Those wanting to see a fine example of India’s architectural styles combined should look no further than this palatial complex. Built in the 16th century, Purani Haveli has been renovated over the years in order to incorporate elements of European design. The complex takes the form of a horseshoe and contains a palace, a museum and a school. Visit the complex to see the longest wardrobe in the world, a collection of classic cars and rare antiques.
In the 18th century the palace was home to the Nizams and there are many artefacts remaining from their time. Study the collection of Nizam-era clothing in the infamous wardrobe. Occupying two stories of the palace, the wardrobe takes up a 73-metre (240-foot) long area of the 305-metre (1,000-foot) long hall. Peer inside the oldest hand-cranked elevator in India before you move on.
Look down at your feet to study the patterns of the mosaic floor that adorns most rooms in the palace. Outside you’ll find the Indian-styled courtyard, sitting in stark contrast to the palace’s European exterior.
Admire the gold and silver items once owned by Hyderabad’s royals, including a model of some of the city’s buildings. See a Rolls Royce from the 1930s, on display at the palace alongside many other classic automobiles.
Purani Haveli is closed Fridays and an admission fee applies. If you wish to take photographs inside, an additional fee must be paid. The palace complex can be found in central Hyderabad on the southern side of the Musi River. A number of bus routes stop outside the palace while a train station is just 10 minutes on foot to the east. The Salar Jung Museum, an important art museum, is just a short walk from the palace.
