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Falaknuma is a magnificent palace built by
Nawab Vikar-ul-Ulmara, the then Prime Minister of
Hyderabad , which
was later gifted to Mehboob Ali Khan, the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad.
Falaknuma means 'Star of Heaven. The Falaknuma palace is a rare blend of
Italian and Tudor architecture.
It
is located 5-km south of Charminar on a hill above 200ft. An Italian
architect designed it and the foundation for the construction was laid on
3rd of March 1884 It took 9 long years to complete the construction. It is
totally made with Italian marble and covers a total area of
9,39,712-sq-metre. It was purchased by Nizam VI in 1897 and was used as a
royal guesthouse has a commanding view of the entire city. The splendour
of Falaknuma Palace and lavish hospitality became famous through out
India.
The Architectural Grandness
The shape of the palace resembles that of a scorpion with two stings
spread out as wings on the north. It has one of the most lavishly
decorated interiors. The Jade collection of the Palace is considered to be
unique in the world. The Palace has priceless collections of paintings,
statues and English furniture.
The Falaknuma palace has the largest Venetian chandeliers. It is said
that it took six months to clean a 138-arm Osler chandelier and the palace
has 40 such chandeliers adorning the halls. Its glass-stained windows
throw a spectrum of colours into the rooms. The walls are artistically
painted and decorated. The staircase leading to the upper floor is
supported with carved balustrades and marble figures.
The palace has a library with a walnut carved roof, a replica of the one
at Windsor Castle. The library had one of the finest collections of the
holy Quran in India. Special pavilion forms a museum of art treasures
collected from various Indian States. The dining hall in the palace can
accommodate at least 100 guests at a time. The furniture is also very
aesthetic. The tableware was made of gold and crystal to which fluted
music was added. Palace has one of the largest electrical switchboards in
India.
The Palace is now the private property of Wala Shah Nawab Mukarram Jah
Bahadur, grandson of the seventh Nizam. Prior permission is required to
visit this palace. A visit to the Falaknuma palace is an awe-inspiring
experience.
Air:
Hyderabad being the capital city is well connected by air and has got
its own airport.
Rail: Hyderabad
has got its own railhead, which connects it to all the major cities within
the state as well as in the country.
Road: Hyderabad is well connected by road with various cities in
and outside the state. Tourists can take city buses from any point of the
city. Rickshaw's and Taxi's are the other modes of Transport to get to
Falaknuma Palace.
Accommodation is available in the hotels at Hyderabad.