It’s no secret that I’m an art lover of sorts. Just like art, history, too, intrigues me like very few things can. So when I set off to the land of pearls and Nizams, exploring every bit was a part of my bucket list. Apart from delving in the culture and history, my heart also craved to experience the much-talked about Nizami hospitality. Checking into the Taj Krishna at Hyderabad and rest assured, I ticked that impulse off my bucket list too.
The royal welcome
Mother of Pearl encrusted pillars and designer chandeliers welcomed me as I entered the swoon-worthy space. A traditional aarti welcome followed and I was promptly garlanded. A sense of security flowed through the warm welcome and it set the tone for the trademark Taj experience, something that immediately surrounds me with comfort and warmth.
A quick check-in ensued and I was whisked off to my deluxe room with city view, done in hues of brown and white. Minimalistic at the very best, my room was cushioned with tasteful amenities like a posturepedic mattress, a pillow menu, bath menu and salts, among others. Cocooned in my luxe room, I remained oblivious to a searing Hyderabad summer day outside.
Food-for-thought
My food encounters at the restaurants housed by the opulent hotel were everything exotic. For lunch, I relished piquant spices of the Sichuan and Canton provinces at the Golden Dragon restaurant, the Taj Group’s Chinese fine-dining marvel. Immersive Chinese music, plush seating and elite Chinaware greeted me as I was seated at a dining table near a large glass window with the view of a falling cascade amidst the picture-perfect greenery outside.
Executive Chef Nitin Mathur curated a menu comprising the signature specialities for me, something that I was looking forward to. The Chicken Dimsums were prepared so skilfully with soft, chewy and thin cake crust that the colour of the stuffing inside could be visible. Another favourite was the plump, juicy and crunchy Butter chili garlic prawns. Adding to this, the Burnt garlic spring onion fried rice and sliced fish in hot garlic sauce elevated me to gastronomic heaven. Chomp, crunch, chew and I knew that my taste-buds were devouring an exotic Oriental culinary ride like never before.
Discovering opulence
After a hearty meal, I decided to walk through the gorgeous property. While exploring it, I noticed that the manicured lush green lawn with a rich collection of complementing trees and flowers added to the beauty of the hotel. I was told that the property houses 260 rooms, 14 suites including 2 presidential suites, luxury and deluxe suites.
I realized that the legacy of Nizam’s Hyderabad could be seen throughout the hotel in terms of character, given the stunning artifacts and paintings that spoke volumes. I was so enamoured by the Mother of pearl inlay pillars in the lobby which I was told had taken 6 months with 250 artisans to complete it. Post a brief walk, it was a time for my relaxation session.
For the ‘knotty’ issues
I was informed that the spa at the hotel is currently under renovation and will be launched soon. Meanwhile, the O2 spa was operational at the property which was really simple with no swanky treatment rooms or décor. I didn’t walk in expecting too much but post 30 minutes of being doused in honey and an hour-long aromatherapy massage, I knew that I could definitely look forward to a goodnight’s sleep. The preening and pampering did prove to be a win-win, if not extraordinary.
A Shahi Dawat at Firdaus
Of spectacular Indian décor, a chandelier that will take your breath away, eclectic ghazals and the nizaami adaa, the Shahi Dawat set up for me at the specialty restaurant Firdaus was a memorable aspect of my stay. I loved the rich Paaya Shorba which was generously tempered with pepper and was just as tasty as it was comforting.
Next up were succulent, melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and fragrant biryani but what proved to be a culinary delight was the haleem. With gooey texture, the drool-worthy delicacy was garnished with coriander, cashews and lime and was love at the very first bite. Ending the meal with the lip-smacking dessert speciality qubani ka meetha made from dried apricots and I knew that Taj Krishna takes its culinary pursuits seriously!
It’s a wrap
The royal environment of the property engulfed me right till the end of my stay. While I loved the food, room and overall experience, it was the prized slot of warm and personalised hospitality which is the hotel’s distinctive character that won me over. Like all good things come to an end, my stay punctuated with regal pampering ended but with a glow of satisfaction emanating from within me.
Address: Taj Krishna
Rd Number 1, Mada Manzil, Banjara Hills,
Hyderabad, Telangana 500034
Phone: 040 6666 2323
Rates: From Rs 9,000 per night