Sheesh Mahal: Mirror Palace of Srinagar

Located in Srinagar, one of the prettiest cities of Jammu and Kashmir, the Sheesh Mahal is a place renowned for mirrors done intricately throughout the palace. The Sheesh Mahal stands as an architectural marvel of Srinagar that is adorned with minute glasswork even through the walls of the palace. 

People on their Jammu and Kashmir trip package should take time to visit this testament of artistry and craftsmanship done back in the time. Such places like the Sheesh Mahal show the importance of art back then and also provide an outlook towards the rich history India holds. 

Tourists can book their Jammu and Kashmir trip with the support of Nitsa Holidays which provides Jammu Kashmir holiday packages under a very affordable budget and allows people to personalize their tourist needs accordingly. 

Srinagar itself being the jewel of Kashmir, the Sheesh Mahal does add up to its beauty and is a must-visit place for people while exploring the areas around the city during one’s Jammu and Kashmir trip.

History of the Sheesh Mahal

Sheesh Mahal is one of the most uniquely designed works done under the Mughal Empire. It was constructed back in 1631 to 1632 under the reign of Shah Jahan. The Sheesh Mahal is located around the northwestern block of the Lahore fort and is famous for people throughout the world. 

The Sheesh Mahal is one of the twenty-one monuments constructed by the Mughal family that was accessible only to the Kings and the Queens. The pavilion of the Palace is decorated in a detailed manner with mirror works of the finest quality. 

The structure is an important part of the Lahore Fort and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site back in 1981 due to its unique design and fine craftsmanship under the Mughal rule in India. 

It was constructed mainly to please Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Shah Jahan as she always wanted to float among the stars that she saw in her dreams. It was bestowed upon Shah Jahan to fulfill her wife’s dream and hence the Sheesh Mahal was constructed.

Unfortunately, Mumtaz passed away before she could see her wish being fulfilled with her own eyes which ultimately led to the construction of the Taj Mahal since Shah Jahan was heartbroken by this series of events. 

Architecture of the Palace

The aspect that makes the Sheesh Mahal one of the most beautiful monuments to exist in Srinagar is the fact that it is decorated with fine pieces of blue, amber, and clear colored mirrors in certain patterns which make them glimmer to their full extent when the sunlight hits the artworks. 

During the night, the soft moonlight produces an effect on the walls and ceilings that makes the mirrors appear as stars glaring in the sky, making the sight a very beautiful one to capture. 

The palace consists of large halls along with several rooms along the way where people of the royal household can work and spend time with their close friends and family members. 

Tourists can also take account of the gold work done on the walls of the palace with an emphasis on the style of pietra dura where semi-precious stones were embedded into the walls made of white marble. 

The center of the Sheesh Mahal features a shallow water basin with four jet fountains that do not work currently but were fully functional back during the time. People can also get the views of Badshahi Mosque and Minar-e-Pakistan through the corners of the palace which is now located in the Greater Iqbal Park near the Sheesh Mahal. 

Planning Your Trip to Sheesh Mahal 

Sheesh Mahal is one of the most important spots for tourists who want to capture the beauty around Kashmir and indulge themselves in exploring some spots created with a rich history and culture. 

Tourists on their Jammu and Kashmir trip packages should mark the location of Sheesh Mahal as a must-visit. Booking a Jammu Kashmir holiday package with Nitsa Holidays should be the best option for people looking to discover places through the valley along with embarking on a journey through history by exploring old structures constructed around the areas of Srinagar. 

The best time to plan a trip to visit the Sheesh Mahal in Srinagar is from March to June in the spring season while September to November is during the autumn season. One should reach the place during the morning by 10 am to avoid unnecessary crowds and can stay until 5 pm. 

Moreover, tourists should set a budget of INR 10,000 to 15,000 per person for a trip of 3-4 days which might include your accommodations, meals for both times along the basic charges for traveling through the city. 

Conclusion 

Sheesh Mahal is one of the most beautiful testaments of time displaying the rich culture and heritage of the city. People on their Jammu Kashmir holiday package can notice the details incorporated on the Sheesh Mahal, ultimately making it an architectural marvel with a rich history.