TARAMATI BARADARI
- Taramati Baradari is a palace located near Gandipet lake, that was built under the reign of Abdullah Qutb Shah, the Seventh Sultan of Golkonda as an ode to his favorite courtesan, Taramati. The baradari with 12 doorways were to allow cross ventilation, considered to be the most ingenious technique at the time. Similar structures like Premavati and Bhagmati can be seen from here.This historical monument is located at Ibrahim bagh.
- Taramati Baradari was a sarai (a caravan station for traders and travelers) as part of Ibrahim Bagh, a Persian styled garden built during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah, the second Sultan of Golconda of Golconda.
- The Baradari was constructed on the banks of the Musi river. Today, the region comes under the city limits of Hyderabad, India. According to contemporary folklore, the tourism department attributes the name to the reign of the Seventh Sultan of Golconda, Abdullah Qutb Shah who as an ode to his favorite courtesan, Taramati, is said to have christened the sarai as Taramati Baradari.
- The tourism department promotes the location by romantic stories linking the then Sultan with a courtesan by the name Taramati. One such story goes on to state that during the reign of Abdullah Qutb Shah, he used to hear Taramati’s voice as she sung for travelers at the serai, while he sat two kilometers away at Golconda fort. Her melodious voice would be carried by the breeze, reaching the prince’s ear at the fort, because of the acoustics model. There is no recorded report of the same though.
FALAKNUMA PALACE
RENOVATION INTO LUXURY HOTEL
- In 2000 Taj Hotels started renovating and restoring it. The new renovated hotel was opened in November, 2010. The rooms and halls were decorated with ornate furniture, rich handcrafted tapestries and brocade from France.
- The interiors are a splendid interplay of Venetian chandeliers and intricate frescos, and have charming outdoor terraces, and a treasure of rare artefacts,including paintings, statues, furniture, manuscripts and books.
- The palace also has a 101-seat dining hall, considered the largest in the world, and the Durbar Hall, embellished with intricately carved wooden ceilings, parquet flooring, regal walnut wood furniture and handcrafted mirrors.
- The restoration work on the Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad has taken 10 long years to be completed. The wait has been worth it though because the end result is simply breathtaking. And yes, you can see it! The Falaknuma Palace recently opened as a luxury Taj hotel.
- Every bit of opulence has been preserved and restored. There's a billiards room, library housing the Nizam's acclaimed collection of the Holy Quran, and dining room with the world's longest dining table. Add to this marble staircases, Venetian chandeliers, a vast crystal collection, priceless statues, and artwork.
- The hotel has 60 guestrooms and suites. As is to be expected, the royal experience doesn't come cheap though. Rooms start from around $500 per night, for a double. Even if you can't afford to stay at the hotel, there are plenty of other options for feeling like a king or a queen.
- The hotel has a tea room, hookah lounge, and two restaurants. An alfresco cocktail under the delicate stained glass of the Gol Bungalow pavilion is unforgettable. Or you can simply go on a leisurely historic walk and admire the artifacts. If you're visiting Hyderabad, it's definitely not to be missed.
FALAKNUMA PALACE
RENOVATION INTO LUXURY HOTEL
- In 2000 Taj Hotels started renovating and restoring it. The new renovated hotel was opened in November, 2010. The rooms and halls were decorated with ornate furniture, rich handcrafted tapestries and brocade from France.
- The interiors are a splendid interplay of Venetian chandeliers and intricate frescos, and have charming outdoor terraces, and a treasure of rare artefacts,including paintings, statues, furniture, manuscripts and books.
- The palace also has a 101-seat dining hall, considered the largest in the world, and the Durbar Hall, embellished with intricately carved wooden ceilings, parquet flooring, regal walnut wood furniture and handcrafted mirrors.
- The restoration work on the Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad has taken 10 long years to be completed. The wait has been worth it though because the end result is simply breathtaking. And yes, you can see it! The Falaknuma Palace recently opened as a luxury Taj hotel.
- Every bit of opulence has been preserved and restored. There's a billiards room, library housing the Nizam's acclaimed collection of the Holy Quran, and dining room with the world's longest dining table. Add to this marble staircases, Venetian chandeliers, a vast crystal collection, priceless statues, and artwork.
- The hotel has 60 guestrooms and suites. As is to be expected, the royal experience doesn't come cheap though. Rooms start from around $500 per night, for a double. Even if you can't afford to stay at the hotel, there are plenty of other options for feeling like a king or a queen.
- The hotel has a tea room, hookah lounge, and two restaurants. An alfresco cocktail under the delicate stained glass of the Gol Bungalow pavilion is unforgettable. Or you can simply go on a leisurely historic walk and admire the artifacts. If you're visiting Hyderabad, it's definitely not to be missed.
