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Tourism-Hyderabad |
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| One of the finest palaces in Hyderabad, Falaknuma Palace is located 5 kilometers due south of Charminar. Built by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra, the then Prime Minister of Hyderabad. Falaknuma literally means "Star of Heaven" in Urdu. |
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| The palace is located on a 2000-foot-high hill. Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra built this palace and Nizam VI purchased this palace from Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra in 1897. The latter used this palace as a royal guest house. The grandson of Nizam VII, Nawab Mukarramjah Bahadur, owns this palace now. |
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| The foundation for the construction was laid by H.E. Sir Vicar Ul Umra Bahadur on 3rd March 1884, an Italian architect designed this palace. It took 9 years to complete the construction and furnishing the Palace. It covers a total area of 9,39,712-sq-metre and it was totally made with Italian marble. |
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| In the shape of scorpion with two stings spread out as wings on the north, is the palace is laid out. the main building, is the middle part occupied and the kitchen Gol Bangla,Zenana mehal and harem quarters stretch to the south. |
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| Various influences show on the palace architecture, as The Nawab being an avid traveller. Its glass stained windows throw a spectrum of colors into the rooms. The Falaknuma palace is a rare blend of Italian and Tudor architecture. |
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| A commanding view of the entire city the Nizam VI in 1898 used the palace as a royal guest house. Amir e Paigah Sir Vicar Ul Umra(prime minister of Hyderabad and Berar) used this palace as his private residence till it changed owners and the palace was handed over to H.H. |
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| The 6th Nizam of Hyderabad in 1897-1898. As the Nizam liked the guest house, the Falaknuma palace was gifted to the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad, Mehboob Ali Khan by the generous Nawab Sir Vicar Ul Umra. |
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| The ballroom contains a two-ton manually operated organ said to be the only one of its kind in the world. The state reception room, whose ceiling is decorated with frescoes and gilded relief's is one of the highlights of the palace. |
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| The Jade collection of the Palace is considered to be unique in the world. Falaknuma houses a large collection of rare treasures including paintings, statues, furniture, manuscripts and books. The palace has as many as 220 lavishly decorated rooms and 22 spacious halls. It has some of the finest treasures collections of the Nizam. |
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| Very aesthetic furniture. The rosewood dining table of the palace is known for its ability to take 100 guests at a time. With its Venetian chandeliers, marble staircase, carved balustrades, a massive library with one of the unique collection of the Holy Quran, this palace deserve not to be missed out by any visitor. Prior permission is a must to visit this exotic palace. |
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| 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. |
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| The ground floor of the palace housed the living quarters. A marbled staircase leads to the upper floor. It has carved balustrades, which supports marble figurines with candelabra at intervals. |
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| On the walls of the landing are excellent oil paintings of the Asaf Jahi family, past ministers and notable personages, the whole forming a very interesting historical picture gallery which adds greatly to the imposing effect of the staircase. |
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| This palace stands as a witness to the late nineteenth century architectural taste of Hyderabad.The telephone and electrical system was introduced in 1883 by Osler and the palace has one of the largest electrical switchboards in India. |
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| Since the palace was the private property of the Nizam family until recently, visitors weren't allowed. Occasionally, however, the venue is opened for public. The Taj group has taken over the palace on lease, and work is afoot to convert it to a 5-star hotel |
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