Chowmahalla Palace, Hyderabad

Chowmahalla Palace is a royal residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad state. It was the seat of the Asaf Jahi line and was the official living arrangement of the Nizams of Hyderabad while they governed their state. The royal residence was worked by Nizam Salabat Jung. The royal residence remains the property of Barkat Ali Khan Mukarram Jah, the beneficiary of the Nizams.

In Urdu, Hindi Char implies four, and even in Persian, Chahar implies four and in Urdu and Hindi Mahal implies royal residences, thus the name Chowmahalla/four castles. The castle is situated in the old city in Hyderabad close to the Charminar. Every formal capacity including the promotion of the Nizams and gatherings for the Governor-General were held at this royal residence.

The renowned UNESCO Asia Pacific Merit grant for social legacy preservation was introduced to Chowmahalla Palace on 15 March 2010. UNESCO delegate Takahiko Makino is formally given over the plaque and authentication to Princess Esra, previous spouse and GPA holder of Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur.

It is difficult to describe the grandeur of the palace in the heart of the old city of Hyderabad. You get an insight into the rich lifestyle and culture of the Nizams of Hyderabad. The exhibits are awe-inspiring and in one section you can see a few of the cars that belonged to the Nizams. One of those is a Rolls Royce produced exclusively for the Nizam in the year 1911. 
Locally called Chowmahalla Tuu, this palace is the epitome of Hyderabad’s regal heritage. It was once the royal residence of the Nizams and the royal seat of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty. With its impressive artistry and widespread construction, the palace attracts hundreds of art and architecture lovers. One can also find a display of cars and other vehicles used by the royal families, in the palace backyard.