Khotachiwadi is a Heritage village in Girgaon, Mumbai. If being in 21st century if one want to go back to past and know how was old Mumbai some 100 to 150 years before, then this is a place to be seen. This is Mumbai's oldest preserved settlement. It is comprised of a collection of charming vernacular-style houses, a unique example of 19th century architecture that has survived the onslaught of the modern builder. As you stroll down the unique streetscape of this heritage precinct, you will pass by the beautifully-painted buttercup yellow, red and green cottages belonging to the East Indian community that settled in this area in the early-1800s. It was founded by Khot, a Pathare prabhu, who sold plots of land to local East Indian families. 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. Houses are made of wood, with a large open front verandah, a back courtyard and an external staircase to access...