I recently visited the hugely atmospheric city of Hyderabad which is a gateway to the south. Famous for its Charminar and Golconda Fort, it now also has an incredible place to stay near Falaknuma Palace which has been recently renovated.
Falaknuma Palace, a recent addition to the Taj group that owns luxury properties in the Indian Subcontinent opened its doors to discerning travellers looking for sheer luxury. Located in Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, it is easily accessible from most other cities by air, rail, and road, and in many cases is the beginning of a remarkable journey through the Deccan.
Hyderabad is an integral part of the famous twin-city pair of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, which are situated on opposite banks of the Hussain Sagar Lake. Hyderabad has a romantic story behind its birth. Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth king of Golconda, founded this city of Bhagyanagar in 1591 for the sake of his lover, Bhagmathi. Later he renamed the city as Hyderabad. If you are planning a luxury India vacation, the Deecan is a must and has now become even more interesting after the opening of Falaknuma Palace.
The former residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad, it was passed on from generation to generation like a precious jewel. The Taj company has infused new life into this celebrated home under the guidance of Princess Ezra, wife of the eighth Nizam. Falaknuma Palace is ready to resume its status as Hyderabad’s most exclusive address in keeping with its storied heritage of hosting visiting royalty, such as King Edward VIII and Russia’s Tsar Nicholas II.
Guests on a luxury India vacation can now experience the famed Nizam’s hospitality which was once the sole preserve of royalty. It is also known as the ‘mirror of the sky’ because at thousands of feet above Hyderabad, it was built in the clouds and reflects the ever-changing moods of the sky. Set in several acres of land, guests may select from 60 exquisite rooms and suites, including a Grand Presidential Suite, which were once the private chambers of the Nizam royal family and state guests, and include the services of a personal butler.
As beautifully worded by the Taj company, those who have revelled here have enjoyed the splendour just as conceived by the Nizam.
The Palace Library, a replica of the one at Windsor Castle, is a collector’s envy as it is home to the rarest of manuscripts, books, and one of the most acclaimed collections of the Holy Qu’ran in the country, all of which were selected and brought back by the Nizam himself.
William Ward Marret didn’t just design a Palace; he created a space dedicated to the art of perfecting pleasure. With many secrets still hidden I would highly recommend you make your own discoveries during your stay at the palace.
Hyderabad has some fantastic sights if you are planning a stay at the palace. A major landmark in the city, the Charminar was built just two years after the founding of Hyderabad. A monument with four graceful minarets, it is often referred to as the Arc de Triomphe of the East. Its central structure soars to a height of 180 feet.
The Public Gardens at Hyderabad boast of some of the finest gardens in the country. One of the gardens is located very close to the Hyderabad railway station. This beautifully laid out garden is also home to the State Legislature building, State Archaeological Museum, and Jubilee-Hall.
One not to be missed is the Salar Jung Museum. It is home to the largest collection of antiques in the world owned by a single person. The museum was named after the Prime Minister of the Nizam, Nawab Mir Tulab Ali Khan who was titled Salar Jung Bahadur in 1853. He used to collect priceless gems and art wherever he travelled. His quest for objects d’art grew into a passion and laid the foundation for this massive collection.
The museum exhibits over 47,000 choice antiques. One of the most famed exhibits is the veiled Rebecca, the translucent white marble statue by Bezoni, an Italian sculptor. Some other valuables include Persian carpets, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquer-ware, sculptures, jade, Aurangazeb’s sword, and daggers belonging to Queen Nur Jehan and the Emperors Jehangir and Shah Jahan.
If you’re partial to your poison, then the Palace also has a staggering collection of the rarest whiskies, single malts, luxury vodkas and cognacs, including Louis XIII, supplemented by an unrivalled selection of the finest handmade cigars from all over the world.
There is a lot to see and sometimes it can be quite overwhelming. A bar with such a collection is always a bonus when you have had a long day experiencing India.
The culinary experience at Taj Falaknuma Palace recreates the passionate relationship between monarchs and their cuisines. The Palace offers two restaurants that reflect its European and Indian design influences: Celeste, serving Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, and Ada, featuring fine Indian dining, including a series of dishes taken from past palace banquet menus prepared in the Hyderabadi tradition of slow-cooking.
Guests may also enjoy breakfast on the Jade Verandah or take afternoon tea in the exquisite Jade Room beneath Victorian-style hand-painted ceilings and Venetian chandeliers. Poolside relaxation includes inventive food and drink in The Rotunda, or guests may adjourn to the unique Hookah Lounge that recreates the romantic ambience of princely India, or opt for a sporting game in the Billiards Room with the Nizam’s personal bespoke billiards table.
Hyderabad and the Deccan is worthy of plenty of exploration in its own right and the palace is undoubtedly the perfect place in India to experience the height in luxury.