Chowmahalla Palace, Hyderabad (Entry Fee, Timings, History, Built by, Images & Location)
Built in the 18th century, almost 200 years ago, the Chowmahalla Palace is one of the popular sightseeing places in Hyderabad. The literal meaning of Palace is “Four Places” with “Chow” means four in Urdu and “Mahalat” which is the the plural of “Mahalel” meaning palaces.
The construction of Chowmahalla Palace was mainly completed between 1857 to 1869 during the rule of fifth Nizam, Afzar-ud-Daulah, Asaf Jav V. However, its building is mostly credited to Nizam Salabat Jang in 1790. The Palace originally covered 45 acres which extended from the Laad Bazaar on the north to the Aspan Chowk Road on the south. Now, the total area of the remains of palace is close to 12 acres.
The Chowmahalla Palace is consisted of two courtyards which are divided into the northern courtyard and the southern courtyard. The southern courtyard of the palace has four palaces which are namely Afzal Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, and Aftab Mahal.
The Aftab Mahal is a two storied building and is the biggest of all the four. The Chowmahalla Palace Clock Tower, Council Hall and Roshan Bungalow inside it. The Roshan Bungalow has been named after Roshan Begum who was the mother of sixth Nizam. The heart of the palace is called as Khilwat Mubarak.
The palace was restored by the Government and was opened to the public in the year of 2005. One can visit the palace between 10am to 5pm with a minimal entry fee. The palace is closed on Friday and on national holidays.