Developed by the UAE-based Lulu group at an investment of Rs 1,600 crore, the mall is spread over 17 acres, rising three levels.

Billed as India's biggest shopping mall, the Lulu Shopping Mall was inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in Kochi on Sunday. Developed by the UAE-based Lulu group at an investment of Rs 1,600 crore, the mall is spread over 17 acres, rising three levels.

The mall is spread over 2.5 million square feet of space and is owned by EMKE group of United Arab Emirates (UAE) businessman M.A. Yousuf Ali, who hails from Kerala.

Built on 17 acres, the mall is spread over three levels. It has top international brands of luxury, food courts, coffee shops, 22,000 square feet of entertainment zones, including a 5,000 square feet Ice rink, said to be the first of its kind in South India.

Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi, state Leader of Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan, several cabinet colleagues of Chandy and other top Kerala politicians were also present at the occasion Sunday.

The mall has nine theatres, 16 pairs of escalators, elevators and travelators. There is a 3,500-seat multi-cuisine food court and parking for 3,000 cars. According to media reports, the first McDonald's restaurant in Kerala will open at the mall next week.

About 30 new brands, including Walt Disney and Barbie are expected to come to the mall soon.

Marriot Hotel, which is under construction near Lulu Mall, will be completed before end of this year.

The mall's power bill per month is expected to be around Rs 1.65 crore and the annual tax earnings for the local Kalamassery municipality would be around Rs 8 crore.

With inputs from Agencies