Located 2000 feet above Hyderabad, a stay at Taj Falaknuma Palace is one for luxury. This luxurious five-star property has a long history dating back to India’s rich colonial past and the Mughal rule and empire. Initially built by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra in the late 19th century, this magnificent palace has now been transformed into a luxurious hotel managed by the Taj Group. The moment you step inside, the hotel offers a unique blend of Nizam’s royal heritage with all the modern amenities. If you are looking for a luxurious stay at one of the most coveted properties in Hyderabad, Taj Falaknuma Palace is the one to consider.
About Taj Falaknuma Palace
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Taj Falaknuma Palace is located in Engine Bowli, Falaknuma, around 2000 feet above the city of Hyderabad. As you step inside the property, the panoramic views of the cityscapes from that high above highlight this luxury property. Translating to “Mirror of the Sky,” Taj Falaknuma Palace is well described by its name, especially with its lofty position and architectural grandeur. The palace is spread across 32 acres and currently has 60 rooms and 22 halls. Amidst all, the highlight of this place lies in the central “Durbar Hall” which features exquisite Belgian chandeliers and a library, which contains rare manuscripts and books. Also, the “Jade Room” in the palace is a popular attraction.
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Historical Background Of The Palace
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Before the Taj group decided to turn the palace into a luxury property, the palace’s history dates back to the 1800s. Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra, the Prime Minister of Hyderabad, in 1884, commissioned local builders and architects to build the Falaknuma Palace. Its construction ended in 1893. During that time, the palace’s design and construction were conceptualised by an English architect, drawing inspiration from Italian and Tudor architectural styles. Later, the palace was acquired by the Nizam of Hyderabad.
Things To Do At Taj Falaknuma Palace
Given that the Taj Falaknuma Palace has now been acquired by the Taj group and transformed into a luxury accommodation, there are several Taj Falaknuma Palace activities for you to indulge in:
1. Heritage Walk
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Beyond staying in one of Hyderabad’s most coveted luxury hotels, the true charm lies in the guided heritage walk. During this, you witness the hotel’s charm and beauty first-hand and get a better understanding of its cultural heritage and historical significance during that time. You get to unveil all the details from the palace’s construction to its residents.
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2. Dining Experience
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For a royal dining experience, there are multiple restaurant options inside the palace. The Shikaar Ka Khaana offers a dining experience reminiscent of royal hunting lodges, while Celeste serves Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The Jade Terrace is perfect for enjoying afternoon tea with a city view.
3. Spa And Wellness
Due to the extensive range of modern amenities available, visitors can also indulge in a spa and wellness experience at one of the many wellness centres inside the hotel. You can enjoy a relaxing spa and massage or opt for a facial and a holistic wellness session.
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Places To Visit Near The Palace
Upon experiencing the extensive Taj Falaknuma Palace activities, it is time to explore the nearby sightseeing spots. There are quite a few worth adding to your travel plans.
1. Charminar
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First on the list is Charminar, which is roughly 5-6 km from the hotel. Dating back to 1591 and built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, this is one of the crown jewels of Hyderabad. With four grand minarets and an experience steeped in history, visiting this place must be at the top of your list. The Charminar area is known for its bustling markets, especially Laad Bazaar, where you can buy bridal attire, jewellery, and many other items.
Distance from Taj Falaknuma Palace: 5.2 Km
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 AM
2. Mecca Masjid
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Quite close to Charminar lies Mecca Masjid, another must-visit spot in Hyderabad. It is one of the largest and oldest mosques in India, dating back to 1614. The highlight of this mosque lies in the central arch, which is made using bricks that were directly imported from Mecca back in the 1600s. The beautiful granite architecture is what makes it stand out. The masjid is spread across a large area and can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers at a time.
Distance from Taj Falaknuma Palace: 4.4 Km
Timings: 4:00 AM to 9:30 PM
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3. Chowmahalla Palace
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From one palace to the other, Chowmahalla Palace is a must-visit when you are in Hyderabad. During the reign of the Nizams, the palace served as their primary residence. “Chowmahalla” translates to four palaces, which signify the four distinct palace complexes that lie inside. Beyond the palace and the museum that houses the artefacts and elements from the past, you can’t miss out on checking out the car collection of the Nizams. There is an entirely separate exhibit for it.
Distance from Taj Falaknuma Palace: 4.7 Km
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
4. Salar Jung Museum
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Around 8 km from Taj Falaknuma Palace, Salar Jung Museum is a must-visit if you are interested in learning about the history of Hyderabad. The museum houses a collection of art, antiques, and artefacts from various civilisations. One of the museum’s highlights is the Veiled Rebecca, a marble statue by Italian sculptor Giovanni Maria Benzoni. It is also one of the three National Museums in India.
Distance from Taj Falaknuma Palace: 7 Km
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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5. Nehru Zoological Park
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To indulge and explore the rich biodiversity in Hyderabad, stop by the Nehru Zoological Park. It is one of the largest zoos in the country that’s spread across 380 acres. There is a wide range of animals, insects, reptiles and birds inside the zoo. Beyond the safari park, the zoo also offers unique experiences like a nocturnal house, a dinosaur park, and a children’s train. You can further learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts.
Distance from Taj Falaknuma Palace: 5.4 Km
Timings: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Timing And Tariffs Of The Palace
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When talking about Taj Falaknuma Palace timings, the main aspect of it is regarding the check-in and checkout timings.
Check-in: 02:00 PM; Check-out: until noon.
Tariff: Room rates vary and depend on the specific room you are booking. The fares range between INR 30,000 and INR 2,00,000 per night, and they can go even higher in some cases.
Dining Costs: If you are considering having a meal or two at one of the many restaurants inside the hotel, an average meal can cost from INR 5,000 to INR 20,000, depending on the restaurant and the type of cuisine.
Further Read: Nehru Zoological Park
Taj Falaknuma Palace is luxury personified. However, beyond that lies a lot of history, culture, and heritage that have contributed to its popularity. This luxury property offers you a regal feel if you don’t mind the price. On your next trip to Hyderabad, include a stay at the Falaknuma Palace, which is one of the many must-do experiences.
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Cover Image Credit : Bernard Gagnon for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Taj Falaknuma Palace
What are the accommodation options at Taj Falaknuma Palace?
The palace offers a variety of rooms and suites, each decorated with luxurious furnishings and modern amenities. Prices range from INR 30,000 to INR 2,00,000 per night.
What activities can guests enjoy at the palace?
Guests can enjoy heritage walks, spa treatments, musical evenings, and special tours of the palace’s vintage car collection and gardens.
How do I reach Taj Falaknuma Palace?
Airport transfers can be arranged by the hotel itself. If that’s not something you want, taxis are available from the airport and station in Hyderabad to take you to the hotel.
Can non-guests visit the Taj Falaknuma Palace?
Non-guests can visit the palace by booking a dining experience or a special tour, subject to availability.
What is the best time to visit Hyderabad and Taj Falaknuma Palace?
The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and conducive to sightseeing and outdoor activities.
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