Travel & Leisure

Hyderabad, the former City of Pearls

The former powerful capital of the Muhammad Qulî Qutb Shâh et Asaf Jahi dynasties, has now become an “old town”, still displaying its charm with the numerous palaces, mosques and monuments of a fading beauty. Be seduced by the Chowmahalla Palace, a property from the Nizam offered to his wife and which still is in an excellent state. Walk amidst the colourful chaos of the Laad Bazaar, where multicoloured saris of the women mix with Muslim burqas, all dressed in black, contrasting with the turbans of the men. A multitude of small vendors and all kind of artisans making jewels, oils and potteries just in front of you. Your steps will lead you automatically to the Charminar, a triumphal arch, built in 1591 to celebrate the end of epidemic deceases and in front of the Mecca Masjid dating from 1614, one of the most impressive mosques in the world, fascinating by the numbers of visitors it attracts. After this inspiring trip in town, the Ambassador car drops you off at the Taj Falknuma, Palace “Mirror of the Sky”!

"Namasté"

Like in a dream, arriving in your horse-drawn carriage you will discover the Taj Falaknuma Palace, a palace breathing this thousand and one night atmosphere, set in a luscious 15 acre park overlooking Hyderabad.
With the  "namasté" welcome, the servants in impeccable uniforms respectfully bow down to great you. With a red "tikka" on your forehead, as sign of serenity and openness to the world, they will crown you with a string of flowers.

The famous guest residence of the Nizam

Built in a baroque style, mixing Italian and Tudor architecture, in the form of a scorpion, this palace was constructed by William Ward for the Prime Minister Vikar Ul Umra in 1883 in Hyderabad, today considered as one of the five most important cities of India. Its Nizam, Mahbub Ali Khan Asaf Jah VI, bought this palace to transform it into his guest residence. Between 1907 et 1911 the Nizam received an important number of celebrities in this palace, King George V and Queen Elisabeth, Nicolas II, the last Russian Tsar, the first president of India …

10 years of renovation  to become again a palace of thousand and one nights!

The Palace, acquired by the Taj group, has been renovated for 10 years to return it to its former splendour, evoking the luxurious life of the Maharajas. From the moment you enter you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of this magnificent custom-built Palace. After a ride in the horse-drawn carriage through part of the gardens you arrive at the impressive entrance steps, covered with red rose petals. A succession of rooms, one even more beautiful than the other, and wherever you look,  you will see terraces, interior courts and rooms decorated with precious woods, antique furniture, silk and embroideries, delicate wall paintings and Venetian chandeliers by Osler, reflecting in the gilded mirrors.

Unique pieces and precious furniture

A billiard from Burroughs & Watts, the second one can be find at Buckingham Palace, a gigantic organ chest, Cachemire refined furniture, the most beautiful collection of Jade in the world, the most precious limited edition of the Koran in India and crystal chandeliers offer to this hotel another dimension. Tea is served every day from15h30 to 17h in the Jade lounge, a Victorian style room with a Palladian gallery. Finally, our steps will lead us to the library, a replica of the library of Windsor Castle, with 5790 precious books and manuscripts waiting to be discovered.

Rooms, luminous and sober

Overlooking the interior garden, you see the two wings of the Old Palace, featuring the 60 rooms and 15 suites, all offering extreme comfort. Luminous, because of the large bay windows, spacious, because of the high ceilings, the rooms and suites breathe serenity. The decoration has been kept sober, with sleek lines and the use of noble materials and state-the-art high tech equipment. The absolute highlight is the orange blossom bath and a  lavender - coriander cream, specially prepared each evening by your butler in your bathroom, luxurious!

Le Jiva Spa, a moment of pleasure

The Jiva Spa, located next to a lovely swimming pool, offers moments of pure pleasure with essential oils, massages and traditional techniques with Indian music in the background.

Gourmet restaurants

The hotel features the restaurant, Celeste, with a Mediterranean an Italian menu for the more fragile stomachs and the Adda, the excellent Indian restaurant, where you will be spoilt for choice with delicious Indian culinary highlights.

And when the night falls and you walk up to the terrace, overlooking the twinkling lights of Hyderabad you will experience the magic and beauty of this peaceful place.