When we read in the newspaper that the Delhi government had opened a monument to the public called Sheesh Mahal in Shalimar Bagh, our first reaction was – “Wait, what? As in apna Shalimar Bagh? The one with Max and Fortis Hospital?” I live in North West Delhi, and honestly, there aren’t many big monuments in our area. So this came as a real surprise.

How to reach Sheesh Mahal – Shalimar Bagh

We quickly checked Google Maps and realised it was hardly a 12-minute drive. Once we reached Shalimar Bagh, the map warned, “narrow lane ahead.” So we parked the car and walked the rest. The lane passed through a mix of small factories and regular homes, and we kept wondering if we were in the right place. The map led us to a park where the pin had dropped.

Still no sign of any monument. We asked a group of kids nearby, and they pointed further ahead. After a short walk, we finally saw a board that said “Sheesh Mahal.” That board should really be near the main road-it would save people a lot of guesswork. But finally, it was a relief to know we weren’t chasing a ghost monument.

If you are taking the metro, there are a couple of options to reach Shalimar Bagh depending on which side are you coming from. The nearest metro stations to Sheesh Mahal in Shalimar Bagh, are Haiderpur Badli Mor and Shalimar Bagh. There is a longish walk involved after that. You can take an auto or e-rickshaw to cover this distance. Autos and e-rickshaws can drop you at the entry gate of the park. Once inside the park, a little walk will lead you to Sheesh Mahal.

The History of Sheesh Mahal, Delhi

The monument is tucked away inside a garden area. It’s actually quite beautiful. Built in 1653 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, this was used as a royal retreat. Back then, it was called Aizzabad Bagh, and later came to be known as Sheesh Mahal. And yes, it was right here in 1658 that Aurangzeb’s coronation took place-crazy to imagine all this happened in our neighbourhood! Also, this was built as a replica in ode to the beautiful Shalimar Bagh in Srinagar.

Renovated Sheesh Mahal Now Open for Public

The building has been nicely restored, though we would have liked it better without a lot of paint and POP, honestly. Though the original mirror work is gone, you can still see the Mughal-style arches, symmetry, and old-world feel. Near the entrance, we noticed a cafés being set up-It’s a Reader’s Café with books and cultural events planned, but it was under a lock so we could not enter. And another cafe is a regular tea/coffee café, but we could not find that. It will be fun to return once both are fully running.

Tickets for Sheesh Mahal, Shalimar Bagh

There is no entry fee, and as of now, it’s not crowded. The garden is peaceful, and the surroundings are very calm. It felt like a small time-travel moment. If you’re from this part of Delhi, it’s definitely worth a short morning visit with family or friends.

Quick Info – Sheesh Mahal in Shalimar Bagh

• Location: Sheesh Mahal, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi
• Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Open Days: All days of the week
• Entry Fee: Free
• Nearest Metro Station: Shalimar Bagh Metro Station (Pink Line) – 10–12 minutes by rickshaw
• Cafés Inside: Reader’s Café (book café), Café Shalimar (light snacks, tea) – as of now, both cafes were locked and not functioning.
• Places to eat nearby: Everbake, Shalimar Bagh for vegetarian snacks
• Parking: No proper parking. Best to park on the main road and walk inside.

Tips for Visiting

• Bring your own water – there’s no drinking water facility inside yet.
• Wear comfortable shoes – there’s a bit of walking involved.
• If kids are visiting, avoid going too late in the evening without parents or guardians.
• Don’t forget to bring a phone or camera-the place is great for pictures!