Feb 17, 2011 04:00 PM
28668 Views
(Updated Mar 15, 2011 11:27 AM)
What was once a thumping busy mall, is now almost a reminiscent of the past. Gariahat Mall located in the heart of the city has been reduced to a monopoly market of a few shops now.
When it was opened in around 2007, Gariahat Mall immediately attracted consumers all throughout Kolkata. It is located in Jamir Lane in Ballygunj area. It's a five minute walking distance from Gariahat crossing. The mall building is adjacent to the Ballygunj depot of Calcutta Tram Company and is in close proximity to the Bijan Setu bridge connecting Ballygunj with Kasba. The Ballygunj Railway Station is also nearby.
At it's inception, Gariahat Mall had a host of shops selling all kinds of lifestyle items. From clothes merchandise to cosmetics there were a huge range of products to choose from. The mall also had restaurants, tea shops and lounge bars.
Due to lack in footfall, gradually the business of smaller shops diminished. Eventually they could not sustain their lives. The smaller shops soon vanished one after the other. The tea-shop at the ground floor was shut down too. Around 2009-2010, most of the shops were shut down.
Majority portion of the market was bought by the satellite news channel Star Ananda, the bengali news channel from Star Network, who put up their office in the mall. When the anchor/ newsreader of Star Ananda reads news nowadays, you can get a sneak peek of the Bijan Setu and Ballygunj Railway Station in the background through the glass window.
So what's in the mall now-a-days? Is it still worth a visit? The answer surprisingly is yes. To know why, read on:
Westside is still there. Not only there, but they are actually doing very good. Every now and then Westside also provides lucrative discount offers to all it's customers. Westside has a wide range of garments. The ladies can pick up western dresses, jeans, Kurtis, Salwar Suits. All very trendy and in tandem with latest fashion. Ladies, you can also shop here for sunglasses, cosmetics, jewelleries like rings and chains. There are lifestyle items like towels, bedcover, bedsheets, cups 'n plates and decorative items. You can check out the kids wear collection, toys and teddy bears too. The men will also find a satisfying range here. From trendy t-shirts to dashing denims and formal attire, Westside really offers good range of clothes. The ambience is colorful and warm. The staff have good behavior. You will enjoy shopping here.
Corn 'n Kebab - This restaurant is at the top floor and terrace. It's good for evening snacks and dinner. It also offers hard drinks. They have a few specialities like Crispy Chicken and Long Island Iced Tea, which you can definitely try out. The con - well, most of the times their Credit/Debit card vending machine does not work, and they prefer cash payment. Otherwise it's a nice hangout place with friends. You can enjoy the open air portion of the restaurant too, and watch the skyline of South Kolkata at a distance. The terrace is also open for live performances of artistes and bands once in a while. It's a good experience altogether.
These two can really pull a good amount of crowd even today to Gariahat Mall. The parking lot in the basement is vast and well managed. The courtyard and the stairs at the front of the mall is well decorated. There are sitting arrangements where you can sit and chat with your friends. The lounge bar also exists. But it is an expensive place which includes cover charge. The service is not upto the mark of the payment you need to make. So, I will recommend you avoid that place altogether.
But still, if you are in South Kolkata, and in mood for some shopping and good food, you can try out Gariahat Mall!
