The Sheesh Mahal, or “Palace of Mirrors,” is the most spectacular feature of the Amer Fort (Amber Fort), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 16th century by Maharaja Man Singh and completed in 1727, this architectural masterpiece is world-renowned for its intricate glass-inlay work. Using convex mirrors imported from Belgium, the palace was designed so that a single candle flame could illuminate the entire hall, mimicking a star-filled sky.
🕒 Visitor Information: Entry Fee & Timings (2026)
Since Sheesh Mahal is located inside the Amer Fort complex, your entry is typically covered under the composite or general fort ticket.
| Category | Entry Fee (Approx.) |
| Indian Nationals | ₹100 |
| Foreign Tourists | ₹500 |
| Students (Indian/Foreign) | Discounts available with valid ID |
Timings: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily)
Location: Within Jai Mandir, 3rd Level, Amer Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302028.
Phone: +91 91701 37485
🏛️ The Magic of History & Architecture
1. A Celestial Request
According to legend, the Sheesh Mahal was built because the Queen was not permitted to sleep under the open sky. However, she wished to see the stars while resting. The Maharaja’s architects solved this by embedding thousands of tiny mirrors in the ceiling. When a candle is lit, the reflection transforms the light into a “million stars,” creating a celestial atmosphere while keeping the room warm.
2. Belgian Craftsmanship & Persian Design
The mirrors used in the palace were specifically sourced from Belgium for their superior clarity. The design is a sophisticated blend of Rajput and Persian (Mughal) styles, featuring floral murals and geometric patterns that are as vibrant today as they were centuries ago.
3. The “Magic Flower” Panel
One of the most intriguing features is a carved marble panel at the base of one of the pillars. Depending on how you cover parts of the flower with your hands, you can see seven different shapes: a fishtail, a lotus, a hooded cobra, an elephant trunk, a lion’s tail, a cob of corn, and a scorpion.
✨ Top Things to Do at Sheesh Mahal
Witness the “Star” Effect: Though you can no longer step inside the hall to protect the fragile glass, guides often use a small flashlight to show you how the reflections dance across the ceiling.
Photography: This is the ultimate spot for architectural photography. The symmetry of the Ganesh Pol and the shimmering mirrors provide a perfect backdrop.
Amer Fort Light & Sound Show: Stay for the evening show to hear the narrated history of the Sheesh Mahal and the Rajput warriors.
Ganesh Pol: Ensure you admire the entrance to the hall, known as Ganesh Pol, which features exquisite vegetable-dye paintings.
🚗 How to Reach Sheesh Mahal
From Jaipur Airport (22 km): A 45-minute drive via private cab.
From Jaipur Railway Station (10 km): Best reached by auto-rickshaw or taxi.
Inside the Fort: After entering through the Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) or Chand Pol (Moon Gate), head to Jaleb Chowk. Cross the Diwan-e-Aam and proceed to the third floor (Jai Mandir) to find the Sheesh Mahal.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Season: November to February is the most comfortable for exploring the sprawling fort.
Time of Day: Arrive either early in the morning (7:30 AM) to avoid the tourist crowds or during the “Golden Hour” before sunset when the mirrors capture the fading sunlight beautifully.
💡 Essential Traveler Tips
Hire a Guide: To truly appreciate the “Magic Flower” and the science of the mirror reflections, a certified guide is highly recommended.
Elephant Ride vs. Jeep: You can reach the palace via a traditional elephant ride or a 4×4 Jeep. We recommend the Jeep or a scenic walk for better flexibility.
Composite Tickets: If you plan on visiting Hawa Mahal or Jantar Mantar, buy the Jaipur Composite Ticket at the Amer Fort entrance to save on fees.
This “Forts & Fire-Skies” route is the ultimate way to experience the transition from Jaipur’s royal history to its modern skyline. By connecting Amer Fort and Nahargarh Fort, you witness the two most iconic viewpoints in the Aravalli range.
🕒 The Sunset Heritage Route: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Stop 1: Sheesh Mahal & Amer Fort
The Goal: Explore the “Mirror Palace” during the late afternoon. As the sun starts to dip, the light enters the Jai Mandir at an angle that makes the mirror-work sparkle without the harsh glare of midday.
Must-Do: Take a photo through the scalloped arches of the Sukh Niwas looking out toward the Maota Lake.
5:00 PM – 5:45 PM | The Scenic Ridge Drive
The Route: Head out of Amer toward the Nahargarh Biological Park road. This is a winding, 10 km uphill drive that offers stunning views of the valley.
Pro-Tip: Keep your camera ready for the “Nahargarh Curve,” where you can see the defensive walls of the fort snaking across the mountain like the Great Wall of China.
5:45 PM – 7:00 PM | Stop 2: Nahargarh Fort (The Sunset Point)
The Experience: Arrive at the Padao Open Air Restaurant or the Sunset Point near the Stepwell (Baori) where the movie Rang De Basanti was filmed.
The View: You will watch the sun sink behind the pink city, turning the white buildings of Jaipur into a sea of gold and orange.
Historical Note: Visit Madhavendra Bhawan, the palace within the fort, which features nine identical suites for the king’s nine queens.
7:15 PM – 8:00 PM | Stop 3: Night View & Dinner
The Atmosphere: Once the sun sets, the city lights of Jaipur begin to twinkle like a carpet of diamonds below you.
Dinner Option: Once Upon a Time at Bagh, located within the Nahargarh complex, offers a royal dining experience with a view of the illuminated fort walls.
📋 Route Logistics for 2026
| Feature | Details |
| Transport | Private Taxi is mandatory. Autos struggle with the steep Nahargarh climb, and there is no public bus to the top. |
| Total Entry Fees | Approx. ₹300 (Indians) / ₹1,200 (Foreigners) for both forts combined. |
| Best For | Couples, photographers, and groups of friends. |
| Nahargarh Tip | The fort closes at 5:30 PM, but the Sunset Point and Padao Restaurant stay open until 10:00 PM. |
💡 2026 Photography “Pro-Move”
If you have a tripod, set it up at the Nahargarh Stepwell just after sunset. The combination of the ancient stone steps and the deep blue twilight sky creates a hauntingly beautiful architectural shot.
