Falaknuma Palace

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.

Location: Hyderabad

Inception: 1893

Elevation above the sea: 609 m

Part of: Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

GPS coordinates: 17.33095,78.46750

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:32