Satyagraha House

THINGS TO DO, JOHANNESBURG Updated : Jun 16, 2017, 12.14 PM IST

Sumedha Bharpilania

Sumedha has travelled across 28 countries, including a major chunk of India, and calls Japan, Thailand, France and Switzerland her pet destinations. She is seasoned in going off the beaten track and loves documenting her journeys. Apart from getting lost in metropolises, being stranded at airports and finding solace in the hills, she actively writes for eminent travel platforms. You can follow her trips on her social media handles.

Photo courtesy: Satyagraha House

A guest house and a museum that was the residence of Mahatma Gandhi for a year, the Satyagraha House is an important attraction in Johannesburg, especially for Indian tourists. Designed by the Jewish architect Hermann Kallenbach, it is an integral part of the historical heritage of the city. Visitors are offered a spiritual insight into the time Gandhi spent in formulating and actively promoting his belief in Satyagraha (holding on to the truth). The museum has fascinating journal entries and photographs that will bring you closer to the ‘Father of India’. The many motivational quotes on the walls will make you want to become a better person. There is an atmospheric garden for you to walk around and engage in quiet contemplation.

By contract, the guesthouse is elegant and comfortable and also offers meditation and yoga classes for guests. The furniture is made entirely out of wood with baskets and pots that have all been imported from India. There are no television sets or WiFi and meals served here are vegetarian. The simplicity of the premises is truly a reflection of Gandhi’s way of life.
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