Taj Falaknuma Heritage Walk, Hyderabad

When Salman Khan, a leading Bollywood superstar, booked all of Taj Falaknuma Palace for his sister’s wedding, the entire nation got talking about this heritage property that has been passed down generation after generation. In Urdu, Taj Falaknuma Palace translates to “Mirror of the Sky” and one look at this gorgeous hotel will justify just how apt the name is. It can safely be said that this palace was built to have your breath taken away.

A Celebration of Legacy

Built in the 19^th century as a residence for the Nawabs, Taj Falaknuma Palace was later handed over to the Nizams of Hyderabad. History tells us that Mehboob Ali Pasha Nizam VI was so enchanted by the grandeur of the palace that he decided to stay on during his visit, and bought the property instead.

When the Nizam lost power and moved out, the Taj Group of Hotels took up the responsibility of restoring the property to its past glory and grandeur. They did this in consultation with Princess Esra Jah, the first wife of Nizam VII.

Taj Falaknuma Palace sits atop a hill 2000 feet above Hyderabad, and showcases a blend of Italian and Tudor architecture. This palace truly gives a glimpse into the extravagant lives of the royals, with its teak and mahogany furniture, chandeliers and the larger-than-life dining tables.

The hotel is known to have hosted the Tsar Nicholas II, King George V and Queen Mary and Archduke Ferdinand, among many others.

Take a Heritage Walk

A glass of champagne in your hand, and expansive lawns and palatial corridors to be explored while the sunset casts an orange glow over this heritage property—a Heritage Walk at Taj Falaknuma Palace is the perfect icing on the cake during your getaway to Hyderabad. What makes us say that? Maybe it’s the tour around the palace grounds, the library inspired by the one at Windsor Castle, the state reception room full of frescos from all over the world, or the 60 rooms and 22 halls. Yes it is all of this, and a lot more! We can think of a hundred reasons to visit this beautiful palace where the glittering chandeliers and grand staircases complete the picture of a perfect vacation.

Take a Trip Down the Lanes of History

The Heritage Walk takes you on a guided tour around the property and introduces you to the history of Hyderabad. The architectural designs combined with the stories and facts behind each object there is sure to leave you fascinated.

The 33mt long dining table takes 3 hours to set up, and was designed in a way to discourage whispers and conspiracy plans. The library is home to Qurans and manuscripts from across the world, while the study still has the original phone and table used by the Nizam. The Games Room has a Billiards Table which was specially made-to-order for the Nizam by Burroughs & Watts, London. There’s only one other billiards table like this one in the world, and that would be at none other than the Buckingham Palace! A huge Hookah, thought to be one of the largest in the world, is still intact. The Durbar Hall, hand painted ceilings and customized chandeliers of the Jade Room, Queen’s quarters, teak wood and golden hues of the furniture are just some of the other factors that contribute to making the Taj Falaknuma Palace one of the most beautiful palaces in the world.

Read more: Top 5 Places to Visit in Hyderabad

All You Need to Know about the Taj Falaknuma Heritage Walk

The Heritage Walk sees tourists visiting the palace grounds on a daily basis, with some even reserving their tickets days in advance. The property offers free parking services, and is a 20-minute drive from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and Banjara Hills.

When to go: The heritage walk is open on all days of the week

Timings: There are 4 slots available

Lunch and Heritage Walk: 3:00 p.m.

High Tea and Heritage Walk: 5:00 p.m.

Dinner and Heritage Walk: 6:45 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Ticket Costs: Complimentary on booking a slot for a meal (lunch/high tea/dinner)

Duration of Tour: 45 minutes

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We highly recommend a walk down memory lane at this gorgeous palace to celebrate memories for a lifetime. Psst…we hear the view from the balconies are #travelgoals.

Protima Tiwary

An Army kid in pursuit of culinary nirvana, Protima Tiwary is a freelance travel writer by day and Dumbbells and Drama, a fitness blogger by night. High on love, life and sugar, she is mildly obsessed about cupcakes and to-do lists, and loves her long runs like a fat kid loves cake. While she fumbles towards fame as a writer, she believes living life with a little bit of flair and exaggeration makes things interesting.