We are not going to bluster about how amazing and incredible each and every mall is. Each and every mall serves a purpose and has its own experience for everyone:
Not every mall in India is the same. Some are superior to others for various reasons, and some malls have a larger number of stores. Certain malls have superior restaurants, and so forth.
When we were on vacation, we wanted to spend money on gifts for ourselves, our family, and so on. That's normal, you'll want to know which mall is the best and what it offers compared to the others, as well.
No single mall will meet all your requirements. Which is why we present you with the top five malls from India's five major cities. No matter where you are holidaying in India, there will be a major city nearby.
You'll return home content, having experienced an extravagant shopping destination worth bragging about.
Oh, and by the way, almost all India's malls offer both domestic and international cuisine. All the popular franchises are available here:
You get the idea.
Retail brands have flocked to India to cater to the expanding affluent middle class. Coming from the US or Europe, you'll feel right at home. The diversity and quality of India's local brands will surprise you, in a nice way.
You'll find yourself as impressed with them as you are with the brands back in your own city. And this is only the beginning when it comes to shopping in Asia's vast malls. There's so much more to explore once you're there.
The city is India's financial workhorse and with a population of over 12 million you can expect there to be some really nice quality, luxurious brands housed in Mumbai's many shopping malls. But don't waste all your time in the malls.
Take a break from shopping and go for a stroll along Marine Drive’s promenade. The sound of the waves washing in from the Arabian Sea are very therapeutic, putting you at complete ease.
One of the niceties of being in Mumbai actually is in seeing the Marine Drive sparkle at night. Especially from the distance of where Malabar Hills are. The experience is as exclusive as the location itself.
You may even be lucky enough you to catch a glimpse of India's mega Bollywood stars. How amazing would that be?
The shopping experience in India can be incredible. High Street Phoenix Mall, with its massive size of over 3 million square feet. It's easy to accept it stands as one of India's largest malls. But it pales in comparison to Seoul's gigantic Time Square Mall. That giant spans a whopping 12 million square feet.
Like any other mall, High Street Phoenix Mall divides into different zones. The one that caught our interest the most was the High Street Units. That's where you'll find all the trendy accessories and handicrafts. The rest of the stores cater to gift hunters, offering clothing and jewelry.
If you're in search of well-known brands, head over to North Skyzone. But if exclusivity is what you're after, turn around and make your way to HSP's Palladium.
Inorbit has malls in all major cities of India.
They're always bustling with activity, selling everything you can imagine. Especially clothing and sports gear, those are always popular. One thing worth mentioning is this. This Inorbit mall boasts the largest food court among all the shopping malls in Mumbai.
Compared to other nearby malls, this one is more suitable for social gatherings. It can get quite crowded on weekends, making it difficult to move around.
Some people in Mumbai like to boast about the city being a fashion capital. That boast stems from the presence of many brands in the city's malls. Infiniti Mall is a prime example. The mall is proud to showcase the variety, style, and quality of India's fashion houses.
Much of the excitement and energy creating beautiful garments comes from Bollywood. If you want to witness the very best of Indian fashion, Mumbai is the place to be.
Chennai is famous for tropical weather and beautiful beaches, that's a fact. It's also known for its rich history and vibrant culture.
The city fills with dance and music which are an integral part of daily life. What's one of the most amazing sights? Watching street performers dance in the traditional Bharatanatyam style. Be sure to have your smartphone ready to capture the electrifying atmosphere.
When you step into Chennai Citi Centre, you'll feel a rush of emotions as you explore one store after another. This mall has everything, from stunning jewelry to trendy fashion accessories. Even cozy home soft furnishings.
If you have kids with you, don't worry! There are play areas to keep them entertained while you shop. It's a smart move to ensure they have a good time too.
At some point you will be hungry. Head up to the third floor making your way to the Marina Food Court. Treat yourself to a delicious McDonald's meal with fries. Afterwards, make a move towards the rooftop for the city views.
Now, let's talk about Phoenix Market City. It's Chennai's largest shopping mall and the second largest in India. Have you been to Mumbai and found yourself lost in the High Street Phoenix Mall? Get ready for a similar experience here. This mall spans close to 1 million square feet, offering you a plethora of opportunities.
While you're there, pause to enjoy the live music and performances happening at the atrium. It's a spectacle that even locals can't resist.
The events organized at Phoenix Market City are nothing shy of breathtaking. It's why the mall attracts not only foreigners but also Indians.
We mentioned earlier that these shopping malls are popular. They're not only popular because of their incredible retail offerings. But also because of their intricate designed architecture. The addition of marble finishings adds a touch of glamour to the experience.
You have an understanding of how widespread and popular yoga is around the world, don't you? The thing is, Bharatanatyam dancing is as hugely popular in India with a growing number of millennials practicing, and thus preserving, this form of classical dance.
Ironically, yoga originated out of India too. Coincidence?
As a tourist to Bangalore the attraction of this 11m strong metropolis city is its many public parks. Wide open spaces are usually rare in cities all around the world. Not this one.
At nearly 1000m above sea level there is plenty of fresh air, allowing you to relax outside picnicking. Enjoying the 93°F warmth with a hint of a breeze.
We'll start off with Orion Mall. You may begin with the feeling that shopping malls in India are two a penny, and they're not. To prove that, visit Orion Mall in Bangalore for premium quality lifestyle choices. You're going uptown with this one, not downtown.
You are facing luxury Indian brands, such as Jaypore and Navyasa. Others include Forest Essentials and Shankara Naturals. Authentic Indian goods that would be nice gifts for loved ones.
If you love independent brand names, then you'll love The Forum Mall. This is another one which is another location housing luxury goods. There are five floors dedicated to many of India's iconic brands, for example:
We had never heard of these names before, not until we had spent time in Delhi anyway. In India they're each well known, loved and respected. Like the Orion Mall when you shop, you are taking a piece of India home with you.
When feeling exhausted with all the shopping malls, there are Bangalore's lakes. We urge you to take a day trip out of the city, to one of those lakes. In fact, visit several of them.
Because the gardens and parks aren't enough which is why many living in the city will flee to a lake as often as they can.
We discovered that out of the 100 lakes on the city outskirts, Ulsoor and Lal Bagh were the most well-known.
The ideal day to enjoy some leisure time at this park would be on a Sunday. The entertainment, such as live music and performances was some of the best we've seen in India. During peak tourist season, the park also has an area for children to play and visit the aquarium.
The majestic trees in the city gardens are in full bloom by April. It's during this time, they enhance the park's lush greenery. When is Bangalore's busy time? Usually, the city's busy time can be March, April, and May.
New Delhi, the capital of India, complete with incredible architectural wonders. As you stroll through the city, your eyes fall upon the sight of magnificent buildings.
Each one has a unique story to share, and you'll be eager to listen to them amidst your break from the bustling malls. What makes India, and New Delhi special? The thrill is the rich tapestry of diverse ethnicities.
Their heritage and influence shaped the Indian way of life.
As a foreign traveler coming to India, what you are grateful of are the old favorites. Unheard of before, outside of India you come across and find love for:
You must divert your attention to Old Delhi and its Chandni Chowk Market. Buy these sweets that every Indian has grown up to love. Dare we say to leave it until the last minute, before jumping on your plane home? Buy them too soon, you'll have eaten them before then.
India is such a bold statement. And you can't help but notice that same boldness about DLF Emporio Mall. This one is all about exclusivity, for sure. The details are all in the brands and their immaculate presented stores.
Each one visited left a lasting impression on us. As you waft in and out of every store, eyes light up at the sparkling grandeur and elegance ― and the prices.
Moving on from the DLF Emporio Mall, there is Ambience Mall. This mall has many domestic and international brand names under its roof. The plus point with this mall is the food courts with a wide range of international cuisine.
Because of the large Chinese community in Delhi, you come across many Chinese dishes. Great if you enjoy a Chinese takeaway back home. After dining it's recommended you relax with a coffee but in this mall, you can relax instead in the beer garden.
If you are more interested in Indian goods, then visit Cross River Mall. The stores have many Indian brands. In fact, not one international brand name did we find anywhere here. The food courts also prepare a large selection of Indian cuisine dishes, from all over India.
The restaurants are all clean and bright, modern and elegant. In these food courts food service is quick ― at Leap of Taste at least.
There are many reasons to visit this, the City of Pearls. It's centuries old history, such as the Golconda Fort less than 10km out of the city.
What fascinated us about Hyderabad more than anything was the prospect of shopping. Within the old city is the Chowmahalla Palace. When visiting the palace, we recommended you also seek out the many Bazaars nearby.
A bazaar is a fun distraction actually, from the more serious shopping found in the malls.
Manjeera Trinity Mall has six floors of shopping pleasure waiting for eager shoppers. The retail space filled with a little of everything what goods for sale. Much of the action the mall enjoys happens in the gaming zones: it's eye opening to see only how popular Mario Bros. remains to this day.
It's safe to leave your spouse there with the children and carry on with the retail therapy.
The city's biggest mall falls to the Sarath City Capital Mall. The mall has eight floors, dwarfing Manjeera Trinity Mall in comparison. Over 400 separate stores occupy the vastness of the complex punting everything imaginable:
To complement your day out there is an adventure park. Also, a snow park for practice skiing: nothing to take seriously but what is there, it is fun, nonetheless.
Almost all India's shopping malls have more or less the same thing. Retail stores, eateries, cinema and theater and miscellaneous entertainments. Two things that set apart one shopping mall from another:
You won't necessarily have a favorite but you will have memories of special moments. Having your feet massaged by miniature fish is one such experience you won't forget. Seeing exuberant expense on show for a US$18,000 bracelet is another. Very desirable but heart sinking knowing the bank balance won't stretch to it.
Each city has something for everyone. If you want to understand India's fashion, head to Mumbai. If you want the beach then Chennai, it's your only option. For culture then you are thinking New Delhi. Bangalore has the natural beauty of all those lakes, and the city's parks and gardens.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.