This historical house is a classic example of Ahmedabad’s Naggar Brahmin haveli architecture, with a central courtyard, an elegant façade and a rainwater harvesting tank. European influences can be seen on the exterior while inside is largely in the vernacular Gujarati style. The Belgium glass windows lend an amazing effect to the façade on a sunny day.

The Jagdip Mehta’s House was restored under a joint project of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s Heritage Cell and a French Government program.

The focus of the property is on cultural experiences. Guests can learn about Gujarati culture and lifestyles, folk songs and local arts. There are demonstrations of Gujarati cooking, draping a Gujarati saree and mehndi.

Heritage walks are organized.

Classical musical nights (Bethaks ) are held from time to time at the haveli .

Holi, Navratri and Diwali are celebrated at the property. Diwali is specially noteworthy because a huge Rangoli with central theme is made in main hall, attracting many visitors.
It is worth flying kites from the haveli during Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti, vibrant in the `pols’ of Ahmedabad.

The haveli is ideal for music shows with a small audience, less than 30 people.

The house is good for photo-shoots. Film shoots are allowed selectively (Scenes from Kai Po Che were shot on location here).

The house is located in the old city of Ahmedabad, which has magnificent monuments like the 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.

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 the house, offers an insight into the Indus Valley Civilisation that thrived here from 2400 to 1900BC.