EXQUISITE COLLECTION | Falaknuma Palace, the ‘Heavenly Abode’ of Hyderabad, India Opens November 2010

Coming this Fall November 2010, Taj Hotels will open the doors to a magical new experience. The Falaknuma Palace, one of the most remarkable sights of Hyderabad, will be re-opened as a luxury palace hotel. Built in 1884 and situated on a hillock, Falaknuma Palace, meaning the heavenly abode, is a rare blend of Italian and Tudor architecture.

This magnificent palace is being converted into a 60-room hotel in the first phase of restoration and refurbishment, which will no doubt preserve its inherent history. For example, the original suite of the Nizam, the 101 Dining Room and the original Mughal, Rajasthani and Japanese gardens created by the Nizam would be retained.

The grandeur of the Falaknuma Palace is best described in its detailing. The Palace has priceless collections of Osler chandeliers that are of Belgian make, paintings, statues, English furniture, stained glass windows, leather upholstered rosewood chairs, gold and crystal tables, ivory figurines and an Italian white marble fountain at the entrance.

The library has a walnut carved roof, which is a replica of that in Windsor Castle and houses one of the finest collections of the holy Quran in India.

The construction of Falaknuma began in 1884, the same year Sir Vicar-Ul-Umra became Prime Minister of the Hyderabad State. Completed in 1893, this magnificent palace became the last word in eastern opulence and luxury. Sir Vicar made Falaknuma his home and played gracious host to lavish dinners, house parties, hunt breakfasts and visiting European royalty. All the furniture, paintings and other articles were made to order, as Sir Vicar wanted to create an ambience of heaven. Unfortunately, the creation of the palace eventually led the Prime Minister into bankruptcy.

Since its opening, Falaknuma Palace has had many masters, from Nizam Mahboob Ali Pasha to Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur. In 2009, the Falaknuma Palace will join the ranks of Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur and Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur in the Taj Luxury Hotels’ segment. Pursuing its long treasured dream of preserving and, wherever possible, sensitively restoring palaces to their original glory, Taj Hotels has consistently and carefully carried out restorations of the original elements of the architecture and the interior design of its palace hotels.

Refurbished with modern luxuries, these exquisite palaces have now become true reflections of the grandeur and luxury of Indian royalty, attracting tourists from across the world.

Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad is well connected by air and rail to all the major cities, and is easily reachable from Mumbai and New Delhi with daily flights not exceeding 75 minutes and 120 minutes of flying time, respectively.

Also newly opened, The Palace Wing at the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai is now magnificently restored and joyfully reopened. Friends from around the world can now enjoy two priceless celebratory offers available for a limited period only.

Suite Celebrations – Stay 1 get 1 night free | Experience the much awaited suites at The Taj Mahal Palace created by the finest talent around the world. Masterly yet modern with sheer views of the sea, the suites are fitted with all modern technologies. Guests staying in the suites can enjoy services of a 24 hour personalized butler along with a complimentary bottle of especially developed imported wine. Guests have access to the Palace Lounge along with complimentary tea, coffee, soft beverages and cookies throughout the day in the Palace Lounge and complimentary Internet Access at the Work Stations at Palace Lounge. Complimentary cocktails with a selection of hors d’oeuvres are also served at the Palace Lounge (6.30 pm – 8.00 pm) along with a service of after-dinner Chocolates and Cognacs.

Experience HAUTEOC TRAVELER’S Exquisite Collection | For booking inquiries contact us 949.683.2228 or BOOKTRAVEL@HAUTEOC.com and Discover the World You’ve Been Missing.

About Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces | Established in 1903, Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia’s largest and finest groups of hotels, comprising 65 hotels in 45 locations across India with an additional 15 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury.

The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has recently completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai.  Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India.

Arrive in style and reap benefits. The three U.S. Taj Hotels offer
Jaguar and Land Rover owners complimentary valet parking when guests dine or spend a night at The Pierre, Taj Boston, or Taj Campton Place, San Francisco.