Zinat Mahal

Location: West of Hauz-Qazi in Lal Kuan Bazaar of Old Delhi

Open: On all days

Admission: Free and open to all

How to Reach: Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach this monument or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis or metro rail.

Preferred Timings: Sunrise to Sunset

Photography charges: nil

Nearest Railway Station: Old Delhi Railway Station

Nearest Metro Station: Chawri Bazaar

Functional Metro Station: Chawri Bazaar

Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport

Time required for sightseeing: Approx 20 minutes

West of Hauz-Qazi in Lal Kuan Bazaar of Old Delhi, Zinat Mahal was built in 1846 during the reign of Bahadur Shah II (1837-57). The beautiful palace was constructed on the order of Zinat Mahal, the favorite wife of the emperor and thus is named after her. Though in a serious state of neglect, the palace is survived by an imposing gateway, few arched pavilions and the outer wall.

Since, emperor was very fond of Zinat Mahal, she enjoyed all luxuries and comforts in this palace. The palace was beautifully decorated with murals and other expensive items to please the queen. Built on a very large scale, the money was mainly provided by the rich merchants of Chandni Chowk. Attended by the rows of servants in the palace, she would receive a grand welcome in emperor's chamber. Beating of drums and playing of other musical instruments would mark the arrival of her palanquin lined with number of bodyguards. However, today it would be difficult to imagine the brilliance and grandeur of this building seeing its present condition.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Turkman Gate, Ajmeri Gate, Dargah of Hazrat Turkman Bayabani, Razia Sultan's tomb, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk and Rajghat.

Nearby Places to Eat

Karim Hotel, Ghantewala sweet shop, food stalls near Jama Masjid, Paranthewali gali, Natraj hotel, Chor Bizarre of Broadway Hotel, Daryaganj's Flora, Peshwari, Moti Mahal Restaurant, Worker's canteen of Inter-State Bus terminal and many roadside food stalls are there for refreshment.

Nearby Shopping Venues

Lal Kuan Bazaar, Chandni Chowk (curios, souvenirs, silver and glass bead jewellery) Nai Sarak (books), Chor bazaar (electronic goods), Daryaganj book market (on Sunday) and Chatta Chowk in Red Fort (traditional and contemporary jewellery and handicrafts)

Last Updated On: 2011/07/01