Sheesh Mahal, the sparkling jewel of Delhi’s Mughal architecture, has finally opened its doors to the public after a staggering 370 years! Nestled inside the serene Shalimar Bagh, this magnificent palace is ready to welcome visitors daily from 11 AM to 7 PM.

Historical Significance of Sheesh Mahal

Built during the Mughal era, Sheesh Mahal (meaning “Palace of Mirrors”) is renowned for its intricate mirror work and majestic design. It was originally constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a private retreat.

Why It Was Closed for 370 Years

For centuries, Sheesh Mahal remained off-limits due to preservation concerns and the changing political landscapes. Its delicate mirror work and fragile interiors required careful restoration before being deemed safe for public entry.

Current Opening Details & Timings

After years of restoration and conservation efforts, the palace is now open from 11 AM to 7 PM. Visitors can marvel at the gleaming glasswork, Mughal arches, and lush garden surroundings.

What to Expect During Your Visit

• Breathtaking mirror mosaic walls and ceilings
• Intricately carved floral motifs and marble inlays
• A serene ambiance perfect for photography and historical exploration

How to Reach Shalimar Bagh

Shalimar Bagh is located in North Delhi and is easily accessible by metro, bus, or private transport. The nearest metro station is Shalimar Bagh Metro Station on the Pink Line.

Nearby Attractions to Explore

• Mughal Garden
• Roshanara Bagh
• Red Fort
• Jama Masjid

Tips for Visitors

• Visit early to avoid crowds
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking
• Photography is allowed but be respectful of delicate structures
• Carry water and sun protection

Project Overview

• Area & Scale: Haryana is planning to develop a 10,000-acre jungle safari park in the Aravalli range spanning Gurugram and Nuh districts—making it the largest safari park globally
• Planning & Partnerships: The project is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and the Haryana government, with central funding

Attractions & Features

Visitors can expect these world-class experiences:

• Multi-zone safari featuring big cats (lions, tigers, cheetahs), herbivores, exotic animals, reptiles/amphibians (herpetarium), and birds (aviary)
• Specialty zones including an underwater world, botanical gardens, and themed biomes—equatorial, tropical, coastal, desert, etc.
• Nature trails, visitor amenities, and tourism zones modeled on global best standards

Expertise & Design

• Officials visited Sharjah Safari—currently the largest outside Africa (~2,000 acres)—to study its operations
• Two international firms have been shortlisted via global Expression of Interest and will compete in an international design competition
• An Aravalli Foundation will be established to oversee operations and management of the park

Goals & Impact

• Eco‑tourism boost: Expected to attract large visitor footfall from Delhi‑NCR and beyond
• Local employment: Opportunities for hospitality, guiding, conservation jobs, and homestays in nearby villages
• Conservation: Protecting Aravalli biodiversity with 180 bird species, 15 mammals, 29 reptiles/aquatic species, and 57 butterfly species

Environmental Concerns

• A revised plan scaled the initial 10,000 acres to a 2,500–3,000-acre first phase to address ecological concerns and safeguard dense forest patches

• No lockers or storage facilities: Security staff refuse entry with personal items, but no lockers are available. Families are forced to leave one member outside to guard belongings

Why These Restrictions?

• Officials cite concerns over littering and damage to the new grass, lighting, and park infrastructure. Shared blankets and food were reportedly causing significant wear and tear .
• These steps follow the Central Vista Avenue redevelopment, aiming to preserve the grounds and enhance security

Visitor Reactions

Many Delhiites and tourists have expressed disappointment:
We came here with my friends and family…and there’s no locker facility. What are we supposed to do I returned to India Gate today after five years…I was enjoying ice‑cream…The police guys now don’t let families sit in the parks and have meals

From Reddit users: India gate has become un‑visitable…Its lawns were used to be nice place to picnic when I was kid. Now it is just another tourist destination

Impact on the Experience

• Families can no longer picnic or spend relaxed evenings on the lawns.
• Street food culture has diminished—vendors were previously common and beloved for snacks around the monument
• Pet owners and cyclists are upset; even small pets are barred from entry

What’s Still Allowed?

• Visitors can walk along the grounds, enjoy the architecture, take photos, and use benches under strict conditions.
• Designated vending zones exist along Central Vista for approved vendors and ice-cream stalls—though none on the lawns themselves
• Heightened security measures include CCTV monitoring and patrols

Outlook

Currently, no timeline has been announced for lifting the restrictions. Authorities seem to be prioritizing:

1. Preserving landscaping and park infrastructure
2. Maintaining high security around a high-profile site
3. Controlling crowd behavior and minimizing littering

However, many argue that without storage solutions or alternatives, the restrictions unfairly penalize families and casual visitors.