Falaknuma Palace is one of the magnificent buildings in Hyderabad-Secunderabad. Situated at a distance of 5 kilometers from the historical Charminar, Falaknuma Palace was constructed by the 5th Emir of the Paigahs, Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra. Nizam VI is known to have purchased this palace, which is situated at an elevation of 2000 feet, in 1897. The Nizam used this palace as a guesthouse for his royal invitees. He added the Coronation building to the palace. Presently, Falaknuma Palace is owned by Nawab Mukarramjah Bahadur.
The construction of Falaknuma Palace took about 9 years. The foundation of the palace was laid in 1884 on the 3rd day of March. This magnificent palace of Secunderabad is a testimony to the glorious past of the city. It is made of Italian marble and is often called the 'Mirror of the Sky'. The design of Falaknuma Palace resembles a scorpion. The wings of the palace that are located to its north correspond to the scorpion's stings. To the center of the palace, one can come across the harem quarters, the main building and the kitchen.
Falaknuma Palace of Secunderabad houses 222 beautifully ornamented rooms. The lavish interior decoration of the palace reflects both Mughal as well as French decors. It also features 22 halls and 1 library furnished with English furniture, chandeliers, statues and paintings. The stained glass windows and walnut carved ceiling of the library are among the main attractions of the palace.
Falaknuma Palace at Secunderabad exhibits a wide array of articles that were collected by Nizam VI. The palace is known to house a rare Jade collection, which is found nowhere else in the world. Some of the other items that are on display in the palace are:
- Furniture
- Books
- Manuscripts
- Paintings
- Statues
- Osler Chandelier
