Eden Gardens

Eden Gardens is Kolkata's famous cricket stadium, set on the edge of the Maidan near BBD Bag. It can seat over 66,000 people and is one of the best-known grounds in world cricket, host to domestic and international matches whose drama has become part of the city's lore.

The site began in the middle of the 19th century as a pleasure garden for the British. Lord Auckland, Governor-General from 1836 to 1842, approved the scheme, and it was named after his sister Emily Eden. As cricket caught on, local matches were played on the lawns, and the ground gradually grew into a full stadium while keeping its garden name.

Beyond the cricket, the stadium is noted for its entrance gate, grandstands and pavilions, decorative detailing and the curved roof that shelters the stands. Tall floodlights light up the ground and the sky around it during evening games.