Sheesh mahal, Shalimar Bagh

AREA: 185.73 acres

Out of many pleasure gardens built by Mughals north of Shahjahanabad, the Shalimar Bagh is known to be most extensive. The Sheesh Mahal and the bagh were the country house of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and the site of his coronation in 1658. The site was used as summer lodge during British time.

The Sheesh Mahal Monument and remains of water channel leading to the fountain area are the only visible remnants of that era on site. The vast existing layout of pathways and trails apparently bear no connection to the historic layout. Most of the formal network of pathways around Sheesh Mahal area has been retained and attempt is made to seamlessly merge and juxtapose the formal character with the informal and meandering layout of proposed pathways required to cater to todays requirement of play fields, children play areas, activity areas etc. It has been consciously attempted not to recreate formal pattern that may not be in sync to the original/ actual scheme of layout in absence of any formal documentation of the same. Hence, imposition of pattern not original to the area has been clearly avoided.

The site has been designed to provide optional experience to user both in terms of its historic significance as well as enhanced usability to the users of surrounding areas. Facilities like a number of play areas, children play areas, maintained lawns, vegetated areas, and densely planted areas as sanctuary to flora and fauna, etc. have been uniformly distributed on site.