TAJ FALAKNUMA PALACE HOUSES RARE COLLECTION OF THE QURAN

01-06-2011

 The Imperial Library at Taj Falaknuma Palace has over 5,900 books on literature, history, and religion, including a rare collection of the holy Quran.  A replica of the library at Windsor Castle, the library's mahogany and ebony ceiling has wood-inlayed panels engraved with the initials, V & O, for Prime Minister Sir Vicar Ul Omra, who built the palace in 1884.

The Imperial Library at Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad

  An Era Recreated: A Modern Peek at a Regal Lifestyle at the Grand Opening

Hyderabad, India - In its true royal style, Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces celebrated the grand opening of The Taj Falaknuma Palace, one of the last Grand Palaces in India on November 13, 2010. The gala event gathered an international crowd to experience “Mirror of the Sky,’” the original royal residence of Nizam Mehboob Ali Khan.  For decades this gem of a palace was the private preserve of the rulers of Hyderabad and their elite guests, such as King Edward VIII and the last Russian Tsar Nicholas II. It is now fresh from a careful 10-year restoration under the guidance of Princess Ezra and ready to offer discerning travelers a glimpse of the regal and luxurious lifestyle of the Nizams.

This is truly a momentous occasion for us, as we see the splendid Falaknuma Palace come alive with guests,” said Raymond Bickson, Managing Director and CEO of Taj Hotels, in his welcome remarks. “We are proud to have added another historic palace to our portfolio. One of the last of the Grand Palaces, it has been lovingly restored and enhanced. Now it effortlessly fuses the old with the new and tradition with modernity to create a state of art luxury hotel.”

A Glittering Crowd, Living Legacy Boutique & Commemorative Book

Ratan Tata, Chairman of Taj Hotels’ parent company, with Vice Chairman R. K. Krishna Kumar and his wife also welcomed the honored guests, who included Princess Michael of Kent; Princess Ira Von Furstenberg; His Highness Arvind Singh Ji Mewar of Udaipur; Rajkumar Vijit  Singh of Jaipur; His Highness Anant Narayan Singh of Kashi ; Shobha and Dilip De; Mr. and Mrs. Salman Khurshid, and the Pakistan High Commissioner Shahid Malik and his wife.

Princess Ezra Jah, the guiding light of the restoration, inaugurated the palace’s exclusive new boutique, Taj Khazana. This intimate custom shop, Taj Hotels’ signature in-house lifestyle brand, is the patron of traditional craftsmen, weavers, and world-renowned painters throughout India and is a showcase for their many handicrafts, offering the choicest collection of artisanal silks, hand-woven fabrics, paintings and artifacts.

To also commemorate the occasion, Rata Tata and Prince Mukkaram Jah VIII introduced a new book, The Falaknuma Palace. Published by Graf Publishing, the artful book captures the history and legendary stories of the property, with stunning photographs by Bharath Ramamrutham that illustrate the evocative text by George Michel and Anthony Korner.

Lavish Gala Offers First Look at Regal Nizam Lifestyle

Guests at the palace unveiling enjoyed a first-hand look at an era gone by. Private and public spaces once again showcase 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.

An elegant cocktail reception was followed by a royal banquet in the grand dining room that seats 101 at one table. The room is encircled by paintings of meals once beloved by the Nizams. The five-course dinner of more than 30 dishes was designed by Taj Hotels Executive Grand Chef Hemant Oberoi to recreate the authentic cuisine reflecting tastes of royal Hyderabad. The menu is available on request.

The evening continued with an ode to Taj Falaknuma Palace by noted designer Sabyasachi, who introduced a collection featuring a selection of textiles and costumes inspired by and dedicated to the palace and the city of Hyderabad. The jewelry complementing this collection was created by Bunty Bajaj, for Krsala, the couture line by TBZ.

About Taj Falaknuma Palace

Taj Falaknuma Palace is an architectural gem set on a hill overlooking the city of Hyderabad amidst 32 acres of cascading gardens with outdoor terraces and pool.  Built entirely of Italian marble in the shape of a scorpion, this fabled guest house features 60 exquisite rooms and suites that include the services of a personal butler; two restaurants as well as the poolside Rotunda and ornate Jade Room for afternoon tea; a unique Hookah Room, Billiards Room, and Royal Jiva Spa. A walk through the palace at sunset with the Palace Historian brings the past vividly to life, with a chance to ask questions about specific events, artworks and furnishings, including the Imperial Library, a teak-and rose-wood room lined with bookcases that is a replica of the library at Windsor Castle and is filled with rare books and manuscripts.

For reservations call 1-866-969-1825 or visit www.tajhotels.com.

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 114 hotels in over 50 locations across India with an additional 16 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 Grand 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 & Tower, Mumbai.  Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house.

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