Eden Gardens, Kolkata

The Eden Gardens is an iconic cricket ground in Kolkata, India. Established in 1864, it is the oldest and second largest cricket stadium in India after the newly built Sardar Patel Stadium and third in the world after Sardar Patel Stadium and Melbourne Cricket Ground. It is the home venue of the Bengal cricket team and the IPL franchise cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders, and is also a venue for Test, ODI and T20I matches of the India national cricket team. The stadium currently has a capacity of 80,000. On 22 November 2019, the venue hosted the first ever day/night test match in India during second Test between India and Bangladesh.

Eden Gardens is often referred to as home of Indian cricket. It has the fastest outfield among all the cricket stadiums in India therefore it is regarded as "Batsman's Paradise".The ground has been referred to as "cricket's answer to the Colosseum," and is widely acknowledged to be one of the most iconic cricket stadiums in the world. Eden Gardens is called the “Mecca of Indian cricket” because it was the first officially built ground for the game of cricket in India. Eden Gardens has hosted matches in major international competitions including the World Cup, World Twenty20 and Asia Cup. In 1987, Eden Gardens became the second stadium to host a World Cup final. The 2016 ICC World Twenty20 final was held at the Eden Gardens where the West Indies beat England in a very closely fought encounter.

History of Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata
The name ‘Eden Gardens’ has been kept by its makers inspired from ‘The Bible’. In the chapter of Genesis from Bible, ‘God’s Garden’ was named ‘Eden’ which He made for his mortal children Adam and Eve. The garden was paradise on earth. Inspired by this biblical concept, the Eden Gardens was named after Emily and Fanny Eden, sisters of the erstwhile Governor-General, Lord Auckland in 1864.

The Eden Gardens complex sprawls over a lush green land of 50 acres including the cricket stadium, indoor stadium and many gardens, lakes and a Pagoda. The Burmese Pagoda, adjacent to the lake which was brought to Kolkata from Burma after the British victory in the Burmese war of 1884. This Burmese Pagoda has an interesting history – It as built in 1852 in Prome (presently in Bago, Myanmar) by Ma Kin, wife of Moung Honon (Governor of Prome). Within the Pagoda there was an image of Gautama Buddha with its forehead set with precious stones. This Pagoda belongs to the class of buildings called Tazoungs or Thein Tazoungs, used by Buddhist Priests for worship.

The gardens are along the banks of the nearby Hoogly River (Ganges). Short cruises by boats and steamers are available down the Hoogly River with the Vidyasagar Setu etched in the background. The Netaji Indoor Stadium, the huge indoor stadium of Kolkata is also a part of the Eden Gardens complex. Entry to the garden is free but entry to the stadium is only permitted during matches and restricted by tickets. Presently, the Eden Gardens Stadium is a popular venue not only for sports, but also for concerts and exhibitions.

Kolkata Tourist Attractions

Kolkata Tourist Attractions, the City of Joy, is one of the oldest and most loved cities in India. Apart from a rich history and culture, there are also a number of amazing places to visit in Kolkata. No matter what type of traveller you are, no matter where you come from, it is hard not to fall in love with Kolkata. It is a city with vibrant and colourful lanes, and you can feel the pulse as you meander through these lanes. Kolkata is not merely a city. It is an emotion that needs to be felt. It is a canvas coloured with every shade. And, if you are here, you can absolutely not miss these 21 amazing places to visit in Kolkata.