Chowmahalla Palace

This 18th-century palace is amongst the prettiest structures built by the Asaf Jahis. Inspired by the Iranian Shah’s palace at Tehran, it consists of four palaces that were used to host durbars and receive the British viceroy. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is spread across 12 acres of courtyards, gardens, palaces and fountains. Its pièce de résistance is the Grand Khilwat or Durbar Hall, whose interiors were made with Italian marble and decorated with 19 Belgian chandeliers, and house the marble throne used by the Nizam. The palace hosts cultural events and can also be rented as a venue for weddings and parties.