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Step inside the regal Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, where a one-night stay will cost you ₹4 lakh: Watch
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The Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, designed in the shape of a scorpion, was built in 1894 and boasts luxurious suites. a Windsor-inspired library, and more.
The architectural grandeur and historical legacy of the Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad need no introduction. In a YouTube video shared on August 21, 2026, by Curly Tales, Dino Morea and Zoya gave a tour of India's one of the most magnificent royal residences, which has now been turned into a hotel by Taj.
Built in 1894, the palace is said to be designed in the shape of a scorpion, featuring breathtaking details that are the epitome of luxury, including a grand staircase, the iconic 101-seater dining table, the Windsor Castle-inspired library, the rare Buckingham Palace twin billiards table, luxurious suites, and more.
Inside the Falaknuma Palace
The video details the architectural grandeur and historical legacy of the Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, which means ‘Mirror of the Sky’. Constructed by Nawab Sir Vicar-ul-Umra in the shape of a scorpion, the palace sits at an elevation of 609 metres above sea level and offers an encompassing view of the 400-year-old city of Hyderabad below.
Here's a look inside the Falaknuma Palace:
History and origins
According to Taj Hotels, the Falaknuma Palace was transformed into a hotel – 60 luxurious rooms and suites – under the stewardship of Princess Esra, the last Nizam’s Turkish wife.
The palace was envisioned by the Prime Minister of Hyderabad, Nawab Sir Viqar-ul-Umra, who was deeply inspired by his travels in Europe. It took 10 years to build, costing around 40 lakh rupees at the time, and today, its estimated value is about 200 crore rupees.
According to the video, as the construction pushed Nawab Viqar-ul-Umra into heavy debt, the sixth nizam, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, stepped in to help. Upon visiting, the Nizam fell so in love with the palace that, following royal tradition, the Nawab gifted it to him.
The grand architecture
The entire layout of the palace is uniquely shaped like a scorpion, reflecting the zodiac sign of Nawab Viqar-ul-Umra. The palace also features exquisite Italian marble, chandeliers from Belgium, and furniture from England.
In fact, the famed grand staircase inside the palace was made of Italian marble and once welcomed elite historical figures, including King George V, Queen Mary, Edward VIII, and Tsar Nicholas II. The palace is also home to the world's largest dining table, which can seat 101 people, lit by Belgian crystal chandeliers
Another highlight of the palace is the Windsor-inspired library, modelled after the library at Windsor Castle, which houses around 6,000 rare books, ancient manuscripts, Quran collections, and the first encyclopedia. The palace also features a rare, custom-made billiards table built by the Burroughs & Watts company – a twin to the one in Buckingham Palace.
What does a one-night stay cost?
According to the Taj Hotels website, Falaknuma Palace offers eight types of suites to visitors. The cost for a one-night stay ranges from ₹48,750 to ₹4,09,000 per night.
