The House of MG

The House of MG was first built back in 1904, at the start of the 20th century. Two brothers, Chimanlal and Mangaldas Girdhardas, became successful with their textile business and envisioned a grand home for themselves. As their fortunes and family grew, they expanded the mansion with a new wing in 1924. By the 1950s, however, the newer generations settled in different parts of Ahmedabad, and the mansion fell into neglect.

Fortunately, the next generation of the family, led by Abhay Mangaldas, would restore their ancestral mansion. After extensive restoration and renovation, they opened it as The House of MG hotel in 2007. The Chimanlal or CG Wing was also restored and integrated into the hotel in 2014. Emboldened by the success of The House of MG, Abhay also acquired other old properties in the city, restoring them into what are now known as Mangaldas ni Haveli I and Mangaldas ni Haveli II.

Carefully and meticulously restored by traditional craftsmen and artists, the House of MG has not only achieved its old glory but also surpassed it. The house boasts an eclectic mix of traditional Gujarati architecture and Western Colonial aesthetics, influenced mainly by the Portuguese and British. Arched portals and windows fill the halls and walls of the mansion, while its shared spaces come in the form of breezy courtyards and verandahs. Complementing these traditional aesthetics are abundant greenery, such as climbing vines and potted plants, creating a fresh atmosphere.

The hotel also supports local industries by using repurposed materials given to traditional craftsmen, who then turn these into handcrafted furniture used all over the hotel. Examples of these include the ornate teak beds guests sleep in, as well as the chairs and swing sofas in the lounge areas.

Also part of the hotel's renovation and restoration were the addition of wheelchair-friendly features. Select rooms have bathrooms equipped with lowered sinks and raised toilets to help guests with mobility impairments.

Agashiye

Named for the Gujarati word that means "on the terrace", Agashiye is a refreshing yet lavish outdoor restaurant offering fine Gujarati cuisine and lovely views of the neighborhood. Guests will have the option of dining indoors or outdoors, and will have their food served in metal plates called thali. Each dish is prepared using a traditional recipe and made with fresh local ingredients and seasonal fare.

Opening hours: 11:30 am - 3:30 pm; 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

The Green House

If Agashiye provides a dining experience under the skies, The Green House takes a down-to-earth approach, literally. This cafe restaurant is located on the ground floor courtyard and features an open kitchen, allowing diners to watch as their food is prepared right before their eyes. The menu is filled with Gujarati delicacies, as well as Indian and international favorites.

Opening hours: 11 am - 10:30 pm

With its architecture beautifully restored and embellished by native craftsmen and artisans, The House of MG is a fantastic and sophisticated setting for your destination wedding. The hotel has two main venues available, both of which can be set up for the ceremony and reception.

Agashiye Lounge & Garden

A gorgeous open-air verandah with a lounge and garden, perfect for fairy tale weddings with your closest and dearest cheering for your union. The space can accommodate up to 200 guests, providing ample areas amidst the bougainvillea flowers for the banquet.

Dev Viman Hall & Cottage

A grand pavilion that can be set up for magical ceremonies and banquets. Dev Viman is an indoor venue equipped with audio-visual equipment as well as air-conditioning, perfect for large yet private celebrations. With enough room for 120 guests, you won't need to worry about having too long a guest list for your special day.

Cultural Experiences

The House of MG's owner, Abhay Mangaldas, isn't just devoted to restoring his family's heritage; he also wants to impart the rich culture of Ahmedabad to travelers visiting his beautiful city. Ahmedabad itself was one of India's very first UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized as part of the Historic City category. Aside from the many ancient buildings, there are also museums filled with beautiful artifacts, and traditional workshops plying their centuries-old crafts.

The House of MG will be happy to arrange tours and assist with your itinerary, providing rickshaw services and tour guides should you need them. They also have brochures prepared, filled with recommendations and information about Ahmedabad's historic sites. Climb down the ancient stepwell of Bai Harir Ni Vav, which provided water to the city for hundreds of years. Another important water source is Kankaria Lake, a manmade reservoir now turned into a public park surrounded by amusement and leisure centers. Also part of The House of MG is the Ahmedabad Trunk, a textile gallery showcasing traditional garments and fabrics from Ahmedabad and from all over India.

For companies and groups in need of a venue for their event, The House of MG has several to offer. Agashiye isn't just a restaurant, it can also be set up for outdoor banquets and conferences. If you need an indoor option, there's the Dev Viman Hall, which is an air-conditioned pavilion with audio-visual equipment.

For children's birthdays, the hotel has a special indoor venue called Gammat. This venue encompasses several areas, including a play area, lawn, and part of the swimming pool. Aside from being a playground, Gammat can also arrange for enriching activities like clay sculpting and tie-dyeing.

Darwin Bucky is another large venue managed by The House of MG, although it is in another location. This pavilion can accommodate up to a hundred guests and is set in a beautiful wooded compound to provide extra privacy.