The IHB Guide: What’s Up Whitefield?

A charming settlement in the eastern periphery of the city, Whitefield has fast developed into a paradise for top class residential communities and IT firms, alike, turning it into a major suburb. And, to keep pace with the ‘work hard-party harder’ mindset of its dwellers, the locale has all the fun to offer, within its constraints:

Malls Galore

As much fun as street and budget shopping is, we all need our brand fix every now and then. Plus, with the sweltering summer heat already sending the temperatures soaring, nothing beats the comfort and convenience of shopping for our beloved brands in an air-conditioned mall. Whitefield, incidentally, has the largest population of malls in the city – V.R., Phoenix Market City, Forum Value, Parksquare, Inorbit, Cosmos, just to name a few! Besides being one of the only places to grab the best deals & newest collections of exclusive brands, they also offer plentiful entertainment, for a fun day out. A game of bowling while sipping on a chilled beer at the Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl makes for a well spent couple of hours.

IHBSays – For the adventurous, make sure you head to the Mars Climbing Gym to check out their 52ft artificial wall climbing attraction, amongst others.

Pubs, Grub & More

From the first ever pup-friendly café & timeless Luru favourites to the best of breweries and global cuisine, Whitefield has got it all. Breaks your heart to leave your pooch out of the fun? Strap-on his best collar and head to TherPup for a meal for 2… grab a taste of the international chain that gives you a never-before experience to Dine in the Dark… if you haven’t already tried them, The Fat Chef & Herbs n Spices will make their way up on your list of drool worthy restaurant or the quirky Whitefield Social if you’re craving their fusion. For brews, look no further than the ones served amidst stunning settings at Windmills Craftworks, Biergarten, 153 Bier Street & The Whitefield Arms (above)… the list goes on!

Lakeview Farm

A quaint little farm dedicated to maintaining the fast depleting greenery in the area, the owners decided to open their doors to the public by turning the farm into a one-of-a-kind local market, of-sorts. With spaces rented out to small business owners, you can find eclectic treasures like indoor/outdoor furniture, lifestyle designs, home décor, a skin clinic, nail spa as well as a dance and painting school. The farm also offers work spaces for hire – look out for an atmosphere that is sure to get the creative juices flowing!

IHBSays – The grassy patch in the centre is perfect to play some games, set out a picnic or even host an event!

Where – 686, Lakeview Farm, Varthur Main Road (Airport Main Road), Siddapur

Jagriti Theatre

For those inclined towards the performing arts, the arena offers a wide variety of recitals, concerts and shows from artists of national & international acclaim. Dedicated to promoting and fostering theatre, music, dance and comedy, their 200-seater auditorium with a full-thrust stage matches up to international standards of quality and comfort.

IHBSays – Do a quick check of what they have on offer here, so that you don’t miss on tickets or schedules.

Where – Jagriti Renaissance, Varthur Rd, Near Adarsh Palm Meadows, Ramagondanahalli, Whitefield

Plan a Biking Trip

Image Credit: Ramnath Kamat

A few good cycling trails have their base point at Whitefield and in turn, take you through a loop of sights and sounds that you can enjoy on your eco-friendly set of wheels. For a mediocre level of difficulty combined with routes that are not too heavy on traffic, we recommend either the Hope Farm – Channasandara – Hoskote trail or the Hope Farm – Channasandra – Chikka Tirupathi

IHBSays – If you’re new to the activity or the area, we suggest you join one of the regular trips organised by the many cycling clubs in the city (Bangalore Cycling Group/Bangalore Cycling).

Pssst… an IHB Find

If you’re making you way to Whitefield from the city, we recommend making a quick pit stop at The Heritage Centre & Aerospace Museum (located at the HAL premises, en route). A first of its kind museum in India, it spreads across 4 acres of lush green land and displays photographs & cross section models of aero engines that are unique enough to excite the science geek in you!