CHOWMAHALLA PALACE

The construction of this former palace of the royal family began in 1750 and it took no less than a century to complete the work. The Chowmahalla Palace is a replica of the Shah's Palace in Tehran. These different factors explain the mixture of architectural styles: Persian, Mughal, Anglo-Indian and a touch of Europe. The palace is divided into two courtyards, north and south, barred by the impressive Khilwat Mubarak, the durbar hall or coronation hall.

The northern courtyard: this first part of the palace in the shape of a U housed the administrative offices and rooms to receive the officials accompanying the dignitaries received in the palace. In the center stands a pool with water features.

The Khilwat Mubarak: the coronation hall can accommodate up to 7,000 people. In the center of this huge marble hall is the throne, also made of marble. The hall is lit by 19 crystal chandeliers, made in Belgium. Upstairs, a collection of tableware is displayed in the corridors. The Council Hall now houses a valuable collection of illuminated Islamic Korans and texts.

The southern courtyard: this courtyard houses 4 palaces, not all of which are open to the public. In the zenana (women's quarter) are exhibited beautiful ceremonial clothes, saris embroidered with gold thread and clothes for children. Beautiful collection of antique furniture. At the end of the courtyard, sheltered under a kiosk, the Rolls Royce which must have the lowest mileage in the world, barely 200 kilometers!