Noor Us Sabah Palace sits on the heights of Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh, commanding an open view across Upper Lake. Built in the 1920s by H.H. Hamid Ullah Khan, then Nawab of Bhopal, for his eldest daughter Abida Sultan, the building bears a name that translates to "the light of dawn." Converted into a hotel, it preserves its princely architecture and nawabi atmosphere.

Why stay here

This address appeals to travellers seeking a heritage stopover rather than a standardised hotel. The building was commissioned by Nawab Hamid Ullah Khan for his daughter Abida Sultan, a prominent figure in the Bhopal dynasty. It belongs to that tradition of Central Indian palaces converted into accommodations, where you sleep within a historical setting without sacrificing contemporary comfort.

The other draw lies in the location: Bhopal remains relatively untouched by international tourism, making it an ideal gateway to explore Madhya Pradesh through a cultured city, close to the Buddhist sites of Sanchi and the rock paintings of Bhimbetka.

Atmosphere and architecture

The palace displays characteristic nawabi style: generous volumes, intricate arches, marble, period furnishings in shared spaces. The name "Noor Us Sabah" echoes the building's orientation and the light that bathes the terraces at sunrise. The gardens slope down towards the lake and offer views across the old city and its minarets.

The atmosphere remains serene, closer to a family residence than an international hotel. Service carries a traditional flavour, with staff trained in classical Indian hospitality codes.

Rooms

The accommodation offers rooms equipped with the usual standards of an upscale hotel: minibar, tea and coffee facilities, Wi-Fi and satellite television. Some rooms overlook the lake, others face the gardens or interior courtyard. The higher categories occupy former state rooms and retain greater character.

Dining and services

Two restaurants operate within the palace:

• Marble Arch: an indoor dining room, menu centred on Peshawari and Mughlai cuisines—two North Indian traditions built on tandoor-grilled meats, rich curries and leavened breads.
• Open Air: a terrace restaurant, open seasonally, with views over the city and lake.

Standard services are available: 24-hour reception, room service, organisation of excursions and transfers. Expect premium-level service without quite reaching the codes of international luxury palaces.

Location

The palace sits in Bhopal, overlooking Upper Lake (Bada Talab), within easy reach of the historic centre and the Chowk markets. Raja Bhoj airport is accessible in roughly thirty minutes by car depending on traffic, and Bhopal Junction railway station connects the city to Delhi, Agra and Mumbai via overnight trains.

Nearby attractions

• Taj-ul-Masajid: one of Asia's largest mosques, a legacy of the Begums of Bhopal.
• Sanchi: a UNESCO-listed ensemble of Buddhist stupas, roughly an hour's drive away.
• Bhimbetka: rock shelters decorated with prehistoric paintings, also a World Heritage site.
• Museum of Man (IGRMS): an open-air museum dedicated to India's tribal cultures.

To extend an itinerary through Madhya Pradesh or Rajasthan, other heritage properties can complement your journey, such as Ahilya Fort in Maheshwar, Hotel Bundi Haveli in Rajasthan or Hotel Clarks Khajuraho near the temples of the same name.

Planning your stay

Noor Us Sabah Palace fits well into a circuit centred on Madhya Pradesh, or as a stopover between Rajasthan and the temples of Khajuraho. To build a bespoke itinerary incorporating this property, explore our India journeys.