1. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

2. Taj Falaknuma Palace stands two thousand feet above the city, and is a testimony to the famed life and times of the Nizams of Hyderabad.

3. The History

4. Built in 1894 for the Nawab Vikar-al-Umra, and later used as the residence of the Sixth Nizam Nawab Mehboob Ali Khan. Since the death of of the Nizam VI, the Palace has mainly been used as a royal guest house. The History

5. Clock Tower The crown of the Nizam is depicted on this imposing ceremonial entryway to the palace It has two clocks facing east and west, both completely restored. Above the gate is a chamber where musicians played drums and shehnais to announce the arrival of distinguished guests.

6. The Nizams, the hereditary dynasty of this rich and strategic region, used the palace as a guesthouse. The extravagant furnishings, sumptuous fittings and art collections of the palace were an obvious demonstration of the Nizams considerable resources and refined tastes.

7. Marble statues and chandeliers were imported from Europe by the hundreds. Crowned heads of Europe and England arrived en masse.

8. The foyer, sitting rooms, and the familys suites, preserved intact, all resemble a fantasy Continent, not India. The family had a fascination with Europe, and were committed Anglophiles.

9. A grand 6,900-volume library, with an inlaid coffered ceiling and walnut paneling, was said to be inspired by one at Windsor Castle. Marble statuary of goddesses and nymphs, rather frou-frou for India, were brought in from Rome, and life-size portraits of imposing English royals were commissioned in London.

10. Used for the coronation of every new Nizam. The venue for part of the coronation ceremony of Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur, after he was coroneted as the VIII Nizam of Hyderabad

11. Rumoured to be one the richest men in the world… Now adorns the Queen of Englands crown… The Kohinoor diamond……

12. The world-renowned jewelery collection of over 173 pieces, was built up over seven generations of Nizams. The jewelery is a synthesis of Mughal, Deccani, as well as European influences. It reflects the ethos of a dynasty that originated in the Mughal court, ruled the Deccan and was a staunch ally of the British empire.

13. Passed on for generations like a precious jewel, Falaknuma Palace or Mirror of the Sky was the royal residence of Nizam Mehboob Ali Khan. After ten years of extensive and sensitive restoration, The Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has infused new life into the Falaknuma Palace, which is ready to resume its status as Hyderabads most exclusive address to offer its guests a glimpse of the regal lifestyle of the Nizams who governed the legendry city of Hyderabad.

14. Glimpses of the Palace

17. After 10 years of extensive restoration, and preserving the priceless art and artifacts, Taj Falaknuma Palace now welcomes guests – completely restored, renewed and reinstated to its former glory.

18. Hand made stained glass with Tudor faces is used on the palace doors. The lead channels were painted using gold paint and all the glass was hand-made.

19. The ornate inlaid furniture, the finest collection of Jade, the rich handcrafted tapestries and brocades from France, and intricate frescos with English as well as Indian influences, together give the Palace its distinct Baroque style.

20. The carpet restoration took over 3 years and the highest quality of New Zealand yarn was dyed over 200-300 times to match the exact colour of the old carpets. The fabrics in the Palace are over 70 years old and were imported from Europe with all the handmade designs. It took almost 4 years to restore the fabrics to their original splendour

21. Adaab…