Chowmahalla Palace
The Court of the Nizams
Overview
Chowmahalla Palace is the ceremonial seat of the Nizams of Hyderabad, the Asaf Jahi dynasty, in the old city of Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Its name means 'four palaces'; construction spanned roughly a century, from the mid-18th century to about 1869. Here the Nizams received guests and held state occasions in the grand Khilwat Mubarak durbar hall, lit by rows of Belgian crystal chandeliers. Still owned by the Nizam's family, it displays royal regalia, costumes and a collection of vintage cars, and won a UNESCO Asia-Pacific heritage-conservation award in 2010. It is closed on Fridays. MyTripMyTravel includes it on an escorted Hyderabad day.
Chowmahalla is where the wealth and ceremony of the Nizams, once reckoned among the richest men in the world, become tangible. Built around four principal palaces and their courtyards, it was the Asaf Jahi court's stage for durbars, receptions and state occasions.
The centrepiece is the Khilwat Mubarak, the durbar hall where the Nizams held court beneath rows of Belgian crystal chandeliers. Around it the restored courtyards, fountains and residential palaces display royal regalia, costumes and the Nizams' motor collection, including a classic Rolls-Royce. Its careful conservation earned a UNESCO Asia-Pacific award in 2010.
MyTripMyTravel places Chowmahalla on an escorted Hyderabad day alongside Charminar and the old city, so the Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi layers of the city read together.
At a glance
Chowmahalla Palace in brief
What to see
Highlights
Khilwat Mubarak
The grand durbar hall where the Nizams held court, lit by rows of Belgian crystal chandeliers.
The clock tower
The Khilwat Clock over the courtyard, said to have kept time for well over a century.
Vintage car collection
The Nizams' motor collection, including a classic Rolls-Royce, displayed in the grounds.
Royal regalia
Costumes, weapons, crockery and memorabilia from the Asaf Jahi court.
Courtyards & fountains
The formal fountains and gardens linking the four palaces of the complex.
Visitor information
Our tips
Plan around the Friday closure; our planners do this automatically.
Pair it with Charminar and the old city, a short distance away.
Allow time for the Khilwat durbar hall and the car collection, the two highlights.
Good to know
Chowmahalla Palace, your questions
Whose palace was Chowmahalla?
It was the ceremonial seat of the Nizams of Hyderabad, the Asaf Jahi dynasty, and is still owned by the Nizam's family.
What does the name mean?
'Four palaces', the complex is built around four principal palaces and their courtyards.
What is the highlight inside?
The Khilwat Mubarak durbar hall with its Belgian crystal chandeliers, alongside the royal regalia and vintage car collection.
What day is it closed?
Fridays; it is open the rest of the week, roughly 10 am to 5 pm.
Visit with us
See Chowmahalla Palace, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Chowmahalla Palace into a wider Hyderabad and South India itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
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