Alastair Sawday’s Special Places To Stay
Mr. Mangaldas Girdhardas, (hence the House of MG), a wealthy Ahmedabad philanthropist, built this grand townhouse in 1924 – an oasis in crazy city. His grandson has realised his own vison and now the project is complete. This extraordinary Gujarati family house has been beautifully restored, and its ornamental Baroque-influenced facade preserved – along with Italian mosaic marble flooring, stained – glass windows and numerous courtyards and passages; it is a place with a surprise round every corner. The outdoor caf’e servers Indian and continental delicacies while the open kitchen and the rooftop restaurant specialise in Gujarati cuisine; the food is authentic and delicious. There’s also a banquet ‘facility’ and a lifestyle store, and a ca’e and craft centre nearby – The Mangaldas ni Haveli. Also: a film and reading club, a lovely indoor pool and a gym, and a cultural tour for walkers; borrow an iPod and go. The big smart bedrooms and wrap themselves round an inner courtyard and come with plush bathrooms and every modern thing. Splash out on the Kanchangauri suite ; it comes with its own swing.