Recommended to visit

Chowmahalla Palace or Chowmahallat Palace is a popular attraction of Hyderabad. Chowmahalla Palace is located nearby Charminar, at a distance of about 350 meters.

Chowmahalla Palace was the official seat of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty or the Nizams of Hyderabad state. The name ‘Chowmahallat’ comes from two Urdu words, Chow (four) and Mahallat (palaces). The ceremonial functions such as the accession of the Nizams, receptions for the Governor-General and other official guests and royal visitors, etc. were held at Chowmahalla Palace.

Chowmahalla Palace is a blend of many architectural styles and influences. Though the construction began in 1750, it was completed between 1857 and 1869. Chowmahalla Palace has two courtyards – northern courtyard and southern courtyard.

The Northern courtyard that consists of Bara Imam and Shishe-Alat has many Mughal domes and arches adorned with stucco ornamentation. The Southern courtyard, the oldest part of Chowmahalla Palace, consists of Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal and Aftab Mahal.

Khilwat Mubarak, the heart of Chowmahalla Palace, is the Durbar Hall where religious ceremonies and durbar were held. It has a pure marble platform on which the royal seat 'Takht-e-Nishan' is laid. Khilwat Mubarak is also famous for its 19 chandeliers made of Belgian crystal. The Chowmahalla Palace complex also consists of a 250-year old Clock Tower (Khilwat Clock), Council Hall and Roshan Bungalow.  

Chowmahalla Palace, the symbol of royal and cultural heritage, was opened in 2005. Though built over 250 years ago, Chowmahalla Palace is well preserved and upholds its cultural significance and elegance even today.