The splendour of Faluknama palace

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.

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The Falaknuma (literally “like the sky”) palace, lit up at night.

Photo: shiva @ kumar

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The Nizam’s royal emblem (coat of arms) on the palace gateway.

Photo: shiva @ kumar

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The view from the balcony, said to be a favourite breakfast spot of the Nizam’s.

Photo: shiva @ kumar

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The gateway to the Falaknuma palace.

Photo: shiva @ kumar

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The palace facade. The palace was restored and transformed into a heritage hotel in November 2010.

Photo: shiva

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The dining hall with five chandeliers and a long table that can seat 101 persons.

Photo: shiva @ kumar

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A portrait of Sir Vicar-Ul-Umra, the Prime Minister of the sixth Nizam. The Falaknuma palace is his brainchild.

Photo: shiva

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The skyscape on the ceiling of the foyer, painted by a French artist, depicts a flying eagle.

Photo: shiva @ kumar

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The billiard room. The restored table also has a unique feature of moveable overhead lights.

Photo: shiva @ kumar

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The grand staircase, with marble statuettes of the Greek Muses carved along the railing.

Photo: shiva @ kumar

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The crystal chandelier, made in Belgium, in the Jade Room.

Photo: shiva @ kumar

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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

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The horse carriage that ferries guests from the gateway to the palace.

Photo: shiva @ kumar

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The marble fountain in the foyer.

Photo: shiva @ kumar

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Victorian-style stained glass window panels illumine the palace interior with natural light.

Photo: shiva

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