Falaknuma Palace of Hyderabad: Revisit The Grandeur of Nizams and Begums (2024)
History of Falaknuma Palace
Located near Engine Bowli in Hyderabad, Falaknuma Palace is undoubtedly one of the finest palaces that you will ever find in the entire country. Spread across 32 acres, this palace today is home to the luxury hotel Taj Falaknuma Palace. Situated 2000 feet above the city, this palace belonged to the Paigah Hyderabad State and later came under the belonging of Nizam Mohammed Abeed. Commissioned by Prime Minister of Hyderabad Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra and Nizam VI Nawab Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Bahadur’s brother-in-law, Falaknuma palace unravels the best opportunity for you to take a sneak-peek into the glorious past of the bygone eras.
The name Falak-Numa literally translates into ‘Mirror of the Sky’ in Urdu. Often compared with the grandeur and luxury of the Buckingham Palace in London, Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad is a must-visit place for those interested in witnessing timeless architectural marvels and revisiting history.
After the construction starting in 1884, Falaknuma Palace took almost 9 years to be completed. Even though the palace was built by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra, it was later purchased by Nizam VI in 1897. He used this palace as a guest house. Many believe that Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra’s extensive experience in traveling across the country and the globe inspired him to build this unrivaled palace. The palace was designed under the leadership of an English architect at a cost of INR 40 lakh at that time. Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra, who is also known as Sir Vikar, worked towards creating harmony between Italian and Tudor architectural styles. Offering spectacular views of the city, this palace adorns itself with Italian marble which literally shines like a diamond.
How to Reach Falaknuma Palace?
Planning to visit the Falaknuma Palace? Here are a couple of ways to reach the palace. If you are already in the city, you should probably take a cab to reach the airport. 
By Air: If you are traveling to Hyderabad from another city or country, you should be landing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport which is roughly 16.6 km away from the Falaknuma Palace. You can easily avail a cab from the airport to reach the palace.
By Rail: If you traveling by train, the nearest railway station is the Falaknuma station which is 2.6 km away from the palace. You can easily reach the palace from the airport in 10 minutes. You can also come via other railway stations such as Hyderabad, Secunderabad, or Begumpet.
By Bus: The bus service conducted by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) connects every major city in Telangana with Hyderabad. If you are traveling from other cities, you can easily travel by bus to reach the city to visit the palace.
Lesser Known Facts About The Falaknuma Palace
In case you are keen to know more about the things that you shouldn’t miss during your visit to the Falaknuma Palace, this section is for you. Not only will you get to know lesser-known facts about the palace here but also get the chance to know more about different places inside the palace.
Rich Collection: Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra was truly fond of visiting different places around the country and the globe. During these trips, he collected several souvenirs which constitute the rich collection on display at the palace. The rosewood dining table here is known for its capacity to host 100 guests at a time. In addition, you will find a number of statues, manuscripts, books, furniture, and rare paintings here. Don’t miss the world-famous jade collection here in Falaknuma Palace. 
Resembles A Scorpion: The two wings at the palace spread in two directions in such a manner that they resemble a scorpion which is also the star sign of Sir Vikar. Besides having different sections designated for different purposes, the grand reception hall ceiling adorns itself with eye-catching frescoes which you simply can’t miss.
The Majestic Library: Often compared with the library at Windsor Castle, the library at Falaknuma Palace is home to a huge collection containing rare manuscripts as well as books. The billiards table located in the billiards room is also quite unique. It is indeed one of the two pieces of its kind with the other one being at the Buckingham Palace. 
The World’s Longest Table: Falaknuma Palace is home to the longest table in the world. This 108-feet long table can easily accommodate 100 guests at a time. You will also find a giant musical instrument that weighs around 2 tons. Located in the ballroom, this instrument is believed to one of its kind.
Rare Artifacts: Besides being home to various rare artifacts including life-size oil paintings of prominent persons from the Nizam dynasty, the Falaknuma Palace is known for adorning itself with sophisticated interior design. You will also find the largest collection Venetian chandeliers here at the palace. 
Admired By Prominent Persons Across The World: The Falaknuma Palace has been visited by various prominent personalities across the years. It has received admiration from King Edward VIII from England, Rajendra Prasad – the first President of India, and Tsar Nicholas II from Russia. After visiting the palace, Mehboob Ali Khan, the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad, went on to stay at the palace for a month. Even though Sir Vikar wanted to gift the palace to him, Khan paid a handsome amount of money instead.
Reopening in 2010: After the Falaknuma palace started losing its glory in the late 1950s, The Taj Hotel Group came to its rescue and converted it into a heritage hotel. Princess Esra Jah played a key role in this transformation. After renovating the palace to a significant extent and beautifying it with classic furniture along with handmade tapestries, the palace reopened its doors as a heritage hotel in 2010.
Falaknuma Palace Timings and Entry Fee
If you are planning to visit the Falaknuma Palace, make sure you book your slot well ahead of time. Since a tour is offered only on Saturday and Sunday, getting seats can be a little daunting.
Tour Option A
Cost Per Person: INR 2000 per person and INR 1850 per child
Tour Inclusions: A/C transportation with tour escort services along with entry tickets for Falaknuma Palace, Chowmahallah Palace & Golconda Fort Sound and Light Show.
Tour Option B
Cost Per Person: INR 3150 per person and INR 2950 per child
Tour Inclusions: A/C transportation with a tour guide, entry tickets for Falaknuma Palace, Chowmahallah Palace & Golconda Fort Sound and Light Show, and high-tea at Falaknuma Palace
Note: Price mentioned above are the approximate prices.
Both tour A and B follow the same itinerary which is given below:
- Tour starts from Tourism Plaza in Begumpet (1:00 PM)
- from Hotel Taj Krishna in Banjara Hills (1:20 PM)
- from Hotel Golconda in Masabtank (1:45 PM)
- 2:30 PM arrive at Chowmahalla Palace (30 mins Tour)
- 4:00 PM arrive at Falaknuma Palace (90 mins Tour + Hi-tea)
- 6:45 PM arrive at Golconda Fort (75 mins with Sound & Light Show)
- 9:00 PM Tour ends – Drop at respective pick-up points
Bus pick-up points for the tour are given below:
- 1:00 PM at Paryatak Bhavan, Begumpet
- 1:10 PM at Hotel Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills
- 1:20 AM at Hotel Golconda, Masab Tank
Places You Must Visit Near The Falaknuma Palace
You will find quite a few popular spots in the area surrounding the Falaknuma Palace. Here are some of the best nearby tourist attractions that you shouldn’t miss.
Nehru Zoological Park: Located 5.1 km away from the Falaknuma Palace, the Nehru Zoological Park is known for being one of the largest zoos in the country. This prominent tourist attraction is home to 1,500 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Spread across 380 acres, this park offers different safaris including ion safari, bear safari, and bison safari as well. Ideal to be visited by children and family, this park offers various activities such as boating, bicycle rides, toy train, etc.
Location: NH 44, Bahadurpura, Hyderabad, Telangana 500064, India
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM (Except Monday)
Chowmahalla Palace: Located 4.7 km away from the Falaknuma Palace, the Chowmahalla Palace is known for being home to Afzal Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, and Aftab Mahal. Spread across 45 acres, this palace is known for the Khilawat Mubarak which is undoubtedly the best part of the palace. Adorned with arches and Mughal domes, this palace is visited by thousands of tourists every year. This palace is often compared to the Enchanted Gardens of the Arabian Nights.
Location: 20-4-236, Motigalli, Khilwat, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, India
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM (Friday Closed)
Charminar: Located 5.6 km away from the Falaknuma Palace, Charminar is one of the top popular attractions in Hyderabad. Situated on the banks of the Musi River, this heritage spot was built by fifth Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shahi. Many believe that this spot was constructed in the memory of ending a deadly plague. The 56-meter high columns here are known for depicting different directions.
Location: Charminar Rd, Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, India
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Best Places to Stay Near The Falaknuma Palace
Planning to stay near Falaknuma Palace? Here are some of the best accommodation options that are worth exploring:
Hotel Olympia Inn: Located approximately 7.8 km away from the Falaknuma Palace, Hotel Olympia Inn is a 3-star property that offers aesthetically pleasing rooms along with decent food options. The air-conditioned rooms here are adorned with modern amenities such as flat-screen television, wardrobe, private bathroom, desk, and so on. If you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel near the Falaknuma Palace, this is definitely one of the best choices you can make.
Address: 6-4-12/1, Aram Ghar X Road, Inner Ring Rd, Sivarampalli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500077, India
Website: https://www.hotelolympia.in/
Phone Number: +91 98480 97700
Price: INR 3000 to INR 4200 per night
FabHotel Deccan Heritage Abids: Located 9.2 km away from the Falaknuma Palace, FabHotel Deccan Heritage Abids is another budget-friendly accommodation option that you can go for. All the air-conditioned rooms here have been equipped with facilities such as minibar, flat-screen cable TV, private bathrooms, and so on. The on-site restaurant Zaika unravels the best opportunity for you to excite your taste buds with delicious Indian and Chinese dishes.
Address: Abids Road, Hanuman Tekdi, Koti, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001, India
Website: https://www.fabhotels.com/hotels-in-hyderabad/fabhotel-deccan-heritage.html
Phone Number: +91 70424 24242
Price: INR 1300 to INR 2100 per night
Royalton Hyderabad Abids: Located 9.7 km away from the Falaknuma Palace, Royalton Hyderabad Abids is an excellent option for those who are looking for boutique accommodation. Besides having air-conditioned rooms, the property ensures that its rooms come with a wide variety of facilities such as minibar, private bathrooms, cable TV, and so on. The multi-cuisine restaurant here is known for offering both buffet and à la carte for Indian and international delicacies.
Address: 5-9-208/2, Off, Chapel Rd, Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001, India
Website: https://royaltonhyderabad.in/
Phone Number: +91 40 6712 2000
Price: INR 2000 to INR 7500 per night
