Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad – History, Meaning, Architecture & Visitor Guide
Falaknuma Palace – Hyderabad's Heavenly Mansion in the Sky Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad (Image credit -Pinterest) Perched 2,000 feet above Hyderabad’s old city, Falaknuma Palace is a symbol of grandeur, grace, and the legendary opulence of the Nizams. Its very name means “Mirror of the Sky”, derived from two Urdu words: ‘Falak’ (sky) and ‘Numa’ (like or mirror). This architectural masterpiece continues to enchant visitors with its royal charm and timeless elegance. --- Who Built Falaknuma Palace and Why? Falaknuma Palace was commissioned in 1884 by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra , the then Prime Minister of Hyderabad and a member of the Paigah family—known for their immense wealth and closeness to the Nizams. He intended it to be his private residence, but when the sixth Nizam, Mahbub Ali Pasha , visited the palace in 1897, he was so impressed by its grandeur that Vikar-ul-Umra gifted it to him. It soon became a royal guesthouse and a retreat for visiting dignitaries. --- How Long Did It Take ...