Fly either
Jet Airways or SriLankan Airlines via Mumbai to Bangalore,
one of India’s brightest cities, and one at the heart
of their technological revolution. (Note: If you opt for a
tour combining India and Sri Lanka, we recommend that you
opt for SriLankan Airlines).
Day 1 & 2: Arrive at Bangalore International
Airport and transfer to the Karnataka State Cricket Authority
Club (KCSA) situated at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore’s
Test arena and home to India’s premier cricket academy.
On either the first or second night have a welcoming dinner
at the KCSA Club. The rest of the first two days of your
tour can be spent exploring Bangalore, using the club’s
superb facilities in preparation for the matches ahead or
simply relaxing by the pool.
Day 3: MATCH 1: This is what the tour
is all about: your opening match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium
against a Bangalore school side. The imposing stadium and
the team’s first taste of cricket in India will be
inspirational and hopefully the tour can be kicked off with
a win. If the ground is not available – and in India,
no matter what safeguards you take, you can never be 100
per cent certain – we
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Accommodation-nights 1, 2 & 3:
The KCSA Club is in the heart of Bangalore and within walking
distance of the city’s shopping centres, cafes and
restaurants. It regularly hosts touring teams and its comfortable,
well-equipped double rooms make for a comfortable and cost-efficient
stay in Bangalore. The rooms are all ensuite with hot and
cold water, cable TV and are serviced daily by KCSA staff.
As well as the rooms, the club has a good restaurant, gym
and swimming pool. The accommodation is subject to availability
as many cricket teams use the club if playing in the area
or using the National Academy.
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Day 4, 5 - 6: Early on Day 4 escape the
hustle and bustle of Bangalore and take an hour’s
drive to the Jains International Residential School (JIRS).
Built on the principles of the Jain movement – which
teaches the value of a life of self-discipline and compassion
-- this is a most welcoming school with world-class facilities.
En route to JIRS spend a morning with a Karnataka community
centre. A simple game of softball cricket would be enough
to put a beaming smile across the face of these less privileged
children. In the evening enjoy the hospitality of JIRS,
and sample some of the school’s fantastic facilities.
On the next two days play two one-day matches on JIRS' immaculate
pitch. The ground is respected enough to have been used
by India and England A for off-season training camps.
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Accommodation-nights 4, 5 & 6:
Jains International Residential School is a one hour drive
out of Bangalore, and a welcome relief from the clamour
of the city. Founded on the principles of the Jain movement,
the school has the facilities to place its very own Olympic
bid! India and England A have taken advantage of the schools
peaceful location and first class facilities, holding training
camps here. The school is not only keen for fixtures against
touring teams, they are also interested in establishing
links with schools outside of India. We can also arrange
for other local teams to play at the school and there is
the potential for triangular tournaments and coaching clinics.
The accommodation at the school matches the sports facilities
for high standards and for evening entertainment there are
bowling alleys, swimming pools and a host of other facilities
to keep you entertained.
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Day 7: An early start and three-hour drive
to the ancient city of Mysore, 90 miles soiuthwest of Bangalore
and famous for its rich heritage, magnificent palaces and
cultural commitment. Avoid the tourist crush for the Dasara
festival in late September/October. The afternoon can be
spent exploring the numerous palaces and temples with a
local expert. Have supper in the opulent surroundings of
the Lalitha Mahal Palace’s palatial banquet hall.
Day 8: MATCH 4: Today you will take on
a Mysore schoolboy XI at the lovely, but somewhat space
age, Infosys Ground. The evening will present an opportunity
to explore the hectic Mysorian markets. Enjoy a delicious
curry at the Park Lane Hotel. The restaurant is not as swanky
as the name suggests, but the food and live music is popular
with travelers and locals alike.
Accommodation-nights 7 & 8:
The Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel holds a commanding position
overlooking Mysore. It was built by the Maharaja of Mysore,
and staying here is a unique experience of living in the
'days of the Raj.' There is a swimming pool and tennis court
as well as your own ballroom!
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Day 9: A crack of dawn wake up, to take
the journey deep into the Karnataka jungle. You will spend
the day in Nagarhole National Park viewing elephant and searching
for the elusive tiger – now, thanks to poaching, sadly
more elusive than ever. All conservation attempts are worthy
of support. The night’s accommodation will be spent
in a Jungle Lodge.
Accommodation-night 9: There
are numerous lodges to stay at on your visit into the Karnataka
Jungle. Red Dot would recommend Jungle Lodges Resort, Kabini,
a stylish and exceptionally well run property. Despite its
rustic jungle setting the Lodge does not cut corners in luxury
and service.
Day 10: Travelling days are unavoidable
in India, but they are all part of the enriching experience.
The team makes its way into Tamil Nadu and cricket-crazed
Chennai (formerly known as Madras). A train journey is the
most comfortable option and a worthwhile experience. The railway
takes you through the southern state of Tamil Nadu and offers
a fascinating insight into rural Indian life. Chennai offers
a stark contrast; the city is an assault on the senses, the
heat and noise will all shock the senses.
Accommodation-night 10: Accommodation
options in Chennai are somewhat uninspiring or very expensive.
For this reason 1 night in Chennai before escaping to the
coast is the recommended option. The 4 star Ambassador Pallava
is one of Chennai’s most practical hotel and offers
good value. Its proximity to the M A Chidambaram Stadium and
the large gym and swimming pool make it particularly appealing
for a touring team.
Note: You may chose
to replace Days 11-14 with one of our excursion options.
Day 11: MATCH 5: A match against a local
team at the world famous M A Chidambaram Stadium, venue of
the second tied Test between Australia and India, will be
a great way to get a taste for Chennai’s rich cricketing
history. After the game, enjoy some refreshments on the Madras
Cricket Club verandah that overlooks the pitch. This is a
historic club and boasts many a famous cricketer in its membership
list, including Nasser Hussain as a youngster. Escape the
city to stay at the glorious Ideal Beach Resort.
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Day 12: A free day to rest and recover after
cricketing heroics the previous day, and no where better than
by the Bay of Bengal or swimming pool at Ideal Beach Resort.
If feeling up to it, some could also explore the ancient ruins
at nearby Mahabalipuram. There are a host of other options
to keep you entertained while staying in this area. A trip
to the renowned nearby Crocodile Bank is well worth it. As
the name suggests, hundreds of crocodiles are housed here,
but the main attraction is the snake catchers showing off
their talents in handling and milking the local cobras.
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Day 13 & 14: To be played at the Mayajaal
Sports Club a short drive from your accommodation. The rebel
Indian Cricket League was attracted by its excellent pitch
and well-equipped pavilion. The sports village has a cinema
complex, ten-pin bowling squash and badminton but the star
attraction is the pool from which the fast bowlers can relax
while watching their batsman toil in the sun. After the game
refreshments will be laid at the Mayajaal complex in their
amazing jungle theme bar beside the swimming pool. The following
day is a free day but you have many options -- clip a day
from your tour, arrange another match at Mayajaal followed
by an end-of-tour dinner at the beachside Wharf restaurant,
or head off on an ambitious extension to compete your tour
in style.
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Accommodation-nights 11, 12, 13 & 14:
The Ideal Beach Resort is a great place to unwind following
your tour. The chalets are a stone’s throw from the
beach, and the swimming pool provides an alternative venue
for sun lounging and relaxation. The staff are friendly and
efficient, as well as keen cricketers. The resort is close
to Chennai and Mayajaal S. C. as well as the ancient ruins
of Mamabalaparam.
Day 15: Fly from Chennai to London
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Tour
highlights:
