Hyderabad, the City of Nawabs is profound in history and dotted with palaces of the bygone eras to act as witnesses of the rich past. The Nawabs led an extravagant and joyous life which shows in the splendid cultural artifacts and grand palaces they owned.
The Government of India takes steps to restore and maintain these heritage buildings. It helps keep the vast history of Hyderabad alive by ensuring that most of the palaces are intact or used as hotels or museums to boost tourism.
If you live, for instance, in Delhi and wish to explore the past luxury of the Nawabs, simply take a flight from Delhi to Hyderabad. Here are the 5 top palaces in the city that will be waiting to surprise you.
1. Chowmahalla Palace
Constructed long ago between 1857 and 1869, this palace used to be the seat of the Asaf Kahi dynasty. Its name means “Four Palaces”. The huge monument comprises two vast courtyards and a large dining hall called Khilawat. In 2010, the palace has earned the Asia Pacific Merit award from UNESCO. Today, it remains the property of the heir of the Nizams, Barkat Ali Khan Mukarram Jah.
Timings: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (not open on Fridays)
Entry Fees: ₹80 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners, ₹10 for children
Photography: ₹50
Videography: ₹100
2. Taj Falaknuma Palace
This palace is built nearly 2,000 m above the city of Hyderabad. It used to be the royal abode of Nizam, possibly the wealthiest man in the world. Now the palace has been turned into a 5-star heritage hotel. If you wish, you can have a luxury stay here after you get off your Delhi to Hyderabad flight.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fees: INR 3,100 for adults, ₹2,480 for kids
3. Malwala Palace
This ancient monument was built in 1845 in Moghalpura, Hyderabad. The historical structure displays both Mughal and Rajputi architecture and houses expensive imported furniture made of teak wood. The palace is known for its beautifully carved wooden pavilion.
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fees: None
4. Purani Haveli
This magnificent monument is integral to the ethos and heritage of Hyderabad and flaunts some of the finest forms of craftsmanship. The haveli used to be a palace that was home to Mir Momen, the Peshwa of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah. Now the haveli serves as a museum and a great exhibit of exquisite artworks.
Back home after the Hyd to Delhi flight, you can tell stories of this fascinating haveli.
Timings: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm (not open on Fridays)
Entry Fees: ₹80 for adults, ₹15 for children
Photography: ₹150
5. Hill Fort Palace
Nawab Sir Nizamat Jung erected this vestigial palace in 1915. After being his residence for 1.5 decades, Asaf Jah VII bought it for his son. Since then, the palace has served as the official residence of the City Improvement Board’s chairman. Presently, it needs to be restored.
Timings: Always open
Entry Fees: None
Explore these palaces to revive the golden era in your heart. Before catching the Hyderabad to New Delhi flight, click plenty of pictures of the historical structures to share with your loved ones and amaze them.