Khursheed Jah Devdi to open for public in 2026 after major restoration

Khursheed Jah Devdi, a historic Paigah Palace in Hyderabad’s Old City, is nearly restored and expected to open to the public by mid-2026. Authorities are reviewing proposals from hospitality and cultural firms to reuse the site without altering its heritage structure

Hyderabad: Tourists can soon sit and sip a cup of chai in the magnificent Khursheed Jah Devdi, one of the Paigah Palaces that remains in the city, located as Shahgunj in Old City, as the Quli Qutb Shah Urban Development Authority plans to open it for public early next year.

With the restoration works nearing completion, the Quli Qutb Shah Urban Development Authority has invited expressions of interest from reputed firms to ensure the utilisation and upkeep of the building. The firms are submitting their plans to put the building to ‘reuse’ and ensure the proper utilisation and maintenance of the heritage building.

---

“A few reputed companies engaged in hotel and hospitality visited the palace to study the building and prepare the best plan for its utilisation. After the proposals are submitted, we will finalise and hand over the building to a company selected by the government,” said B Gopal, Chief Engineer, Quli Qutb Shah Urban Development Authority.

The government will also take into account the profit-sharing percentage between the company and QQSUDA. The authorities will not allow any alterations to the structure.

“Our aim is to make the building into a tourist attraction. A few companies said they plan to set up a cafeteria, art gallery, cultural centre, etc. After all the proposals are received, a committee will study the plans and finalise a company,” said the official. The QQSUDA expects the restoration works to be completed by mid January and the building opened to the public by mid 2026.

The palace was built by Paigah noble Nawab Fakhruddin, and it was inherited by his descendant Khursheed Jah Bahadur, who made certain extensions to the structure. It is one of the best examples of Palladian architecture that can be seen in European countries.

The building is a Grade-II B protected structure under Hyderabad Urban Development Authority regulations. Its interiors were once adorned with expensive carpets and exclusive chandeliers. The devdi had many impressive fountains and the water was supplied to it from the Jalpally lake located at Pahadishareef through a dedicated pipeline network.