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

Arunachal Pradesh’s white-water rafting scene, particularly on the Siang and Brahmaputra rivers, has earned global acclaim recently. Adventure travel guides and international publications have heralded the region as a world-class destination for adrenaline junkies and eco-tourists

International Highlights

• Adventure operator Aquaterra featured Arunachal at the top of its “most sought-after adventure states in India 2025”, highlighting rafting on the Siang as a key attraction .
• The state also clinched the “Leader in Offbeat Mountain Destination” award at the 2025 World Travel & Tourism Festival, with adventure water sports like rafting cited as a major reason

Why It Stands Out

1. Powerful Rapids
   The Siang offers rapids up to Grade IV–V, including intense stretches at Ningging, Palsi, Pulsating Palsi, and Kodak—drawing seasoned rafters globally
2. Historical Expeditions
   • NIMAS-led team successfully completed a 1,040 km full-Brahmaputra expedition, marking the first of its kind and showcasing the region’s rafting potential.
   • Earlier this year, the NIMAS’s 916 km rafting expedition began in Gelling, flagged off by the Chief Minister, further spotlighting the sport’s significance
3. Local Talent Emergence
   The Arunachal team secured three bronze medals in the 17th National Rafting Championship, demonstrating the region’s growing competence

What This Means for Arunachal

• Adventure Tourism Boom: With global recognition, the state is primed for increased inflow of adventure travelers and rafting enthusiasts.
• Economic Impact: Tourism boosts local businesses—from guides, homestays to eco-resorts—helping tribal communities through sustainable models.
• Skill and Safety Standards: National-level events and NIMAS training are enhancing local guide expertise, safety protocols, and international readiness

The Road Ahead

• Infrastructure Investment: Improved river access, better campsites, rescue services, and safety accreditation are underway.
• Monthly Adventure Events: With growing popularity, expect more rafting races, eco-expeditions, and international raft-festivals.
• Sustainability Emphasis: Maintaining ecological balance and cultural authenticity remains central to long-term success.

Quick Summary

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