Sheesh Mahal

The Sheesh Mahal, the Hall of Mirrors, is the dazzling jewel of Amber Fort near Jaipur, and one of the most beautiful interiors in all of Rajasthan. Its walls and ceilings are inlaid with countless tiny convex mirror tiles and coloured glass in intricate floral patterns, designed so that the light of just a few candles would reflect and multiply into a shimmering galaxy across the entire chamber, a private royal retreat of breathtaking craftsmanship. It's the highlight of any visit to Amber Fort.

Note that this Sheesh Mahal sits within Amber Fort (the same complex as the 'Amber Palace' entry), reached via the ornate Ganesh Pol gateway; you experience it as part of touring the fort. The intricacy rewards a close look, and a guide who can explain the candlelight effect brings it to life.

Don't miss

• Walls and ceilings inlaid with thousands of mirror tiles
• The candlelight-into-starlight effect
• Intricate floral glass-and-mirror patterns
• Its setting within Amber Fort, beyond the Ganesh Pol gate
• Masterful Rajput-Mughal craftsmanship

Good for

How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• It's inside Amber Fort, you see it as part of touring the fort, beyond the Ganesh Pol gate.
• Go early to admire it before the crowds pack the famous halls.
• A guide who explains the candlelight effect adds a lot.
• Look closely, the intricacy of the mirror-work is the marvel.

A bit of history

Built in the early 17th century as part of Raja Man Singh's and his successors' Amber Fort palace complex, the Sheesh Mahal exemplifies the Mughal-influenced Rajput art of mirror-work (sheesh), creating a private hall where candlelight would transform the room into a field of stars.