So here’s what happened-I was casually flipping through the newspaper one morning and spotted a headline about Sheesh Mahal in Shalimar Bagh being opened to the public. My first reaction? “Wait… Shalimar Bagh? As in Max and Fortis Hospital wala Shalimar Bagh?” Being from North West Delhi, I’m more used to seeing hospitals and malls than historic sites in this area. So, this was quite a surprise-and obviously, I had to go check it out.
How I Reached Sheesh Mahal – Shalimar Bagh
Google Maps showed it was barely a 12-minute drive. So I hopped into the car and made my way. Just before reaching, the map threw in a “narrow road ahead” warning. I decided not to take chances and parked the car nearby.
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DNjbUPTcFwCSHSxz8
The walk took me through narrow lanes lined with homes and small factory-type buildings. I kept looking around thinking-is there really a monument here? I landed at a park. Still no clue.
Luckily, a few kids playing nearby pointed me further down. And then-finally-a signboard saying “Sheesh Mahal” popped up. That board really needs to be closer to the main road though. Would’ve saved a lot of confusion!
Metro Route for the Non-Drivers
If you’re taking the metro, two nearby options are Haiderpur Badli Mor and Shalimar Bagh (both on the Pink Line). From there, it’s a bit of a walk, but autos or e-rickshaws are easily available to take you to the park gate. From there, a short walk inside leads you to the monument.
A Royal Mughal Getaway Hidden in My Backyard
Tucked away inside a park, Sheesh Mahal feels like a pleasant little discovery. Built in 1653 by Shah Jahan, this spot served as a royal retreat. It was called Aizzabad Bagh back then, and later became known as Sheesh Mahal.
And here’s another piece of history - this is where Aurangzeb was crowned emperor in 1658. Crazy to imagine all this happened right in my neighbourhood! The design was inspired by the famous Shalimar Bagh of Srinagar, so there’s a Kashmiri connection too.
Renovation Done, Cafés Coming Soon
The structure has been spruced up. Personally, I feel it would’ve looked better without so much plaster and paint, but the main Mughal-style arches and symmetry have been preserved. The original glass work is gone, but the vibe is still there.
I noticed signs of a café while entering-Reader’s Café (meant for book lovers and cultural events) and I have heard there’s Café Shalimar (tea and snacks) but I couldn’t find that. The reader’s cafe was locked during my visit, but I plan to return once it’s open.
Sheesh Mahal reopening - A Team Effort
What made this place visit-ready is the combined effort of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Delhi Development Authority (DDA). While ASI took charge of restoring the Sheesh Mahal structure—giving it a fresh lease of life—the surrounding park and lawns are looked after by DDA. It’s a rare example of different bodies actually working together to revive and maintain a heritage site.
Free Entry and Hardly Any Crowd
Yup, there’s no entry fee. And barely any crowd right now. The garden surrounding the structure is peaceful and clean. Honestly, it felt like a mini time-travel experience. If you’re anywhere around this side of Delhi, it’s a great little escape for a morning outing.
Quick Info You Should Know
Location: Sheesh Mahal, inside Shalimar Bagh, Delhi
Timings: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Open: Every day
Entry Fee: Free
Nearest Metro: Shalimar Bagh (Pink Line), around 10 minutes by auto
Cafés Inside: Reader’s Café and Café Shalimar (both locked at the moment)
Nearby Eating Options: Everbake for some solid veg snacks
Parking: No dedicated space inside—best to leave the car on the main road and walk in
A Few Tips Before You Go
- Bring your own water bottle-no facility for drinking water yet
- Comfortable shoes are a must-you’ll walk a bit
- If kids are tagging along, avoid late evenings
- And yes, charge your phone-it’s a nice spot for photos!
Final Thoughts
For me, Sheesh Mahal in Shalimar Bagh felt like a well-kept secret hiding in plain sight. A dash of Mughal history, a quiet park, and a zero-ticket day out—what more do you need? If you’re in North West Delhi or just exploring new spots in the city, do give this one a shot.
awesome video, enjoyed going through your you tube post.