4. Built in 1894 for the Nawab Vikar-al-Umra, and later used as the residence of the Sixth Nizam
Nawab Mehboob Ali Khan. Since the death of of the Nizam VI, the Palace has mainly been used as
a royal guest house.
THE HISTORY
5. Clock Tower
• The crown of the Nizam
is depicted on this imposing
ceremonial entryway to the
palace
• It has two clocks facing
east and west, both
completely restored.
• Above the gate is a
chamber where musicians
played drums and shehnais
to announce the arrival of
distinguished guests.
6. The Nizams, the hereditary dynasty
of this rich and strategic region, used
the palace as a guesthouse.
The extravagant furnishings,
sumptuous fittings and art collections
of the palace were an obvious
demonstration of the Nizam’s
considerable resources and refined
tastes.
7. Marble statues and chandeliers were
imported from Europe by the
hundreds.
Crowned heads of Europe and
England arrived en masse.
8. The foyer, sitting rooms,
and the family’s suites,
preserved intact, all
resemble a fantasy
Continent, not India.
The family had a
fascination with
Europe, and were
committed Anglophiles.
9. A grand 6,900-volume library, with
an inlaid coffered ceiling and walnut
paneling, was said to be inspired by
one at Windsor Castle.
Marble statuary of goddesses and nymphs,
rather frou-frou for India, were brought in
from Rome, and life-size portraits of
imposing English royals were commissioned
in London.
10. Used for the coronation of every new Nizam.
The venue for part of the coronation ceremony of Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur, after
he was coroneted as the VIII Nizam of Hyderabad
11. Rumoured to be one the
richest men in the world…
Now adorns
the Queen of
England’s
crown…
The Kohinoor
diamond……
12. The world-renowned jewelery
collection of over 173 pieces,
was built up over seven
generations of Nizams.
The jewelery is a synthesis of
Mughal, Deccani, as well as
European influences. It reflects
the ethos of a dynasty that
originated in the Mughal
court, ruled the Deccan and
was a staunch ally of the
British empire.
13. Passed on for generations like a precious jewel,
Falaknuma Palace or ‘Mirror of the Sky’ was the
royal residence of Nizam Mehboob Ali Khan.
After ten years of extensive and sensitive
restoration, The Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has
infused new life into the Falaknuma Palace,
which is ready to resume its status as
Hyderabad’s most exclusive address to offer its
guests a glimpse of the regal lifestyle of the
Nizams who governed the legendry city of
Hyderabad.
17. After 10 years of extensive restoration, and preserving the priceless art and artifacts, Taj Falaknuma
Palace now welcomes guests – completely restored, renewed and reinstated to its former glory.
18. • Hand made stained glass with Tudor faces is used on the palace doors.
• The lead channels were painted using gold paint and all the glass was hand-made .
19. The ornate inlaid furniture, the finest collection of Jade, the rich handcrafted tapestries and brocades
from France, and intricate frescos with English as well as Indian influences, together give the Palace its
distinct Baroque style.
20. • The carpet restoration took over 3 years and the highest quality of
New Zealand yarn was dyed over 200-300 times to match the exact
colour of the old carpets.
• The fabrics in the Palace are over 70 years old and were imported
from Europe with all the handmade designs. It took almost 4 years to
restore the fabrics to their original splendour
21. VISION
The Taj Group of Hotels commits itself to the
overall improvement of the ecological
environment, which we are all a part of. We
recognize that we are not owners but
caretakers of the Planet and owe it to our
children and future generations of humankind. It
is our endeavor not only to conserve and
protect but also to renew and regenerate the
environment in which we live and operate. Our
commitment encompasses all actions related to
our products, services, associates, partners,
vendors and communities. We will partner and
engage with our environment through EARTH:
Environmental Awareness and Renewal at Taj
Hotels. For us EARTH is not a program, nor a
process; it is a way of life.
22. • Taj (luxury full-service hotels, resorts and palaces).
• Taj Exotica
• Taj Safaris
• Taj Luxury Residences
• Taj Wellington Mews, Mumbai
24. Prominent Japanese Chef Morimoto
mastered the art of Sushi and traditional
Kaiseki cuisine after having trained under
several of his country’s master Chefs.
Soon after that, he went on to open his
own restaurant in hometown Hiroshima.
Morimoto spent the next few years working
in some of New York City’s most notable
Japanese restaurants.
CHEF MORIMOTOCHEF MORIMOTO
25. CHEF OBEROICHEF OBEROI
Executive Chef Hemant Oberoi is a legend
at the Taj. He is the quintessential culinary
personality and has been the personal chef
to Prime Ministers and Presidents. In his
30 years experience he has pioneered
numerous culinary concepts and a seat in
his Chef’s Studio is a coveted gastronomic
coup.
26. CHEF SRIRAM AYLURCHEF SRIRAM AYLUR
In 1989 Chef Sriram joined the Taj group, where he grew from strength to
strength. He conceptualised and actualised Karavali Restaurant. "The
challenge was to make ethnic food without sacrificing too much in the
recipes." It was that dedication and spirit that gave Karavali its place in top 5
Restaurants in India in 1995 - The Statesman. In 1999 London called and
Chef Sriram left Indian to start the Quilon in the heart of London’s
Westminster.In 2008 Quilon was awarded a Michelin star, an honour it has
retained ever since. Chef Sriram’s vision about food - like everything else in
the world - is progressive. Progression is logical in this world and true with
everything. Therefore, the Quilon’s menu is an amalgamation of Ethnic and
Progressive dishes for example - Black Cod, Asparagus and Mange Tout and
Lobster butter pepper.
