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Sabyasachi Mukherjee

The Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad left the fashion designer speechless as the architecture and food made him feel transported to another world

Kavita Devgan

OT Favourite hotel
Sabyasachi Mukherjee The Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad is my absolute favourite. As it happens, it opened with my show, so I have very special memories of it. The hotel left me speechless &mdash its design, its architecture, the amazing food, indeed, the entire experience, transports you to a higher plane. I was very impressed (from Rs 23,500, www.tajhotels.com)

OT Last visited and for how long
Sabyasachi Mukherjee When it opened in 2010. I stayed for two days.

OT The experience
Sabyasachi Mukherjee Arriving in true Nizami style, in a horse carriage, being showered with flowers...it was a fabulous welcome and prepared you for what lay in store at the Falaknuma. Everything about the place is regal &mdash from the rich d&eacutecor and royal colours used, to the service, which, like all great hotels across the world, is personalised. At the Falaknuma, they have mastered the art of indulging you without being intrusive. The best part, though, is being able to look across the historic city and dream, knowing that you can get back to some first-class food and service in a moment.

OT The food
Sabyasachi Mukherjee The food was one of the big highlights. I especially loved the patthar ka gosht, Hyderabadi kacchi biriyani and the shikampuri kababs. Another thing that deserves mention is the fabulous selection of breads they serve at breakfast. I would love to return for the unique dining experiences they offer in exotic locations around the palace. My only regret is that I did not have enough time to sample everything.

OT Repeat visit and when
Sabyasachi Mukherjee Very soon, in fact. For a holiday and for fashion shoots, because the Falaknuma as a backdrop is quite mind-blowing.

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