Sunday, September 5, 2010

Chowmahalla Palace:



Chaumala palace:

The Chowmahalla Palace was once the centre of hyderabad. It was the seat of the AsafJahi dynasty
where the nizam entertained his official guests and royal vistors.The palace is unique for its style
and elegance. The complex consists of two coutyards with elegant palaces, the grand khilwat
(the Durbar Hall),fountains and gardens. khilwat mubrarakis the heart of the palace.
        The asaf jahis deserted the former Qutub shai palace quater lying north west of the charminar and decided to construct a new palace complex for themselves to the south west of the chairminar.
        Different portions of the chowmahalla were build during differnt phasese of the asaf jahi rule.This was build around 1780 during the reign of nawab nizam ali khan, asaf jah II, but extensively renovated later in 1911.

The palaces are named Afzal mahal,Mahtab mahal,Taniyar mahak and Aftab mahal.Of these Afzal mahal, a two storeyed building is the most imposing.the grand pillared Durbar Hall has a pure marble platform on which the Taqt e nishan or royal seat was laid. The 19 spectacular chandeliers of belgian crystal have been recently  reinstalled to create the lost splendour of this regal hall.

timing 10:30 am-5pm
Entry fees: Rs 25 for Indian Rs150 for foreigners
50 and 100 for camera's and video