Welcome to the Mangaldas ni Haveli in the heart of the historic walled city of Ahmedabad. It is estimated to be over 200 years old and it originally belonged to a Nagar Brahmin family (Brahmins were considered the highest amongst all castes in India). It is one of the finest examples of carved wooden architecture typical of that time. It was bought by the Mangaldas family in 2006 and has since been restored. It now houses a gift shop and a café and it is managed by The House of MG, the Urban Heritage Hotel. It is accessible only by a shuttle bus service from this hotel. There is no parking available around the haveli.

A pol is a meandering narrow lane with houses and shops on either side. This was the typical city layout in times of strife as it confused the invading enemy and allowed escape routes to locals. Each different pol is a gated community, segregated by both caste and profession (the word 'Haveli' refers to a large pol house but is now commonly used for all old pol houses).

The wood used in the Mangaldas ni Haveli came all the way from Rangoon via the Gulf of Cambay. Like most pol houses, the layout of this haveli comprises of rooms built around a central courtyard. The wooden carving is both ornamental and also performs the function of absorbing heat (carving increases the surface area of wood, a poor conductor of heat, making it a more efficient heat

absorber). Such a design ensures that the building remains well ventilated and cool all year round.
The rooftop café at the Mangaldas ni Haveli serves an ala carte’ selection comprising of local and international dishes and it is spread over two levels. An air-conditioned level and a terrace level (with an unmatched view of the old city skyline).

The craft gift shop stocks a range of clothing, home decor and gifts handmade by local craftsmen who have collaborated with designers.

The restoration was done with the help of the Heritage Cell of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.