Noor-Us-Sabah Palace: Tracing Regal Heritage
Noor-Us-Sabah Palace is currently a WelcomHeritage Leisure & Business Hotel with world-class amenities, evoking the regal era of Bhopal Estate’s whilom splendour. The history of this palatial construction may be traced back to the early nineteenth century when H.H. Hamid Ullah Khan decided to create a palace for his daughter Abida Sultan. The name Noor-Us-Sabah means “Light of Dawn,” and this residential palace is bathed in a range of beautiful morning colours.
Noor-Us-Sabah Palace is not only one of Bhopal’s most important Royal Residences, but it is also a tangible representation of Indian Mughal history. This Royal Palace, just minutes from the airport, will steal your breath away with its hilltop lake view setting, before surprising you with exceptional royal hospitality.
Before the Palatial metallic-green gates opened to the Royal courtyard, the chauffeur drove up the VIP road in Bhopal. The well-manicured gardens on either side brought me to the hotel’s large lobby.
The Royal Vintage Baggi enclosed in a glass box was the first thing that drew my eye. I couldn’t stop complimenting the horse-drawn Royal Carriage, previously the Queen’s preferred mode of transportation. Gold accents are etched against wooden carvings in this antique beauty, evoking a bygone period. This Baggi, which alludes to the royal family’s ceremonial existence, is where my regal trip began.
The beautiful marble staircase on the opposite side of the carriage is framed with a series of crimson pillars. By all means, take this long stairway into the royal palace and immerse yourself in its profuse offerings. The Noor-Us-Sabah reception hall welcomes you with well-heeled archaic elegance. A waiting lounge, steeped in tremendous luxury, completes the picture. It is, after all, a Royal Palace! I inhaled deeply and watched as history unfolded in front of my eyes. Each step that led me inside this property, taught me more about the Palace’s history.
The reception, the lake-view Marble Arch Restaurant, the Royal Hammam, the Fitness centre, and an outdoor pool designed to parrot splendid city views are all located on the ground level.
The upper floor, on the other hand, is obscured beneath palace domes and a great balustraded cornice that surrounds the palace. A Nawabi patio may be found on the first floor. But, before I could make my way down the long corridor, I came across yet another hidden gem behind an old door.
A glass door on the opposite side of the elevator allowed me to get a glimpse of an ancient staircase that formerly graced the castle. I wish I could scale them to see where they lead. The majestic hallway is adorned with wall paintings depicting the history of this historical marvel. If you can listen, each painting on this wall has a story to tell.
The ultimate selectivity, though, began the moment I entered the Club Junior Suite. This suite had a luxurious fainting sofa with chairs woven in the flair of gold and orange, designed to mirror traditional royal stays. Draw the curtains and gaze out the window into the endless sky vistas of Bhopal’s mountainous cityscape. The Noor-Us-Sabah Palace’ Club Junior Suite commemorates the Royal family of Bhopal’s forgotten and exquisite traditions.
The historic paraphernalia has been lovingly conserved in this charming apartment, blessed with amazing views of the natural environs. This suite is a lifestyle lover’s dream, with antique collector’ goods steeped in timeless beauty and roll-over silk drapes. A walk-in closet with a digital locker and a spacious en-suite washroom with a bathtub round out the package.
I had the opportunity to sample real Bhopali cuisine during my stay at WelcomHeritage Noor-Us-Sabah Palace. Despite the fact that I could have ordered breakfast in my hotel, I preferred to have it at the lake-view Marble Arch restaurant because of the spectacular views. Although Marble Arch is a small restaurant, the charming outdoor seating will warm your heart. Potato smileys, fish fingers, Mutton Nihari, chicken sausages, a selection of bread, doughnuts, and your choice of eggs will all be available for breakfast.
Insider Tip: The cheese omelette they serve is excellent! The Medu Vada and the vegetable pie are also delicious.
In terms of the lunch, Executive Chef Suman Rakshit’s preparations of Bhopali Seekh Kebabs, Kacchhe Gosht Ke Kebab, Bhopali Mutton Biryani, Bhopali Chicken, and Shahi Toast were very delicious. Inside the suite, I was offered these delectable delights from the cuisine of Zaaiqa restaurant. The in-house restaurant of Noor-Us-Sabah, Zaaiqa, specialises in Mughlai and authentic Bhopali cuisine. Shahi Toast and Royal Phirni were among the delectable treats served at the end of the lunch.
I decided to keep it light for dinner and ordered from Dynasty, the PAN Asian Diner. This restaurant provided me with the most delectable seafood I’ve ever had in Madhya Pradesh. On a level, it’s flavorful to the point that you’ll keep guessing the ingredients as you devour the final luscious saucy morsels off the dish.
Apart from the accommodation and dining, Noor-Us-Sabah Palace is known for its centuries-old Royal Hamam and Hot Spring Bath. The Royal Hamam of Noor-Us-Sabah Palace has been well-preserved for almost a century and has a separate spa section for men and women.
To lend a contemporary touch to this classic Turkish setting, a modern age Jacuzzi has been added, to the Hamam. Visit this Moroccan-style Royal Hamam to get a luxurious deep-tissue massage. Who knows, the massage techniques may have been taken from royal yore.
I sat towel-wrapped in the steam room for nearly an hour, allowing it to clear my skin of pollutants. After the treatment, I went for a swim in Noor-Us Sabah’ infinity pool, which serves as the hotel’s centrepiece and offers spectacular views of the city.
This gorgeous outdoor pool, which is only available to in-house guests, is the ultimate place to relax. Allow the colour-changing skylines to enchant you with a little organic magic as you unwind.
The Noor-Us-Sabah Palace is a treasure to be discovered. This Royal Residence, which offers excellent value for money, lives up to its moniker as the light of dawn.
Noor-Us-Sabah is a remarkable palace with all the comforts, natural beauty and swift hospitality. Whether you’re in Bhopal for business or leisure, this regal hotel should top your stay list.
fabulous traditional post with awesome pictures capturing