The busy hustling city life provides very little time for relaxing and recreation. Given the limited no of days available for going on a long trip, most of us look for weekend escapes to rejoice our time and take a break from the noisy city life.
Noor Mahal , located in Karnal, is an exquisite 5-star hotel property for one amazing escapade. At just an approx 2 hour drive on the NH1 from Delhi, the first look at the exterior of the hotel in a breath-taking background takes away all the tiredness of the drive. Built in 8 acres of area, on the banks of the Yamuna, Noor Mahal is designed on the theme of Rajputana and Mughal grandeur. The architects and designers have given extremely intricate detailing to the place while taking care of all the modern amenities and luxuries expected of a 5 star.
The huge place has whopping 125 rooms with 5 categories, each more and more lavishness than the previous and not to forget the complimentary access to Swimming Pool and gymnasium for all. Each room boasts of extreme luxury with intricate detailing done to ensure the justification to Mughal architecture. Chajjas, Jaalis, Minars , Courtyards which have their own stories and even the lobby entrance is extravagant. The place is a monument in itself.
We were invited for a 3-day Summer Breather at the place and we had a very little idea about what pure luxury experience were in for. Upon reaching the place and being astounded by the colossal, our eyes had a treat of their own while the excitement grew immensely for what was in the store for us.
Day 1:
We reached late in the noon and were escorted by the highly courteous staff for a Hi-Tea at The Frontier Mail - an Indian Fine Dine restaurant designed like the old train which run from Mumbai to Peshawar in the pre independence era. The menu comes from the large number of cuisines from the route covered by the train. The tea was completely rejuvenating and we enjoyed it while looking over the course of Yamuna, adjoining the place.
After enjoying the grand welcome, we moved over to their in-house Salon ( Noor's Makeover Studio By Tarun Kapoor ) and enjoyed first-hand experience of class apart service from their highly trained and polite staff. Got my skin test done first and then proceeded for my face deep cleansing and trust me it was so so relaxing and after the whole thing , my skin got smooth and soft and I felt actually refreshed. Our next affair was a Tour of this palace. We were ushered through exquisitely designed lobbies and rooms, the splendour of courtyards - Deewan e Aam and Deewan e Khaas, and 4 Hiran Minars. Each and every sight of the Mahal is oozing royal architectural precision.
Finally, the day ended with another lavish appetizing dinner at Frontier Mail. We spent more than an hour at the table as the food was highly delectable complemented by equally good service by the staff.
Day 2:
We started our day at Brown Sugar - another superlative restaurant in the Mahal. With international cuisines and exotic drinks - tea, coffee and other savories, we knew were in for a matchless royal treatment. Each and every item in the menu was palatable.
We spent a couple of hours at leisure in the in-house spa, unwinding and enjoyed beautiful view of Yamuna. The open views and fresh air hit you with great tranquillity.
Lunch time was spent once again at Brown Sugar, relishing some more of their globally curated menu.
Since it's the season of mangoes, the lunch was accompanied by a presentation on mango desserts which was a part of Mango Fest being organized at Polo Bar itself where the team of extremely talented chefs had curated a special menu of over 28 dishes made with a twist of mangoes.
Evening began with a few drinks at The Polo Bar which housed some of the finest liquors and cognacs. The bar was really good with a huge choice of drinks to satiate each and every individual.
Deewan - e- Khaas which is their first floor lobby was specially set up for our live dinner and all thanks to the Director of the place who had arranged our dinner in Khwabgah which is the most exquisite suite of the entire property. This suite is only 1 and every single thing present in this room has it's own unique story. This room has all the luxury one could ask for. Having 2 bedrooms , 1 living room with a bar and a big private balcony , this is pure heaven. While we were enjoying our drinks , the wonderful and delicious dishes kept coming in and we did enjoy it to a little late at night. Amazing ambience, delectable feast and a great host were the perfect ingredients of the evening and a part of me didn't want it to end anytime soon. Again the excellent staff deserves a special mention for taking care of each and every need of ours.
Day 3:
We knew it was our last day and weren't really ready to end our stay here. Reluctantly, we left the room for a breakfast at Brown Sugar after a small photo shoot of few dishes which were being placed on the bed by the chef.
And after the breakfast , we went for the Bakery Class with their distinguished chef.
They also have a bakery of their own - The Cake Factory wherein they delight you with some great tarts, breads and cakes.
Now it was time to say a goodbye to this extravagant place which we did with a deep respect for the hospitality provided to us. The hospitality was one of the many things that wanted me to stay here forever.
One can't simply get enough of this place. We may not be born into royal families but the stay here makes you feel like a part of it. The name ' Noor " means brilliance and the place has done a great justice to justify it. It's an epitome of modern luxury mixed with old glory of palaces to provide one amazing life time experience to the visitors.
We sincerely loved our stay here and would surely come back soon to relish ourselves with such a superior and warm exploit of good times.
