Jehan Numa Palace Hotel

Jehan Numa Palace Hotel has a long history connected to the Nawab Begums of Bhopal, who ruled from 1819 to 1926. Each Begum, and then their daughters, blended Muslim and Maratha traditions, creating a culture of peace. Qudsia Begum (1819–1837) was followed by Sikandar Begum, Shahjehan Begum, and then Sultan Jehan Begum (1844–1901), after whom the palace is named.

The palace was built in 1890 by General Obaidullah Khan, Sultan Jehan Begum’s second son, as a tribute to his mother. After he passed away in 1924, his sons used the palace as a secretariat. In 1952, when the government abolished Jagirs, the family leased it out, and it was used as a hostel and later as the office of the Geological Survey of India.

With time, the palace had started to show signs of wear. In 1983, Nadir and Yawar Rashid, grandsons of General Obaidullah Khan, carefully and meticulously restored the palace, preserving its original architectural beauty while upgrading it for refined luxury. They transformed it into a heritage hotel, opening it to visitors in September of that year. In 2000, Jehan Numa Palace Hotel was classified as a Heritage Grand Hotel, the first in Central India.

Set on the slopes of Shamla Hills, Jehan Numa Palace Hotel blends British Colonial, Italian Renaissance, and Classical Greek styles. Its white façade, colorful gardens, and elegant courtyards reflect its royalty, while the nearby Upper Lake offers beautiful views. The hotel has 98 rooms, including seven suites, all spacious with many opening onto courtyards or balconies overlooking the swimming pool. Inside, a mix of colonial furniture, local stone, and traditional décor gives a royal feel. Vintage chairs, patterned marble floors, and ancient weapons on the walls, especially in Shahnama, the multi-cuisine restaurant, show off the palace’s history.

The grounds have been restored with care, inlcuding the mosaic fountain by the pool, and the horse track that shows the family’s love for thoroughbreds. Since reopening as a hotel in 1983, Jehan Numa Palace Hotel has grown thoughtfully, adding more rooms and facilities while keeping its historic character. The hotel features a Chakra Spa, a fully equipped gym, a tennis court, and a salon for guests’ relaxation and wellness. Wheelchair-accessible areas and facilities are available for guests with disabilities.

TAO

TAO (Tattenham Across the Orient) is Bhopal’s first Pan-Asian bar. It serves a mix of Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese dishes, along with creative cocktails and mocktails.

Opening hours: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm

Shergar

Shergar bar, named after the famous racehorse owned by the Aga Khan, offers a quiet lounge with colonial-style décor. It is suitable for drinks, light snacks, or informal gatherings.

Opening hours: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Cocktail Hours: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

The Begum Hall

Venue type and style: The Begum Hall expansive hall features a stunning driveway surrounded by lush green lawns. Equipped with modern amenities, the hall can be merged with the adjoining Begum Lawn. The flexible layout makes it easy to host a variety of events.
Capacity: 200 guests

Begum Lawn

Venue type and style: Adjacent to the Begum Hall, the Begum Lawn offers a spacious outdoor setting surrounded by greenery. It is perfect for open-air ceremonies, cocktail parties, or evening gatherings under the stars. The combination of the hall and lawn provides versatile options for both indoor and outdoor events.
Capacity: 200 guests

The Convention Centre

Venue type and style: It is an elegant, air-conditioned venue with modern amenities. Perfect for intimate weddings, cocktail parties, or pre-wedding ceremonies
Capacity: 75 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Within the palace, the Chakra Spa provides massages, body treatments, and skin therapies by appointment. The open-air swimming pool is ideal for a refreshing swim. Proper swimwear is required, and the pool is open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The Fitness Centre features modern equipment with poolside views. Guests can unwind afterward in the sauna or steam room, or relax in the Jacuzzi. Outdoor recreation is also available at the tennis court. The hotel also offers guided local tours to explore the nearby attractions.

Guests can visit the Tribal Museum, which showcases the art, crafts, and lifestyle of local tribal communities, or enjoy the scenic Bhopal Lake, perfect for walks, boating, and photography. Another nearby attraction is Van Vihar National Park, a green sanctuary home to wildlife including deer, tigers, and birds.

Other Celebrations

Jehan Numa Palace Hotel offers a range of venues for private parties, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. The management team can help coordinate arrangements, decorations, and catering. For corporate events, the Senate Hall on the first floor is ideal for meetings, conferences, and social gatherings. The General’s Boardroom features modern amenities and is perfect for a professional setting.