The splendour of the restored Falaknuma palace in Hyderabad, now a heritage hotel, is accentuated by the wonderful vistas it offers from 2,000 feet above the city.
The Falaknuma (literally “like the sky”) palace, lit up at night.
Photo: shiva @ kumar
1/15
The Nizam’s royal emblem (coat of arms) on the palace gateway.
Photo: shiva @ kumar
2/15
The view from the balcony, said to be a favourite breakfast spot of the Nizam’s.Photo: shiva @ kumar
3/15
The gateway to the Falaknuma palace.
Photo: shiva @ kumar
4/15
The palace facade. The palace was restored and transformed into a heritage hotel in November 2010.
Photo: shiva
5/15
The dining hall with five chandeliers and a long table that can seat 101 persons.
Photo: shiva @ kumar
6/15
A portrait of Sir Vicar-Ul-Umra, the Prime Minister of the sixth Nizam. The Falaknuma palace is his brainchild.
Photo: shiva
7/15
The skyscape on the ceiling of the foyer, painted by a French artist, depicts a flying eagle.Photo: shiva @ kumar
8/15
The billiard room. The restored table also has a unique feature of moveable overhead lights.
Photo: shiva @ kumar
9/15
The grand staircase, with marble statuettes of the Greek Muses carved along the railing.
Photo: shiva @ kumar
10/15
The crystal chandelier, made in Belgium, in the Jade Room.
Photo: shiva @ kumar
11/15
The terrace of the Gol bungalow at the tail end of the Falaknuma palace. The wrought-iron canopy supports a glass dome adorned with fish-scale panels.
Photo: shiva @ kumar
12/15
The horse carriage that ferries guests from the gateway to the palace.
Photo: shiva @ kumar
13/15
The marble fountain in the foyer.
Photo: shiva @ kumar
14/15
Victorian-style stained glass window panels illumine the palace interior with natural light.
Photo: shiva
