This new performance space in Khandala breathes life into the hill town's culture

While the exact date of origin is uncertain, archival documents trace the abbey back to the period between 1840s and 1870s, shares architect Adil Dholakia. Pics/Shadab Khan

It takes us a couple of hours to conquer the Mumbai traffic, and reach Khandala. The journey through the winding ghat sections finally halts by a quiet lane, beyond which lies the 200-year-old abbey, now Abbey 301. If its existence surprises the reader, they are not alone. "It would not have been in the form it is today, but it was always here," assures Kamini Kotak, owner, Abbey 301. On the afternoon of our visit, the quaint space is readying for its grand opening on January 30.

Dholakia reveals that the next phase of conservation will focus on the water damage, if any, incurred by the double mortared walls

The Kotak family acquired the structure after it was decommissioned in 1973. "I remember walking the grounds with my father-in-law, and just playing Brahms, Beethoven, and Bach. To his end, he conceded to listening to my Norah Jones album," Kamini recalls. In the early 2000s, the abbey underwent the first phase of its conservation with Vikas Dilawari, giving it the visually aesthetic stained-glass windows, reveals entrepreneur Krishna Kotak. Adil Dholakia's Five Cross Architects took over the challenge of further restoration in the short timeline between September and December of 2025.

Adil Dholakia

The current vision of the space was a more recent epiphany. "Khandala does not boast of any performance venue, and we wanted to create one that the community could be a part of," Kamini shares.

Kamini and Krishna Kotak

Step in Pushan Kripalani, its creative director ‘who fell in love with the place at first sight', and Xerxes Unvala, culture strategist. "We had to do very little. As they say in my world, ‘If God is your gaffer, get out of the way,'" Kripalani states, pointing to the dormer windows streaming natural light. As we walk through, the tech team is busy at work to ensure the sound system syncs with the natural harmonics of the space.

Arunoday Singh and Pushan Kripalani in performance. The abbey is fitted with an adaptable deck that can be reworked to suit any performance

Nowhere is this more evident than when actor Arunoday Singh and Kripalani break into a duet of Ain't No Sunshine. "It was the same when we held the first trial in February 2025. The artistes could not wait to experience it," shares Kripalani, who adds that India has very few examples of such spaces. "It was as much a transformation, as it was a conservation," he says.

The stained-glass windows were additions from the first phase of conservation in the early 2000s. Inspired by churches in Scotland, they were recreated in India; (right) A distinct feature, the vestry was restored with a combination of reused and suitable material. It will serve as the green room for performers, shares Kripalani.

The tenet of minimalism and reversible improvements is a common thread. Dholakia reveals that the use of old BTC (Burma Teak Category) and Mangalore tiles were instrumental in the restoration.

The nature of monsoons in the region made the roof restoration; (work in progress (right) restored roof) a primary concern for the architectural team. Pic Courtesy/Five Cross Architects

The launch is the beginning of a new age for the 2500-sq-ft structure. "Imagine Raag Bhairavi being played by Rakesh Chaurasia to welcome the dawn," teases Pushan Kripalani. The opening day will feature artistes, from Chaurasia to poet Kausar Munir, the Sanjay Divecha Trio, and singer-songwriter Nikhil D'Souza. For the future, the team is already exploring theatrical showcases, even outreaches to schools to foster a new community experience.

The technical and lighting has been designed to be non-intrusive, and easily reversible

"It is about offering a new cultural experience for the community, and for artistes," concludes Kamini. As we walk around, we can imagine the hills come alive with music.

ON January 30 to February 1
AT Abbey 301, near Athiva Resort and Spa, Khandala.
LOG ON TO abbey301.org