Description
Built by Nizam Mehboob Ali Khan in the latter part of the 19th century, the Falaknuma Palace was built as a guesthouse for visiting dignitaries such as George V and Russian Tsar Nicolas II. Built in a baroque style, the palace was designed to rival and even surpass those found in Europe. Using Italian marble and the finest art, artefacts and fittings from around the world, the palace can safely be compared to any of India’s great palace hotels.
With 60 rooms, the hotel blends old world style with modern sophistication and comfort. For those wanting the best, we suggest staying in the Nizam’s private chambers that is now the Grand Presidential Suite.
Fine dining was always close to the heart of the ruling Nizams, and the Taj group have brought in their customary high standards to provide a range of dining options. There is also chance to high a colonial inspired high tea on the veranda. The hotel also has a superb Jiva Grande Spa offering three treatment rooms overlooking cascading gardens.
What we find most interesting is their resident historian who can guide guests through the halls and historical rooms of the palace. You can wander through the Dubar Hall where the Nizams met their subjects to the 101 Dining Hall containing the worlds largest dining table.
What the Falaknuma Palace offers is a chance to have a palatial experience in the spirit of the Nizams of Hyderabad; and we think it can easily be one of India’s leading hotels. Hyderabad offers a great deal to see and do, from the bazaars and regal palaces to reading William Dalrymple’s 'White Mughals' and wandering the city in search of the places mentioned.
Accommodation
The Taj Falaknuma Palace offers 32 Luxury Rooms, 14 Palace Rooms, 3 Historical Suites, 7 Royal Suites and 3 Grand Royal Suites. Rooms combine the old world style with modern sophistication and comfort. Rooms are adorned with colonial furniture oak wood floors and hand painted walls. For the height of luxury book yourself into the Royal Presidential Suite which features its own private swimming pool, a private jacuzzi, ornate furnishings and soothing marble fountain.
Childcare
Children are welcome but there are no specific facilities.
Facilities
Facilities at the hotel include the Jiva Spa, library, billiards room, 2 restaurants serving mouthwatering traditional Hyderabadi, Turkish and South Indian dishes and outdoor pool.
Activities
Hyderabad offers fantastic shopping and an impressive array of cultural experiences. A destination famous for its pearls, you can also shop for attars (Indian perfumes), jewellery, bangles of lac and glass as well as traditional Pochampalli sarees. You can explore the meandering streets dotted with seller's kiosks in motorized tuk tuks, perhaps the best way to get under the skin of this ancient 400-year-old-city. Attractions include the Charminar, the Mecca Masjid and the Golconda Fort.
Services
Services at the hotel include an in house historian.
When to travel
The best time to visit Hyderabad is in the winter months between October and February. During this time the city experiences maximum temperatures of 29ºC with minimum temperatures near 13ºC. The Deccan Festival is held in late February every year and is a good time to be there.
In the summer months temperature can soar up to 40°C in the daytime, dropping to a minimum of 30º C at night. The monsoons hit Hyderabad during June and September.
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Location and directions
Hyderabad, India
Taj Falaknuma Palace is located on a 32-acre hilltop estate in Falaknuma. Situated in Hyderabad, Taj Falaknuma Palace is close to Mecca Masjid, Charminar, and Salar Jung Museum
How to get there
10-hour flight to Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, followed by a 20-minute transfer to the hotel.
