Billed as one of India’s leading hotels for weddings, Noormahal Palace in Karnal is the dream destination for majestic marriage celebrations
BY KARAN PURI
Noormahal, an award-winning property, stands as one of India’s most iconic hotels. Located approximately two hours from Delhi, along the Chandigarh highway, lies the enchanting city of Karnal in Haryana. In this rustic setting, Noormahal, a luxury palace hotel, emerges as a contender for attention, rivalling the opulence and grandeur of Rajasthan’s renowned heritage hotels.
The property oversees the green belt and manages the entire street leading to the hotel. Upon stepping into Noormahal, one is immediately transported into a captivating world, a dream destination for those in search of majestic wedding celebrations.
Noormahal Palace, the epitome of luxury and elegance, stands tall like a regal sentinel, promising more than just a stay; it pledges an indelible mark on one’s heart. It’s no surprise that it serves as the preferred venue for 40 percent of NRI weddings and is the most sought-after destination for luxury weddings and MICE events.
ABODE FOR DREAM WEDDINGS
Noormahal stands proudly as a regal wedding pavilion, offering a sublime setting for extravagant celebrations. It boasts more than18 banquets and party lawns, each bestowed with a distinctive name such as Rani Bagh, Raja Bagh, Sheesh Mahal, Rang Mahal, and more. These venues, adorned with unique colour combinations and artistic elements, have become the backdrop for innumerable nuptial festivities.
Hazuri Bagh restaurant and resorts emerge as a designer venue tailored for grand Indian weddings and culinary indulgence. Spread over two acres of lush gardens adorned with palm and date trees, outdoor seating, and a lotus pond courtyard, this open-air restaurant doubles as an outdoor venue for various functions.
The Amphitheatre, another exquisite option, offers enchanting spaces for cherished ceremonies like mehndi and haldi, creating an immersive ambience to celebrate life’s precious moments.
Noor e Mehtab, with both indoor and outdoor spaces, stands as a testament to modern elegance. Overlooking the city of Karnal, this terrace venue, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, is well-suited for hosting both corporate and social affairs.
Noormahal Palace introduces new enchanting venues, both outdoor and indoor, providing guests with a plethora of choices for functions and programs of all sizes. In addition to their renowned royal chambers, the Memoir suite, a unique accommodation chamber hand-painted by accomplished Indian artisans, adds a touch of exclusive luxury.
The burgeoning trend of intimate weddings at palaces finds its zenith at Noormahal, with the allure of hosting grand celebrations within its regal confines. The palace emerges as a comprehensive destination for all wedding needs, seamlessly integrating services ranging from wedding photographers to designer boutiques and antique jewellery stores into its palatial grounds.
Noormahal Palace, over the years, has ascended in the preferences of travel enthusiasts, becoming the desired destination for weddings and MICE events. Its uniqueness is ingrained in its very essence, perfectly aligning with the vision of grandeur weddings on Indian soil, as advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Col. Manbeer Choudhary, Chairman & Managing Director of Jewel Classic Hotels, asserts that Noormahal Palace epitomises this transformative trend, combining regal architecture with world-class hospitality, thus standing as a radiant jewel in the crown of Indian wedding destinations.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
The luxury palace hotel earned the distinction of being named the best destination wedding hotel in North India at the Indian Hospitality Awards, 2018. Boasting 125 rooms and 18 banquet halls sprawling across 3,75,000 sq. ft., Noormahal played host to an astounding 90 weddings in 2019, with an impressive 13 held on a single day in December.
This recognition emphatically reinforces its position as a premier destination for grand celebrations. The hotel garnered additional accolades in 2023, securing the Top 5 Hotels for Architecture and Design Award, the Best 5-Star Luxury Palace Award, and the Event Venue of the Year Luxury Award.
ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOUR
The palace stands as an architectural marvel, seamlessly fusing traditional Mughal and Rajputana styles.
Intricate jaalis, jharokhas, scalloped arches, and domes meticulously crafted from Dholpur and red Agra stone create an ambience that gracefully straddles historical elegance and contemporary luxury.
Noormahal Palace, sprawling across 12 acres, encapsulates the essence of a bygone era while embracing the aspirations of the modern world.
Beyond its grandeur, Noormahal transforms into a living cultural tapestry. Traditional crafts and intricate artworks adorn the palace, resonating with the designs and allure of bygone eras. The thikri work, involving diamond cutting tools and vibrant glass pieces, embellishes the walls – an artistic motif akin to the opulence witnessed in the distinguished palaces of Rajasthan, including Amer Fort and Jaipur’s City Palace.
THE MAJESTIC WELCOME
As guests cross the entrance, they are treated to a royal welcome reminiscent of scenes from period dramas. Teekas gracing foreheads, refreshing welcome drinks, and the enchanting echoes of Rajasthani folk music create a symphony of regality.
The lobby, a majestic canvas adorned with larger-than-life artifacts, transports guests to an era of illustrious royalty. Bespoke wooden and silver-plated lounging sofas, radiating an air of exclusivity, beckon guests to immerse themselves in the grandeur of the surroundings.
Heirloom antiques, marble fountains, antique silver and furniture, and Swarovski chandeliers contribute to the splendid interiors.
Deewan-e-aam serves as a common area for restaurant and room guests, reflecting a harmonious blend of Mughal and Rajputana architecture. Beyond its architectural splendor, the impeccable etiquette of the staff transforms the experience into one of royalty.
The stay here transcends mere luxurious amenities; it’s about being enveloped in warmth that instantly makes guests feel at home.
AN OASIS WITHIN AN OASIS
Noormahal Palace boasts an inventory of 125 opulent rooms and suites, adorned with premium furniture and upholstery. While steeped in traditional Indian architecture, these accommodations seamlessly integrate modern comforts, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the splendour of Indian royalty at Noormahal Palace, fondly known as ‘The Jewel of Karnal.’
A myriad of options awaits discerning guests, ranging from the Khwabgah Penthouse to the Presidential suite, Heritage suites, and Club rooms.
Unprecedented luxury intertwines with bespoke services, offering a regal experience unparalleled in its grandeur. One such opulent retreat is the Heritage suite named after the legendary king of ghazal, Jagjit Singh, where we had the privilege to stay.
Featuring a living area and a bedroom complemented by an office space, this suite seamlessly blends the essence of a royal staycation with the functionality of a workcation. It unfolds as an expansive canvas in soothing wood tones, exuding an air of tranquility.
Every nook of the suite exudes warmth, providing a respite from the cacophony of the city. Traditional hand-paintings adorning the walls, bathed in natural sunlight streaming through carved wall-to-wall windows, elevate the grandeur of the space.
As the room bathes in the glow of natural light, the bespoke furnishings – carved wooden details, wooden dining tables with glass tops, and chairs radiating old-world charm – invite appreciation.
The experience feels akin to residing in a royal palace, relishing the pampering and luxury synonymous with a five-star hotel – a perfect fusion of the best of both worlds. The bathrooms extend a gracious invitation with two large mirrors, a bathtub, and a rejuvenating rain shower. The brightly-lit bathroom transforms into a sanctuary for pampering, serving as a gentle reminder that vacations are meant for self-care.
Every element, from the grand king-size bed adorned with comfortable linen to the hand- painted ceilings featuring blue floral details, seamlessly entwines vintage charm with modern-day comforts.
The kids in family were greeted with a culinary surprise, featuring a delectable cake and a handwritten note. The royal pampering extended to custom-made pastries and exotic freshly baked assorted cookies.
The hotel indulges its guests with exquisite in-room dining services, allowing them to savour delightful culinary offerings from the hotel’s kitchens in the privacy of their rooms.
KHWABGAH: ROYAL REPOSE
At the heart of Noormahal’s enchantment lies the Khwabgah, an expansive 3,600 sq. ft. royal sleeping chamber that transcends comparison.
Crafted over two years by a legion of 600 artisans, this majestic space stands as a testament to meticulous architectural design. The grand entrance, a towering five-foot ethnic wooden door hailing from a 230-year-old Bikaner haveli, unfolds into an antique-laden rust-ochre antechamber.
This opulent space hosts a mini-bar and an aesthetically designed drawing room, setting the stage for regal repose.
The bar's facade, a chavara (wooden balcony) salvaged from a heritage house in Amritsar, imparts an aura of antiquity. A glass door in the living room opens onto a vast terrace, offering a panoramic vista of the city.
The two bedrooms, reminiscent of an art gallery, boast handcrafted gold leaf frescos on the ceilings and a curated array of artifacts, including 19th-century bejewelled wooden combs acquired from a Mysuru auction.
The dining tableau, intricately carved from an ancient Rajasthani haveli, and chairs repurposed from window frames of forts, contribute to the prevailing regal ambience.
A dedicated personal chef tends to the gastronomic desires of guests, and the silver cutlery adorning the dining table reflects an unwavering commitment to opulence and luxury.
OPULENT EXPERIENCES
Noormahal Palace beckons guests into a realm of lavish leisure and regal recreation. The offerings span a diverse range, ensuring moments of indulgence and relaxation, either in solitude or in the company of cherished companions.
A spa & wellness center, an outdoor pool accompanied by a sophisticated bar, and an array of indoor and outdoor games await discerning guests. The spa’s exclusivity is evident in its sought- after annual membership, drawing returning patrons to partake in the unparalleled experiences on offer.
The Spa & Wellness Center, a haven for rejuvenation, presents a curated selection of pampering massages and therapies. Our entry into the spa revealed a surprise couple spa setup, a delightful gesture for my wife and me.
A deep tissue massage administered by skilled masseurs left us stress-free, basking in a feeling of lightness and relaxation. Following the spa retreat, we adjourned to the poolside to savour refreshing drinks amidst the enchanting scenic beauty.
The outdoor pool area, a favourite among revellers, captivates with its exquisite design, posing as an Instagram-friendly haven ideal for photo shoots. The poolside, complete with a bar, transforms into an idyllic setting for poolside parties, birthdays and other special occasions, embodying the epitome of luxury and leisure.
SERVICE & OPERATIONAL OPULENCE
Though Noormahal took its majestic form in 2009, it carries the weight of heritage in its architectural design, a testament to meticulous planning and execution. Every aspect has been meticulously considered since its inception, resulting in a harmonious blend of traditional and modern amenities complemented by top-tier service excellence.
The staff, trained to perfection, extends warm hospitality, ensuring guests feel not just accommodated but royally embraced. Our stay was a pampering experience, with an attention to detail that elevated the notion of luxury.
Children are not overlooked in this regal retreat, making it an ideal destination for a family vacation. The staff, with ever-smiling faces and greetings, stands ready to serve guests in every corner of the hotel, embodying the essence of hospitality.
Operational excellence is the bedrock of Noormahal’s systems. From the strategic placement of seven kitchens catering to various sections of the hotel to the 18 banqueting and convention spaces, the objective is to ensure that culinary delights reach guests in their prime.
The hotel boasts its water plant, delivering service to rooms, banquet guests, and staff, reducing plastic usage and aligning with eco-friendly practices. The thoughtfully designed laundry section ensures seamless operations, a crucial factor during peak occupancy, especially during wedding stays.
CULINARY ROYALTY UNVEILED
Noormahal Palace invites guests to a dining experience where each bite is a crafted masterpiece. The hotel offers three dining realms, each promising a culinary journey fit for royalty.
Brown Sugar, an all-day diner, provides an unforgettable international dining experience. The buffet and à la carte menu showcase a wide array of delicacies, catering to both global and Indian palates. From chhole bhature to gunpowder idlis, live-dosa counters ensure a hearty and healthy breakfast for all.
The Frontier Mail, an award-winning restaurant, transcends time, drawing inspiration from the legendary Frontier Mail train. The meticulously arranged table, adorned with crockery and cutlery from the original train, adds a fascinating touch.
The menu traverses cuisines from regions the train journeyed, offering a continental lunch and a delightful Rajasthani dinner, prepared by their in-house chef hailing from the royal state.
Polo Bar, a colonial-style English bar, is a trove of nostalgia with its lined shelves of rare whiskies, single malts, cognacs, wines, and liqueurs. Adorned with trophies and memorabilia, it serves signature cocktails inspired by the royal sport, offering a refined selection of Cuban cigars. Every sip is an ode to sophistication and every moment spent is a tribute to the luxurious legacy of Noormahal Palace.
PERSONAL TOUCH OF ARISTOCRACY
Col. Manbeer Choudhary and his wife Binny Choudhary, custodians of Noormahal, infuse the property with their family’s vibrant and eclectic taste in art and architecture. This 125-room palace is a personal canvas reflecting the rich tapestry of the Choudhary family’s journey.
A centuries-old door from Bikaner, curated by Binny, stands proudly in the lobby, epitomising the historical grandeur. A life-size portrait of Maharaja Duleep Singh ji, the last possessor of the famed Koh-i-Noor, graces a distinguished corner. A handmade Swarovski chandelier, one of two in India, lends an additional touch of grandiosity.
Sepia-toned photographs of erstwhile maharajas, their triumphant trophies, and carefully positioned flags with insignia contribute to the immersive historical narrative.
Binny, an art and heritage conservationist, underscores the meticulous detailing evident in every feature, fixture, design, and craftsmanship – forging an unbroken link to the regal legacy. This personal touch extends gracefully to the lobby, where an ornate table and a backdrop adorned with thikri art in blue and orange embellish the concierge desk.
The white agaria marble flooring, showcasing intricate semi- precious stone inlay work reminiscent of the Taj Mahal, bestows an added layer of sophistication to the regal surroundings.
Roop Partap Choudhary, the visionary founder of Noor Group UK, has recently inaugurated a second branch of the hugely popular restaurant Colonel Saab in London, marking a milestone in his ambitious global expansion strategy for India’s Jewel Classic Hotels.
FUTURE-READY INNOVATION
Whether envisioning a fairytale wedding or a regal retreat, Noormahal Palace pledges an experience that transcends ordinary conventions. Proudly standing against the agrarian landscape, it encapsulates the spirit of a bygone era while embracing the aspirations of the modern world.
The impressive architecture, infused with rich cultural elements and a commitment to innovation, converges to create an ambience that transcends the norm. Every visit to Noormahal unfolds a tale of grandeur, offering a sanctuary where the past, present, and future seamlessly converge.
“In an era where traditions meet modern aspirations, preserving heritage is paramount. As the younger generation gravitates towards destination weddings in India, it is an affirmation of their desire to intertwine cultural richness with contemporary celebrations,” said Roop Partap Choudhary, Executive Director, Noormahal Palace.
He added: “Noormahal Palace stands as a beacon in this paradigm, seamlessly blending historical opulence with the allure of destination weddings. Its regal charm not only hosts festivities but also safeguards our cultural legacy. Noormahal Palace is more than a venue; it is a custodian of heritage, offering an exquisite setting where timeless traditions coalesce with the aspirations of the present generation, creating memories that echo through the corridors of time.”
