A Luxurious Palace Hotel

Jehan Numa Palace

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Jehan Numa Palace

Bhopal

, Madhya Pradesh

, India

A regal 19th-Century residence, the Jehan Numa Palace is a fusion of contemporary comfort and care.

Settled on the slope of the vibrant Shamla Hills is the majestic Jehan Numa Palace Hotel. The palace is an amalgamation of British Colonial, Italian Renaissance, and Classical Greek architecture. Fringed with hues of floral appeals such as Bougainvillea, Champa and more, this 5-star hotel in Bhopal lives up to its royal status, so much that it compelled a visitor to claim, ‘It is too intimate to be called a palace, too friendly to be called a ‘hotel’.

The Jehan Numa Palace – was built in 1890 during the rule of Nawab Sultan Jehan Begum, and named after her, by her second son General Obaidullah Khan, Commander-in-Chief of the erstwhile Bhopal state Force. His grandsons own the Palace, converted it into a world-class heritage hotel in 1983. Royal living, once the sole preserve of nawabs, is offered to guests generously and with courtesy.

A varied, luxuriant green drapes the building and the open spaces under a wide sky to create an enchanting visual treat. Arched walkways, collonaded verandahs and verdant lawns in intimate courtyards take you to equally charming rooms. Jehan Numa Palace blends with nature and it is only fitting that one of its wonderful restaurants sits under the shade of an enormous mango tree, as its name so eloquently states.

Our Rating: Luxury

Property Type: Heritage

Accommodation

The 100 rooms which include 6 suites open into green courtyards or balconies overlooking trees, the swimming pool, the riding track – natural and pleasing views. The decor is opulent and elegant, and the rooms spacious and equipped with all kinds of modern amenities needed for a perfect stay. True to their nature, these palatial rooms exude an unbeatable royal charm.

The charming blend of colonial furniture, local stone, traditional and ethnic furnishings makes your stay in Bhopal a captivating and luxurious one. Air-conditioned, stocked mini-bars, LCD televisions with premium cable channels, coffee/tea makers, room safes, and WiFi. Ensuite bathrooms all have deep soaking bathtubs and exclusive toiletries. Room Service and Housekeeping Services are on-call round the clock and are prompt and attentive.

Room categories include Regal, Imperial and Palace Rooms, while suites come in standard and Palace classes.

Dining

Jehan Numa Palace has an impressive array of restaurants to choose from. From multi-cuisine delights to dainty patisserie cafes, covering almost all kinds of delicacies.

Fine dining is central to the Jehan Numa experience – good food and gourmet cuisine are served in the true tradition of the nawabs. Authentic home-cooked flavours, farm fresh ingredients and an extravagant range of offerings excite the most adventurous and discerning gourmet. The four restaurants and two bars provide a rich experience and a range to choose from – both in terms of cuisines and dishes.

Why we love this place

The hotel is a lovingly restored and maintained royal palace, where the unique history of this royal family and Bhopal come alive.

The Nawab Begums of Bhopal who ruled between 1819 and 1926, each succeeded by her daughter, were dynamic and charismatic women. Their personalities, vision, preferences, beliefs and action highlighted, and in some ways redefined Bhopal’s tradition with its combined Muslim and Maratha heritage. A cosmopolitan culture took root under the peaceful rule of the Begums.

Qudsia Begum was the first woman ruler (1819 – 1837) followed by her only daughter Sikandar Begum whose husband Nawab Jehangir Mohammad Khan then ruled from 1837 to 1844. Their daughter Shahjehan Begum succeeded him. This was followed by the long rule of Sultan Jehan Begum (1844 – 1901), after whom the Jehan Numa Palace is named.

Advocates of women’s rights, the Nawab Begums were progressive leaders, commanders of their armies, women who rode, played polo and were excellent swordsmen. They reorganized the administration and revenue systems. They ruled with style & elan, always keeping the good of the people foremost – founding hospitals & dispensaries, building railways, waterworks, postal systems and a municipality. The Begums played host to Indians & foreigners alike, traveled the world, attended the Imperial Court, & promoted the arts & literature. Sikandar Begum was the first Indian ruler to travel to Mecca. Sultan Jehan Begum wrote poetry in Urdu & Persian & her work was published and highly acclaimed.

About your host

The Jehan Numa Palace was built in 1890 during the rule of Nawab Sultan Jehan Begum, and named after her, by her second son General Obaidullah Khan, Commander-in-Chief of the erstwhile Bhopal state Force. After the death of the General in 1924, the Palace was occupied variously, moved and renovated, and through this time the General’s sons continued to use it as their secretariat till 1952, when all Jagirs were abolished by the Government of India. The family rented it out to the Government for use as a hostel, and then as the office of the Geological Survey of India, till 1981.

Nadir and Yawar Rashid, the grandsons of General Obaidullah Khan, and the owners of the Palace, then decided to share their legacy with the world and convert it into a world-class heritage hotel. Jehan Numa Palace Hotel opened its doors to visitors in September 1983. The younger generation, sons of Nadir and Yawar, are also involved now in running the Jehan Numa Hotels.

Our Recommendation

Wake up to gorgeous views of Upper Lake, Bhopal, or enjoy a morning walk to Lake View Point, just a short distance away.

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A Luxurious Palace Hotel

Jehan Numa Palace