Rajashree Talukdar · Chowmahalla Palace - Khilwat Mubarak And Clock Tower.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Chowmahalla Palace
The Asaf Jahi seat, begun 1769 — a durbar hall of nineteen Belgian chandeliers and a clock running since 1750.
Chowmahalla Palace
Chowmahalla was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, who ruled Hyderabad from 1720 until 1948, and the official residence of the Nizams. Nizam Ali Khan Asaf Jah II began the palace as it now stands in 1769, and it was completed between 1857 and 1869 under Asaf Jah V. The name means four palaces — chow from chār, four, and mahal, palace — for the buildings raised on the site. The room to stand in is Khilwat Mubarak, the durbar hall, where nineteen Belgian crystal chandeliers were reinstalled during the restoration that recovered the interior. Above the entrance is a clock that has been running since 1750, wound every week by one family of horologists. The complex originally covered 45 acres; twelve survive, and those twelve are enough.
Explore Chowmahalla Palace on the map
City locations, drawn from our published destination data. Attractions, hotels and restaurants are not mapped yet.
What to see
A courtyard palace with one exceptional room and a good deal else.
The state rooms
- Khilwat Mubarak, the durbar hall, and its nineteen Belgian crystal chandeliers.
- The northern and southern courtyards, which are the palace’s formal plan.
- The clock above the entrance, in continuous use since 1750.
The collections
- The Nizams’ vintage car collection, kept in the grounds.
- Costume, arms, manuscripts and photographs from the Asaf Jahi household.
Getting there
In the old city, a short distance from the Charminar.
Arriving
- It sits in the walled old city and is walkable from the Charminar and Laad Bazaar.
- The metro reaches the old city area; the last stretch is by auto-rickshaw or on foot.
- Old-city traffic is heavy through the day; go early.
Best time
October to February, and early in the day.
When to go
- October to February — the Deccan summer from March is severe for a day in the old city.
- Mornings are cooler and quieter than afternoons.
- Check the weekly closing day before building the day around it.
Visitor intelligence
How it fits into a Hyderabad day.
Practical
- Allow an hour and a half to two hours including the car collection.
- Camera rules differ between the courtyards and the interiors; check at the ticket desk.
- Pair it with the Charminar and Laad Bazaar rather than with Golconda, which is across the city.
Nearby
The old city, on foot.
Frequently asked
Plan your journey
Our travel designers turn knowledge and inspiration into a journey crafted entirely around you.
Plan My Journey →