Be a royal at Sadar Manzil

Susheela Nair

It was twilight when I reached Sadar Manzil Heritage, a stunningly restored palace, located between Bhopal’s historic Old City and its vibrant New City. Originally the grand hall of audience for the Begums and Nawabs of Bhopal, this 19th-century residence now offers a unique experience steeped in history. The palace is a testament to the rich identity and pride of the city and the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Restoration has brought back to life 126 years of history. This iconic palace is a magnificent reminder of our past. It was from
here that Nawab Sultan
Jahan Begum brought sweeping improvements in education, healthcare, and administration, transforming the city and enriching the lives of its people.

I entered through the Pehredar Darwaza, a massive wooden door at the main entrance. Guarded vigilantly by soldiers, this gate used to symbolize the protection and authority of the nawabi court. In days of yore, drummers and shehnai players were stationed on a high ledge above the gate. These musicians played an essential ceremonial role, alerting the Durbar to the arrival of the Nawab or honoured dignitaries.

I could imagine the rhythmic beats of the drums and the lilting melodies of the shehnai echoing through the hallways, marking a royal or distinguished arrival and creating an ambience of reverence and grandeur. The grand welcome was also accorded to dignitaries, viceroys, and British royalty, standing as a symbol of power and progress, deeply entwined with Bhopal’s illustrious history.

The first floor comprises a huge terrace and was accessible only for the royal family. The ceiling of the main hall is intricately painted with flowers and vases in Kashmiri style. There are chandeliers hanging from the ceilings in certain rooms. The Nawab’s seat was arranged such that the ruler could perceive everyone’s entry. A large podium overlooking the garden hall held the seat of the ruler, with windows on the sides to offer the royal women a view of the proceedings.

Sadar Manzil is a unique combination of Asian and Western styles of architecture, making it stand out among the Islamic architecture in Bhopal. The property showcases exceptional architecture, aesthetic beauty and grand design. The palace is built around a courtyard and has a double cusped arched entrance that leads to a three-bay open hall — the Diwan-e-Aam.

The heritage hotel flaunts 22 meticulously designed vintage rooms and suites, adorned with antique furniture and finished in elegant turquoise and cream hues. The rooms come in three categories — Heritage Room (overlooking the Courtyard), the Heritage Grand Room (facing Moti Mahal), and the Heritage Terrace Room.

Regal elegance imbues the hallways with their dainty floral arches, transporting visitors to the royal luxury and hospitality of those princely times. While all modern amenities are available, it is the perceptible influence of the past that is most fascinating. Behind the impeccably designed interiors, the fairytale allure is discernible. Refurbished with contemporary comforts, this exquisite heritage hotel reflects the grandeur and luxury of Indian royalty, attracting guests from across the globe.

Sadar Manzil showcases a blend of Indo-Saracenic and Mughal architectural styles. This unique fusion is characterized by intricate detailing, arched doorways, and expansive domes, reflecting the grandeur of Mughal architecture. The palace’s elegant balconies and decorative elements also exhibit influences of European styles, making it a remarkable example of the eclectic architecture that flourished during the Nawab era in Bhopal. Its design not only served aesthetic purposes but also symbolized the power and cultural richness of the region.

Originally a palace of dreams in the Nawabi era, Sadar Manzil has withstood the test of time. The grand hall of audience for the Begums and Nawabs of Bhopal, post-Independence it served as an office for the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) for quite a few years before being handed over for restoration under a public-private partnership agreement in 2017. The property was painstakingly restored as a historic site under the Smart City project.

“The ingenuity and the workmanship that have gone into restoring are commendable. Now it emerges as a cultural landmark, seamlessly blending history with modern luxury. This 19th century residence has been carefully restored to provide a luxurious retreat for couples. This is our debut in India and I am particularly proud of our unique concept of employing an all-women service team,” says Souvagya Mohapatra, MD, Atmosphere Core, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan.

At Sadar Manzil, food takes centre stage with a vegetarian culinary philosophy. We relished the meat-free dishes with global influences at the Diwan-i-Khas, the all-day dining venue with frescoed ceiling and shimmering chandeliers. The al fresco Charbagh Courtyard offers local and international vegetarian dishes for lunch and dinner. For a refined experience, guests can try the wine cellar, Maikhana, or unwind at the elegant Madhushala Bar.  Treating myself to a thali for dinner, I pondered what it might have been like to call such a palace home. It was bliss to be in a place like this with service at one’s beck and call, brimming with history and luxury.