Shees Mahal
Shees Mahal is a palace in Patiala, India, famous for its walls covered with shining mirrors and intricate glasswork that reflect light throughout the rooms. The three-story building combines Mughal and European architectural styles, with decorative arches, domes, and a grand entrance that overlooks gardens and an artificial lake.
The palace was built in 1847 by Maharaja Narinder Singh as a pleasure retreat for relaxation and entertainment away from the royal court. In 1985, it became home to the North Zone Cultural Center, which now hosts cultural programs and festivals throughout the year.
The palace reflects how the ruling family valued art and beauty in their daily life, with walls decorated by artists from Rajasthan and the Kangra region. The murals and paintings inside tell stories from Indian poetry and mythology, showing what the Maharaja and his guests enjoyed and appreciated.
The palace is easy to reach from major airports and railway stations in Punjab, located conveniently within Patiala city. Plan your visit during daytime when sunlight highlights the mirror and glass work, and note that it is closed on Sundays and best explored at a relaxed pace.
The palace museum houses over 3200 medals collected by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh from countries around the world, some dating back hundreds of years. These medals, decorated with precious stones and featuring intricate portraits, reveal the Maharaja's global connections and interest in collecting treasured objects from distant lands.
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