Framed by the snow-capped Dhauladhar range, the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala is often called one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in the world, and it is a lovely stop even if there is no match on. This is a visitor’s guide to the Dharamshala cricket stadium: timings, entry fee, how to catch a game and what to expect.
The Dharamshala cricket stadium at a glance
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium sits at around 1,450 m in Dharamshala, with the Dhauladhar peaks rising directly behind the stands. It hosts international fixtures, IPL games and domestic cricket, and its setting, green outfield against white mountains, is the reason it draws visitors year round, not just on match days.
Visiting timings and entry fee
On non-match days the stadium is usually open to visitors from about 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, with a small entry fee in the region of 30 rupees per person; payment is often cashless (UPI or card), so carry a phone or card rather than only cash. Timings and access can change around events and maintenance, so it is worth confirming locally before you go, particularly in the run-up to a fixture when the ground may close to casual visitors.
Catching a match
If your trip lines up with a game, watching cricket here is a genuine bucket-list experience. Tickets for international and IPL matches are typically sold online through the official ticketing partners, and sell fast for marquee fixtures, so book early. On match day, arrive with time to spare for security and bag rules, travel light, and check what you are allowed to carry in. Web-search the current fixture list and ticketing partner close to your dates, as the schedule shifts each season.
In town for a match? Stay somewhere calm and close by. See rooms at The Divine Hima in quiet Sidhpur.
Making a day of it
The stadium sits close to Dharamshala’s main sights, so it slots easily into a wider day out. Combine it with the market at Kotwali Bazaar, a ride up the Dharamshala Skyway to McLeod Ganj, or the walks and cafes above town. For lunch, it is worth planning a stop at The Divine Hima’s in-house restaurant in Sidhpur, a short drive away, where our signature Himachali Dham, the festive thali of the hills, is slow-cooked the way local families make it, a fitting local meal to round off a day at the cricket.
Tips for visiting
- Go on a clear morning for the sharpest Dhauladhar backdrop and the best photographs.
- Carry a phone or card for the entry fee, as payment is often cashless.
- For matches, book tickets online early and check the security and bag rules in advance.
- Confirm visiting timings locally around fixtures, when the ground can close to casual visitors.
- Combine it with nearby McLeod Ganj and the Skyway to fill out the day.
Whether you come for a match or just the view, the stadium is an easy, memorable stop. Basing yourself in the quieter Sidhpur area keeps you close to the ground and the wider valley while giving you calm evenings away from the crowds.
Related Dharamshala guides
- Things to Do in Dharamshala
- The Dharamshala Skyway Ropeway
- The Perfect 2-Day Dharamshala Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Dharamshala
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the HPCA Dharamshala stadium visiting timings?
On non-match days the stadium is usually open to visitors from about 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Timings can change around fixtures and maintenance, so confirm locally before you visit, especially close to a match.
Is there an entry fee for the Dharamshala cricket stadium?
Yes, there is usually a small entry fee of around 30 rupees per person on non-match days, and it is often cashless, so carry a phone for UPI or a card rather than only cash.
How can I get tickets for a match at HPCA Stadium?
Tickets for international and IPL matches are generally sold online through the official ticketing partners and sell out fast for big games, so book early. Check the current fixture list and ticketing partner close to your travel dates.
Why is the Dharamshala stadium so famous?
It is widely considered one of the most scenic cricket grounds in the world, with the snow-capped Dhauladhar range rising directly behind the stands at around 1,450 m altitude.
Can you visit the stadium when there is no match?
Yes. On non-match days visitors can usually enter for a small fee during daytime hours to see the ground and the mountain backdrop, making it a worthwhile stop even without a game on.
Pair the cricket with a peaceful Himalayan stay. Book your room at The Divine Hima.