Lakeside Dining To Movies: Top Things To Do

Let’s face it, no person living ‘this side’ of MG Road, cares to drive to Whitefield, so the entire Central, East and North of the city was thrilled when two years ago, the Brigade Group gave us the swanky Orion Mall Bangalore. And with it came international brands like Mango, Zara {yes, yes for men, women and kids!}, Vero Moda, and Jack and Jones. Plus, Indian names such as Louis Phillipe, Van Heusen and Arrow. Add on the department stores Westside and Central, and the usual sports stores, in addition to Ed Hardy and even the city’s first GAP store and you have yourself a shopper’s paradise.  Oh! And did we mention Calvin Klein and Ritu Kumar? And Forever 21? Yes, OK. Great! In fact, here are five stores (apart from Zara), for you to check out.

For those looking for electronics, books and travel stuff, this mall has stand-alone stores for plenty of brands. Bose, iMagine, Reliance Digital and the Samsung Smart Café should take care of your electronic need while the unique year-round flea market Caravan (on the top-most floor) will sort you out for everything from artwork and clothing to jewellery and antique furniture. Neat, huh? Beauty seals its place with Vinchy, Color Bar, MAC, Kiehl’s, Parcos and the trusted Health and Glow, as well.

Amp up the fun with more than just shopping, we say. That’s made easy with Blu-O, the biggest bowling alley in town taking up floor space here. And lucky for you, the kids can be left to their own devices at Timezone –  an entire floor with arcade games, simulation booth as even good old-school multi-level indoor play areas with jungle gyms, ball pens, and slides. Jealous yet, adults? PVR Cinemas, again, the biggest in B-Town is next door, so catch the latest releases while you’re at it. Done with the action? Head off for a soothing spa at the O2 Spa or Footworks which focus on your feet, only.

While the food court is competent with most fast food and QSR eateries (from McDonald’s, Sbarro and Beijing Bites to Sukhsagar, Empire and Kaati Zone), head off to the restaurants for a more quiet, and quality meal. Café Noir and Toscano are your best bet for Euro fare while the likes of Chili’s and Kobe pitch in with American and Tiki food. Then there’s the Asian section be it Mainland China, Rajdhani or Zaffran. Pick the outside section for most of these restaurants as it’s by the man-made lake. So a fresh breeze, just that hint cooler than most times, and the flurry of people going by their own business of enjoying the mall, make it a prime spot to unwind. More so, if you’re making a day of it at this all-round lifestyle mall.