Chowmahalla Palace

Chowmahalla Palace, the former seat of the Nizams of Hyderabad, is a grand complex of courtyards and palace buildings blending Mughal, European and Indo-Saracenic architectural influences, reflecting the Nizams' considerable wealth and cosmopolitan cultural tastes. The palace's Khilwat Mubarak durbar hall, with its rows of ornate chandeliers, was the ceremonial seat where the Nizams received official visitors and conducted state affairs.

A collection of vintage cars, royal costumes and other artefacts within the palace complex gives visitors insight into the daily life and material culture of the Nizam court, making Chowmahalla one of Hyderabad's most rewarding stops for understanding the city's more recent princely-era history.

Built over several decades starting in the 18th century and completed under the fifth Nizam, Chowmahalla Palace served as the ceremonial and administrative seat of the Nizams of Hyderabad, one of the wealthiest princely states in colonial India, until the mid-20th century.

In the old city of Hyderabad, easily reached by road.