Falaknuma Palace, Palace hotel on hilltop in Hyderabad, India
Falaknuma Palace is a white marble residence turned hotel on a hilltop in Hyderabad, India. The complex rises on a large estate at about 610 m elevation and features dozens of halls with Italian design elements ranging from columns to arches and marble staircases.
Construction started in the late 19th century under Nawab Sir Viqar-ul-Umra, who served as Prime Minister of Hyderabad state. After completion, the estate functioned as a guesthouse for official receptions and high-ranking visitors of the Nizam.
The name comes from the Persian words for mirror and sky, referencing the hilltop location from which the surrounding area spreads below like a reflection. Venetian chandeliers hang in many halls, and visitors today encounter interiors where European design meets local craft traditions that still shape how the space feels.
The estate sits on a steep slope and is best reached by vehicle, as walking routes from the city center are long and tiring. Visitors interested in a tour should check availability ahead of time, since hotel operations sometimes limit access to certain areas.
The library houses a large collection of Quran editions displayed in cases along the walls, representing the scholarly tradition of the region. Another hall contains a heavy manually operated instrument once played for special occasions, now rarely heard.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
