Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

As the former palace of the Nizam dynasty, this heritage hotel, known as the “mirror in the sky,” is perched on a 2,000 foot hill above the chaotic city.

• Sunset from the hotel balconies, when the city below comes alive with the melodious call to prayer from nearby mosques
• The unabashed pomp and circumstance, from the horse-and-carriage that brings guests to the palace’s front door to the 101-person dining table (said to be the longest in the world) still used for grand celebrations
• The 32 acres of meticulously manicured gardens roamed by peacocks

Originally built in 1894, this heritage hotel stands as a testament to the Nizam, the royal line who ruled Hyderabad for two centuries up until the mid-1950s. Known for their extravagant taste, the family printed their own money, maintained a fleet of Rolls Royces, and accumulated piles of gems and pearls. Their biggest weakness was palaces, and Falaknuma Palace was the jewel in their crown, until the state of Hyderabad was incorporated into independent India and the residence was boarded up by order of the courts. In 2010, after the Taj brand spent 11 years and $50 million to rehabilitate it, it re-opened as a hotel.

The original build was inspired by Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, and true to form, today’s painstakingly restored décor is awash in European influences: Venetian chandeliers hanging from French baroque ceilings, Greek urns adorning a Renaissance-style marble foyer and portraits of British aristocrats hanging next to stained glass windows. Indeed, the public spaces are unabashedly grandiose—just as the Nizam would have liked it. The 60 rooms are set around a central courtyard, and while the rooms are rather simple, the suites are more fitting of a royal abode.

Perched high above the chaos of Hyderabad, India’s sixth largest city, the property is conveniently located for visiting the old city, with its historic Lad Bazaar, the monumental Golconda Fort and the magnificent Chowmahalla Palace. Those looking to unwind after a day of touring can enjoy the swimming pool, Jiva Spa and two restaurants. At the Palace’s Indian restaurant Adaa, don’t miss ordering the lamb biryani, a fragrant and delicious Hyderabadi speciality.

This is the only place to stay for those seeking luxury in Hyderabad. Anyone who favors modern design should adjust their expectations, as this is a historical palace, after all.