A Palace with a Story
Perched gracefully on the verdant slopes of Shamla Hill in Bhopal, Jehan Numa Palace is a rare gem that fuses regal history with contemporary elegance. With its pristine white façade and an architectural blend of British Colonial, Italian Renaissance, and Classical Greek influences, the palace retains a soul that is unmistakably Indian.
Jehan Numa Palace embodies the legacy of Bhopal’s Begums, who shaped the region’s cultural identity through a blend of Muslim and Maratha traditions. Built by General Obaidullah Khan, son of Nawab Sultan Jehan Begum, the palace reflects his passions and lives up to its name—Jehan Numa, ‘a view of the world.
Where Heritage Meets Nature
As I explored the palace’s manicured gardens, flowering champa trees, and serene courtyards, I was pretty by surprise to see the beautiful museum that is treasured in the corridor of the palace.. The architecture blends seamlessly with nature—arched verandas opening onto lawns, floral pathways leading to shaded courtyards.
The Charm of Royal Living
Jehan Numa Palace houses 100 rooms, including six suites, each designed with a mix of colonial accents, traditional stonework, and tribal-inspired artwork. Some rooms overlook tree-lined courtyards, while the . Imperial Rooms feature balconies overlooking the pool or horse-riding track, offering guests an immersive experience of the palace’s timeless ambience.
Taste of Bhopali Flavours
Under the Mango Tree, set in a romantic courtyard beneath an ancient mango tree, serves signature Mughlai grills and kebabs. But since the weather Gods didn’t really comply with me so I had to dine inside. The grand meal named “The General’s Table” see an eight-course menu of royal recipes from baingan ki burani (eggplant curry), Bhopali machali korma (a fish korma), Rampuri chawal (a rice dish) and more. Which most of the dishes carried gentle flavours, slow-cooked with care for over 24 hours, not to miss that the fact that the chefs are trained by the kothi khansamas.
More Than Just a Hotel
Jehan Numa Palace, landmark for Bhopal’s elite is a perfect example of royal heritage with refined hospitality, and standing as a timeless symbol of sophistication in India’s luxury travel.
Escape into Mindful Silence
After a brief walk around Bhopal exploring the heritage and history of the city, I headed for Jehan Numa Retreat, the perfect spot for unhurried escape, lies just beyond Bhopal’s Van Vihar National Park—home to the majestic Indian tiger and a rich array of remarkable wildlife and birds. The Retreat, a 28-room boutique haven, features charming cottage clusters named after birds—Francolin, Jacana, Heron, Hornbill, Lapwing, and Kingfisher—each adding a touch of nature’s spirit to the resort’s serene ambience.
Tranquility in the Wilderness
At Jehan Numa Retreat, nature embraces you at every step. Rolling acres reveal bursts of wild blossoms, neat vegetable patches, manicured greens, and a pool cradled in leafy arms, while ancient forest canopies offer cool shade from the summer sun. My room came with its own outdoor deck—perfect for stargazing, sipping coffee, or waking to birdsong. Each room also features an open-air shower, deepening the ‘one with nature’ experience. Walking through the estate, their kitchen garden, beautiful lush green open area, the under the sky spa and more really stood out. The property nurtures its own fruits and vegetables, many of which grow in the backyards of the cottages.
Sustainability Woven into Elegance
The Citrus Garden Project, designed by Fay Barretto sees 16- signature cocktails that span around flowers, spices, and herbs, blending citrus with India’s culinary heritage—like Mahua liquor of the Gond community, and rare Aldona and Kohla chilies sourced from Goa’s tribal women. Barretto has crafted a fermentation-inspired mocktail menu, blending citrus with fruits, flowers, and spices, using techniques that replicate alcohol’s sensory allure and subtle placebo effect. The menu sees infused with the fragrance of its ingredients, complete with a mood chart guiding each drink—from playful creativity to serene calm.
Talking of the food, At the bar, Bhopali flavours find new expression through inventive bites. Jehan Numa’s chefs draw inspiration from the property’s restaurants and homegrown produce, reimagining signature dishes as hearty, bite-sized delights. From the Bhopali Filfora to the Fish Fry Tacos, to Bruschetta Pate, The Citrus Garden Project surely gives Bhopal’s nightlife a refreshing new dimension.
Adventure Seekers Paradise
For guests who thrive on activity, the Retreat offers a range of engaging experiences—kitchen gardening in lush patches, a putting green for golf enthusiasts, interactive cooking demonstrations for culinary explorers, and cycling trails through Van Vihar National Park. Indoors, table tennis, chess, and carrom provide leisurely diversions, while those seeking stillness can embrace quiet moments of true rejuvenation at any time.
Jehan Numa Retreat is more than a boutique getaway—it is an embrace of nature, heritage, and understated luxury. From its serene landscapes to thoughtful experiences, the retreat captures Bhopal’s timeless spirit, offering every guest a sanctuary of rejuvenation and a memory worth carrying home.
