Now this old Haveli (mansion) is turned into a modern hotel with all the luxuries of a 5 star hotel. 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. 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. One can still read the faded letters Mahalaxmi Bhavan over the huge wooden doors. It also has a rich history, as it once belonged to poet Bholanath Divetia. The Haveli makes us sentimental about a lifestyle, which has become alien. The Haveli also has an integrated rain harvesting system with underground water storage tanks, known as tankas. This Haveli is laden with architectural motifs, intricately carved pillars, facades and quaint balconies overlooking a central courtyard. The entire building is like a fine wood sculpture. This beautiful building was acquired by the Mangaldas family in 2006 and has since been restored, only after retaining its original charm. 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.
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