Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

Passed on for generations like a precious jewel, Falaknuma Palace or ‘Mirror of the Sky’ was the residence of Nizam Mehboob Ali Khan. After ten years of sensitive restoration, the Taj has infused new life into this sixty room private palace to offer visitors a glimpse of the imperial lifestyle of the Nizams who governed the legendary city of Hyderabad. What was once the sole preserve of visiting royalty-King Edward VIII and the last Russian Tsar, Nicholas II. The Palace has been restored by Her Highness Princess Ezra and William Ward Marret in November 2010. Falaknuma Palace is also known as the ’mirror of the sky‘ because at 2000 feet, it was built in the clouds and reflects the ever-changing moods of the sky. Set in 32 acres of land and spread over 19400 square meters. Situated on the banks of the Musi river, the 400 year old city of Hyderabad, which is now a burgeoning IT hub, was once governed by and home to the legendary Nizams of India. Steeped in its past of refined courtly life played out in elaborate palaces, it is a memorable place to visit.