The Sheesh Mahal in Jaipur is one of the most famous and mesmerizing attractions in Pink City. Located within the sprawling Amer Fort complex, this mirror palace dazzles visitors with its intricate mirror work and unique architecture. Constructed in the 16th century, the glass palace showcases a fusion of traditional Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. The walls and ceilings of Sheesh Mahal are completely encrusted with Belgian glass pieces arranged in splendid patterns.
In this article, we provide all the details you need to know before visiting Sheesh Mahal Jaipur along with some handy visiting tips.
Exploring Sheesh Mahal Jaipur
Sheesh Mahal, also known as the Mirror Palace in Jaipur. Sheesh Mahal is a beautiful palace that shines with many precious stones and glass. It has many paintings that are made by hand with great skill. The palace is famous for its walls and ceilings which are covered with thousands of mirrors and precious stones. Sheesh Mahal Jaipur is one of the most popular and attractive parts of the Amer Fort, and it attracts many tourists who want to see its beauty and craftsmanship.
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History of Sheesh Mahal in Jaipur
Sheesh Mahal was built in the early 16th century, with construction starting under Maharaja Man Singh. The work was completed in 1727 AD, which was also the year Jaipur City was founded.
The reason for building this unique glass palace ties to an interesting royal anecdote. The queen at the time loved sleeping under the stars but was not allowed to sleep outdoors. So the king asked his architects to design a palace where the queen could enjoy the feeling of sleeping under the stars!
The innovative solution was to cover the walls and ceilings of Sheesh Mahal Jaipur with thousands of tiny mirrors. Just a ray of light entering the hall would get reflected manifold, recreating the magical ambiance of a moonlit, starry night.
Architecture of Sheesh Mahal Jaipur
The breathtaking architecture of Sheesh Mahal Jaipur showcases a blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The walls of this mirrored palace are embellished with intricate Belgian glasswork in a spellbinding display.
Thousands of tiny hand-cut mirrors in unique convex shapes cover the walls and ceilings. These are arranged in splendid patterns and adorned with colored foil and paint. When illuminated, even the tiniest ray of light gets magnified manifold across these mirrors. It creates a dazzling ambiance where thousands of flickering reflections dance around you.
The most mesmerizing aspect is that just a single candle can light up the entire hall. The creative placement of mirrors gives the illusion of sitting under a clear starry sky at night. This transportive quality aptly justifies the name ‘Sheesh Mahal’ or Mirror Palace.
Adding to the allure are the exquisite mosaic tile patterns, hand-painted paintings, and lavish use of precious stones. The pillars are also intricately carved, with one featuring a uniquely designed flower motif that reflects different colors when viewed from different angles.
From the wall designs to the ceiling details, every inch of Sheesh Mahal Jaipur reflects the remarkable artistry and aesthetics of the era. The fusion of Rajput-Mughal elements transformed an otherwise standard palace into an unforgettable work of art.
When lit up during the night, the thousands of flickering reflections come alive and leave a lasting impression. The clever architecture, opulent decor, and play of lighting make This palace a true testament to the regal history of Amber Fort.
Where is Sheesh Mahal in Jaipur?
Sheesh Mahal Jaipur is located inside the Amer Fort premises, around 11 km from Jaipur city. After entering through the main Suraj Pol gateway, walk straight to Jalebi Chowk and onwards to the Diwan-e-Aam courtyard.
From here, climb up the fort levels to the third floor where you will find Jai Mandir, under which lies the exquisite Sheesh Mahal. It is easy to find with a guide or an audio tour.
Address: Amer Fort, Amer Road, Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur
Sheesh Mahal Jaipur Entry Fee
| Indians (INR) | Foreign Tourists (INR) | |
| Entry Fee | 10 | 50 |
| Photography | 50 | 70 |
| Videography | 100 | 100 |
Sheesh Mahal’s entry fee is included in the overall ticket of Amer Fort. For Indians, it is Rs 10 per person while foreign tourists pay Rs 50 per head.
Photography inside Sheesh Mahal Jaipur costs Rs 50 for Indians and Rs 70 for foreigners. Videography charges are Rs 100 for both. Remember, these prices might change, so check before you go.
Sheesh Mahal Jaipur Timing
The Sheesh Mahal timings are from 9.30 AM to 4.30 PM every day. It takes around 1.5 – 2 hours to explore Amer Fort, including Sheesh Mahal.
Top Tips for Visiting Sheesh Mahal Jaipur
Here are some useful tips to make the most of your visit to Sheesh Mahal in Jaipur:
- Hire an authorized guide to learn about the history and architecture as you walk through the palace.
- Visit in the daytime when there is natural light to see the mirror work sparkle.
- Carry a torch to highlight the mirror work on ceilings when it gets darker.
- Dress modestly as it is part of an ancient Indian monument.
- Be careful of the dark stairs as you climb up and down.
- Do not touch or try to dislodge any mirror work in the palace.
- Photography is allowed at a fee, so carry your camera to capture the unique beauty.
- Don’t forget to catch the stunning light and sound show in the evenings at Amer Fort.
With its stunning mirror work and clever architecture, the Sheesh Mahal Jaipur lives up to its billing as one of the most beautiful attractions that Jaipur has to offer. Use this article as a guide to plan your visit to the majestic Mirror Palace at Amer when in the Pink City.