Hazarduari Palace Museum

The Basics

While the exterior architecture of this grand palace is enough to cause heads to turn, the real treasures lay within. Here you’ll find royal chambers that have been meticulously maintained with original artwork, frescoed crown molding, and original 19th-century furniture, along with museum-like displays featuring intricately carved ivory, beautiful royal palanquins, ancient manuscripts, and even a cannon.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Hazarduari Palace is a must-visit for fans of history and architecture.

• Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection, as the complex is large and the gardens are exposed.

• Admission is free for children under age 15.

• Wheelchair users may find getting around the palace challenging.

How to Visit

Hazarduari Palace is situated in the city of Murshidabad, in the Eastern Indian state of West Bengal, about a 6-hour drive north of Kolkata. It makes a good stopover if you happen to be driving from Kolkata to Darjeeling, as it's right on the route between the two cities.

When to Visit

Hazarduari Palace Museum is open from morning to late afternoon every day except Friday. As the palace is large, with sprawling gardens to navigate, it's best visited earlier in the day when temperatures are lower, particularly if your visit corresponds with the hot months (March through June). Crowds are fewest on weekdays.

Murshidabad Highlights

While the palace is undisputedly the big draw in Murshidabad, the city offers a fair number of attractions to entice visitors; after all, it was the capital of Bengal under the Mughals. Highlights include the 18th-century Katra Mosque, which houses the tomb of Murshid Quli Khan (the first nawab of Bengal), and the Nizamat Imambara, a Shia congregation hall built in 1847.