Where Soccer Fans Should Travel First in India
India offers many interesting things for all football fans. It’s a popular and trendy place on the map. We discovered that each region in India has its own character and style.
Our list of the best places to visit in India includes where you’ll find historic derbies and coastal fan culture. Traveling through soccer hotspots, you’ll see places where the true emotions of matches and the drive are still alive. We’ll take a closer look at locations such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Goa, and Kerala.
Kolkata
If you want to visit the true capital of Indian football, Kolkata is the place to be. This city is where emotions run wild. Fans will be impressed, as it’s the home of the legendary Mohun Bagan and East Bengal clubs. Their vibrant rivalry has generated a considerable following. Locals call their rivalry the Kolkata Derby, and tens of thousands of people can be at the stadiums during matches.
Kolkata is considered a top destination for football fans for a couple of reasons we discovered:
- an excellent fan base,
- strong football culture traditions,
- huge stadiums with a vibrant atmosphere.
Don’t want to visit the stadium? We recommend checking out the local tea shops, which also broadcast live streams for visitors.
Goa
The islands are famous for more than just their beaches. Here, football fans can experience a completely different experience from that in Kolkata. The relaxed atmosphere of the beaches is vibrantly intertwined with the ardent support of the local team, FC Goa.
The islanders love football as much as the sea. On special match days, you can see fans wearing bright orange jerseys. Goa is a great chance to combine the sea, the beach, and football for several reasons:
- Proximity to stadiums and beaches.
- Active new life and restaurants.
- A friendly atmosphere, even for football newbies.
Combine your activities wisely: sunbathe on the beach during the day, and head out in the evening to watch the nightlife and sports competitions.
Kerala
Looking for vibrant events and carnival-style competitions? Then join the Kerala Blasters, a team renowned for its dedication. Thousands of fans dress in yellow, and the crowds begin to resemble a noisy and cheerful yellow carnival.
What makes Kerala a special place for football fans:
- Vibrant and emotional pre-match marches, where everyone wears yellow.
- The intertwining of football and local traditions.
- Incredible hospitality, where everyone feels at home among the locals.
You won’t find such energy. Every child here lives and breathes sports.
Mumbai
The city is considered a popular tourist destination, with many attractions. Of course, football fans will also find plenty to enjoy. Mumbai is home to the famous Mumbai City FC. Even the sports infrastructure here is top-notch.
Combine your trip to attend a match with other highlights of the region:
- amazing culinary delights,
- vibrant nightlife,
- visiting Marine Drive and other attractions.
Mumbai is considered a family-friendly destination because dads can attend a match, and moms with children can visit great tourist spots.
India Offers a Football Journey You’ll Never Forget
The people of India are vibrant and warm-hearted. This same character is reflected in the football culture. Each region has a distinct mentality. For example, Goa is more relaxed, while Mumbai is noisy and dynamic. We recommend visiting several places at once to explore the life of local football clubs and their unique aesthetics.