If you believe the Economic Times’ 2007 study, the Banjara Hills postcode is the most expensive one in India. That’s no easy feat, given that India is more than 3,000,000 square metres in size and home to more than 1.2 billion individuals. What’s more, a 2011 study by Cushman and Wakefield revealed that the Bajara Hills high street (Road Number One) is one of the seven most costly shopping spots in India. For people living in Hyderabad, it’s one of the most prestigious places to be.
So, if you’re looking for an international retail experience that’s all about swish hotels, fancy restaurants and simply enormous malls selling trendy brands, you should definitely find a hotel in Hyderabad and start planning your trip. Here’s the low-down on where the best shopping is to be found.
GVK One
Since being established back in 2009, GVK One has quickly become one of Banjara Hills’ favourite shopping malls. Seventy branded shops display their wares across about 32,500 square metres, with the main one – Shoppers Stop – taking up nearly 5,600 square metres over three levels. Available brands include Peter England, Zodiac Clothing, French Connection, United Colors of Benetton, Esprit, US Polo and Adidas, just to name a few. If you need to take a break from trying on clothes and browsing accessories, you can pop into the INOX multiplex and catch a film. Find GVK One on Road Number One.
City Center
Whereas some of Banjara Hills’ more upmarket malls are frequented by high-end fashionistas, City Center is popular with shoppers of all types and budgets. One of its major draw cards is its extensive top floor food court, where you can sample cuisine from all over the world – from regional Indian to Chinese. An array of major international brands have shops on-site, including Levi’s, Planet Fashion, Lilliput, Bata and Jockey. You won’t find a cinema in the mall, but for recreation you can spend some time (and work on your hand-to-eye coordination skills) at the bowling alley. City Center’s address is Level 0, Road Number One. As the name suggests, it’s pretty much in the heart of Hyderabad.
Lumbini Jewel Mall
Lumbini might not be as big and flashy as GVK One and City Center, but it certainly has its own charm and a decent variety of shops and brands, as well as an abundance of loyal visitors. Unlike the others, you won’t find it on Road Number One, but at 7/B on Road Number Two – right opposite the LV Prasad Eye Hospital. What’s more, there’s a seriously impressive factory outlet where branded clothing, shoes, cosmetics, accessories and loads more are sold at insanely discounted prices. Plus, if you’re the kind of shopaholic who tends to work up an appetite, the food court will have you covered. For vegetarians, there’s Basil; for those keen on South Indian cuisine, there’s Malgudi; and for the Euro-inclined, the tasty Mediterranean fare at Laguna is hard to beat.
Ashoka Metropolitan Mall
Ashoka Metropolitan is not just a mall, but an innovative aesthetic experience. Designed by respected architect Hafeez Contractor, it presents a pleasing combination of stylish interior design and lovely landscaping. There’s a vast array of retail outlets, covering apparel, shoes, accessories and books, and, in addition, some impressive entertainment facilities and food courts. A centre stage frequently plays host to product launches and special promotions, turning shopping into an active, engaging and constantly evolving activity. Ashoka Metropolitan Mall is situated on the corner of Roads Number One and Twelve.