Delhi's Sheesh Mahal, an example of Mughal opulence, has been restored to its former grandeur and is now open to the public after 370 years. Tucked inside the Shalimar Bagh in North-West Delhi, this 17th-century palace once served as a royal retreat for Emperor Shah Jahan.
Following restoration work led by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the monument was reopened on July 2, 2025. This revival has extended beyond the palace walls to include the restoration of its baradari (12-pillared pavilion) and three heritage cottages. The restoration also introduces a thoughtful cultural space for visitors.
The blend of Mughal architecture, tranquil gardens and shaded courtyards now makes it a great spot for heritage lovers, photographers and those seeking quiet cultural experiences beyond the usual tourist path.
While the Readers' Cafe Corner — a haven for book lovers and cultural connoisseurs, has been designed to inspire quiet reflection, the Cafe Shalimar is a relaxed eatery nestled within the gardens, perfect for grabbing a coffee or a light bite after a stroll. The new additions have, for sure, transformed the monument from a passive historical site into a lively community space.
One of the remaining Mughal-era structures in Delhi outside the Red Fort and Humanyun’s Tomb complexes. the restored Sheesh Mahal offers a look at Mughal-era architecture with its landscaped gardens, sandstone structures and traditional design elements.
Commissioned in 1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan, the Sheesh Mahal was once part of a larger pleasure garden known as Aizzabad Garden, which he reportedly built in memory of his wife Izz-un-Nissa. Over time, it became popular as Shalimar Bagh, derived from Persian roots meaning “home of pleasure.” The palace gained historical importance when Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan's son, was crowned there in 1658.
The complex originally featured elements of the Char Bagh design, an iconic four-part Mughal garden layout, symbolising paradise on earth.
But after centuries of neglect, the palace had lost much of its splendour. That changed when Delhi's Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena visited the site in January 2024, sparking an urgent call for conservation.
The ASI and DDA spearheaded a restoration grounded in traditional Mughal construction methods.
Craftsmen used lime surkhi (lime mortar with brick dust), lakhauri bricks (thin, flat Mughal-style bricks) and natural binding agents such as jaggery, bael fruit and urad dal paste to replicate historical building techniques.