Shortest trips are the hardest to plan. We were 3 people who went on a rushed 24 hour trip to Ahmedabad. There was no time for a visit the Sabarmati Ashram or do a fulfilling city tour on a hot summer day. We had the list of 'best non-vegetarian restaurants in Ahmedabad' but we just couldn't afford to spend the day crawling through the city in the heat for Amdavadi flavors.
But the hotel Sambit had so fondly picked for our stay in Ahmedabad blew our minds. Even though I never planned to write this post but it's just written out of the genuine desire to tell you about the best place to stay in Ahmedabad and the overwhelming gorgeousness of it all. Here's all about Divan's Bungalow in Ahmedabad.
Photo Credits: Sambit Dattachaudhuri
Divan's Bungalow: House of the Kadri Family
Divan's Bungalow is located in a busy lane of a rather crowded walled city, or the old city, as we may call it. The narrow lane leading to the bungalow is called MB Kadri Road, named after a former mayor and scion of the illustrious Kadri family, the owners of this heritage house. This family has owned the property for the last 150 years and the house has been named after Saiyed Bavamiyan Kadri who was once the Divan of Radhanpur who moved to Ahmedabad and built this house after retirement.
This is the ancestral house of the genius Indian architect IM Kadri who has famously designed Taj Palace in Mumbai, Taj Coromandel in Chennai, Fort Aguada Hotel in Goa and numerous other inspiring modern day structures. The first gaze at the Divan's Bungalow through it's iron railing gate would tell you want an inspiration this house would have been for someone who has a love for design and architecture.
About The Property
The bungalow is quite famously known as the 'Oasis in the walled city'. The tall arching palm tree near the fountain right at the centre of the front courtyard gives you the first glimpse of the wonder it is. The bungalow is in prim condition and the old charm has certainly only swelled with time. The hidden garden and open Divan Khana quickly distances you from the noisy neighbourhood of Raikhad outside the gate and leaves you at this quiet spot where birds perched on the banana tree chirp incessantly all day long.
Divan's bungalow has 8 rooms and we were put up at Siraj Khana, luckily the grandest of the rooms that was lit with blue glass chandeliers and numerous paintings. The adjacent semi circular jharokhas with a wonderful play of sunlight through coloured glasses made for a great lounging area. This wondrous mishmash of Gujarati and Islamic architecture gives the bungalow it's characteristic beauty. There are 7 other rooms, each with a view of the open fountain courtyard and exquisite interiors done in a unique color scheme and authentic Gujarati fabric.
Restaurant at Divan's Bungalow
The restaurant at Divan's Bungalow is rated one of the best non-vegetarian restaurant in Ahmedabad. Not just the guests who stay here but this heritage home also receives visitors who arrive here solely for authentic Amdavadi cuisine. We tried the non-vegetarian thali for dinner which was the part of the non-vegetarian menu. Khatta gosht, dahi ka kachumbar served with rice and roti and mixed vegetable is indeed an enriching meal. Other specialities of this kitchen are Shami Tikki and Gosht Pulao.
Cost of fixed menu:
Lunch: Rs 450
Dinner: RS 550
Tariff
The hotel has 5 suites and 3 rooms each named after a member of the Kadri Family. These are Siraj Khana, Zia Khana, Munir Khana, Iftikhar Khana, Salahuddin Khana, Zahir Khana, Zubeida Khana and Tariq Khana. Each room has a separate entry, attached washroom and view of the open courtyard.
Room tariffs are inclusive of breakfast and range from Rs 4000 to Rs 6000 based on the size and amenities of the room.
Best Time To Go
Best time to visit the city of Ahmedabad is during the cooler months from November to February. However, due to it's excellent architecture, this hotel remains quite breezy and cool even on the warmest of days.
Things to do around the property
Wondering where to go on your city tour? Divan's Bungalow is located in the centre of the city and all the shopping hubs and other must visit spots are quite close to the hotel.
Wish to shop? Local market Dhalgarwad famous for fabrics, market at Law Garden and Ambavadi Bazar are quite close to the hotel. Taxi and auto rickshaws are readily available from the hotel to visit these spots.
Other must visit spots in Ahmedabad near the property are Calico Textile Museum, Sidi Saiyad Mosque and ancient mosque of Sarkhaj Roza. The famous Sabarmati Ashram is only 6 kms away and it takes less than 15 minutes to reach.
Getting there
Address: Divan’s Bungalow, MB Kadri Marg, near Gaekwad Haveli, Ahmedabad.
By air: The nearest airport to the property is Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Airport, nearly 10 kms away. Accessible by taxis and auto rickshaws, it takes less than half an hour to reach the hotel.
By rail: Kalupur Railway Station is only 2 kms away from the property and it takes just about a few minutes to reach the hotel by taxi or auto rickshaw.
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