Bhopal, North & Central India, India
The Jehan Numa occupies one of the Begum of Bhopal’s former residences – a grand palazzo-style residence in high colonial style, with whitewashed Neoclassical façade and walkways swathed in bougainvillea. It sits astride Shamla Hill overlooking Upper Lake, and is well placed for sightseeing excursions around the nearby city centre. The rooms are five-star standard; some have verandahs facing the pool; others look on to the riding track where you can watch the syces put the hotel’s thoroughbreds through their paces each morning. Evocative Raj-era photos hang in the corridor, and there’s a choice of restaurants.