Mumbai: All-Day Entertainment at High-Street Phoenix

If you want to spend a day away from the traffic and chaos of Mumbai’s streets, make your way over to Phoenix Mills, or High-Street Phoenix, as it is sometimes called. South Bombay’s answer to a mall, this massive compound may overwhelm you at first (the signage is pretty crap as well), but with a few hours (and this guide), you will familiarize yourself with all its several nooks and corners.

The area is made up of five parts: Phoenix Mills, Skyzone Mall, the Galleria, PVR Cinemas, and the (wi-fi enabled) Palladium Mall (newest). The Palladium is closer to your idea of a traditional mall with super designer brands and enclosed circular floors. Here you can find international brands such as Diesel, Estee Lauder, Paul Smith, Burberry and Bo Concept, in addition to upper scale Indian names such as AND (Anita Dongre’s casual line), Shantanu and Nikhil and Satya Paul. Head to the top floor to Urban Yoga for ridiculously cute kids’ yoga wear (organic cotton they can wear anywhere actually) and to Sayonara Toys just for a peek. For charming homewares, stop by Earth, particularly if you are into Ganeshas and Buddhas. When you are done there, pop in for a bite at the Indigo Deli, one of India’s premier gourmet chains.

When you are ready for a little more Indianness, step out to the rest of Pheonix Mills, an indoor-outdoor complex with everything from a Big Bazaar (India’s CostCo equivalent), to Hamley’s and McDonald’s. You can also feast on Indian street food (NOT recommended for the weak of heart or stomach, this is pretty hardcore stuff – the rule of thumb is if you are going to eat off the streets, make sure it is cooked and hot. Avoid the chutneys, for example). Around the corner, enter the Skyzone Mall where you will find international treasures like Marks and Spencer (best quality kids’ underwear in the world) and Crocs (with a wide selection of kid crocs). You can also stop into Soma and Mogra for Indian apparel and homewares.

Move onto the section called the “Galleria”, where the highlight is definitely OmVed, an all-natural enterprise that produces mesmerizing incenses and body products. My favorite however is their children products: an all-organic range of spiritual and earth-friendly t-shirts and the softest, most beautiful baby blankets (I bought three: one for me, and 2 for my best friends!). Definitely worth the hunt for this Bombay-exclusive store. Across from OmVed is the famous Bombay Store, with a good sampling of Indian stationery, artifacts, and candles. Try the Khadi brand of body products sold here. Finally, always worth a stop into FabIndia, for Indian kurtas for all ages, and home products (try their teas!).

When you are done with all the shopping, make your way to the PVR cinemas, not for a movie but for a snack at the eclectic food court. Try a saada dosa (south Indian crepe-ish, very kid-friendly), or grab an ice-cream and a falafel.

One last stop before you exit is the new department store, Landmark Bookshop at the base of the Palladium. Here you can find all manner of latest music (Indian and international), dvds, video games, gift sets, and a great selection of books for kids (again, Indian and international). I always plan to spend 2 hours at Landmark every trip to Mumbai. This is where I stack up on Indian dvds and books for Karam.

If you were lucky enough to have a car and driver bring you here, make sure to call your driver a good 20 minutes before you head to your pick-up point (which you should have agreed on at drop-off). The parking lot is crazy.

If you find Phoenix is too much for you, cross over to Good Earth at Raghuvanshi Mills, and walk up a flight (caution: no elevator but you can leave your pram at the bottom of the stairs and the guard will watch it for you) to The Tasting Room. Great salads, sandwiches and crepes in a refreshing, cool environment that will calm even the most hyper baby.

On your way out, check out the homewares in the store – a personal favorite.
Happy shopping!