Mangaldas Ni Haveli — Attraction in Gujarat

Mangaldas Ni Haveli once a quaint abode to a Nagar-Brahmin family, is located in the center of the historic UNESCO declared World Heritage City of Ahmedabad. This beautiful building was acquired by the Mangaldas family in 2006 and has since been restored, only after retaining its original charm. The entire building is like a fine wood sculpture. Estimated to be over 250 years old. This Haveli is laden with architectural motifs, intricately carved pillars, facades and quaint balconies overlooking a central courtyard. The Haveli also has an integrated rain harvesting system with underground water storage tanks, known as 'tankas'. The Haveli makes us sentimental about a lifestyle, which has become alien. It also has a rich history, as it once belonged to poet Bholanath Divetia. One can still read the faded letters "Mahalaxmi Bhavan" over the huge wooden doors. As we enter the open courtyard with a Tulsi in the center and water tank near a narrow staircase, leading upstairs, from where we can look down into the kitchen. The mosaic floored terrace of the second floor is the focal point of Haveli with its play of light and shadows, wired glass panes, open windows and the ceiling painted with pink floral motif, a Lilly, which recurs often in the wooden carvings. Now this old Haveli (mansion) is turned into a modern hotel with all the luxuries of a 5 star hotel. It’s in the middle of the congested old town, surrounded by dilapidated structures & narrow allies. Those who are fascinated by the old town charm, it’s an ideal location to explore the old town on foot. Rooms are very comfortable, and well decorated, with some considerations for aged or disabled - bathroom has rails and a shower chair. It's location is in the old walled city of Ahmedabad in narrow lane, cars can't come within a km of this place but tuk tuks can. The area is scattered with 100, 150 and 200 year old grand bunglows of old Gujarati traders. Abandoned but we can see timeless Burmese teakwood hand carved work around the area on facades of old Houses. The old city has 12000 registered heritage properties and Ahmedabad got the UNESCO World Heritage City for that fact. There is a night market of just Food (Manek chowk food market) that sets up just 300 meters from the hotel and we can enjoy great local delicacies there till 2 am. It's chaos in the day time but this was great experience that I'm glad I took on my third trip to this city. We can took a night heritage walk which...

My first preference was to stay at the House of MG but due to the place being booked for a wedding, I was placed here. What I did not get in amenities from the House of MG was made up in the outstanding service provided by the staff at this old property. The property is managed by Mr. Ambalal and he was extremely helpful and available at all hours of the day to get me where I needed to get going. He even replied from home during his time off to make sure that I was able to get back to the hotel late at night. He made sure that there was no inconvenience encountered so he gets an "A" rating. The place is extremely clean with large rooms and allows you to see the grittiest part of town right from your balcony while being surrounded by comfort. The bathroom is large and clean. The place is an oasis in a colorful, busy and congested part of town. They arrange for transport in the morning to have your breakfast at the House of MG which is nice. I would recommend doing their complementary walking tour in the morning and evening if you want to learn more about the history of the place and efforts to beautify it. I would much rather stay here, than stay at any name brand hotel. You can walk to everything! I highly...

My first preference was to stay at the House of MG but due to the place being booked for a wedding, I was placed here. What I did not get in amenities from the House of MG was made up in the outstanding service provided by the staff at this old property. The property is managed by Mr. Ambalal and he was extremely helpful and available at all hours of the day to get me where I needed to get going. He even replied from home during his time off to make sure that I was able to get back to the hotel late at night. He made sure that there was no inconvenience encountered so he gets an "A" rating. The place is extremely clean with large rooms and allows you to see the grittiest part of town right from your balcony while being surrounded by comfort. The bathroom is large and clean. The place is an oasis in a colorful, busy and congested part of town. They arrange for transport in the morning to have your breakfast at the House of MG which is nice. I would recommend doing their complementary walking tour in the morning and evening if you want to learn more about the history of the place and efforts to beautify it. I would much rather stay here, than stay at any name brand hotel. You can walk to everything! I highly...