Do you remember Carrie and the girls’ royal endeavors to the New Middle East in Sex and the City movie? And the endless awe-s and woah-s and the sighs on seeing those breathtaking suites, meals with views and hospitality that would leave you in tears.
Oh well, my experience at Taj Falaknuma Palace reminded me exactly of that.
The Falaknuma Palace
Situated on a hillock in the old city of Hyderabad. On reaching the main entrance, shed all your Cabs and cars and brace yourself for a ride on the royal baggi. The baggi takes you to the front of the Palace while you take in the lush greens and the Herculean grounds. A refreshing welcome drink followed by a shower of rose petals as you ascend the Royal staircase.
The Palace was built by the then Prime Minister and later bought by the Nizam. The most spectacular thing about this gorgeous piece of architecture is its European influences. If you have a knack for art you will know the Mughal and Islamic carvings and the Rajputana style of art. But this palace exhibits none of that.
Falaknuma means “like the skies” and the theme of celestial bodies – stars, Sun, Moon, Angels, dolphins, and eagles are found in most of the artwork. The carvings have Baroque influences and the originals restored to perfection transport you back in time.
What to look out for?
They have one of its kind libraries with the original volumes of Britannica Encyclopaedias and an account by one of the survivors of Titanic.
They have a 101 dining hall which can seat well, 101 people on a single running dining table. Set with crystal goblets and intricate flower arrangements. The dining hall still comes to life every now and then and adds grandeur and memories to your celebrations.
Poolside
The poolside was undoubtedly one of my favorite places – the trees making a canopy, a gazebo with a minibar and beach chairs lying around for you to lazy up.
The grounds also are home to about 200 peacocks and I spotted some of them.
Pamper yourself with a retreat to this gorgeous Palace – Find them here.
Find breakfast savories at Celeste here.
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