Khotachiwadi

Khotachiwadi
Village
Lanes and heritages houses of Khotachiwadi
Nickname: 
"Old Goa in Mumbai"
Interactive map of Khotachiwadi
Coordinates: 18°57′20″N 72°49′13″E / 18.95556°N 72.82028°E / 18.95556; 72.82028
Country India
StateMaharashtra
DistrictMumbai City
MetroMumbai
Government
 • TypeMunicipal Corporation
 • BodyBrihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (MCGM)
Languages
 • OfficialMarathi
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
400004
Lok Sabha constituencyMumbai South
Public transit Charni Road; Girgaon

Khotachiwadi (lit.'Khot's wadi (orchard') is a heritage village in Girgaon, Mumbai, India. Houses generally conform to the old-Portuguese style architecture.

Etymology

The name "Khotachiwadi" translates to "Khot's wadi (orchard)".[1] The village was founded in the late 18th century on land owned by Waman Hari ‘Khot’ (local supervisor), a member of the Pathare Prabhu community, who sold plots of the land to local East Indian families.[2] It was also fondly known as 'Old Goa in Mumbai'.[3] There used to be 65 of these houses, now reduced to 28 as old buildings are being pulled down to make way for new skyscrapers.

Architecture

Houses are made of wood, with a large open front verandah, a back courtyard and an external staircase to access the top bedroom.

Residents

Most of the residents now descend from the original inhabitants of Mumbai. Recently Gujarathis, Marwadis have moved into the area. Majority are Maharashtrian Christians.

References

  1. ^ Bavadam, Lyla (12 April 2021). "BMC launches a project to restore Khotachiwadi, Mumbai's 200-year-old heritage enclave with colonial and Portuguese legacies". Frontline. Archived from the original on 11 May 2021. Retrieved 26 February 2026.
  2. ^ Khan, Arman (9 July 2021). "The history and stories from Mumbai's most beautiful neighbourhood, Khotachiwadi". Architectural Digest. Archived from the original on 30 January 2026. Retrieved 26 February 2026.
  3. ^ "BMC to restore 200-year-old Khotachiwadi neighbourhood with its heritage charm". Hindustan Times. 16 May 2022. Archived from the original on 30 May 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2026.