Hall of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal) Tours

One of the highlights of Amber Palace, the Hall of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal) is a beautiful room covered with mirror mosaics. Such halls are a typical feature in Rajasthani palaces and are designed to be particularly enchanting at night, when the reflection of candlelight creates a kaleidoscopic effect across the mosaic's surface.
 
The Basics
Begun in the 16th century by Maharaja Man Singh, the Sheesh Mahal is one of the most interesting attractions within Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you'll find thousands of tiny pieces of mirrored tiles spread out over the walls, ceilings, and support columns, along with colored Belgian glass and gemstones, to create floral and geometric designs. Most Amber Fort tours spend a good amount of time exploring the exquisite hall.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Sheesh Mahal and surrounding Amber Fort are must-visits for architecture and history lovers.
• Note that visiting the Sheesh Mahal requires paying admission fees to enter the entire Amber Fort complex. 
• Wear plenty of sunscreen and a hat or bring a parasol, as the sun at Amber Fort can be brutal.
• Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating the fort.
• The main part of the fort, where the Sheesh Mahal is located, is wheelchair-accessible.

 
How to Get There
The Sheesh Mahal is situated inside the Amber Fort, a huge fortress located about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from the heart of the Pink City, on the road to Delhi and Agra. Many visitors come as part of a day tour, though there are also plenty of auto rickshaws and taxis near the fort at all times.
 
When to Get There
The Sheesh Mahal is situated in a courtyard within Amber Fort, which is open daily from morning until late afternoon. Most of the complex is open to the sky, and the sunlight can get quite strong, so it's best to visit first thing (crowds also tend to be fewer at this time), especially if your visit takes place during the hottest months of the year, roughly April through June.

The Legend Behind the Sheesh Mahal
According to local lore, the Sheesh Mahal was originally designed to mimic the night sky. The queen was allegedly fond of stargazing, but strict rules regarding women outside made such a prospect difficult. As an alternative, royal architects built the Sheesh Mahal so that if one were to light a candle, its reflection would give the appearance of stars in the night sky.