10 Stunning Shopping Malls In India
In the past decade, India has seen the biggest economic changes in its history. The real effects of 1991 Economic Reforms that opened up our once idealistic self-sustaining economy can now be seen in full swing. While the impact has been manifold, the most tangible and obvious changes have occurred in the retail industry.
Even though there is still a long way to go as far as economic reforms are concerned, we have already seen what insurgence of international brands can do to the commercial real estate development, even in Tier 3 cities. The sheer number and magnitude of shopping malls in the country has been astounding. With the largest segment of our population under 30 years of age, consumerism is leading the way for more. Plus, it's undoubtedly a more pleasurable and luxurious shopping experience.
Let's look at some of the best shopping spaces in India-
1.LuLu International Shopping Mall
Location: Kochi, Kerala
Area: 1,700,000 sqft (160,000 m2)
This mall, almost 17 acres in area is the second largest shopping mall in India, after the Phoenix Market City located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. A 20-story, 300-room hotel managed by JW Marriott Hotels is also located on the mall premises. Opened on 10 March 2013, the mall contains more than 300 outlets including food courts, restaurants, family entertainment zones, a nine-screen multiplex, ice skating rink and a 12-lane bowling alley. The estimated cost for this project is more than INR 16 billion.
2.High Street Phoenix
Location: Lower Parel, Mumbai
Area: 3,300,000 square feet (310,000 m2)
Phoenix was one of the first mill companies in India to go in for redevelopment. The compound has been redeveloped to include a luxury tower, hotel and shopping mall with the chimney being left as a reminiscent of its past as a mill. While existing structures have been retained due to government rules, they have been refurbished and additional structures have been built around them in phases.The largest shopping mall in India, High Street Phoenix (HSP) has more than 500 stores, premium as well as budget. HSP houses a variety of F&B, entertainment, commercial and residential complexes. South Asia's largest 20 lane bowling concoursewas first started here in 1996 and India's first Hyper market concept Big Bazaar was first introduced in 2001 at High Street Phoenix.
3.DLF Emporio
Location: VasantKunj, New Delhi
Area: 320,000 sqft (30,000 m2)
The mall, which has been said to be amongst the most luxurious in Asia, is one of the first truly zoned luxury malls to open in India. It is also one of the most expensive malls in the country with rental rates of Rs.900-Rs.1,000 per sq. ft. per month. Developed by DLF in Italian marble, burnished wood, and gleaming brass detailing,Emporio has four floors including Ground Floor and features over 170 national and international luxury brands and a fine dine restaurant.
4.The Collection
Location: UB City, Bangalore
Area: 1,000,000 sqft (93,000 m2)
UB City is the biggest commercial property project in Bangalore, India. Pioneered by the chairman of UB Group, Dr.VijayMallya, in Joint Venture with Prestige Group, it is built on 13 acres (53,000 m2) of land and hosts 1,000,000 sqft (93,000 m2) of high-end commercial, retail and service apartment space and is located at the corner of VittalMallya Road and Kasturba Road, just 600 metres away from Bangalore's commercial hub, M. G. Road.
5.Select Citywalk
Location: Saket, New Delhi
Area: 1,300,000 sqft (120,000 m2)
Select Citywalk is a premier shopping mall located in the in Saket, New Delhi. The 6 acre retail development includes a multiplex, serviced apartments, offices and public spaces. The mall was developed by Select Infrastructure, a joint venture between the Select group and the Aarone group and opened to the public in October 2007. One of the main attractions is the 100,000 sqft (9,300 m2) outdoor open plaza, Sanskriti for art festivals, fairs, exhibitions, performances, and al fresco dining. The plaza is landscaped extensively in timber, water, stone and steel and has an open-air amphitheatre along with trees and water features.
6.Phoenix Market City
Location: Velachery, Chennai
Area: 2,400,000 sqft (223,000 m2)
One of the four Phoenix Mill shopping properties in the country, this mall is the largest in Chennai. 'Phoenix Marketcity' is a joint venture, a concept born out of a bold vision to offer India's urban consumers a place where they can find the best brands, entertainment, convenience and an overall exciting experience.
7.Ambience Mall
Location: Gurgaon, Haryana
Area: 867,000-square-foot (80,500 m2)
It offers not only unprecedented scale in terms of its size but also an experience of unparalleled retail mix combined with the entertainment and leisure attractions. Located right next to the LeelaKempinski Hotel, Ambience Mall - Gurgaon is one of the largest shopping malls in India, with one kilometer of shopping experience on every floor. It houses premium international and domestic brands, Hypermarkets, Seven-screen multiplex cinema, Restaurants, Fitness and meditation centre, Beer garden, Bowling alley, Simulated golf course, Kids play zone, Recreational zone among many other things.
8.South City Mall
Area: 1,000,000 sqft (93,000 m2)
South City Mall is the largest shopping mall in Eastern India. The mall was designed by retail specialist ICS Bentel Associates and city architect Dulal Mukherjee. The adjoining South City Township, with four 35-storey and one 15-storey residential skyscrapers, was built by the same developer - South City Projects.
9.Inorbit Mall
Location: Madhapur, Hyderabad
Area: 600,000 sqft (56,000 m2)
Winner of the Best Retail Project in Cyberabad at CNBC Awaaz Real Estate Awards-2012, Inorbit mall has universal appeal, seeking to provide a one-stop destination for world-class experience in fashion, lifestyle, food and entertainment.
10.Orion Mall
Location: Malleswaram, Bangalore
Area: 850,000 sqft (79,000 m2)
It might be safe to say that we saved the best for last. Designed by New York's renowned architectural firm H.O.K, the Orion Mall is arguably one of the best planned retail spaces in the city. From everyday family shopping needs to high street luxury shopping, a quick bite on the go to a 7 course fine dining spread, Orion's portfolio of over 100 brands caters to everyone and every mood. Easily the best mall in the city, it won the best retail launch of the year award in 2013. The water-front of the mall makes for a stunning view in the evening.