Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad

Falaknuma Palace is one of the finest palaces in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It belonged to Paigah Hyderabad State, and it was later owned by the Nizams. It is on a 32-acre (13 ha) area in Falaknuma, 5 km from Charminar. It was built by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra, prime minister of Hyderabad and the uncle and brother-in-law of the Nizam VI, Nawab Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Bahadur. Falak-numa means "Like the Sky" or "Mirror of the Sky" in Urdu.

Falaknuma Palace is situated on aim1.jpg 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 fim3.jpgor use as a royal guest hoim2.jpguse, 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.