Divan’s Bungalow was the city residence of Saiyed Bavamiyan Kadri, built in the mid-1800s. Since he was the minister (Divan) in the court of the Nawab of Radhanpur, it was called Divan’s Bungalow and is a landmark in the historical Gaikwad Haveli area even today.

Many Independence activists used to visit the house in the early 20th century. The city’s first deputy mayor in the 50s, M B Kadri, held meetings at Divan’s Bungalow.

Gaikwad Haveli is a historical neighbourhood associated with the Marathas.
A short distance from here, the elegant Rani Sipri Mosque is an architectural gem. The Magen Abraham Synagogue, British period churches, Parsee Fire Temple, and historical gates of the walled city like Khamasa Darwaja and Astodia Darwaja.

The walled city contains many great monuments like 16th century Sidi Syed Mosque, the 15th century Badhra Fort, the 15th century Jamma Masjid, the historical square called Manek Chowk, and the unique Shaking Minarets.

The old residential areas of the walled city called `pols’ traditionally comprised clusters of houses dedicated to people belonged to a particular caste, community, religion or profession, set along a narrow lane shaded from the warm sunlight of Ahmedabad by the shadow of the houses and buildings. The lanes had gates at both ends that could be locked for safety and often a pol even had a secret exit known only to residents. Often they had ornate bird feeding towers called chabutras. The more influential and wealthy families lived in opulent havelis with exquisitely carved wooden façade, sculpted wooden brackets, ornate doors and fine stonework fronting the pol’s lane. The design of the havelis and the pols are interesting studies for urban planners and architects.

One of the most impressive architectural zones of Ahmedabad, Sarkhej was the village of Sultan Ahmed Shah’s spiritual mentor, the Sufi saint Ahmed Sheikh Khattu. The 15th century rauza (mausoleum) of Ahmed Sheikh Khattu is one of the largest dargahs of Gujarat set on a 31.70 sq meter plinth with a large dome supported by two columns. The mausoleum is decorated with perforated stone and brass screens, inlaid marble and gold work. The complex also has an impressive mosque with columned galleries and a multi-pillared main hall with fine stonework.

While successive sultans visited Sarkhej, Sultan Mahmud Bhegada created a large tank here and his health resort away from the congestion of Ahmedabad. Beside the tank are his palace, with a huge arched gateway through which an elephant could pass and the sultan could alight onto the jarokha balconies, and a pavilion with screens that must have been for his begums. Other monuments can be seen when exploring the area around the tank.

Sultan Mahmud Bhegada also opted to be buried at Sarkhej here – his tomb and that of Bibi Rajbhai can be seen beside the tank. In the centre of the tombs can be seen a pavilion standing by itself which lends a fantasy feel to the complex.

ATTRACTIONS IN 100KM RADIUS OF THE PROPERTY

About 30 minutes from the property, Gandhinagar is a modern, planned and greened capital of Gujarat. It is developing into a hub for education and technology. On the outskirts of Gandhinagar, the 15th century Ruda Vav in Adalaj is one of India’s finest stepwells. Pethapur village of Gandhinagar is one of the few places where wooden blocks for printing are produced by woodcarvers.

Akshardham is one of the greatest of modern temples – it has superb gardens, a majestic pink stone temple, museum and ultra-modern shows.

Ahmedabad makes an ideal base to visit Important Bird Areas like the Thol Bird Sanctuary, the Kheda Wetlands and Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, all within 65km radius of the House of MG.

The Harappan archaeological site of Lothal, about 82km from House of MG, offers an insight into the Indus Valley Civilisation that thrived here from 2400 to 1900BC.