Tucked away in Gujarat’s Patan district, Sidhpur is a town that many overlook, but heritage lovers shouldn’t. Once a flourishing hub of Dawoodi Bohra merchants, this quiet town is now best known for its pastel-hued mansions. Lined across narrow lanes, these havelis showcase an unexpected blend of European elegance and Indian craftsmanship. Think Art Deco balconies, stained glass windows, carved teak facades and scalloped arches, all in soft pinks, greens and blues. Forgotten by time, Sidhpur’s Dawoodi Bohra havelis are nothing short of architectural poetry.
Sidhpur In Gujarat Is A Fusion Of Europe And India
Built between the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Sidhpur Dawoodi Bohra havelis in Gujarat reflect the community’s global exposure. The merchants, who travelled widely for trade, brought back not just wealth but also design ideas. Their homes echo Italian, French and Victorian influences, with classical columns, ornate cornices, and symmetrical layouts. Yet, the heart of these homes stays rooted in India, with chowks (open-air courtyards), intricate jaalis, and cooling raised platforms.
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A Forgotten Heritage With A Fading Pulse
Of the 1,400 Dawoodi Bohra havelis built in Sidhpur, fewer than 400 are occupied today. Families migrated, leaving their homes to caretakers or neglect. Many now stand empty, their paint peeling and balconies crumbling. Streets like Najampura and Hassanpura still hold this fading charm, especially the famous ‘Paris Galli’. With growing interest from architects and travellers, conservation groups like the Sidhpur Heritage Collective are stepping in, but time is ticking.
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Why You Should Visit Sidhpur’s Dawoodi Bohra Havelis?
A trip to Sidhpur in Gujarat is like walking through a movie set. It’s quiet, colourful, and steeped in history. From the Zaveri Mansion with 365 windows to the majestic Mohamedally Tower, every corner tells a story. A heritage walk along the Dawoodi Bohra havelis here reveal the town’s layered past, and the resilience of its unique architectural style. Only 3 hours from Ahmedabad, Sidhpur makes for a perfect offbeat getaway for culture and design enthusiasts.
How To Reach Sidhpur In Gujarat
Sidhpur is well connected by road and rail. You can take a direct train from Ahmedabad, Mehsana or Patan. The journey by road takes around 3 hours from Ahmedabad, making it ideal for a weekend trip. Buses and taxis are easily available. The closest airport is in Ahmedabad, about 130 kilometres away.
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Sidhpur’s Dawoodi Bohra havelis are more than just forgotten buildings, they are living tales of trade, taste and timeless design. If you love architecture with soul, now’s the time to visit this pastel paradise, before more of it vanishes.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Snehrashmi