Taj Falaknuma Palace Hotel

The hotel has recently undergone a 10-year refurbishment and the Italian marble staircases, Venetian chandeliers and objet d'arts are stupendous. As with most things in the palace, the Jiva Spa, overlooking the cascading gardens, is wonderfully indulgent - the signature Nawab-e-Khas treatment will make you feel like the royal inhabitants of old. Another delight for the senses is the delectable dining scene, with restaurant Adaa and Celeste serving high-end Indian and European cuisine respectively.

There are 60 rooms, with choices ranging from Palace Rooms to Royal Suites. All rooms have King-size beds, luxury bathrooms with roll-top tubs (peruse the menu to decide which bath you'd like drawn for you daily...) and beautiful views of the gardens or city. The suites are each opulently decorated with a variety of gorgeous furnishings, but if you'd like something really special, it has to be the spectacular Nizam Suite with its private pool, stunning vistas, and private access to the spa.

All areas of the Palace are open to guests and there's plenty to gawp at, from the magnificent 101 Dining Hall, which houses the longest dining table in the world, and the Jade room, with its rare collection of gems and shimmering chandeliers. Resident historians are also available for in-depth tours. Outside the walls, the hustle and bustle of Hyderabad is intoxicating and it's worth venturing out, if only in search of a taste of the region's famed and delicious biryani.