Sketches from life: Chowmahalla Palace Hyderabad

Chowmahalla had been the official residence of Nizams of Hyderabad State and still is of descendants. Originally the spread of the area was 45 acres which has been reduced to 12 acres over time. The place is close to Charminar in old city. The construction work was started in 1750 by Salabat Jung and completed by 1869 during the period of Nizam Asif Jah V.

The name Chowmahalla means Chow = चार or four, and mahalla = महल or palace. There are four palaces here - Afzal Palace, Aftab Palace, Mahtab Mahal & Tahniyat Mahal. All of them are elegant with unique fusion of many architectural styles.

Northern side has Bara Imam with long row of rooms facing fountain. It had been administrative wing. Opposite side had guest rooms. Some vintage cars & jeeps used by Nizams are also on display here. After careful restoration the place was opened for public in 2005. A part of the complex is used for organising functions.

Entry is by tickets, parking available, guide available. Need half a day to see all of the complex. Remains crowded during holidays. Some snaps:

1. Part of the complex getting spruced up

2. Minarets & designs on wall

3. Row of rooms forming adminstrative wing

4. Fountain the middle

5. Field Gun

6. Another field gun

7. Beautiful style

8. Clock Tower

9. Khilwat Clock. It is wound up once a week

10. Rolls Royace Silver Ghost 1912

11, Napier 1906

12. Vintage Jeeps

13. On 15 Mar 2010 UNESCO had given Merit award for cultural heritage conservation which was received by Princess Esra former wife of Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur