match Date: March 6; India vs Ireland
Stay at: The Mayura
Where: Delhi
What to Do: Eat at Sakura, one of the world's top Japanese restaurants. Shop at Delhi's stylish fashion avenues, like DLF Emporio, which houses brands such as Armani, Chanel and Jimmy Choo; or party hard at the capital city's top night clubs.
India Match Date: March 9; India vs Netherlands
Stay at: Pride hotel
Where: Nagpur
What to Do: Nagpur has something to offer for wildlife enthusiasts. The Pench National Park, which is located about 65km away from Nagpur, is an interesting wild life destination. If you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of a tiger or leopard. Wolves, bears, deer and jungle cats can also be spotted.
India Match Date: March 12; India vs South Africa
Stay at: Radisson Hotel
Where: Chennai
What to Do: Chennai has some major tourist attractions, including the world's second longest beach, Marina Beach. For those interested in culture, head to Kalakshetra, school for traditional music and dance 18 km outside the city. It was founded in 1936 by Rukmani Devi Arundale, a follower of Annie Besant, who also studied under Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova.
Also, take advantage of your proximity to Mahabalipurum - it's only 60km away - and head that way for a day or a weekend's worth of sight-seeing at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
India Match Date: March 20; India vs West Indies
Stay at: The Hilton
Where: Colombo, Sri Lanka
What to Do: Beside sight-seeing in Colombo, head to Gal Oya in eastern Sri Lanka. Gal Oya is a wonderful ecological site and a National Park which centers around the Senanayaka Samudra Reservoir, the largest inland body of water in Sri Lanka. Look out for Asian elephants, sloth bears, leopards and water buffalos.
Match Dates: Though there are no India matches here - use the first semi-final (March 29) as an excuse to visit.
Stay at: The Oberoi/Trident
Where: Mumbai
What to Do: While in Mumbai, take advantage of its sea-side location and charter a private yacht to cruise the Arabian Sea. Eat at the Taj's reknown Wasabi, ranked India's best - and the world's 54th best - restaurant. Another option is the Oberoi/Trident's own Tiffin, whose menu was created by Michelin star chef, Vineet Bhatia.
Match Date: April 2; Finals
