Noormahal Palace, Karnal: A Regal Getaway for the Long Weekend Wanderer
If you’re part of the corporate rat race, there’s nothing quite like the joy of a long weekend. Second only to the sacred ritual of a Saturday morning lie-in, long weekends are now seen as golden opportunities to escape the daily grind, even if just for a couple of days. And if the stats are anything to go by, you’re not alone. According to travel app MakeMyTrip, the number of people taking more than three trips a year jumped over 25% in 2023 compared to 2019. The modern traveller’s secret weapon? The well-planned long weekend.
But here’s the catch—everyone’s escaping at the same time. Which means the scenic mountain retreats and beachside paradises are increasingly being swarmed by crowds. The very chaos you’re trying to leave behind ends up following you, selfie sticks and all. Social media, especially Instagram Reels, has turned once-hidden gems into viral hotspots overnight.
That’s why the real win these days is finding a luxurious escape that’s still under the radar—somewhere peaceful, historical, indulgent, and not too far from home. Enter Noormahal Palace in Karnal, a hidden treasure for Delhiites seeking a royal retreat without the long haul.
Built in 2008 by Colonel Manbeer Choudhary, a former Indian Army officer and descendant of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Noormahal was inspired by India’s regal past. Spread over 12 lush acres, the palace brings together Mughal, Rajputana, and Sikh architectural styles in one sprawling, majestic property. It was designed not just as a hotel, but as a living monument to the grandeur of India’s royal legacy.
Every detail of Noormahal tells a story—from the handpicked artifacts collected at global auctions to the grand chandelier, a rare twin of which hangs in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Walking through its arched hallways, you’re transported to another time, far removed from the daily rush of NCR life.
The idea behind Noormahal came to Choudhary during his time in the hospitality industry. Tired of soulless ‘box hotels’, he envisioned a property that combined architecture, history, and heartfelt hospitality. Set on land allotted to his family post-Partition, Noormahal became a personal tribute to the aesthetics and values he grew up with.
Today, the palace has become a premier destination in Karnal, attracting both history buffs and leisure travellers. Thanks to celebrity visits by names like Hema Malini, Parineeti Chopra, Randeep Hooda, and even international royalty like His Highness Osei Tutu II, the palace has earned quite the reputation. It’s even featured as a film location in Ginny Weds Sunny.
Its proximity to Kurukshetra, a key site on the Krishna tourism circuit, adds to its spiritual and cultural appeal. “It’s just a half-hour drive from here,” says Arjun Verma, the front desk manager. “With the rise of spiritual tourism, we’re seeing more travellers choosing to stay here and explore the region.”
But if you’re not in the mood to move, Noormahal is more than enough to fill an entire weekend with indulgence and leisure. From rejuvenating spa treatments to a game of cricket or pickleball, the property has everything to keep you occupied—or blissfully unoccupied, if that’s your goal.
A Culinary Ride on the Frontier Mail
No trip to Noormahal is complete without experiencing its crown jewel—the Frontier Mail restaurant. Modeled after the iconic pre-Independence train that once ran from Mumbai to Peshawar, the restaurant is designed like an actual train coach, with interiors inspired by the original carriages. It’s not just a meal, it’s an immersive journey through time.
The menu reflects this voyage, offering a gourmet trip through the regions the train once passed. Each dish is rooted in history but served with a modern twist. Over two days, we tried everything from traditional North Indian fare to refreshing contemporary mocktails—each meal a testament to the chef’s attention to detail and love for culinary storytelling.
For lighter fare, the Brown Sugar Café serves pastries and coffee, while the Polo Bar and Restaurant offers an eclectic global menu. Whether you’re craving sushi, Thai green curry, or an obscure Chinese dessert like Darshan, there’s something for every palate.
The Verdict
Two days at Noormahal felt like a royal interlude from real life. When it was time to leave, we weren’t just recharged—we were surprised. Surprised that such a regal experience was tucked away just a few hours from Delhi. Noormahal challenges every assumption you may have about small-town getaways. It’s proof that you don’t need to cross state lines to be transported to a different world.
So, the next time a long weekend shows up on your calendar, skip the overcrowded hill stations and Insta-famous beaches. Instead, head to Karnal and let Noormahal Palace treat you to the royal escape you didn’t know you needed.
