The number of shopping malls is on the decline. We now live in a time where we can get most of the things that we want delivered directly to us, from almost any part of the world and even track its journey. And while that may be true for major parts of the world, there are still some, ahem technical issues with receiving deliveries here in India (will it show up on time, will it show up at all, will the delivery guy find our address, and so on); therefore, we can’t imagine a world without shopping malls. We also use this as one of the few opportunities to just walk around here in BLR, alone, with strollers and small kids, without holes in the sidewalks.
EAST
1. PHOENIX MARKETCITY
One of Bangalore’s largest malls, this “larger lifestyle engagement destination” is spread out over 1.4 million square feet. One of the key features is their open-air courtyard which hosts events such as live shows, bazaars, and concerts. You’ll find a great selection of kids stores including The Children’s Place, Mothercare, Gap, Zara and United Colors of Benetton. Toy shopping doesn’t get any better than Phoenix with Bangalore’s first ToysRUs and a large Hamleys toyshop. Other top international brands include Marks and Spencers, Bose, Calvin Klein, Bobbi Brown, Mango, Nautica, Pepe Jeans, and Kiehls. Don’t just come here for the shopping; you’ll also be able to bowl, rock climb, see a movie and play in the arcades.
THE VINE TIP: Weekends are not for the faint of heart. It will be crowded. Parking and traffic will be a mess, make sure you are in the right mood to endure this. Weekdays, on the other hand, are pretty dead.
TIMINGS: Mon – Friday: 10:30 AM to10:00 PM, Saturday/Sunday: 10:30 AM to11:00 PM
Phoenix Marketcity, Whitefield Main Road, Mahadevpura, 560048, www.phoenixmarketcity.com
2. VR BENGALURU
VR, also known just as ‘the black box’ is right next to Phoenix Mall. Stores include Muji, H&M, Pure Home + Living, Forever 21, Kama Ayurveda, Crosswords Hamleys and more. VR also happens to have one of the two branches of FoodHall grocery stores in the city. This gourmet grocer is the place to go for all the luxury items you won’t find anywhere else. Another unique aspect about VR is their skydeck which shows off panoramic views of the city and great drinks. The sky deck doubles as a fitness center during the day.
VINE TIP: For the ultimate movie experience, check out PVR Gold for the most comfortable viewing ever!
TIMINGS: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
VR Mall, Whitefield Rd, Devasandra Industrial Estate, Mahadevapur, 560048, www.vrbengaluru.com
CENTRAL
3. UB CITY
This would be the Rodeo Drive/Bond Street/Avenue Montaigne/Orchard Road of BLR. Or the closest thing to it…If you are ever in need of a new Louis Vuitton bag, a pair of Jimmy Choo’s, a set of Villeroy and Boch plates, a Rolex watch, or Burberry trench this is the place to get them. Spread over three floors, you’ll find a selection of high-end brands as well as some great restaurants with outdoor dining areas. Choose to eat at Caperberry, Shiro, Fava, Sanchez, Cafe Noir and more.
TIMINGS: 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM
UB City, 24, Vittal Mallya Road, 560001, www.ubcitybangalore.in
4. 1MG- LIDO MALL
1MG is a downtown high street shopping mall conveniently located in the middle of the city. While smaller than the other malls, it chooses quality over quantity in shops, dining, and entertainment. With a large Smaash VR and simulated games, Funky Monkeys soft play, and INOX theaters, there is plenty of fun to be had. Home to Bangalore’s other FoodHall, you’ll also find some great F&B options such as Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Yautcha, Cafe Felix, Mamma Mexicana, and Fort Kochi. Get your beauty and face care items at Estee Lauder, Clinique, Mac, The Body Shop, and Kama Ayurveda.
TIMINGS: 10:00 AM to11:00 PM
1MG Lido Mall, 1/2, Swami Vivekananda Road Opp. Taj Viventa, Trinity Circle, Ulsoor, 560001, www.1mglidomall.com
SOUTH
5. FORUM MALL
The first full-fledged mall in Bangalore, Forum offers shoppers a retail experience. With a mix of both mid-range Indian and international brands such as Levis, Westside, Metro, Planet Fashion, Tommy Hilfiger and more. The multi-story bookstore, the Landmark offers a vast selection of books and makes for a fun browse. Dining options include all the quintessential mall foods; Pizza Hut, KFC, McDonald’s, Baskin Robbins and Krispy Kreme as well as Toscano, Salt Restaurant and Grill and Cafe Coffee Day.
TIMING: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Forum Mall, No. 21, Hosur Road, Koramangala, 560095, www.forummalls.in
NORTH
6. ORION MALL
This mall designed by famous NY architectural firm H.O.K houses a great variety of global and Indian brands. With over ten al fresco restaurants including Cafe Noir, Chili’s and Toscano, fast food and drink options like Starbucks, Smoor and Krispy Kreme and a vast food court, there is something for everyone! Familiar brands like Sephora, Accessorize, Sketchers, Lacoste, Forever 21, Swarovski and Zara as well as a selection of Indian apparel. You’ll also find plenty of entertainment options such as PVR Cinemas and Funky Monkey.
TIMINGS: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Orion Mall, Third Floor, 26/1 Dr. Rajkumar Rd, Rajaji Nagar, 560055, www.orionmalls.com
7. RMZ GALLERIA
Brand new to the mall scene, RMZ is bringing the convenience of shopping to Yelahanka. Brands available include ToysRUs, NIKE, Adidas, Soch, Lifestyle, Hush Puppies, Allen Solly, Pepe Jeans and more. Opening soon is a PVR Cinemas, Sapna Bookstore and large supermarket.
TIMINGS: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
RMZ Galleria Mall, Opposite Yelahanka Police Station, Ambedkar Colony, Yelahanka, 560064, rmzgalleriamall.com
OTHER NOTABLE MALLS
VEGA CITY MALL (SOUTH)
This newly opened mall packs some great shopping and dining options into a small space. With an easy circular layout, it’s easy to navigate from floor to floor and see all the shops. Some stand out shops include H&M, Nike, Reebok, Sunglass Hut, ToysRUs, FabIndia and Super 99. Find the top ayurveda shops Kama Ayurveda and Foresst Essentials in one place. Food options include Galito’s and Chianti full dining as well as fully stocked food court including Domino’s, Subway, Coldstone and more. On the top floor you’ll find a PVR cinema including a Gold theatre and the child-friendly Playhouse theatre (there is a slide in the theatre!).
TIMING: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Vega City Mall, No. 172/1, Srinivas Industrial Estate, Bannerghatta Road, 560076, www.virginiamalls.in
VIRGINIA MALL (EAST)
This mall may only have a few shops, but it makes for a great place to go with kids. Check out the Clip and Climb rock climbing arena on the ground floor as well as Iona soft play and arcade area upstairs. Kids will love the pizza at Onesta on the rooftop right next to the outdoor sports court, or try a biryani at the Biryani Paradise. For party supplies, costumes and holiday decorations, be sure to stop at XXXX located on the same floor as Iona. Pop into Play Salon for a massage or hair treatment while the kids play.
TIMING: 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Virginia Mall, Whitefield Main Rd, Whitefield, 560066, www.virginiamalls.in
FORUM NEIGHBOURHOOD MALL (EAST)
Forum Neighborhood mall is a convenient neighborhood mall located in Whitefield. Some highlights of the mall include the Cinnabon and Auntie Annie’s Pretzels, Crossword bookstore, The Bodyshop, a selection of sporting goods such as Nike and Puma, Toscano restaurant, Aomi kids store and Loyal World Market. Loyal is Whitefield’s go-to grocery store where (depending on the stock that day) you can get about 85% of your shopping done.
TIMING: 10:00 AM to10:30 PM
New Forum Mall, Varthur Rd, Prestige Ozone, Whitefield, 560066, www.forummalls.in
