Chowmahalla Palace was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, rulers of the erstwhile princely state of Hyderabad, India. It is now converted into a private museum and venue for parties by the royal family.

Chowmahalla Palace, Hyderabad

This magnificent palace complex was once the residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad, one of the premier kingdoms in India. The sixth Nizam lived at  Chowmahalla Palace.

Osman Ali Khan (Last and VIIth Nizam of Asaf Jah VII) lived here until 11. He then moved outside of the Chowmahalla palace complex to the newly constructed King Kothi Palace, or Nazri Bagh Palace, at a distance of around five kilometers away. Even though he lived outside of Chowmahalla Palace, his royal court meeting was held at Chowmahalla  Palace. He breathed his last here at the King Kothi Palace, on the 24th of February 1967.

Royal Court Room (Royal seat on the left side) at Khilwat Mubarak, at Hyderabad, India.

Structures inside Chowmahalla Palace Complex

Khilwat Mubarak is the main building in the complex, where the king used to hold his Durbar (the court of a ruler). There are 19 Belgian crystal chandeliers in the durbar hall. You are allowed to view the hall and not allowed to roam around, especially near Takht-e-Nishan, the royal seat.

Council Hall was used to store rare manuscripts and books. It was also used for meeting dignitaries and high-ranking officials. It now showcases the treasures of the Palace Collection.

Roshan Bangla is the palace where the sixth Nizam lived, named after his mother, Roshan Begum.

There are four palaces in the Chowmahalla Palace complex. (‘Chow’ or ‘Char’ means four,  ‘Mahal’ means palace.) Mehtab Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal, Afzal Mahal, and Aftab Mahal are the Four palaces in the complex.

There is a Clock Tower in the complex.

There are two main courtyards: one on the southern side and one on the northern side. There is a beautiful pool and fountain in front of the palace. Other buildings were used as administrative offices.

There is a Gallery for Vintage royal cars and bikes.

Weddings, meetings, etc., can be hosted in the palace. Chowmahalla Palace wedding costs Rs. 1,75,000 as rental charges, without catering. Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian foods are permitted. Both in-house, as well as outside catering, are allowed inside the palace. Alcoholic beverages can also be supplied.

Nizam of Hyderabad & The Erstwhile Princely  State of Hyderabad

The first Nizam of Hyderabad was the Viceroy of the Deccan region under the Mughal Dynasty, from 1713 to 1721.  He was the ruler of the Deccan area for a short period in 1707, upon the demise of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. In 1724, when the Mughals became weak, he declared Hyderabad an independent state and became the first ruler of the newly formed state.

The princely state of Hyderabad was the most prosperous state among the princely states in India. Golconda, where priceless Kohinoor Diamonds were mined, belonged to this princely state. It was the largest state among the princely states in India, spread over 214,190 square kilometers or 2,6980 square miles. The State had its currency, army, railway network, airline, postal system, telecommunication system, and radio broadcasting service.

Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last and seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, refused to accede to India when India gained Independence in 1947. Hence, the Indian Army forced its way into Hyderabad and dethroned the Nizam in September 1948. The operation is known as  Operation Polo. Nizams of Hyderabad reigned from 31st July 1724 to 17th September 1948.

Nizam of Hyderabad was awarded the maximum privy purse amount of 43 lacks rupees per year (approximately 8.5 percent of his state’s annual revenue), by the Indian government upon acceding his state to India. Privy Purse was abolished in 1971 by the 26th Indian Constitutional Amendment Act. Some of the Rulers challenged this law in various courts. A few royals who were able to get this pension resorted to them. There were a total of 555 rulers. 398 rulers were getting less than Rs. 50 K per year.

Nizam of Hyderabad was  The Wealthiest Man in the World, until he died, aged 80, in 1967.

This eccentric Indian ruler was the world’s richest man. He had 86 mistresses, 100 illegitimate sons and employed 38 staff to dust palace chandeliers..

He disciplined himself to live on the equivalent of £1 a day and smoked the cheapest brand of cigarettes, relighting and smoking the discarded butts – he once took a cigarette from an adviser, cut it in half and offered the man half back.

In one of his many palaces he had a wardrobe half a mile long, bulging with exquisite silks, brocades, damasks and fine muslins.

Another palace had a mile-long banqueting hall.

How Do I Go to Chowmahalla Palace?

Chowmahalla Palace is situated at the heart of Hyderabad city. It is located around 850 meters from Charminar, one of the most recognized structures in India.

Hyderabad is well connected by roads to the rest of the country. Hyderabad railway station is the main railway station in the city. Secunderabad railway station is another major railway station, around 11 kilometers from this magnificent palace complex. There is an international airport on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

Chowmahalla Palace Timings

Chow Mahalla Palace is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Fridays. The entry fee for Indians is Rs 50 and Rs 10, for adults and children, respectively. Foreigners are charged Indian Rupees 200. There is a separate fee for Camera and Video recording devices.

Hotels near Chowmahalla Palace

There are many Hyderabad Hotels near the palace.

Have you been to the Last Century’s Richest Man’s Palace? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.