Naukhanda Palace
A historic palace in ruins, once a grand residence of the Nizams, now part of an educational institution in Aurangabad.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer students, quieter exploration
Naukhanda Palace
Best Time
Fewer students, quieter exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic palace in ruins, once a grand residence of the Nizams, now part of an educational institution in Aurangabad.
"A poignant glimpse into the past, where history whispers through the ruins of royal grandeur."
🚶♀️ Respect the College
Remember this is an active college. Be quiet and mindful of students and staff.
🏛️ Focus on History
It's in ruins, so appreciate the historical significance and what remains.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Throne Room
Within the palace complex
See the original paraphernalia and the seat of coronation, offering a tangible link to the Nizams' power.
Remnants of the Hamam
Central part of the Devankhana
Explore the preserved walls of the ancient hot bath, a testament to the palace's former luxury.
The Grand Portal Gateway (Barkal)
Entrance to the palace complex
Imagine the grandeur of the massive portal where the Naubatkhana once sounded.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand Its Current State
Respect the Educational Setting
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Respect the College
Remember this is an active college. Be quiet and mindful of students and staff.
🏛️ Focus on History
It's in ruins, so appreciate the historical significance and what remains.
📸 Capture the Past
The remaining structures offer unique photographic opportunities of historical architecture.
🧐 Seek Local Insights
Engage with locals or college staff for deeper historical context if possible.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Respect the College
Remember this is an active college. Be quiet and mindful of students and staff.
🏛️ Focus on History
It's in ruins, so appreciate the historical significance and what remains.
📸 Capture the Past
The remaining structures offer unique photographic opportunities of historical architecture.
🧐 Seek Local Insights
Engage with locals or college staff for deeper historical context if possible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Naukhanda Palace is a historically significant site, largely in ruins but offering a glimpse into the past of the Nizams. Visitors appreciate the remaining structures like the throne room and hamam, which provide a tangible connection to history. However, its dilapidated state and integration with an educational institution mean expectations should be managed for a full palace experience.
"The palace is in the premises of an educational institute. The place is in ruins but gives a fair idea about its history. There are a few photos of erstwhile Nizams and the seat of coronation."
Shrinivas Deshmukh
"Please care hire archeological diparment
Because Mughals and Asif jaha
Kingdoms taqt hire"
Shaikh Khaliluddin
"The palace was built by Malik Ambar in 1616 upon the summit of a rising ground at Aurangabad, India. The massive portal gateway leading to this, over which the Naubatkhana sounded, was called Barkal. According to one account a noble of Aurangzeb’s court named Alam Khan, made additions to this Palace; and further additions were subsequently made by Asaf Jah I. An adjoining block of buildings was screened off by a partition wall for Nasir Jang. The Naukonda palace was also occupied by Nizam Ali Khan, when he was at Aurangabad.
The palace had nine apartments, the interior buildings consisted of five zananas, a Divan i Aam, a Divan i Khas, a masjid and a kacheri, each provided with a garden and a cistern. The walls of the central part of the Devankhana, and a hamam or hot bath attached to the building, are in a fair state of preservation. However, the wood-work and the stucco plaster are all gone. The Divan i Aam is a large quadrangular structure much in ruins. The Kacheri close by contains a gadi of the Nizam. In the throne room are placed the original paraphernalia.
The Diwan e Aam was demolished when the present medical college of Aurangabad was constructed. The palace now houses The Aurangabad College for women. In the olden days Nawab Salar Jang's palace and Govind Baksh's mahal were between the Paitan and Jafar gates.
Presently owned by Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur."
Rameshwar Sahane
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Naukhanda Palace is located within Aurangabad city. You can reach it by auto-rickshaw or taxi from anywhere in the city. It's situated on rising ground, making it relatively easy to find.
Parking availability can be limited as it's within an educational campus. It's best to inquire locally or use ride-sharing services for convenient drop-off and pick-up.
Auto-rickshaws are a popular and affordable way to get around Aurangabad. Negotiate fares beforehand or use ride-hailing apps for transparent pricing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Naukhanda Palace is generally free as it's part of an educational institution. However, it's advisable to check for any nominal entry fees or specific visiting hours.
As the palace is within the Aurangabad College for Women, visiting hours might align with college timings or be restricted. It's best to visit during daylight hours on weekdays and inquire about access.
Official guided tours are not commonly advertised. You might find local guides in Aurangabad who can provide historical context, or you can rely on the information available on-site and online.
Typically, there is no specific entrance fee for Naukhanda Palace as it's integrated with an educational institution. However, this can change, so it's wise to confirm locally.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Naukhanda Palace is largely in ruins. While the walls of the central part of the Devankhana and a hamam are preserved, much of the woodwork and plaster is gone. The Diwan-e-Aam is also significantly ruined.
You can see remnants of the throne room with original paraphernalia, the preserved walls of the hamam, and the grand portal gateway. It offers a historical perspective rather than intact architecture.
Yes, the ruins and remaining structures offer unique photographic opportunities, especially for those interested in historical architecture and textures.
Restroom facilities might be available within the college premises. It's advisable to use facilities before visiting or inquire upon arrival.
Built by Malik Ambar in 1616, it was expanded by rulers like Alam Khan and Asaf Jah I. It served as a royal residence for the Nizams and had nine apartments, reflecting its past grandeur.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the palace complex. You'll find various local eateries and restaurants in Aurangabad city offering diverse cuisines.
While there are no strict rules mentioned, it's best to consume food and drinks outside the palace ruins to maintain the site's integrity and cleanliness.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the remaining architectural details, the textures of the ruins, and the grand portal. The throne room and hamam remnants offer unique shots.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always good practice to be respectful of the educational environment and any specific signage.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wider architectural shots and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the ruins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
The interplay of light and shadow on the weathered stone, the intricate details of the remaining carvings, and the vastness of the ruined halls offer numerous creative opportunities. The throne room and the hamam remnants are particularly photogenic. Remember to be respectful of the college setting and any students present while capturing your shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Naukhanda Palace
+1 Over the centuries, it saw significant additions and modifications by various rulers. Alam Khan, a noble in Aurangzeb's court, made notable expansions, and later, Asaf Jah I, the founder of the Hyderabad State, also contributed to its development. During the reign of Nizam Ali Khan, the palace continued to serve as a royal residence.
However, time and subsequent events have taken their toll. The Diwan-e-Aam was demolished to make way for the present medical college of Aurangabad. Exploring the Ruins and Remaining Structures
While the Diwan-e-Aam is largely in ruins, its vast quadrangular structure speaks to its former scale.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit