The Chowmahalla (four palaces) stand symmetrically opposite to each other, around a large cistern of water, forming a protective enclave of grandeur and historic connection. The buildings were functional as a combination of living quarters for the royal families, zenanas for the women, grand halls for regular public audiences and other administrative buildings. Successive Nizams expanded and renovated the Chau Mahalla palaces, introducing new buildings to the area. Originally, the total area of the complex was 45 acres. Over time, it has become a compact 12 acres, comprising of the new Khilwat Mubarak, the four palaces – Afzal Mahal, Aftab Mahal, Mehtab Mahal and Tahniyat Mahal, a grand Clock Tower, a Buggy Khaana which stores the splendid vehicles used by the Nizams, and an assortment of other buildings and heritage structures.

Fascinated by Persian architecture, the new Khilwat Mubarak was commissioned by HEH Mir Osman Ali Khan Asaf Jah VII in 1912 and completed in 1916. Today, the Chowmahalla Palace stands as a testament to the possibilities of a strong connection to the past and an even stronger sense of responsibility for the present and the future. With the unwavering support of Princess Esra Birgen Jah, the Palace is now a restored cultural oasis in the heart of Hyderabad. It is the state’s only Palace to have been decorated with UNESCO’s 2010 Award of Merit, in addition to being awarded the prestigious INTACH Heritage Award twice.