Chowmahalla Palace Hyderabad India
It took me a few minutes to recover after entering the Chowmahalla Palace in Hyderabad, India. I have a bit of a love affair with sparkly, glass objet d’art, and the fixtures inside this Heritage Site were enough to give anyone chandelier envy. Built by the Nizams, and completed by 1869, the Chowmahalla Palace was home to the Asaf Jahi dynasty and is a synthesis of many architectural styles and influences. Today, it houses one of the most over the top collections of Belgian crystal chandeliers I have ever laid eyes on!
Although the chandeliers are rarely turned on, the sunlight streaming through the expansive windows was more than enough to make them one of the most dramatic features of the palace.
Coupled with the white marble floors, the room presents a stunning picture of royalty and the culture during that time.
Fairy tale scenery from Cinderella comes to mind. The Nizams were legendary for their patronage to the arts and science. The elegant rooms contain hundreds of exhibits, costumes and photographs, rare manuscripts and priceless books-all shedding light on a time of extravagance of a bygone era. In one of the outbuildings, visitors can be served pre-arranged high tea. It’s a rather odd experience: elegant, sophisticated, and dusty all at the same time, but very Indian in nature, and not to be missed.
I got a bit dizzy taking this photo between the complex ceiling design and sparkle of the chandelier, it was hard to keep my balance looking up.
Be still my heart…I’ve saved the best for last, clearly my piece de resistance was this beauty!
Photo credits: Bottom-Chowmahalla Palace by Evstaquio Santimano, All other photos by Alison Abbott.
Visit the Palace 10am-5pm. Closed on Fridays. Cameras are allowed, fee must be paid.
Chandelier envy – like that :-). The Chowmahalla Palace looks gorgeous – and yes, we love that last aqua blue chandelier too… It must be amazing to visit India…
Wow, those are stunning. I’m also drawn to looking at amazing light fixtures like crystal and these are spectacular within a glorious space!
I would have loved to have seen it all lit up in the evening Noel-what a sight!
What a fabulous place! I adore India from exploring the magnificanet templs, forts and palaces to the hustleand bustle of the city streets.
I had a chandelier (from B&Q ) when I bought my flat in the living room. It’s now in the attic but I wander if I could paint it a bit like the last one you’ve shown? Now there’s a thought!
I’m with you Kat. I wish I could get there once a year!There are a lot of paints on the market now that can be used on glass. I think your idea is great-send me a photo of your creation!
Wow, they are certainly over the top! The rest of the room looks so stark though… what is the palace used for beyond the display of these chandeliers?!
The palace is now a museum filled with ephemera, costumes, furniture and photos Paul.There is even a collection of old cars. I think they left the room bare to experience it like it must have been in the day. There is plenty to see in the other areas.
I love beautiful things and the chandeliers are indeed stunning. India can go to such extremes, it amazes me
Yes, Paula, it is certainly a country of extremes that overwhelms the senses in every way!
Those are some extravagant chandeliers indeed! I like the blue one the most. I don’t really have chandelier envy, but India envy for sure 🙂
This is the one place we didn’t have time to visit while we were in Hyderabad. It’s such a pity because it looks absolutely gorgeous! One of the local historians told us that they once found a cupboard filled with gold coins in an underground passage from the palace! Wow.
Wow! It’s hard to imagine the immense wealth available to create and adorn such stunning spaces. Truly remarkable.
Stunning photos, Alison! I’m adding this palace to my bucket list!
I admit to having had ambivalent feelings about visiting India, but thanks to posts like this, I’m starting to lean towards making it a place I should go and see for myself—realizing, of course, that it is impossible to “see India”. Your beautiful photos are worth a 1000 words here.
Suzanne, There’s no middle ground with India, but how will you know unless you visit. It is my most favorite place on earth! I’m glad you liked the photos, it was hard to get a bad shot of all that sparkly beauty.
Wow! I’ve never before heard of Chowmahalla Palace but when I eventually get to Hyderabad, India, I’ll be heading there.
You captured the beauty well, amazing photos. Would love to visit some day.
Loved the chandelier photos! I wondered what brought you to Hyderabad? I know it’s the Silicon Valley of India.
I’ve got a weakness for admiring chandeliers and these are totally amazing. Your photo, chandelier6 has me transfixed.