There is some good news for all those cricket fans who were disappointed after Indian Premier League (IPL) decided to move out of India. Cashing in on the IPL craze, many travel houses are offering discounts and travel packages to South Africa (SA).

“It provides a great opportunity for fans to combine their annual summer vacation with IPL matches.” says Arthur Hoffman, managing director of Expedia Asia Pacific.

Expedia has listed the top 10 destinations in SA to combine with the IPL.

“As the IPL venues are in close proximity, cricket fans can combine a trip of fun and adventure within a budget,” Hoffman added.

Cox and Kings also has packages for South Africa including places where the IPL matches are being played. For instance, they have packages for Durban Getaway (three days and two nights at Rs 17,988 per person), Cape Town, Johannesburg and Sun City (seven days/six nights at

Rs 65,674 per person) and a package for Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Sun City, Pretoria, Kruger National Park & Johannesburg (12 days ,11 nights at Rs 1,20,270 per person).

Karan Anand, head of relationships and supplier management, Cox and Kings said, “We have come out with these packages to cater to the Indian traveller who would want to combine IPL with his holiday.’’

“We see a lot of interest and as it is in the middle of the summer holiday season. Based on our past experience, when we promoted the Cricket World Cup in 2003 and the IPL World Cup in 2007, this would garner enough crowds,’’ Anand added.

While slowdown has stopped many people from traveling abroad, IPL has made them reconsider their decision. “Every year, during summer vacation we visit a country. This time we thought we would save money, but IPL is too tempting. We don’t want to miss out on that. Moreover South Africa is beautiful. So it will be a double bonanza,” says Nidhi Sina, a homemaker.

SOTC, the tour partner to Kingfisher Airlines for the IPL, has also come up with packages from Rs 60,000, which include accommodation, match tickets, airfare, and sightseeing. P Srinivas, senior vice president, interest tours, SOTC says, “We have a dedicated team of professionals across India who specialise in sports events. They are trained to understand the requirements and offer suggestions. One can cheer the Indian team and catch all the excitement of the cricket carnival, while we will take care of the needs of the travellers.”