India Habitat Centre Guide: 13 Things That You Must Experience Once At IHC

Established in 1993, the India Habitat Centre was developed by authorities as a convention centre for individuals and institutions working in diverse habitat-related areas. Now home to numerous organisations and events that take place on a daily basis, IHC has always been a teeming ground for gatherings, luncheons, presentations, art exhibitions and music festivals. Over the years it has become a hangout spot for individuals, to either grab a warm Sunday brunch, or attend immersive lectures, and exhibits. This introduction is reason enough to make the visit, but if you need more, keep reading.

Nearest Metro Station: The nearest metro station to India Habitat Centre is Khan Market. It's a six-minute car or auto ride and almost a 25-minute walk on a pleasant day.

Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM

Google Ratings: 4.6/5

Entry: Free

LBB Tip: Members of IHC can have added benefits and access, so check out this page for any membership details or queries.

IHC has been catering to programs since 1997 and is counted as one of the city's premium hubs for hosting events. There are numerous venues here that can be used for multiple purposes, including meetings, workshops, cultural performances, and even wedding festivities. It offers multiple options, including indoor space, outdoor space, or a combination of both, and has set venues tailored to the guest range. While all of them are unique in their own way and fit a cause, here are a few famous ones that need to be on your radar. 

IHC has 15 auditoria and conference venues that are equipped with the best facilities and are always hosting all sorts of events. The Stein Auditorium, however, named after the architect of IHC, is one of the best ones because of its state-of-the-art infrastructure enabling live telecast, 35 mm projection, and simultaneous interpretation into four different languages! The auditorium is ideal for conferences, film screenings, stand-up comedy nights, cultural performances and presentations. 

LBB Tip: Keep your eye out for all the events here.

A Grecian concept, an amphitheatre is open-air and used for theatre performances, cultural events and various other activities. The amphitheatre at IHC is used for several cultural events, like music, dance, poetry reading, theatre performances, documentary screenings, language festivals and competitions. This theatre has a capacity of 200 people and is beautifully built with downward steps leading to the main stage. Having featured in quite a few movies like the iconic Rang De Basanti, you can usually find us here during the Penguin Spring Fever. Regardless of whether you have something to do here or not, it's beautiful enough to go visit and take in the gorgeous architecture!

Booking Price: Starting at INR 15,000 + GST

The Theatre at IHC is a three-space venue that can be customised as per your needs. The 'trinity' of rooms includes Amaltas, Kadamba, and Rudraksha. The beauty of the venue lies in how you can choose an individual space for a meeting or combine all three for your workshops or events, depending on the number of your gathering. When it comes to facilities, you get a centrally air-conditioned carpeted room with amenities such as a back projection system, data projector, slide projector with remote control and even special stage lights for cultural performances. You can also opt for meal options like breakfast, high tea or dinner.

If you think IHC offers activities and perks to just their members, think again. As a non-member, there are tons of things you can do at IHC. From attending events to art galleries to recreational activities, here's what all you can do in India Habitat Centre:

The Habitat Library and Research Centre (HLRC) is an intellectual hub that provides a serene environment for those interested in the pursuit of knowledge, in finding a quiet corner for their research and writing, or even just catching up on the happenings of the day and the goings-on in the world through newspapers and the internet. It is equipped with computers that can be used by members. Non-members, on the other hand, can also visit HLRC but aren't allowed to issue books. There's Wi-Fi, and personal laptops are also permitted, so you work at peace here.

LBB Tip: They also have coffee and tea-vending machines that help with uninterrupted use of the HLRC. 

While there are a bunch of other things that we love about IHC, we can't help but mention the Lotus Pond. A pretty little pond with fish swimming around and lotus floating in the waters, the beauty of it is enough for us to add it to this list. So the next time you're at IHC taking a stroll, or just want to enjoy a few minutes of happiness, do sit by the lotus pond. It is surrounded by lush greenery and benches where you can spot people meditating or reading. 

Since its inception in 2000, the art gallery in IHC has been a place for people to see, experience, and appreciate great art. The gallery hosts visual art exhibitions and art seminars to uphold and maintain art culture. Indian and international artists showcase their work here. 2D and 3D art is on exhibition in the Visual Arts Gallery many times a year. They also have outdoor art exhibitions that are a sight to behold. 

LBB Tip: Check out their exhibition calendar here. 

For all fitness enthusiasts, there is also a fitness club at Indian Habitat Center for members. It has great gym facilities, swimming pool facilities, and a spa section where you can relax and unwind. A member is allowed two guests per day, and they appreciate it if you bring your own yoga mat for usage. 

Timings: 7 AM - 10 PM

If you are a member, you can also access the guest rooms, apartments, and suite options for smooth accommodation. The rooms are well-maintained and decorated and members can also extend this access to two of their guests. We love how every floor has its very own theme and it reflects in the overall room layout.

Price: Starting at INR 2,650 onwards for members and INR 3,140 onwards for member guests

Check-in Time: 2 PM        

Check-out Time: 12 PM

Our hearts broke when the iconic breakfast hub All American Diner was rebranded as the Habitat Hub. We loved the retro interiors, which felt like we had stepped into 1970s America. However, the revamp isn't bad at all! It's got a new modern touch while the retro vibes remain intact. You can still pop in here for a smashing breakfast throughout the day. Shakes, smoothies, pancakes, hot dogs, Mexican food, and a fully equipped bar—what more can we ask for?

Zomato Ratings: 3.6/5

Timings: 7 AM to 12 AM

Price For Two(Approx.): INR 3,000 (without alcohol)

Must-try Dishes: Salad, Italian cuisine, desserts

Another place to gobble up some delectable food, MED—Mediterranean Restaurant, on the 5th floor of the main building in IHC, offers a variety of Mediterranean and Pan Asian dishes. Go here for a date after visiting an art exhibit or watching an immersive documentary! The interiors are classic, Mediterranean-inspired, while the place is often quiet and peaceful. 

Pro-Tip: They don't allow children below the 10 years of age and making a prior reservation is recommended.

Several other dine-in restaurants have now opened up, so check them out here! 

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Timings: 12 PM to 3 PM (lunch)  & 7 PM to 12 AM (dinner)

Price For Two (Approx.): INR 2,000

Must-try Dishes: Crispy tofu with pineapple salsa, creamy hummus with spicy Lamb & pickled chilli, biscoff ice cream 

If you're a member here, then you get access to EAST! the Pan Asian restaurant located on the fifth floor of the room blocks. They serve cuisines from East and Southeast, such as Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Malay and more. Guests of members are also welcome.

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Timings: 12 PM to 3 PM (lunch) & 7 PM - 12 AM (dinner)

Price For Two (Approx.): INR 2,000

Must-Try Dishes: Thai crispy cups, honey glazed spare ribs, prawns har gao

The newest addition is the premium food court called the Habiteria. It includes six kiosks that include scrumptious delicacies like chaat, cakes and bakes, sushi, dim sums, and more. The place has an indoor seating of about 135 people and an alfresco outdoor seating of about 80 people. The food here is not only good but also value for money, think sushi for only around INR 500! 

Google Ratings: 4.2 /5

Timings: 12 PM to 11 PM

Price For Two (Approx.): INR 1,000

Pro-Tip: If you want an outdoor party space for up to 20 people, it can be made available on request.

Translating to 'food' or 'grain,' Ann is a cosy restaurant at Indian Habitat that offers food for mind and soul only for members. It specialises in traditional Indian food and regional foods. The Terrace Bar on the side sells alcoholic drinks, and it's highly recommended to dine with the family. 

Timings: 12 PM to 3 PM (lunch) & 7 PM to 12 AM (dinner) 

Price For Two (Approx.): INR 2,000

If you're in the area, and maybe you get free earlier than you expected, check out Khan Market and Meherchand Market to make your evening better.