Rich history
Heritage hotel Golden Haveli is a testament to the rich history and culture of Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi. With its restored façade and traditional architecture, it stands as a reminder of the city’s past and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Originally designed in 1906 AD, as a residential-cum-commercial building, the haveli has stood the tests of time for over a century.
Location
With its central location in the heart of Chandni Chowk, the haveli is easily accessible and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of this iconic part of Delhi.
While the main focus of the restoration was on the Golden Haveli itself, the surrounding alleys leading up to the haveli were also restored to revitalize the entire urban environment.
Bringing back its glory
The recent restoration project has brought it back to its former glory, with careful attention paid to preserving its unique features and architectural elements. The Golden Haveli, which once hosted Mahatama Gandhi as its guest 80 years back, had been deteriorating over the past years and required intervention. Efforts were made to restore the site from an uninhabitable structure to a heritage hotel that gives a glimpse of Delhi’s years old culture and traditions to its visitors.
The design journey
The journey of restoration was not easy. The original building showcased a beautiful example of Mughal architecture with intricate stonework and Jaali on façade and cusped arched openings with stained glass windows.
The three-storey high haveli had rooms opening to a central courtyard, creating a visually interactive and connected space. Moreover, the whole building was adorned with floral decorations and motifs carved in sandstone, arches, glass panes, and stone columns, which made the restoration work a meticulous and detail-oriented process.
The central courtyard was re-envisaged as a social gathering space, open to sky and hustle of Chandni chowk in front. While the ground and first floor have rooms designed individually with the theme of hues of tradition, the second floor caters with an open lounge for the inhabitants of the haveli to relax and enjoy their cultural surroundings. While the whole building had an introverted planning, the terrace offers a sweeping view of the narrow alleys of Chandni Chowk, and Jama Masjid in a distance, giving a sense of tranquility to the viewer.
Preserving the essence
Local artisans were commissioned to paint Mughal-style paintings on the walls of the alleys, bringing back traditional colors and culture as part of the project.
The outcome of the restoration process is a tribute to the beauty and heritage that the Golden Haveli represents and serves as an enduring testament to the perseverance and dedication of those involved in the restoration process.
The conservation process also utilized original materials and traditional craftsmanship to retain the haveli’s history and preserve the spaces as closely as possible to their original function.
This approach ensured that the building’s cultural significance was respected while restoring it to its former glory.
