Bhopal: Sadar Manzil Heritage by Atmosphere Bhopal has been conferred the prestigious FHRAI Hospitality Awards – 2026 in the category of ‘Best Heritage Hotel of the Year’ at the 56th FHRAI Annual Convention, held from 21–23 August 2026 at Varanasi.
The award was received jointly by Souvagya Mohapatra, Managing Director (India, Nepal, Bhutan & Sri Lanka), Atmosphere Core, and Akshat Jain, Owner, Sadar Manzil Heritage by Atmosphere Bhopal, in recognition of the property’s outstanding contribution to heritage hospitality in India. This accolade underscores Sadar Manzil’s successful transformation into a benchmark heritage hotel that seamlessly blends over 128 years of royal history with contemporary luxury and world-class service standards.
Built in 1898 during the reign of Nawab Shahjahan Begum of Bhopal, Sadar Manzil stands as one of the most significant architectural and historical landmarks of the city, originally serving as the royal court (darbar) and a venue for important public assemblies under Begum’s rule before transitioning into a seat of democratic governance post-Independence, housing the Bhopal Municipal Corporation from 1953 onwards.
Today, Sadar Manzil Heritage by Atmosphere is a boutique 5-star heritage hotel that preserves the grandeur of its past while offering modern luxury, retaining authentic Nawabi-era design elements including high ceilings, arched windows, and period details that reflect Indo-Islamic and colonial influences, all while being situated in the heart of Old Bhopal’s Chowk area, providing guests with easy access to historic bazaars, mosques, and cultural attractions. The hotel offers a curated heritage experience through thoughtfully restored interiors, bespoke furnishings, and storytelling through art and artefacts that bring the legacy of Bhopal’s Begums to life, complemented by modern luxury amenities such as a all-day-dining restaurant serving regional and international cuisine, a wellness spa, and personalised butler services, exemplifying Atmosphere’s philosophy of ‘Joy of Giving’.
FHRAI, the apex body representing India’s hospitality industry, hosted its 56th Annual Convention under the theme ‘Ananta Kashi: Leading the Future of Tourism through Spirit, Culture, Cuisine and Craft’ in Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities and India’s spiritual capital.
The convention brought together hoteliers, restaurateurs, policymakers, tourism boards, and global hospitality leaders, serving as a landmark platform for dialogue on the future of Indian tourism with a strong emphasis on heritage-led tourism, employment generation, and promoting local artisans, traditional crafts, regional gastronomy, and cultural performances as integral to destination branding.
The event also encouraged sustainable and innovative hospitality practices, including eco-sensitive design, technology integration, and new business models such as extended-stay and eco-resorts, alongside business sessions on destination weddings, luxury hospitality trends, and policy discussions aimed at strengthening India’s position as a global tourism powerhouse.
Atmosphere Core is a global hospitality company with a strong reputation for managing ten (10) luxury resorts in the Maldives and an expanding portfolio across India, Nepal, Bhutan & Sri Lanka, operating under multiple sub-brands such as The Ozen Collection (TOC), Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts (AHR) and Colours of OBLU (COB). Under the leadership of Souvagya Mohapatra, Managing Director (India, Nepal, Bhutan & Sri Lanka), Atmosphere Core is committed to delivering experience-led, culturally rooted, and sustainably designed hospitality that redefines luxury travel in South Asia.
Commenting on the achievement, Souvagya Mohapatra said, “Receiving this award at FHRAI’s prestigious convention is a moment of immense pride for our entire team. Sadar Manzil is not just a hotel; it is a living chapter of Bhopal’s royal history. Our goal has been to honour that legacy while creating a world-class hospitality experience. This recognition from FHRAI validates our vision and motivates us to continue setting new benchmarks in heritage hospitality.”
Akshat Jain added, “This award is a testament to the collective effort of everyone who believed in restoring Sadar Manzil to its former glory. We are deeply honoured that our work has been recognised at such a prominent national platform. It reinforces our commitment to preserving India’s heritage while delivering exceptional guest experiences.”
