Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live like a king or a queen? To stay in a palace that is adorned with exquisite art and furniture, to dine in a hall that has the world’s largest chandelier, to walk in a garden that has rare roses and peacocks, and to enjoy the panoramic views of the city from a hilltop? If you have, then you should definitely visit Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Taj Falaknuma Palace is a magnificent palace that was built by Nawab Sir Viqar-ul-Umra, the Prime Minister of Hyderabad and the uncle of the sixth Nizam, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, in 1894. The palace was later gifted to the Nizam by the Nawab and became the residence of the Nizams until 1948. The palace is spread over 32 acres and has 220 rooms, 22 halls, and several courtyards and gardens. The palace is a blend of Italian and Tudor architecture and has influences from Mughal, Rajasthani, and Japanese styles. The palace is decorated with marble, stained glass, frescoes, paintings, sculptures, carpets, tapestries, and furniture from various parts of the world.
The palace was restored and converted into a luxury heritage hotel by the Taj Group of Hotels in 2010. The hotel has 60 rooms and suites that are furnished with original pieces from the palace collection. The hotel also has several restaurants and bars that serve authentic Hyderabadi cuisine as well as international dishes. The hotel also offers various facilities and services such as a spa, a swimming pool, a library, a billiards room, a ballroom, a conference room, and a museum.
Taj Falaknuma Palace is not only a place to stay but also a place to explore and experience. The hotel offers guided tours of the palace that showcase its history, architecture, art, and culture. The tours also include access to some of the exclusive areas of the palace such as the Nizam Suite, the Jade Room, the Durbar Hall, and the Gol Bungalow. The tours are conducted by knowledgeable and friendly staff who share interesting stories and anecdotes about the palace and its former residents.
Taj Falaknuma Palace is also a place to discover and enjoy. The hotel is located on a hilltop that offers spectacular views of Hyderabad city and its landmarks such as Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Golconda Fort, and Hussain Sagar Lake. The hotel is also surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers that create a serene and romantic ambiance. The hotel also has several activities and events that cater to different interests and occasions such as yoga sessions, heritage walks, cultural shows, musical nights, candlelight dinners, etc.
Taj Falaknuma Palace is one of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in India that offers a unique and unforgettable experience to its guests. It is a perfect destination for anyone who wants to indulge in the splendor of the Nizams and enjoy the hospitality of the Taj Group. In this article, we will tell you more about how to visit Taj Falaknuma Palace, what to see and do at Taj Falaknuma Palace, what to eat and drink at Taj Falaknuma Palace, and how to reach Taj Falaknuma Palace. Read on to find out more.
How to Visit Taj Falaknuma Palace
If you want to visit Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, you have three options: booking a stay at the hotel, taking a tour of the palace, or dining at one of the restaurants or bars at the hotel.
Booking a Stay at Taj Falaknuma Palace
The best way to experience Taj Falaknuma Palace is to book a stay at the hotel. The hotel has 60 rooms and suites that are divided into four categories: Luxury Rooms (40), Palace Rooms (10), Historical Suites (4), and Royal Suites (6). Each room and suite has its own charm and character that reflect the elegance and grandeur of the palace. The rooms and suites are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, television, internet access, mini bar, tea/coffee maker, safe, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, bathrobe, slippers, toiletries, etc. The rooms and suites also have access to 24-hour room service, butler service, laundry service, doctor on call, etc.
The prices of the rooms and suites vary depending on the season, availability, and demand. The average price range of the rooms and suites is as follows:
Luxury Rooms: INR 25,000 - INR 35,000 per night
Palace Rooms: INR 35,000 - INR 45,000 per night
Historical Suites: INR 45,000 - INR 55,000 per night
Royal Suites: INR 55,000 - INR 65,000 per night
The prices are inclusive of taxes and breakfast. The prices may also include some complimentary services or offers such as airport transfers, welcome drinks, fruit baskets, cookies, chocolates, etc. The prices may also vary depending on the type of package or deal that you choose.
To book a stay at Taj Falaknuma Palace click here.
Booking a stay at Taj Falaknuma Palace is a great way to enjoy the royal treatment and pampering that the hotel offers. You will get to experience the comfort and luxury of the rooms and suites, the hospitality and service of the staff, the facilities and amenities of the hotel, and the beauty and charm of the palace. You will also get to enjoy some exclusive benefits and privileges such as:
Complimentary access to the palace museum that showcases the history and culture of the Nizams and Hyderabad
Complimentary access to the palace library that has a collection of over 5,900 books
Complimentary access to the palace billiards room that has two antique billiards tables
Complimentary access to the palace ballroom that has a capacity of 200 people
Complimentary access to the palace conference room that has a capacity of 50 people
Complimentary access to the palace swimming pool that has a temperature-controlled system
Complimentary access to the Jiva Spa that offers various treatments and therapies based on Indian traditions
Complimentary access to the fitness center that has state-of-the-art equipment
Complimentary access to the heritage walk that takes you around the palace grounds and gardens
Complimentary access to the cultural show that showcases the music and dance of Hyderabad
Complimentary access to the musical night that features live performances by local artists
Complimentary access to the yoga session that helps you relax and rejuvenate
Complimentary access to the horse-drawn carriage ride that takes you around the palace grounds
Booking a stay at Taj Falaknuma Palace is also a great way to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, honeymoons, etc. The hotel can arrange for customized services and arrangements such as cake, flowers, balloons, decorations, gifts, cards, etc. The hotel can also arrange for special experiences such as candlelight dinner, champagne toast, rose petal bath, massage, etc.
Taking a Tour of Taj Falaknuma Palace
If you do not want to book a stay at Taj Falaknuma Palace but still want to visit and explore the palace, you can take a tour of Taj Falaknuma Palace. The tour is offered by Telangana Tourism in collaboration with Taj Group of Hotels. The tour is open to both domestic and international tourists who want to learn more about the history, architecture, art, and culture of Taj Falaknuma Palace.
The tour is conducted daily except on Fridays from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The tour starts from Chowmahalla Palace in Hyderabad where you will board a bus that will take you to Taj Falaknuma Palace. The bus journey takes about 30 minutes. Once you reach Taj Falaknuma Palace, you will be welcomed by the staff who will give you a brief introduction about the palace and its history. You will then be guided by a tour guide who will take you to different parts of the palace and explain their significance and history. You will get to see some of the most impressive and beautiful rooms and halls of the palace such as:
The Nizam Suite:
This is the most luxurious and expensive suite of the hotel that was once the personal chamber of the Nizam. The suite has a private pool, a Jacuzzi, a steam room, a massage room, a dining room, a study, and a bedroom. The suite is decorated with rich fabrics, antique furniture, paintings, and artifacts that belonged to the Nizam. The suite also has a balcony that offers a stunning view of the city.
The Jade Room:
This is one of the most exquisite and elegant rooms of the palace that was used as a drawing room by the Nizam. The room is named after the rare jade collection that adorns the walls and the ceiling of the room. The room also has a marble fountain, a crystal chandelier, a fireplace, and a grand piano. The room is used for hosting high tea and musical events by the hotel.
The Durbar Hall:
This is one of the most majestic and grand halls of the palace that was used as a ceremonial hall by the Nizam. The hall has a 101-seater dining table that is made of rosewood and has chairs that are covered with green leather. The hall also has 40 Venetian chandeliers that are made of Belgian crystal and are said to be the largest in the world. The hall also has portraits of the Nizams and their ancestors, as well as paintings of famous battles and scenes from Hindu mythology.
The Gol Bungalow:
This is one of the most scenic and romantic spots of the palace that is located at the highest point of the hill. The Gol Bungalow is a circular pavilion that has a dome-shaped roof and pillars that support it. The Gol Bungalow offers a 360-degree view of Hyderabad city and its landmarks. The Gol Bungalow is used for hosting tea parties, candlelight dinners, and weddings by the hotel.
The tour lasts for about 90 minutes and ends with a high tea at the Jade Room or the Gol Bungalow. The high tea consists of a variety of snacks, sandwiches, cakes, pastries, cookies, chocolates, and beverages such as tea, coffee, juice, etc. The high tea is served in fine china and silverware that add to the royal experience.
The price of the tour is INR 3,100 per adult and INR 2,480 per child (below 12 years). The price includes entry tickets to Taj Falaknuma Palace, Chowmahalla Palace, and Golconda Fort; transportation by AC bus; tour guide; high tea; and taxes. The price does not include any tips or gratuities.
Taking a tour of Taj Falaknuma Palace is a great way to learn more about the palace and its history, architecture, art, and culture. You will get to see some of the most amazing and beautiful parts of the palace that are not accessible to other guests or visitors. You will also get to enjoy a delicious and elegant high tea at one of the most scenic and romantic spots of the palace.
Dining at Taj Falaknuma Palace
If you want to visit Taj Falaknuma Palace but do not want to book a stay or take a tour of the palace, you can still dine at one of the restaurants or bars at Taj Falaknuma Palace. The hotel has four restaurants and two bars that offer a variety of cuisines and drinks to suit different tastes and preferences.
Adaa
Adaa is the signature restaurant of Taj Falaknuma Palace that serves authentic Hyderabadi cuisine with a touch of royalty. Adaa is located in the main building of the palace and has a spacious and elegant dining area that overlooks the palace courtyard. Adaa is open for lunch and dinner and offers a menu that features some of the most famous and delicious dishes of Hyderabadi cuisine such as biryani, haleem, kebabs, korma, salan, etc.
Adaa also has a wine list that offers a selection of Indian and international wines to complement the food.
The prices of the dishes at Adaa range from INR 500 to INR 2,000 per dish. The prices are exclusive of taxes and service charges. The prices may also vary depending on the season, availability, and demand.
Celeste
Celeste is another restaurant at Taj Falaknuma Palace that serves Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary twist. Celeste is located in the main building of the palace and has a cozy and intimate dining area that has a fireplace and a chandelier. Celeste is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers a menu that features some of the most popular and delectable dishes of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
Celeste also offers a vegetarian menu that includes dishes such as gnocchi, ravioli, lasagna, etc. Celeste also has a dessert menu that includes delicacies such as tiramisu, panna cotta, gelato, etc. Celeste also has a bar that offers a selection of cocktails, mocktails, spirits, beers, wines, etc.
The prices of the dishes at Celeste range from INR 400 to INR 1,500 per dish. The prices are exclusive of taxes and service charges. The prices may also vary depending on the season, availability, and demand.
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Hookah Lounge
Hookah Lounge is one of the bars at Taj Falaknuma Palace that offers a relaxing and exotic experience to its guests. Hookah Lounge is located in the main building of the palace and has a comfortable and spacious lounge area that has sofas, cushions, carpets, and curtains. Hookah Lounge is open from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm and offers a menu that features some of the finest hookahs in different flavors such as apple, mint, rose, etc.
Hookah Lounge also offers a menu that features some of the best snacks and drinks to accompany the hookah such as kebabs, samosas, pakoras, tea, coffee, juice, etc.
The prices of the hookahs at Hookah Lounge range from INR 1,000 to INR 2,000 per hookah. The prices are exclusive of taxes and service charges. The prices may also vary depending on the season, availability, and demand.
Jade Terrace
Jade Terrace is another spot at Taj Falaknuma Palace that offers a delightful and romantic experience to its guests. Jade Terrace is located on the rooftop of the palace and has a circular pavilion that has a dome-shaped roof and pillars that support it. Jade Terrace offers a 360-degree view of Hyderabad city and its landmarks such as Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Golconda Fort, and Hussain Sagar Lake.
Jade Terrace is open for afternoon tea and dinner and offers a menu that features some of the finest teas, coffees, cakes, pastries, sandwiches, salads, soups, etc. Jade Terrace also offers a menu that features some of the most exquisite dishes from Indian and international cuisines.
The prices of the dishes at Jade Terrace range from INR 500 to INR 2,000 per dish. The prices are exclusive of taxes and service charges. The prices may also vary depending on the season, availability, and demand.
Dining at Jade Terrace is a great way to enjoy the scenic and romantic views of Hyderabad city and its landmarks from a hilltop. You will get to enjoy the delicious and elegant dishes that are served in a beautiful manner by the courteous and attentive staff.
Dining at Taj Falaknuma Palace is an experience that you will remember for a long time. It is an opportunity to taste the cuisines and drinks that are fit for royalty and enjoy the hospitality and service that are second to none. It is an opportunity to dine in style and elegance at one of the most stunning and luxurious palaces in India.
What to See and Do at Taj Falaknuma Palace
Taj Falaknuma Palace is not only a place to stay or dine but also a place to see and do many things that will make your visit more enjoyable and memorable. The palace has many attractions and activities that cater to different interests and moods such as:
Exploring the Architecture
One of the main attractions of Taj Falaknuma Palace is its architecture that is a blend of Italian and Tudor styles with influences from Mughal, Rajasthani, and Japanese styles. The palace has many features and elements that showcase its architectural excellence and beauty. Some of the features and elements that you can admire and appreciate are:
The marble staircase: This is the main staircase that leads to the upper floor of the palace. It is made of white marble and has carved balustrades that support marble figurines with candelabra at intervals. The staircase also has a stained-glass window that depicts the coat of arms of the Nizam.
The stained-glass windows: These are the windows that adorn the walls and ceilings of various rooms and halls of the palace. They are made of colored glass pieces that form intricate patterns and designs. They also create a stunning effect when the sunlight passes through them and illuminates the interiors.
The frescoes and gilded reliefs: These are the paintings and sculptures that decorate the ceilings and walls of various rooms and halls of the palace. They depict scenes from history, mythology, religion, and art. They also add to the richness and elegance of the palace.
The chandeliers: These are the light fixtures that hang from the ceilings of various rooms and halls of the palace. They are made of crystal, glass, or metal and have different shapes and sizes. They also have candles or electric bulbs that provide illumination and sparkle.
The furniture and artifacts: These are the items that furnish and accessorize various rooms and halls of the palace. They include tables, chairs, sofas, cabinets, chests, mirrors, clocks, vases, lamps, etc. They are made of wood, metal, marble, or ivory and have intricate carvings and inlays. They also include paintings, sculptures, carpets, tapestries, books, manuscripts, etc. that showcase the art and culture of the Nizams and Hyderabad.
Exploring the architecture of Taj Falaknuma Palace is a great way to appreciate the craftsmanship and skill of the architects, artists, and artisans who created this masterpiece. You will get to see some of the finest examples of Italian and Tudor styles with influences from Mughal, Rajasthani, and Japanese styles.
Admiring the Art
Another attraction of Taj Falaknuma Palace is its art collection that is one of the finest in India. The palace has a museum that showcases some of the most valuable and rare artworks that belonged to the Nizams and Hyderabad. The museum is open to all guests who stay or dine at Taj Falaknuma Palace. The museum has several sections that display different types of artworks such as:
The paintings: These are the artworks that depict portraits, landscapes, still life, religious scenes, etc. They are made by various artists from India and abroad using different mediums such as oil, watercolor, acrylic, etc. Some of the famous paintings at the museum are:
The Veiled Rebecca: This is a marble sculpture by Italian artist Giovanni Benzoni that depicts Rebecca from the Bible with a veil covering her face. The sculpture is remarkable for its realism and detail.
The Nizam’s Family Portrait: This is a large oil painting by Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma that depicts Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur with his family members. The painting is notable for its realism and expression.
The Falaknuma Palace View: This is a watercolor painting by British artist Edward Lear that depicts a panoramic view of Falaknuma Palace from a distance. The painting is remarkable for its perspective and color.
The jade collection: This is one of the most unique and impressive collections at the museum that consists of various objects made of jade such as bowls, plates, cups, vases, boxes, jewelry, etc. The jade objects are carved with intricate designs and patterns and have different colors such as green, white, red, black, etc. Some of the famous jade objects at the museum are:
The Jade Dagger: This is a dagger with a jade handle that belonged to Emperor Aurangzeb. The dagger has a gold hilt with diamonds and rubies embedded on it. The dagger also has an inscription in Persian on it.
The Jade Wine Cup: This is a wine cup with a jade body that belonged to Emperor Shah Jahan. The wine cup has a silver rim with pearls and emeralds embedded on it. The wine cup also has an inscription in Persian on it.
The Jade Rosewater Sprinkler: This is a rosewater sprinkler with a jade body that belonged to Emperor Jahangir. The rosewater sprinkler has a gold nozzle with sapphires and turquoise embedded on it. The rosewater sprinkler also has an inscription in Persian on it.
The library: This is one of the most fascinating sections at the museum that houses a collection of over 5,900 books on various subjects such as history, literature, religion, science, art, etc. The books are written in different languages such as English, Urdu, Persian, Arabic, etc. The library also has a carved walnut roof that is a replica of the one at Windsor Castle. Some of the famous books at the library are:
The Quran: This is a collection of 30 volumes of the Quran that are written in gold and silver ink on vellum. The Quran is one of the finest and oldest in India and dates back to the 16th century.
The Shahnama: This is a collection of 12 volumes of the Shahnama that are written in Persian on paper. The Shahnama is an epic poem by Persian poet Firdausi that narrates the history and legends of Iran. The Shahnama is illustrated with paintings by various artists.
The Encyclopedia Britannica: This is a collection of 32 volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica that are written in English on paper. The Encyclopedia Britannica is a comprehensive reference work that covers various topics and fields of knowledge. The Encyclopedia Britannica dates back to the 19th century.
Admiring the art of Taj Falaknuma Palace is a great way to learn more about the history and culture of the Nizams and Hyderabad. You will get to see some of the most precious and rare artworks that reflect the taste and style of the Nizams and Hyderabad.
Enjoying the Views
Another attraction of Taj Falaknuma Palace is its views that are breathtaking and mesmerizing. The palace is located on a hilltop that offers a panoramic view of Hyderabad city and its landmarks such as Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Golconda Fort, and Hussain Sagar Lake. The palace also has lush greenery and colorful flowers that create a serene and romantic ambiance.
Relaxing at the Spa
Another attraction of Taj Falaknuma Palace is its spa that offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience to its guests. The spa is called Jiva Spa and is part of the Jiva Spa chain by Taj Group of Hotels. Jiva Spa is located in the main building of the palace and has a serene and soothing atmosphere. Jiva Spa is open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and offers a range of treatments and therapies that are based on Indian traditions and philosophies.
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Taj Falaknuma Palace is a place that you should not miss when you visit Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It is a place that will make you feel like royalty and give you an unforgettable experience. It is a place that will make you fall in love with Hyderabad and its heritage.
Book your visit or stay at Taj Falaknuma Palace today and get ready to be amazed and delighted.
