Chowmahalla Palace

Chowmahalla Palace was built between 1857 and 1869 in Hyderabad and had been the abode of the Asaf Jahi family. Probably, Chowmahalla could be translated to English as "Four Palaces." Besides two gigantic courtyards, this great building consists of a huge eating hall called "Khilawat."

The beautiful building was once the official home of the Nizams of Hyderabad during their rule, and it still retains much of its original beauty. Barkat Ali Khan Mukarram Jah, the heir to the Nizams, still owns it. In 2010, UNESCO honored it with the Asia-Pacific Merit Award. This historic site is among the places to visit in Hyderabad for those interested in the city's royal heritage and architectural splendor.

History

Salabat Jung began building Chowmahalla Palace in 1750 and finished it under Afzal ad Dawlah, Asaf Jah V. Fifth Nizam finished Chowmahalla Palace in 1869. The palace became the Nawabs' primary residence and imperial court. The palace hosted all Nizam-related events, including celebratory ceremonies and welcome parties for distinguished guests, even in the past. Grand Khilwat and other royalty stayed here. The Shah of Iran's palace in Tehran, built by Juveria Khan Rahimullah, may have inspired it.

Architecture of Chowmahalla Palace

The Chowmahalla palace is influenced by Persian, Rajasthani, Indo-Saracenic, and European architecture. Originally 45 acres, the palace currently covers 12 acres. Chowmahalla Palace has two courtyards, northern and southern. The Khilwat (Durbar Hall), palaces, fountains, and gardens are exquisite. Four palaces—Aftab, Afzal, Tanhiyat, and Mahtab—are inside. All significant administrative activity took place in the northern courtyard of Bara Imam.

Artifacts and Exhibits: Exploring the Chowmahalla Palace

Chowmahalla Palace Museum is the place that contains some of the finest and most elaborate collections of the Hyderabad royal history. One may see beautiful old things, royal pieces, and fancy furniture used by the Nizam family. Old clocks, beautifully designed dishes, and rare manuscripts are some of the amazing items in a museum. Those people who like history and people who appreciate arts will find this place great. While going on the Hyderabad tour package, you should make use of this little gem.

Best Time to Visit

The warmest days are the best times to visit Hyderabad's Chowmahalla Palace when beautiful spring blooms are seen on the grounds in July and October. You can also visit in the summer - April through June; it is pleasant enough to walk the house's grounds then. The grounds will not be in bloom in the winter.