Delhi's Sheesh Mahal Reopens For Visitors After 370 Years: How To Reach, Timings, Entry Fee, And More

Tucked inside the lush green Shalimar Bagh, this red sandstone beauty once hosted Aurangzeb’s coronation. Years of neglect left it crumbling, but thanks to a focused conservation effort by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Sheesh Mahal has returned to its former glory.

Delhi's Sheesh Mahal: Mughal Architecture And Restoration

The beautifully restored Sheesh Mahal in Shalimar Bagh, North Delhi, was officially reopened to the public on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, by Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. This elegant palace, originally built in 1653 during the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, had remained hidden from the public eye for centuries. Over the years, the monument and its surrounding gardens were neglected.

Now, after a careful restoration by the Archaeological Survey of India, both the palace and its Mughal-era gardens, now listed as protected heritage sites, have been brought back to life for visitors to enjoy once again.

Accompanied Hon'ble Union Minister for Culture & Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat alongwith Hon'ble CM Smt. Rekha Gupta and and Hon'ble MP Shri Praveen Khandelwal in inaugrating the restored medieval jewel-Sheesh Mahal at Shalimar Bagh today.

On a visit to the site in… pic.twitter.com/5i79q983Ir

— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) July 2, 2025

The structure, made of red sandstone and decorated with delicate floral patterns and mirror work, was designed as part of a larger royal garden complex. Sheesh Mahal holds historical value as the site of Aurangzeb’s first coronation in 1658. As part of its revival, the DDA also restored a baradari and three heritage cottages using traditional materials, like lime surkhi, lakhauri bricks, jaggery, wood apple (bael), and black gram (urad dal) to maintain its original charm.

The restored complex includes a baradari and three heritage cottages, bringing back the charm of its royal past. Two of the cottages now serve as Café Shalimar and a peaceful Readers’ Corner for visitors to enjoy.

How To Reach Delhi's Sheesh Mahal?

The Sheesh Mahal is located inside the Shalimar Bagh District Park in North West Delhi. It is well-connected by road and public transport.

If you're coming by metro, the nearest metro stations to Sheesh Mahal are Jahangirpuri and Haiderpur Badli Mor. You can even take a rickshaw or an auto.

You can even book a cab and directly reach the Sheesh Mahal.

Delhi's Sheesh Mahal Timings

The monument is open daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, including weekends and public holidays.

Early morning and late afternoon are ideal for visiting, especially during summer, to avoid the peak heat.

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Delhi's Sheesh Mahal Entry Fees: How Much Does It Cost?

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— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) July 2, 2025

While some sources mention entry fees for Delhi's Sheesh Mahal are free, there's no readily available information specifying an entry fee, as of July 2025.

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Delhi's Sheesh Mahal Visitor Guidelines And Tips

While there’s no formal tour, visitors are expected to respect the monument and maintain cleanliness. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the main structure. There are shaded areas here, making it a comfortable outing even for elderly visitors or children. Wear comfortable footwear, especially if you plan to explore the entire garden area.

Sheesh Mahal’s return is more than just a heritage restoration; it’s an open invitation to reconnect with Delhi’s royal past, now beautifully blended with modern-day leisure.

For families, students, heritage lovers, or anyone with a curiosity for Mughal architecture, this reopened palace is a gift of Delhi’s past, together with careful restoration and community purpose.

For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.

Image credit: Twitter/LtGovDelhi