Reimagining luxury takes more than lavish appointments—it’s about bringing timeless grandeur into the now. At Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, the essence of luxury has found new life, blending India’s storied hospitality with a modern elegance that still whispers romance.
Perched 2,000 feet above Hyderabad, this 32-acre sanctuary is more than a luxury hotel; it’s an experience. Built-in 1894 by British architect William Mard Marret, the palace was commissioned by Sir Nawab Vikar-Ul Umra as the home of Hyderabad’s 6th Nizam and later inhabited by the world’s richest man, the 7th Nizam. Now leased to the Taj Group by the Royal Family of Hyderabad, the palace opens its doors to guests who wish to be enveloped in history and splendor.
From the moment the gates part, a sense of magnificence lingers in the air. A carriage ride through the vast lawns—made magical by the sounds of the muezzin’s call to prayer from the nearby Mecca Mosque—ushers visitors into the storied grounds, where grandeur is more than an aesthetic; it’s a palpable presence.
Inside, opulence unfolds in waves. The palace’s restoration, directed with precision by Princess Esra, wife of the 8th Nizam, reawakens the resplendent halls in breathtaking detail. Frescoes and intricate moldings, hand-carved wood inlays, marble floors, and fountains create a sublime welcome. The grand Jade Room, with its Chinoiserie detailing, holds a world of its own, once sheltering one of the largest jade collections in existence. Nearby, the Nizam’s Dining Room—with a solid gold place setting—boasts Belgian chandeliers shimmering over the world’s longest dining table. Even the palace library, its 5,000-volume collection surrounded by a teak and rosewood coffered ceiling inspired by Windsor Castle, radiates a timeless aura.
Afternoons slip by in a daze of tea in the Jade Room, strolls through manicured gardens, and signature treatments at the Royal Jiva Spa. Evenings are just as enticing. At Adaa, traditional Hyderabadi dishes from Nizam’s royal kitchen are reimagined, while Celeste offers a modern spin on classic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. During the winter, early risers can breakfast on the Jade Verandah alongside peacocks and the distant hum of the city—a serene start to another remarkable day.
At Adaa, menu items from the royal kitchen prepared for state Banquets are recreated and updated to offer diners a taste of traditional Hyderbadi cuisine. Guests can also dine on exceptional classical Italian and Mediterranean fare at Celeste. I highly recommend arising early and enjoying breakfast at Jade Verandah, open only during the winter months. Wake up with the palace peacocks and the sounds of the city in the distance; it is a marvelous start to a day at the Taj Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad. Taj Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad.
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