Krishnayan Heritage Stay – The 18th Century haveli in Gwalior gives you delusions of grandeur
Offering a glimpse of Gwalior’s aristocratic past, the haveli with its world old charm is turned into a homestay with contemporary touch yet keeping the vintage vibes intact.
Built over two centuries ago the magnificent sandstone ‘haveli’ is nestled within the grovy environs in the centre of Gwalior, it charmingly blends the grandeur of the imperial era with all modern conveniences, to offer you the best of both worlds.
This Haveli has hosted many royal families, noted historians & eminent dignitaries. Come and experience the warm hospitality & glorious traditions of the bygone era.
The foundation stone of this beautiful ‘haveli’ was laid a century ago, in 1920, by Sardar Anandrao Saheb Phalke Shamsher Jung Bahadur to commemorate the birth of the first direct heir, Sardar Chandrasenrao Phalke, after almost five generations of adoptions. It was named ‘Krishna Mandir’ after the Late Sardar Chandrasenrao’s mother, Krishna Bai Saheb and the ‘Kul Devata (family deity), ‘Lord Krishna’.
Built on the family’s sprawling estate of thirty acres using only lime, pink Sand and sugar, the building has a ground floor plus one and its construction was completed in 1926. The high ceilings and thick walls add to its grandeur, but the true wonder of this ‘haveli’ lies in the fact that its load is entirely borne by the arches and its single stone pillars.
Hosts Lalita Phalke and Vijay Chandrasenrao Phalke’s ancestors made their way to Gwalior from Deccan Maharashtra with Mahadji Scindia in the late 1700s.
The foundations for the family haveli were laid by Vijay Chandrasenrao Phalke’s grandfather to commemorate the birth of his first direct heir after several generations of adoptions. The family named the house Krishna Mandir, after Phalke’s late grandmother Krishna Bai Saheb, and the family deity Lord Krishna.
The two-floor haveli is built entirely in lime, pink sand and sugar. Its tall arches are supported by sturdy stone pillars that have seen decades of history and several generations of the royal family. Seven rooms—including a two-bedroom suite—are spread across the ground and first floor.
Each room features antique burma teak furniture and paintings, brass artefacts and photographs of the family over the years. The spacious luxury suite is perfect for families, with two bedrooms, a living room and a large bathroom.
Step outside the haveli and you will find the family’s “Dev ghar”, a small place of worship on the spot where the first foundation stone of the family home was laid, along with a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and a small garden. Inside, there’s a dining room where all meals are served, as well as a library and an airy lounge with a traditional wooden swing.
Apart from this the haveli lies in the vicinity of 10th century Gwalior Fort, about 1km away from the homestay and offers beautiful views of the city. The fort is spread over 3 sq km and houses several temples and historic structures, including the Gujari Mahal built during the reign of Man Singh Tomar for his wife, Teli ka Mandir, Jain temple caves and the Man Mandir Mahal where light and sound shows are held.
