It was originally established in the 18th century as a residence for the Gaekwad rulers of Baroda while they were in Ahmedabad.
The complex was converted into a police station and administrative hub during the British colonial era.
It features traditional Gujarati wooden carvings integrated into a defensive stone masonry exterior.
The site is located within the historic Walled City zone, a UNESCO World Heritage region.
It served as the primary base for the Ahmedabad City Police Commissionerate for many decades before the office relocated.
Gaekwad Haveli is a historic fortification in the Raikhad area of Ahmedabad that formerly served as the residence of the Gaekwad family and later functioned as a police commissioner's office. The structure features defensive architectural elements, including thick stone walls and a prominent gateway, reflecting its past as a military and administrative outpost. It is situated along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The haveli is an example of the fortified residential architecture once common in the walled city of Ahmedabad. In recent years, parts of the complex have been repurposed, though it remains a protected heritage site under the municipal corporation's purview.
The main entrance gate and the exterior fortifications visible from the roadside.
Visit during the morning to photograph the light hitting the stone façade without harsh shadows.
Check the exterior carefully, as interior access is often restricted due to its ongoing role in administrative operations.
Combine this visit with a walking tour of the nearby Raikhad and old city pols.
Do not attempt to enter office-restricted areas or photograph internal security personnel.
Maintain a respectful distance as parts of the site may be used for government administrative purposes; do not enter restricted areas.
