Hyderabad's crown treasure is the Falaknuma Palace. This heritage property, which dates back to the 19th century CE, is its brilliant splendor and unmistakable emblem of wealth.
Look closely at the coat of arms engraved on the entrance while you're there. As the carriage takes you from the imposing doorway to the palace's front lawns, you'll feel like a king where a pleasant beverage is waiting for you. Take in the ITR or perfume that is being poured on you and the flowers that are being given to you.
This is the only heritage property with a resident historian who has researched the palace's past. He guides you around the historical passageways that the Falaknuma palace has experienced. He tells you tales of the richest man the world has ever known, who resided in this particular palace, in addition to describing the numerous types of chandeliers, timber panels or marble, and paintings in the castle.
Sit in Nizam's chair with his large picture in the background, his bookcase at your side, an antique white phone on the table, and an ancient ornate clock over your head. Please write your feedback in the visitor's book by taking out the peacock-feather fountain pen and dipping it in the inkpot. If you have the time, you may read what the other visitors have written.
The entry foyer is one of the best places to observe the paintings since it has some beautiful ceiling paintings of Greek Goddesses that change positions as you look at them from different angles. The palace is filled with celestial objects, such as heavenly bodies. The walls surrounding the staircase and various rooms are covered with the most exquisite artwork.
The palace has a stunning library with 5970 rare volumes, some of which are available for visitors. Look through some vintage editions of Titanic and the Encyclopedia Britannica.
Please take note of the wood-paneled ceiling, which bears the V and O initials of the palace's architect.
You would be left speechless by the 101-person capacity of the world's longest dining table, lit up by gleaming chandeliers.
Look at the elaborate table arrangement that took several hours to create. Adore the look of the Bidriware glasses with the silver and gold plates. The room's acoustics are now its most intriguing characteristic.
You might not be able to see each other if you are seated far apart.
However, you would be able to communicate with each other normally.
Try to picture Nizam's era, when he used to reside here, and ladies were present in Zenana. Imagine Nizam taking his troupes out for Shikar while using these carriages. Shop at the ground-floor Khazan shop cum museum, and buy some handcrafted products from the region, all displayed on the old furniture.
Go around the premise and embrace the various top views of the city. At some angle, you can see the vast spread of the city. From another, you see the Falaknuma station and the trains crawling through the city. And from yet another, you see the rocky beds of Hyderabad. At sunset, the sun plays with the landscape; it is lovely there.
If you go there for dinner, go a little early so you can sit in the Gol Bungalow and enjoy the Qawwali sung by local youth as the hotel staff serves you drinks and snacks. This is almost like a perfect setting to see the sun go down.
This palace is designed in the shape of a Scorpio. The sun sign of the architect of the palace, William Mariet. There is no aerial view picture of the palace to see. But you can walk around and spot the various parts of Scorpio. Two stings spread out as wings on the north. The middle part of the body of the scorpion comprises the Zenana Mahal on one side and the Mess Khana i.e., Kitchen and the Telephone Exchange, on the other. The Gol Bungalow that forms the tail has a dome structure with an iron protrusion, which looks like the sting of a scorpion.
Duration RequiredEngine Bowli, Falaknuma, Hyderabad 500053 India
4.5
