New Delhi: The dark, narrow lane in Shahjahanabad with garbage piling in the corners gives way to a clean, clear stretch where the Golden Haveli, with its shiny brass doors, gleams under the morning sun. Restored in 2023, the 150-year-old structure stands in stark contrast to the dull and crumbling havelis in the heart of Old Delhi. Barely a few hundred metres away is its 200-year-old ‘sister’ Haveli Dharampura.
Built during the reign of Mughal emperor Shahjahan, it is already a popular destination for tourists. In their new avatar, the two havelis are boutique hotels that serve to remind visitors of a Delhi long gone. They embody former Rajya Sabha member Vijay Goel’s dream to create the ‘Taj Mahal of Delhi’.
Goel isn’t the only person attempting to capture a moment in time. In the last decade, at least five havelis have been restored by their owners. It’s a labour of love that needs deep pockets, patience, and a passion for the past.
When he started work on restoring Haveli Dharampura, Goel thought it would be done within six months. Instead, it took six years. Some, like the two sister havelis, are luxury hotels; others like the Kathika Cultural Centre—an equally old haveli—have become hubs for dance and poetry recitals.
Haveli Sharif Manzil, which stands out in its simplicity, is a family home. “The idea was to get the glory back to Old Delhi, to show people how it could be done and to possibly inspire more people. The fate of these havelis will probab.