Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sleep under a canopy of stars, surrounded by glittering mirrors and precious stones? If yes, then you must visit Sheesh Mahal Jaipur, the palace of mirrors that dazzles the senses. Located in the majestic Amer Fort, Sheesh Mahal Jaipur is a stunning example of Rajasthani architecture and culture.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a cultural icon that has been featured in Bollywood movies such as Mughal-e-Azam and Bajirao Mastani. In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, and trivia of Sheesh Mahal Jaipur, the palace of mirrors that dazzles the senses.
History of Sheesh Mahal Jaipur
Sheesh Mahal Jaipur was built by King Man Singh in the 16th century for his queen who loved to see stars at night. The king wanted to fulfill her wish and ordered his architects to create a palace that would reflect the stars in the ceiling. The construction of Sheesh Mahal Jaipur was completed in 1727, the same year that Jaipur state was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.
Sheesh Mahal Jaipur is not only a symbol of love, but also a testament to the artistic and cultural heritage of Rajasthan. It reflects the influence of Mughal and Hindu styles, as well as the craftsmanship and creativity of the local artisans. Sheesh Mahal Jaipur has also been a part of Bollywood history, as it was the backdrop for the iconic song “Jab Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya” from Mughal-e-Azam, featuring the legendary actress Madhubala as Anarkali.
You may also like to read: The enchanting Sheesh Mahal of Amber Fort is unmissable
Architecture of Sheesh Mahal Jaipur
Sheesh Mahal Jaipur is a masterpiece of design and decoration. It is made of thousands of mirrors and precious stones, such as jade, lapis lazuli, emerald, ruby, and pearl. The walls and ceilings are adorned with intricate paintings and carvings depicting flowers, birds, animals, and geometric patterns. The palace has a central dome and several smaller domes around it, creating a symmetrical and harmonious structure.
The most amazing feature of Sheesh Mahal Jaipur is the effect of candlelight on the ceiling. When two candles are lit in the palace, the reflection of their light on the mirrors creates a stunning display of stars. The king used to shift from Sukh Niwas to Sheesh Mahal in winter season, as the ceiling of mirror glass reflection from the candles kept the room warm. The queen used to enjoy the romantic ambiance created by the starry ceiling and the flickering candles.
Trivia of Sheesh Mahal Jaipur
Sheesh Mahal Jaipur is full of interesting facts and stories that add to its charm and mystery. Here are some trivia that you might not know about Sheesh Mahal Jaipur:
It is estimated that more than 2 lakh mirrors were used to decorate Sheesh Mahal Jaipur.
Sheesh Mahal Jaipur is said to be inspired by Versailles Palace in France, which also has a hall of mirrors.
There is a legend that there is a secret passage from Sheesh Mahal Jaipur to another palace in Amer Fort, where the king used to meet his secret lover.
There is a story that a British officer tried to remove a mirror from the ceiling of Sheesh Mahal Jaipur, but he failed and broke his arm.
How to Visit Sheesh Mahal Jaipur
If you are planning to visit Sheesh Mahal Jaipur, here are some useful information that you need to know:
The entry fee for Sheesh Mahal Jaipur is 10 rupees per person for Indians and 50 rupees per person for foreigners. The fee for still camera is 50 rupees for Indians and 70 rupees for foreigners. The fee for video camera is 100 rupees for both Indians and foreigners.
The timings for Sheesh Mahal Jaipur are from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm every day.
The best time to visit Sheesh Mahal Jaipur is during sunrise or sunset, when you can witness the beautiful colors of the sky reflected on the mirrors.
The nearby attractions and places to explore in Amer Fort and Jaipur are Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Sukh Niwas, Ganesh Pol, Jaleb Chowk, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and more.
You may also like to read: 5 Things You Should Not Miss In Amer
Places To Eat Near Sheesh Mahal Jaipur
There are some restaurants near Sheesh Mahal Jaipur that you can try. Here are some of them:
Sheesh Mahal Bar - ITC Rajputana Hotel: This is a classy and elegant bar that offers a variety of drinks and snacks. You can enjoy the live music and the cozy ambiance here. It is located about 8 km from Sheesh Mahal Jaipur.
Sheesh Mahal Restaurant: This is a casual and affordable restaurant that serves Indian cuisine. You can try their thali, biryani, paratha, and lassi here. It is located about 4 km from Sheesh Mahal Jaipur.
Road House Bar and Grill: This is a lively and trendy bar and grill that offers a variety of dishes and drinks. You can enjoy the rooftop view, the live music, and the friendly service here. It is located about 7 km from Sheesh Mahal Jaipur.
You may also love to read: Nakki Lake: A Paradise for Nature Lovers in Mount Abu Rajasthan
Sheesh Mahal Jaipur is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves history, culture, and beauty. It is a palace of mirrors that dazzles the senses and transports you to a world of opulence and artistry. It is a place where you can experience the romance of the stars, the magic of the mirrors, and the legacy of the royals.
If you are looking for a memorable and unique destination for your next trip, book your tickets to Sheesh Mahal Jaipur today!
