Here’s a rewritten version that preserves the essence while ensuring originality:

The dusty road leading to Sidhpur, a historic town in Gujarat, western India, winds through arid terrain, dotted with roadside eateries and slow-moving camel caravans. At first glance, there’s little indication of the architectural treasures that await within the town.

At Sidhpur’s core lies a striking street lined with grand three- and four-story mansions, known as “havelis,” painted in a fading spectrum of pastel hues—teal, baby pink, pistachio green, and more. Locally called Paris Galli, or Paris Street, this enclave evokes the charm of a European city, boasting Neoclassical façades with an eclectic blend of Art Deco, Baroque, and indigenous Indian design influences.

Despite being less than a three-hour drive from Gujarat’s capital, Ahmedabad, Sidhpur remains a well-kept secret among travelers and architecture lovers. When I visited, Paris Galli was eerily quiet, save for a few locals passing through, recognizable by the distinctively colored hijabs and white-and-gold caps worn by the Dawoodi Bohras—a Shia Muslim community with deep roots in the region.

The Bohras, originally traders from Egypt, established a presence in western India as early as the 11th century. Over time, they traversed North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, dealing in spices, gemstones, and perfumes. Eventually, the sect’s seat moved from Yemen to Sidhpur, where its members showcased their affluence by erecting lavish residences in the early 20th century. These clusters of opulent homes, known as Bohrawads or Vohrawads, became symbols of status, with homeowners competing to embellish their mansions with crystal chandeliers, Belgian glass, antique furnishings, and extravagant banquets.

The Bohras’ longstanding trade connections with Europe likely shaped their architectural tastes. Additionally, Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the ruling maharaja at the time, was known for his admiration of European architecture. He enforced meticulous urban planning principles—heavily influenced by Scottish urban planner Patrick Geddes, who lived in India from 1914 to 1924—resulting in Sidhpur’s strikingly uniform and picturesque streetscapes, as noted by architect Zoyab A. Kadi, a native of the town.