Noor Mahal’s dazzling rebirth as India’s first Autograph Collection Hotel by Marriott International is redefining royal hospitality in Delhi NCR Karnal for the modern global traveller
BY SHUJATH ALI
In the heartland of North India, Noor Mahal in Delhi NCR Karnal has embraced a new identity, transitioning from Noor Mahal Palace to India’s first Autograph Collection Hotel by Marriott International. This transition is far more than a simple rebranding; it’s the culmination of a legacy, a bold vision, and a promise to offer hospitality “Exactly Like Nothing Else.”
DISTINCTIVE LUXURY & STORYTELLING
Globally, the Autograph Collection Hotels occupies a distinctive position within Marriott’s luxury and premium portfolio – built not on standardisation but on curation, character, and strong narrative identity. With over 300 independent hotels worldwide, the brand is recognised for bringing together properties that deliver immersive, story-led experiences, placing it on par with some of the most respected luxury hospitality offerings globally. Each hotel in the collection is selected for its unique character – properties that resist easy categorisation and offer experiences shaped by their specific heritage and setting.
Its entry into India has been notably measured, reflecting Marriott’s strategic intent to introduce the brand only when a property could authentically deliver on its promise of individuality, heritage, and experiential depth at scale. Noor Mahal answers that mandate with precision – a collector’s palace that combines legacy, architectural grandeur, and cultural storytelling with the operational excellence and global reach of Marriott, making it a fitting and timely debut for Autograph Collection in India. The partnership brings international recognition to Karnal, opening doors to a new generation of global travellers and setting a new standard for Indian hospitality.
By all accounts, Noor Mahal’s story is now also a story of art meeting Autograph, where curated masterpieces and historic artefacts are interwoven with contemporary luxury, creating a living museum for guests. As Binny Choudhary, Managing Director, Noor Mahal Group, envisions it, whether through celebrated platforms like Colonel Saab or future ventures, the idea is to position Indian heritage and storytelling on a global stage. Being associated with Marriott International allows Noor Mahal to bring this narrative to a much broader global audience, blending the best of Indian legacy with international standards of luxury.
A ROYAL LEGACY REBORN
Noor Mahal’s story is woven with the threads of royal lineage and generations of ambition. Colonel Manbeer Sandhu, born into the Sukerchakia Jat Sikh family, is a direct descendant of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the legendary Lion of Punjab, whose reign from 1801 to 1839 symbolised courage and unity for an entire era. Manbeer’s father, the late Dalip Singh, was a respected landlord in Gujranwala, known for his integrity, vision, and unwavering dedication to his community. These deep ancestral roots give Noor Mahal an authenticity and purpose rarely found in luxury hotels today.
Col. Manbeer Sandhu’s journey began with a distinguished 25-year career in the Indian Army, including a pivotal four years in Jammu & Kashmir. The discipline, honour, and sense of service he practiced in uniform laid the groundwork for his next chapter: creating a palace that would become a living testament to legacy, artistry, and the ever-evolving grandeur of Indian hospitality.
His move from the battlefield to hospitality was guided by a simple belief: heritage is not just something to protect, it is meant to be lived and shared with the world.
THE MEANING OF NOOR MAHAL
Names carry meaning, and Noor Mahal’s is both poetic and practical. In Persian and Urdu, “Noor” means light, not just any light, but a rare, radiant gleam that reveals what is precious. “Mahal” is more than a palace; it is a sanctuary for heirlooms, histories, and memories. Noor Mahal stands as a sanctuary where treasures, both tangible and intangible, find their home, and where guests are invited to discover a sense of belonging that goes beyond the surface of luxury.
This renaming reflects a modern traveller’s appreciation for clarity, authenticity, and storytelling. “Noor Mahal” is concise and memorable, marking a new era for the property while honouring its roots. It is a name that signals openness, welcoming guests to a place where light, legacy, and hospitality are intertwined.
A COLLECTOR’S PALACE
Noor Mahal, Delhi NCR Karnal, Autograph Collection is a 176-room collector’s palace along the historic Grand Trunk Road. It is now Marriott Bonvoy’s 19th brand in India, a distinction that brings with it access to a global network of discerning travellers and hospitality professionals.
The palace’s extensive collection of art and artefacts, curated by the Choudhary family over generations, transforms every corner into a living gallery. Imperial detailing and ceremonial motifs abound, but each encounter is elevated by the warmth and narrative focus that define the Autograph Collection experience.
Guests at Noor Mahal are not just observers. They are participants in an unfolding story, connected to the cultures and traditions that once travelled the length of the Grand Trunk Road. Every archway, corridor, and gathering space is designed to evoke a sense of discovery, drawing visitors into the layered history of North India while offering all the comforts and conveniences of contemporary luxury.
A DESTINATION FOR GRAND EVENTS
Noor Mahal has become one of India’s premier venues for weddings, conferences, and milestone celebrations. With more than 300,000 square feet of event spaces, including expansive lawns and opulent halls, the palace provides a stage for gatherings that blend tradition with modern grandeur. Its scale and versatility attract guests from across the country and internationally, making it a preferred location for large conventions, destination weddings, and high-profile events.
The event spaces at Noor Mahal are more than just functional; they are designed to inspire. From the lush gardens where wedding processions wind their way amid flowers and music, to the grand ballrooms that host gala dinners and cultural performances, every venue at Noor Mahal is a showcase for the palace’s commitment to excellence and creativity.
The staff, trained to anticipate every need, ensures that each celebration reflects the personal tastes and traditions of the hosts, blending cultural richness with organisational precision.
PRESTIGE BEYOND PRACTICALITY
In North India, the choice of hotel is more than a matter of comfort; it is a statement of meaning, status, and symbolic capital. Noor Mahal rises to this expectation, serving as the preferred backdrop for celebrations and gatherings where every detail is a reflection of cultural heritage and personal significance.
Guests travel across states not just for convenience, but for the experience – the soaring arches, intricately adorned halls, and lush gardens that make every occasion memorable.
Noor Mahal’s reputation extends beyond its walls. The palace has become a symbol of aspiration and achievement, a place where stories are made and shared, and where the rituals of hospitality are practised with care and attention to detail.
AUTHENTICITY, ART & THE MODERN LUXURY TRAVELLER
Today’s luxury travellers are looking for something more than opulence; they seek authenticity, rootedness, and a sense of place. Noor Mahal delivers this through a masterfully curated experience that blends architecture, rituals, cuisine, and craft.
Guests are invited to take part in curated art tours, chef’s table dinners inspired by royal recipes, and immersive cultural experiences that reveal the stories behind the palace’s priceless artefacts.
For a younger generation of guests, especially Gen Z and millennials, Noor Mahal also speaks their language: seamless digital service, transparent guest communication, and thoughtfully integrated technology ensure that the experience is as frictionless as it is memorable – without diminishing the timeless warmth of North Indian hospitality.
A FAMILY’S VISION, A GLOBAL STANDARD
The evolution of Noor Mahal is guided by the stewardship of the Choudhary family. While Col. Manbeer Sandhu laid the foundation with his vision and values, Executive Director Roop Partap Choudhary now carries the torch, blending a global perspective with a deep respect for tradition.
Roop’s ambition is to position Noor Mahal as the stage for destination weddings, international conferences, and vibrant cultural festivals. Sustainability, indigenous traditions, and cutting-edge technology are at the heart of his approach, supported by the operational expertise of General Manager Mahesh Singh Jasrotia.
THE ROAD AHEAD: LIGHT, LEGACY & BELONGING
Noor Mahal’s future is bright. Expansion plans, new cultural programming, and ever-more personalised guest experiences are on the horizon. Training and mentorship initiatives ensure that the next generation of hospitality professionals is equipped to carry the legacy forward, blending tradition with innovation.
Within Noor Mahal’s grand halls, Indian hospitality finds renewed life. The journey from a family’s vision to a global icon is a testament to passion, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in the power of service.
Noor Mahal stands as a living epic – a sanctuary where every guest, every celebration, and every memory becomes part of something greater. In the golden light of a new era, Noor Mahal shines, preserving the past and reimagining the future, “Exactly Like Nothing Else.”
A NEW STANDARD FOR INDIAN HOSPITALITY
The partnership with Marriott’s Autograph Collection sets a new benchmark for world-class hospitality in India. Noor Mahal’s calendar is now filled with events throughout the year, from cultural festivals to high-profile weddings and international conferences. Marriott’s global standards are seamlessly integrated with local traditions, ensuring that every guest experience is both luxurious and meaningful.
A deep commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of the palace's operations. Energy-efficient systems, water conservation initiatives, and partnerships with local farmers for farm-to-table dining reflect a responsible approach to luxury.
Noor Mahal is not just preserving heritage; it is nurturing it for future generations.
THE AUTOGRAPH MOMENT: MEMORY BECOMES LEGACY
At Noor Mahal, guests can experience a signature “Autograph Moment” inspired by the elegance of royal courts. Styled in understated drapes, guests are photographed in a vintage aesthetic that echoes classical regal portraiture. Each portrait becomes a deeply personal keepsake – timeless, dignified, and individual.
Whether it is a private heritage walk, a chef's table dinner inspired by royal recipes and reimagined for contemporary tastes, an enchanted evening courtyard ritual with lamp lighting and traditional folk dance, or a wellness ritual in tranquil gardens, each experience is crafted to be unforgettable.
The goal is to ensure that every visit leaves a lasting impression, turning memories into a legacy for guests and their families.
