A Guide To Oval Maidan, Mumbai

Things to do / Highlights

Watch a cricket or football match

One of the most popular things to do at Oval Maidan is to watch a live cricket or football match. At any time of the day, a number of cricket matches are in progress at this ground and visitors can spend hours taking in the action of local players, both children and adults. If you are travelling with kids who are interested in sports, then Oval Maidan is a must-visit spot for you. A number of well-maintained cricket pitches are present on the ground, and it is the perfect place to indulge in a game of cricket, free of charge. Oval Maidan is bursting with sports activity on the weekend, when local clubs hold their weekly matches here. It is also a fantastic place to observe young talent as it is on this very ground that the cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar, trained for his professional career.

Enjoy a picnic, walk or jog

For those not very keen on cricket or football, you can even enjoy a picnic, a leisurely walk or an invigorating jog at Oval Maidan. The ground is a popular spot for locals to take in a morning or evening stroll, hang out or play a sport. Many often drop by just to observe the sporting action or for a bit of fresh air. Over the weekend, it is not uncommon to see families enjoying a picnic under the shade of the coconut trees. It is also a popular spot for college students and office-goers to hang out in their break times.

Admire the beautiful architecture all around

Another impressive fact about Oval Maidan is that it is surrounded by some of the most majestic structures in Mumbai. A number of Gothic and Victorian-style buildings are located around or near the ground, which were built during the British colonial times. Some of the most prominent ones are the magnificent Bombay High Court building with its stunning Gothic-style turrets, the stunning Venetian-Gothic style Rajabai Clock Tower in the University of Mumbai campus that can be seen from afar, and the magnificent Western Railway headquarters building. Several other art deco structures flank the ground, giving the entire area a heritage feel.

What to eat

Khyber

Enjoy a taste of the north-western frontier of India at the upscale and stylish Khyber restaurant near Oval Maidan. The restaurant has a rustic-chic ambience and offers delicious north-Indian food and drinks. Try their various curries, biryanis, creative desserts and modern takes on traditional Indian cuisine in a sophisticated environment.

Sugarcane juice stalls

Refresh yourself with a delicious cup of fresh sugarcane juice at one of the many sugarcane juice stalls surrounding Oval Maidan. These small stalls offer thirsty cricketers, joggers and visitors with sweet and affordable refreshments. Juicy stalks of sugarcane are freshly squeezed in an industrial-style machine to provide cups of sweet juice topped with ice, salt and spices. Sugarcane juice is one of the most widely available drinks in the city and a must-try item in Mumbai.

Travel tips

Time your visit

The best time to visit Oval Maidan is in the daytime, when cricket and football matches are in full swing. Weekends at the ground are full of young and old sports enthusiasts indulging in a game of cricket or football. In the summer, evenings are the ideal times to visit since they provide respite from the relentless Mumbai heat. Winter months are cool and perfect for enjoying the pleasant weather.

Watch out for the cricket balls

Oval Maidan consists of several pitches that see heavy use by amateur and professional cricketers. So, don’t be surprised if you see cricket balls flying around and hear frequent yells of “Ball, please!” On a serious note, visitors should be careful while walking around or lying down on the ground since cricket or soccer balls might accidentally come their way and injure them.

How to get there

By public transport

Churchgate is the nearest railway station to Oval Maidan. From the station, the ground is just a 10-minute walk away. You can also choose to travel by one of the many local B.E.S.T. buses to reach the ground.

By taxi or ride-hailing apps

Taxis are readily available across south Mumbai and can be easily hailed off the street to take you to Oval Maidan. Alternatively, you can even use Uber or Ola ride-hailing apps to order a car to reach the ground.

By private vehicles

Oval Maidan is located in a very busy, popular and well-known area of south Mumbai. Thus, driving directions to it are easily available. You can drive your own car or motorcycle or a rental vehicle to the ground.

Parking information

Parking spaces are generally not available outside the ground. But several paid and free parking lots are available at a short walking distance and you can park your car or motorcycle there.

Oval Maidan information

Oval Maidan, Mumbai

Address: 140, Maharshi Karve Road, Mantralaya, Churchgate, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400032, India

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

Department of tourism: Maharashtra Tourism

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