Dome

Located in Abids, Gun Foundry area, this mansion is occupied by a South Indian restaurant called Taj Mahal Hotel. It must have been built for either a landowning or mercantile family in late 19th or early 20th century. Located in the Abids area of hyderabad, the old block of the Taj Mahal hotel was constructed in the 1930's. As a small bunglow, it was a fine example of indo-European Architecture. Two stories high, it is built on a raised plinth of dressed granite. A square portico with semicircular arches dominates the facade. The central portion is flanked by octagonal rooms, with a multitude of windows and ventilators with sloping tiled sunshades. The basic lines are pure and simple. The only embellishment is restricted th the parapet and pediment where perforated screens and cut plaster decorations in stucco, crown the otherwise spartan structure. The building has been conserved sensitively and is in good structural condition. The signages and utilities have been consciously designed so as not to detract from the simple grace and beauty of the building. All of these are retractable changes and blend in without disturbing any of the elements.exterior, view from west, 2006