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Sheesh Mahal – Romance of the Palace of Mirrors in Jaipur
The King was inside the Sheesh Mahal or the Palace of Mirrors. It was an enchanting night and outside the stars twinkled in the cloudless night. The palace was lit with earthen lamps that flickered gently in the air as their feeble flames transformed into brilliant light as the intricate mirror work that adorned the roof and the walls reflected their light. The atmosphere inside the palace matched the magical night outside. The King was with his favorite queen and they were immersed in a deeply romantic and personal moment.
It was then that the beat of drums from afar broke the magical spell. The King instantly stood up alert and shouted orders to his bodyguards who stood discreetly outside his chambers. In a matter of minutes, the tranquility of the palace was shattered with the cry of soldiers ready to ward off the sudden attack from an enemy. An enemy had been spotted from one of the observation posts on the fortress wall that surrounded the Palace and ran for miles. An elaborate system of communication through a relay of drumbeats from the observation towers that interspersed the wall ensured that the Palace was forewarned of the impending enemy attack in the dead of the night.
“And down here is the Magic Flower”, the voice of the guide broke through the layers of fertile imagination that seemed to have taken over my mind.
We were in Amer Fort, one of the UNESCO world heritage sites and the most romantic Palaces of Rajasthan which has been home for 28 kings. Amer Fort is also known as Amber fort and within its folds that spans an area of 4 Square Kilometres lies the small town of Amer. The place is located about 11 Kilometres from Jaipur, the Capital city of Rajasthan, India. Sheesh Mahal at Amer Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan is one of the most beautiful palaces in Rajasthan. It is a magnificent piece of architecture with beautiful paintings and carvings embedded with colorful stones and mirrors.
To rewind a little bit we were in Rajasthan to revel in its forts, palaces, folklore and dance, cuisine and of course the desert sands. We hoped to cover the cities of Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Pushkar, Ajmer and Udaipur in the course of our 10 day Rajasthan odyssey. The first leg of our rendezvous with Rajasthan had started with Jaipur, and of course, we proposed to end it with Jaipur too. Rajasthan is probably one of India’s most popular destinations and there are is no dearth of Rajasthan Tour Packages which will get you to the must-see places, but this time we were exploring the desert state on our own.
We moved towards Amer fort after having checked into our hotel.
So having set things straight, we joined ranks with hundreds of tourists on their way to visit Amer Fort. We had no qualms about appearing ‘touristy’, as you cannot afford to miss the chance of seeing the amazing Amer Fort and Palace, when in Jaipur.
What is the Amer Fort
Amer Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site and probably the most romantic Palaces of Rajasthan. Amer Fort is also known as Amber fort and within its fold that spans an area of 4 Square Kilometres lies the small town of Amer. The place is located about 11 Kilometres from Jaipur, the Capital city of Rajasthan, India. The Palace ensconced by the fort is a stunning example of the opulence and royal tastes of the Rajput kings of Rajasthan. The palace is constructed using marble and red sandstone and is a virtual poem in stone that tells a story of a glorious past. The palace consists of four levels and each one of them has a courtyard.
The main segments of the Palace are a hall for public gatherings, which is known as Diwan-i-Aam, a hall where the king used to entertain close associates and this is known as Diwan-i-Khas.
Two other structures separated by a well laid out Mughal styled garden are the Sheesh Mahal, also known as Jai Mandir and the Sukh Niwas or Sukh Mahal. It is indeed fascinating to note that an ingenious system of cooling was used to keep the Sukh Niwas cool and protect the royal inmates from the scorching heat of the desert. Obviously, the royalty of Jaipur enjoyed the comforts of air-conditioning much before the world even thought about it!
The Sheesh Mahal or Palace of Mirrors
This is a beautiful building which was built by the King Man Singh during the 16th Century. It is a mosaic of dazzling glass and mirrors that are inlaid into the walls as well as the roof. Clever use of coloured foil with paint and convex lens has given shape to a dazzling structure that is truly stunning. If one were to travel back in time and be able to see the Sheesh Mahal as it must have looked in the 16th century, it would indeed be a heavenly sight as the mirror work and flickering candles create a kaleidoscopic effect.
Coming back to the present, it is really sad to note that the exquisite artwork in the Sheesh Mahal has not withstood the ravages of time and has deteriorated and must be a shadow of its past glory. However, the authorities have been working on restoration to ensure that the palace is at least partially restored to its original grandeur. Within the Sheesh Mahal, the walls are embellished with relief panels beautifully carved in marble.
Back to the Magic Flower at Sheesh Mahal
“And down here is the Magic Flower”, the voice of the guide broke through the layers of fertile imagination that seemed to have taken over my mind.
This was the point where we were awakened from our dreams of the Sheesh Mahal of the 16th century.
A small panel at the base of one of the marble pillars that grace the Sheesh Mahal is unique and a special attraction of this building. At first sight, the panel looks like a carving of two butterflies. However, it was not as simple as it looked. Our guide covered different portions of the carving with his hand, and lo and behold! the carving seemed to assume different avatars. One dexterous shift of the hands and we were staring at a fishtail, which quickly changed to a lotus flower and as quickly transformed into a sinister hooded cobra. One more swish of the hands and we looked at an elephant’s trunk which changed to a Lion’s tail in no time, the lion’s tail turned into a cob of corn which finally changed into a deadly scorpion waiting to sting an unsuspecting passer-by!
This is really magic we thought as we looked at the innocuous-looking magic flower.
How To Get To Jaipur
- Jaipur is located in the western Indian state of Rajasthan
- Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan
- It is at a distance of about 273 kilometers from the city of Delhi
- Jaipur airport is well connected to many other important airports in India
If you are planning a trip to Jaipur in Rajasthan, India then you can book a cheap flight through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here. You can fly to Jaipur. Some of the options to reach Jaipur could be by self-drive car or cab or bus.
Where To Stay In Jaipur
Hotels are aplenty to suit every budget in Jaipur, the hotels range from palaces converted into hotels to budget and mid-range hotels. The big-name hotels like Ramada and Four Points By Sheraton also have their presence in the city.
Are you planning a trip to Jaipur? You can book hotels or resorts in Jaipur right here!
If you are looking to book a hotel or resort in Jaipur or anywhere in Rajasthan or India or the world, you can do that here online. One can book hotels through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline and save a lot by getting the best savings on booking your stay.
| Click to book the best hotels/resorts in Jaipur |
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Where to eat
There are many restaurants in and around Amer Fort. Click here to find out about some of the best places to dine.
| Order food online: Faasos, Firangi Bake, Pizza Hut, Swiggy, Oven Story, Dominos |
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Planning Jaipur one day tour – Best things to do in Jaipur
Jaipur’s points of interest and attractions are many and if you are trying to decide on what to see in Jaipur or what to do in Jaipur, then look no further. Jaipur package tours are available for the most recommended Jaipur tours. You can now book tours in Jaipur as well as activities in Jaipur.
| Click here to know more and book Best Attractions and Activities in Jaipur |
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Tips for a great experience in Amer Fort
- The Amer Fort is open from 8 AM to 6 PM, make sure to go there early and preferably on weekdays to avoid crowds and really enjoy the experience of seeing this beautiful fort in detail
- The best time to visit Amer Fort is between October to March when the weather is cool
- Enjoy the sound and light show at the Amer Fort. Click here to check out the timings
The treasures of the Amer fort are innumerable. As you walk on the cobbled stone paths, every turn, every nook, and corner unveil a gem of artistry and innovation. Do join us as we saunter through the Amer Fort lost in time and bewitched by the beauty of the fort and its treasures on our voyage of discovery in our upcoming posts.
We hope you found our post on Sheesh Mahal at Amer Fort, Jaipur useful. Have you been to Jaipur? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
You may want to read the following posts:
15 Things to do in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Top 10 Things To Do in Udaipur in 48 hours
Udaipur City, Rajasthan
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Wow, it is stunning! I love all the intricate colors and designs! #feetdotravel
What a beautiful location!! This looks like a place that I need to visit.
I’ve never been to Jaipur before and I’d love to see this palace in person. The details are simply amazing and it’s going to be quite an experience for sure!
Wonderful peek into the history and the grandeur of India. Do take your time to revel in the beauty of the place which was once upon a time accessible only to the king.
The palace is stunning to say the least. It’s a trip that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience!
very stunning place! im veyr interested to visit this place someday! it looks so nice!
I think it’s great that you weren’t worried about appearing ‘touristy’ – some things are touristy for a reason! And the beautiful buildings here clearly show that! It’s a shame that the artwork has deteriorated but just imagine what it would have looked like back then!
The palace looks amazing. The carvings on the walls are so detailed. A real Indian Gem.
The intricate detail in the design is unreal and it’s probably even better in person! I think this will be my next to-go place in Asia. I’d love to visit India.
It’s great to see well-preserved historical sites like these. The Magic Flower is a remarkable piece of art!
I don’t know how I missed this when I was in Jaipur! It’s so gorgeous and I love the background story. I really want to get back to India so this is just another reason for me to return.
Beautiful photos! The architecture is amazing… I feel like this is somewhere that I would want to go and spend hours looking up at the ceilings. My neck is stiff just thinking about it!
Oh gosh the architecture looks breathaking! I love all the decorations, intricate and yet so precise. The Sheesh Mahal has just ben added to my bucket list!
Jaipur has been on my list for so long and I’m so bummed I missed it last time I was in India. Such intricate beauty everywhere!!
The palace of mirrors was one of my favourite sights in India. Pictures can’t really grasp the beauty of it, but the story about the king and queen really highlights the romance of this place. I wish I had known the little details while I was there – like the shifting butterflies!
That is awesome that they are working on restoration. I hope that it goes wonderfully well for them!
These are all such beautiful places. I would love to visit all of them. I really enjoy seeing ancient buildings and hearing about their interesting history.
It seems that it was nothing less than a magical experience. I hope to visit one day.
I can see why! That place looks just amazing. The architecture is so beautiful! I want to visit.
Oh wow, gorgeous! I’d love to be here. Your photos are wonderful.
a trip to india is already in the pipe for plannings for me so definitely this will be among the destinations for me when that time comes, magical experience this is. amazing.
Jaipur is indeed a beautiful place. The architecture looks so intricate and cultural. When I visited Taj Mahl, I was totally impressed. I’m sure I will need to visit Jaipur too!
Jaipur Palace is gorgeous. I would love to go someday. I’ve only seen a little of Jaipur through the train window; we didn’t stop. Next time we will.
Love the magic flower! Is it possible to visit the place without a tour guide? 🙂
Nina – The tour guides are available at Amer Fort. It is up to you to engage their services. But it is best to have the audio guide. 🙂
I totally agree. Jaipur is my favourite city and the Palace of Mirrors is simply jaw dropping. I do love the history and mystery of Rajasthan and never tire of visiting. I think I need to get back there soon.
Their architecture looks so gorgeous. I’d love to visit one day to see for myself. Looks like you had a great time.
Amer Fort is a real architectural gem, and I would suggest it to anyone besotted with history like me. The intricacy of carvings and the stucco work really stand out.
I loved Amber fort so much that I felt that I had more time to spent as I had scheduled this just before leaving Jaipur. Sheesh Mahal was my favourite part obviously! I can understand your imagination! I can happily be a tourist here!
The pictures are so gorgeous! Definitely a place to add to my Travel bucket list!
What a stunning place–I can certainly see why you chose to feature this.
Wow that looks like an amazing place!
Woah this looks like a really interesting place to visit! I haven’ theard of it before but I just love the architecture already and would definitely want to check it out in person! Adding this to my bucket list!
That place looks beautiful! I’ve never been to the middle east but it looks worth the trip.
I’ve heard a lot about the Palaces of Rajasthan, and how incredible the whole region is, though hadn’t heard of Amer Fort. I would love to visit – it’s funny, I’m currently watching a TV series about Louis the 14th, King of France who commissioned the palace of Versailles, and he also commissioned a huge hall of mirrors, it’s funny how even though from different times and different cultures, side of the world, the royal mind thinks alike!
These pictures are absolutely stunning and your post is so informative, thank you for sharing such a beautiful trip with us!
Sounds absolutely magical!
Such grandeur! The palace is jaw dropping in its beauty. It is sad though that there are places in it that needs restoration. Hopefully, it gets to be brought back to its old world splendor!
I remember visiting Jaipur in 2011. It was such a fairy tale town. I loved the Amber fort. Thanks for reminding me of a great vacation.
Such a beautiful post Sandy! Personally I can never have enough of Rajasthan, especially Jaipur and the Sheesh Mahal there. I really enjoy visiting the city over and over again 🙂
Wow, this is gorgeous! It’s awesome that they are working on restoring it – it must have really been a site back in the 16th century if it’s this beautiful now!
Sandy, I have always wanted to see Seesh Mahal but always missed due to some word plans in Rajasthan. You have described the story so beautiful that this time for sure I will visit. 😍Beautiful pictures BTW..
What a beautiful and intricate palace. I love all the details on the ceiling too! I don’t blame you for falling in love!
Made me want to go to India! All these small details&decorations of the Palace of Mirrors look so magical! And if you wouldn´t mention the Magic Flower´s secret – I´d never realize it could be more than it looks! #feetdotravel
Beautiful is not enough to describe this place! The walls and the ceiling are stunning. I wish to visit the palace of mirrors too!
All of these suggestions sound wonderful. I love how beautiful all the architecture is. Palace of Mirrors sounds so unique and I agree that it probably was even more amazing when it was new. I can only imagine the kaleidoscope effect it must have emulated.
Yes, been there, done that! 🙂
You have described it so well that I want to go there again! Yet to write about it though it’s more than 3 months now.
We liked the intricate detail in design. Loved the mirror work. It’s interesting to see how people try to capture themselves in those mirrors. 🙂
Wow, it sounds amazing there! I’m so intrigued by the panel that you mentioned at the base of the pillar which changes forms. Definitely have to see this!
Wow, haven’t heard of this place yet. Need to check it out when we’re in India later this year.
I’ve never been to Jaipur though a very close friend traveled there a few weeks back. She gave me a lot of glowing recommendations about it. I haven’t seen her photographs but yours definitely talk about the charm that the city has.
Wow the palaces are beautiful and what a great peek into history.
Wow, Amer Fort is stunning! I really can’t imagine how much time this must have taken to design and build. I can imagine how amazing it must have been when it was first built!
Gorgeous, I’ll need to remember this spot when I hopefully make it to India one day!
Wow! If the palace is this stunning now, I can’t imagine its grandeur when it was first being used. I loved the storytelling at the beginning. It really set the mood!
I’ve always been fascinated by India and hope to make it there soon! I’d never heard of Amer Fort before but wow is it gorgeous!
The details in the forts in Rajasthan are just incredible! I’m disappointed now that we didn’t make it to Amer Fort when we were there. It looks amazing! Great to hear that restoration and preservation is a priority there.
Nicely described and stunning images mate! Amer fort is best architectural site i have ever seen, especially sheesh mahal. It is most beautiful and incredible piece of art. Gone were the days when people can see sheesh mahal from inside. Now it is restricted.
I went here years ago and loved it. Your post took me right back there and to the experience. The only regret I had was not being able to stay there longer to explore. I love the detail and you are so right, wouldn’t it be great to travel back in time and be able to see it in its full glory.
This is definitely going on the list of must-dos when I finally get to India. Such beauty in the architecture and design. Love it!
I can’t even edit express as how much I am in love with Rajasthan. Amer Fort was one of those early monuments that I experienced years back. I simply loved the way you have started this article. Can’t Wait to go back.
Wow this does look like an interesting spot to explore, especially the Palace of Mirrors. I would love tons see that! Those intricate details in your photos look incredible too!
There is so much history in this place. I like the intricate details of Amer Fort like the flowers. This place looks prestigious and beautiful. The entrance fee might be expensive but I’d still want to visit this someday.
Wow, what an incredible place! The detail is just mind blowing. Thanks for putting Jaipur on my radar. Happy travels 🙂
Such a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site to visit. My favorite was the Magic flower. Great history and stunning photos. I would love to visit here one day. I pinned this for later and thanks for sharing 🙂 #feetdotravel
See, this is why I have reluctantly decided to park Rajasthan for a different trip rather than include it in my upcoming Nepal/India trip. I’ve decided to be realistic and think that Rajasthan alone needs enough time to appreciate! I can’t just tack it onto the back of Uttar Pradesh… And when I go, I will probably go as a tourist – rather than a traveller. Not something I say often, but for some places, that’s quite appropriate. 🙂
I’m not usually much for palace tours, but this one sounds like it was really interesting. A talented guide can really make a big difference.
I am always a big fan of yours. How you channel your thoughts towards your photos are really deep and how you write is very detailed that it makes me wanted to pack my stuff and wanted to join you when you amble around. Anyway, the place is really romantic and I like how you included all the necessary information about the past history of the place which makes it more interesting. I’ll surely bear this in mind and Hopefully, I could visit here as well if I get the chance. Thank you so much for sharing!
What great timing! I’m heading to Jaipur in 10 days time and have been looking for things to do. I’ve seen a fair bit about Amer fort, but the palace of mirrors looks stunning. Hopefully, I get the chance to check it out.
I can only imagine what the Palace of Mirrors must have looked like back in its glory days. It’s nice to know that the palace is being restored. It’s so beautiful and I would love to visit.
That Palace of Mirrors sounds AMAZING. Oh how I would love to get there to see it myself someday 🙂
The Palace of Mirrors is so amazing. All of the details were really though out. I hope that I’m able to visit here someday. It’s absolutely gorgeous.
I was really taken with the story of the magic flower and how every time your guide moved his hands, it became something different. When you were telling the story about the kings in the beginning I was also entranced and imagining a peaceful palace turning into a war zone. I hope the government restores the paintings and carvings soon!
I had know idea of the place Amer Fort, and it’s aUNESCO world heritage site! Home to 28 Kings is unbelievable! Your blog makes me want to get to India!
Kristie – you.theworld.wandering
Wow what an absolutely stunning looking place, the amount of detailed work that has gone into it is just breathtaking even in photos.
I can totally see why you were bowled over! How gorgeous is this?! I would love to go there that is some stunning, stunning scenery.
I’m bowled over myself! I’m a photographer and I live to take cool mirror shots. I’d be in seventh heaven there! I’ve never left North America and lately I’ve been dreaming about India, because that’s where my BF is from.
This sounds like such an amazing trip and I would so love to visit the Palace of Mirrors some day. I love your descriptions of the sights you seen and the history you told. You did a great job on this post. Thanks for sharing your wonderful experiences visiting these places.
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Oh my gosh! Everything looks so beautiful! I would love to visit this place and see that old architecture. I am loving it. What an experience to have.
The Palace of Mirrors looks like a beautiful place to visit! The architecture is just amazing!
I always get swept away by the beauty of historical places like this. I want to see the magic flower in person one day.
Wow! This is something that I should really add to my wish list. I’ve never been to India. Great post!
It looks like an interesting and scenic place to visit. Despite parts not holding up well over the years it is still lovely.
Wow the architecture is crazy in the Palace of Mirrors!!! The place is absolutely gorgeous. I really wish to see this place in person myself sometimes!
wow this is truly an amzing place,your pictures are very beautiful
This place looks like such a romantic place to visit. I would love to go there with my husband someday.
That looks like such an amazing place to visit! I love all the little architectural details – even the little things are so beautiful!
I am absolutely stunned! It’s beautiful out there and it would be nice to see the Palaces in person. Jaipur is definitely a destination worth going to.
The palace is stunning! Seeing all these in person must have been a surreal experience. 🙂
I haven’t been to Sheesh Mahal yet, but I’ve read so much about it! Yeah, its mind blowing how their constructions were innately cool without any air conditioning. The intricacy and detailing is just wow!
I have learned so much about India through your blog. These places are stunningly beautiful! I hope to see them all in person someday.
Looks like such an incredible place – Amer Fort looks magical and like a great place to spend a few hours. Love your photo with the birds in the air – really brings out something special in the scene!
As stunning as this Palace of Mirrors is now, it must have been breathtaking during its glory days. I wish I could see it in person!
Wow! incredible palace and fort. I can only imagine what it was like in person. Thank you for sharing the photos and the experience.
What a beautiful place! The architecture especially looks amazing here. Thanks for sharing!
The architecture and design and color combination and just everything about this place is impeccable! Such incredible work and I am sure it is a thousand times better in person especially Amer Fort.
You’ve practically teleported me from Nairobi To Jaipur. You have a special way with words and how you’ve decorated the post with words is enviable. Another destination added to the bucket list thanks to you!
Oh wow this place looks amazing. What fabulous photos. I really want to go to Rajasthan on my next visit to India
Oh my goodness what an absolutely stunning place! I love everything about the architecture and design–the details are so intricate! Definitely adding this to my bucket list.
Truly a magical and unique place. Surrounded by beauty in and outside. I always learn so much from your posts about this big country! I love that they pointed out to you the different takes on the panel from the marbled pillar, how cool is that? This would be one place I would love to explore.
Amer Fort looks like a must visit when in Jaipur. It looks just stunning. I haven’t been in this part of the world yet, so it’s something to add my future travel plans. Thanks for sharing.
I have read a few posts on Amer Fort by now. It seems like a must see while in Jaipur. The Palace of Mirrors would for sure be a place of interest for myself. Great post!
The window screen made of ornate flower reliefs took my breath away. Stunning architecture! And so true that some civilizations thought of many things we think of as innovations of today, the central cooling system is a unique fact!
I’m loving the architectural design, the intricate carvings, the grand pillars of the Palace of Mirrors. Though we can only imagine how it looks like in its glory days, I’m glad that at least the local authorities are doing something to help restore and preserve this building. I would definitely love to go to Amer and walk through the halls of the palace myself.
I love the way that you explain the history of this place. It’s like I can really feel what it’s like to be there, and what it must have been like at the height of its important as a home for kings. Thanks for sharing!
Have been there twice but still can’t get tired of the fort. The views around, the magnificent built up, and of course the one of it’s kind sheesh mahal – there is so much to see and admire in Amer fort. One could easily spend a whole day here.
Wow! You describe it all so beautifully that I almost didn’t need the pictures! (Which are beautiful too!) I would love to go back to India and Jaipur is high up on my list of places I want to go!
Jaipur really makes one feel like a royalty. Even the interiors of most hotels are palace-themed. Glad to know that you enjoyed it, Amer!
Can’t believe we haven’t been to Amer fort yet. Definitely will visit soon. Love the way you have captured the details. We have had bad experiences with forts in Rajasthan on the weekends due to the crowds. Thanks for the tips. Will keep them in mind.
That magic flower is fascinating alright. I remember it being a major point of argument between my hubby and me where he being practical said that it was not by design and I being the romantic said, of course it was. We would never know right? Fact remains – it is fascinating!
I have been to Jaipur several times but my thirst for this place has still not been quenched. I feel still there is so much left to be explored. Amer Fort is awesome and the detailings, carvings here are so intricate.
What an amazing place – I’m not surprised the stunning surroundings brought on a fantasy of times gone by! And you can’t help wondering – if this is what it looks like now, how much more spectacular would it have looked in its heyday?!
What a gorgeous destination in Jaipur – I’ve never even heard of it! Great tips to go early on a weekday – I’ll remember that. I love to avoid crowds. Even though the artwork has deteriorated over time, it still looks spectacular and can be appreciated.