The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala is regularly called the most beautiful cricket ground in the world, and on match day the whole town feels it. Hotels fill up fast, the roads into the stadium bowl get slow, and where you stay ends up shaping your entire trip. This guide covers the best areas for hotels near the Dharamshala cricket stadium, how match-day logistics actually work, and what is coming up at the ground.
Choosing a hotel near Dharamshala cricket stadium: the three areas that matter
Dharamshala is a stacked hill town, so ‘near the stadium’ means something different at each altitude. Broadly, you are choosing between three bases.
Sidhpur: quiet, comfortable and an easy drive to the gates
Sidhpur sits below the main town, opposite the Norbulingka Institute, and is where we would base ourselves for a match trip. It stays calm even on match weekends, parking is straightforward, and the drive up to the stadium is short. Staying at The Divine Hima here means you watch the cricket, then come back to Dhauladhar views, a proper restaurant and a quiet evening rather than match-night traffic and crowded lanes. After a long day in the stands, try our signature Himachali Dham, the traditional festive thali of the hills.
Dharamshala town: closest to the ground, busiest on match day
Hotels around Kotwali Bazaar and the lower town are walking distance or a very short ride from the stadium. The trade-off is noise and congestion, which multiply on match days. If being able to walk to the gates matters more than a peaceful stay, this is your zone, but book very early.
Watching a match at the HPCA? The Divine Hima in Sidhpur is a calm, easy base a short drive from the stadium. See our rooms.
McLeod Ganj: the tourist hub, 30 to 40 minutes away
McLeod Ganj has the widest spread of cafes and things to do, but it is a winding drive above the stadium and match-day traffic on that road is real. It works if you are combining cricket with a longer holiday and do not mind building in buffer time.
Upcoming cricket at the HPCA Stadium
As of mid-2026, the next confirmed cricket at the ground is the India A women vs Australia A women series this September: one-day matches on 20, 23 and 25 September 2026, followed by a four-day Test from 29 September to 2 October 2026. The HPCA also hosts IPL fixtures and international matches most seasons, and schedules are announced through the year, so check the latest fixtures before you lock in dates. Autumn is a lovely time to combine a match with clear-sky mountain weather.
Match-day tips from locals
- Book your hotel the day fixtures are announced. Rooms near the stadium sell out weeks ahead for big matches.
- Reach the stadium 60 to 90 minutes before the first ball. Entry queues and parking take longer than visitors expect.
- Carry a light jacket even for day games. The ground sits at about 1,450 metres and the weather turns quickly.
- Bags, food and large bottles are usually not allowed inside. Travel light and eat properly before you go.
- Stay the night after the match rather than driving out. Evening traffic downhill is slow, and Dharamshala rewards an extra day.
If you want to visit the stadium outside of match days, we have a separate guide to visiting the HPCA stadium, covering timings, entry and the viewpoints. And with a spare day, the Dalai Lama Temple, Norbulingka Institute and the Triund trail are all close by.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best area to stay for a match at the HPCA Stadium?
Sidhpur is the best balance: quiet, easy parking and a short drive to the stadium, without match-day noise. Dharamshala town is closest but busiest, and McLeod Ganj is 30 to 40 minutes away with traffic.
How far is The Divine Hima from the Dharamshala cricket stadium?
The Divine Hima is in Sidhpur, opposite the Norbulingka Institute, roughly a 20-minute drive from the HPCA Stadium in normal traffic. Allow extra time on match days.
Are there matches at the HPCA Stadium in 2026?
Yes. The India A women vs Australia A women series is scheduled for September 2026, with ODIs on 20, 23 and 25 September and a Test from 29 September to 2 October. IPL and international fixtures are announced through the year, so check the latest schedule before booking.
How early should I book a hotel for a Dharamshala match?
As soon as fixtures are announced. For high-profile matches, hotels near the stadium fill up weeks in advance, and prices rise as match day approaches.
Is Dharamshala worth visiting beyond the cricket?
Very much. The Dalai Lama Temple, McLeod Ganj, the Norbulingka Institute, Bhagsu waterfall and the Triund trek are all within easy reach, so most visitors stay a day or two beyond the match.
Make the cricket a proper mountain getaway. Book your match-day stay at The Divine Hima.
Planning your stay? See our rooms at The Divine Hima.