Chowmahalla Palace

Chowmahalla was the ceremonial palace of the Asaf Jahi Nizams, built from the eighteenth century around four palaces and courtyards, and it was where the Nizam received guests and held durbars. Khilwat Mubarak, the durbar hall, has a pure marble platform where the throne stood and nineteen chandeliers of Belgian crystal. A clock over the southern gate, known as the Khilwat clock, has run since the 1750s and is still wound by hand weekly by the same family line. The Nizams were among the wealthiest people in the world, and the palace displays their vehicles, including a 1911 Rolls-Royce, along with costume, weapons and photographs.

What you actually see

• Khilwat Mubarak - the durbar hall with its Belgian crystal chandeliers.
• The hand-wound clock - running since the 1750s, wound weekly by one family.
• The vintage cars - the Nizams' vehicles including a 1911 Rolls-Royce.
• The courtyards - the four palaces around fountains and gardens.

When to go

October to March; the palace closes on Fridays. Mornings are quietest. Hyderabad summers are severe and courtyards are exposed.

Honest expectations

Only part of the complex is open and some buildings remain under restoration. Photography is charged separately. The surrounding old city traffic makes access slow.

Nearby

The Charminar lies northeast; Laad Bazaar is beside it.