Wednesday 18 May 2016

Falaknuma Palace

Falaknuma Palace is situated on a hill 650 meters in height, in the southern part of Old City of Hyderabad, India. It was built by the Paigah, Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra. It was purchased by the then Nizam VI during 1897 for use as a royal guest house, and its hospitality became unmatched during the heyday. The palace provides a good view of Hyderabad.

The palace is spread out in a scorpion shape with two pincers spread out as wings on the north. The middle part occupies the main building. The Harem quarters and the kitchen stretch towards the south.
The palace was designed by an Italian architect in western style, and took 9 years for construction, and is completely built with Italian Marble. The foundation stone was laid on 3rd March, 1884.
Falaknuma houses a collection of rare treasures collected by the Nizam including paintings, furniture, statues. The Jade collection of the Palace is unique in the world.

The palace boasts of lavishly decorated interiors made of the Italian marble, and follows a western architectural style. And the Marble Hall of the Palace is one of the highlights.It took almost nine years to complete. This famous palace houses a large collection of rare treasures, paintings, statues, furniture, manuscripts and books collected by the Nizam. The jade collection displayed here is considered to be unique in the world. Some old models of artillery are also exhibited in the front.
The staircase of the Falaknuma Palace, has the portraits of all the guests who stayed there, with stature no less than the Governor-General of India, is supported by carved balustrades and marble figures. The palace also has a library containing most valuable collection of books and manuscripts.
The Palace also has the distinction of having a 100-seat dining table.
The Palace is now converted into a heritage hotel by the Taj Hotels group.__

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