Information on Chowmahalla Palace (Hyderabad, Telangana) - History & Architecture

Chowmahalla is the royal palace of Nizam Asaf Jahi in the Deccan. It is located on khilwat of Hyderabad in India. It is a huge palace meant for Nizami residence, since 1880 AD. It is a magnificent palace in an area of 45 acres of land covered with four palaces surrounded by swimming pools and vast beautiful gardens. It was the commanding place of Nizams and all their court activities were functioned from here. It is said that this palace patterned the Tehran Palace model built by Shah of Iran. This is a marvelous palace to visit if you are coming to Hyderabad. It is an important tourist place in the heart of the city. To reach here from south India Bangalore and Chennai are the Nearby Junctions. From the west Mumbai is nearby. From central India Indore is the nearest Junction. This city is well connected by rails, Roads and International Airport.

Chowmahalla Palace Architecture

Chowmahalla Palace is the example of Islamic architecture in India. It has vast floors and complexes. Every where you can find Arabic pattern of floral designs running on the edges of walls, ceilings and pillars. It has large windows with glass frames which allow day light in to the halls. This square and rectangular structure has many small windowed towers on its terrace. Its arch doors are well crafted with carved designs on it. It has two court yards namely the North and the southern. One of its domes is fitted with a clock. It is a pure white marble splendid structure. It took 12 years totally to complete the whole palaces in its current stage. More than 3000 work force was employed in its construction.

Chowmahalla Palace History

Chowmahalla foundation was laid by Salabat Jung in 1750 and completed by Asaf jahi in the year 1869. This was the court yard for the princely activities. All officials and social functions were celebrated here with great elegance. Chowamahall means four palaces. It was from here the Nizamis commanded the city. The entire durbar was functioning from here. Many European visitors to India stayed here as gusts. It was also a guest house for other princely clans of the neighboring province. The Khilwat clock fitted on its front tower is still functioning in time. Since, 1880 Hydrabadi Nizams resides here. This palace was declared as heritage site by UNESCO in 2010.

Chowmahalla Palace Tourism Importance

Chowmahalla Palace is open to public from 10 am to 5 pm, except on Fridays. For maintenance purpose, few national holidays are closed here. The entry fee is only 40 for adults and foreigners are charged at Rs.140. This palace is of posh activities, it rents for social gatherings, corporate events and cultural activities. The best time to come here is from July to February. Summer is tribally hot here. There are budget hotels to a five star hotels found here to cater the needs of tourist. There are many one day sites seeing tour operators found here. Locally Hindi and English language is manageable to go around the city. The primary language spoken here is the Urdu and Telegu. Looking at the historical importance of this Palace, thousands of tourists and locals throng to enjoy the architectural beauty and the splendid works from across India and abroad. It is a must visit Palace while in Khilwat of Hyderabad.