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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
(Data are as of July 2005)
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)
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