Chowmahalla Palace
Fast Facts About Chowmahalla Palace
Address: Chowmahalla Palace, Khilwat, Motigali, Hyderabad-500 002Phone:040-24522032
E-mail: chowmahallapalace@yahoo.co.inAddress: Khilwath Road, Moti Gali, Charminar, Hyderabad, AP 500002
Timings: 10 A.M-5 P.M.
Closed on: Fridays and National Holidays.
Tickets:
How to Reach Chowmahalla Palace
Hyderabad is also known as ''city of pearls'' and has Secunderabad as its twin city. The best time to visit this city is October to March. APSRTC runs buses which have rendered commuting easy.History of Chowmahalla Palace
The Chowmahalla was the palace of Nizams (rulers) of Hyderabad state. It is also known as Chowmahallat as there are four palaces. The construction of this palace was initiated by Salabat Jung in the year 1750. Later, it was completed in 1869 during the reign of the Nizams in Hyderabad state.It doesn't come as a surprise to know that on 15th March, 2010, Chowmahalla Palace was conferred the UNESCO Asia Pacific Merit award for conservation of Cultural Heritage. This palace was also the seat of Asaf jahi dynasty. The Nizams entertained their official guests and royal visitors in this palace.
Architecture of Chowmahalla Palace
The two courtyards in the palace are Northern and Southern courtyards respectively with Durbar Hall, fountains and mesmerizing gardens. The Southern courtyard comprises four palaces, namely, Mahtab Mahal, Afzal Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal, and Aftab Mahal.The building just opposite 'Bara Imam' is it's mirror image. The marble platform in Darbar Hall served as Takht-e-Nishan or the royal seat for Nizams.There are about 19 chandeliers made of Belgian crystal installed in the Darbar Hall.
The 'Khilwat clock' stands just above the main gate of the palace and is believed to be 250 years old! Rare manuscripts found place in 'Council hall' where exhibitions are held nowadays. 'Roshan Bangla' was the residence of the sixth Nizam.
Chowmahalla Palace was opened to the public in January, 2005 after meticulous restoration. Today, it is also the venue for holding corporate dinners and cultural evenings.