Shahi Qila, Burhanpur - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 5 km from Burhanpur Railway Station, Shahi Qila is a majestic palace located in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh. Situated on the banks of the Tapti River, it is one of the most beautiful heritage places in Madhya Pradesh, and among the must-visit places as part of Burhanpur tour packages.

Shahi Qila was originally built by rulers of the Farooqi Dynasty around 1500 CE. According to legend, this fort is famed for housing Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan during his two-year stay in the city to quell a revolt among kingdoms in southern India. Shah Jahan became so fond of the fort that it was here he establishes his court for the first three years of his ascending the throne. He also built Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas on the terrace of the Qila.

A seven-storied monument, the fort itself is often called Bhoolbhoolaiya because of its vast, confusing architecture. The main attraction at the palace is the hammam or the royal bath, it was specifically built for Shah Jahan's wife, Begum Mumtaz Mahal, so that she could enjoy a luxurious bath in water scented with khus, saffron, and rose petals. Designed in Mughal Iranian style with domed roofs, the Hammam is beautifully decorated with paintings on honeycomb work. The baths have an inscription of Khan Khana Mirza Abdul Rahim Khan.

Although the Qila is mostly in ruins now, the structures stand still display marvelous sculpture and exquisite carvings which is now under the custody of ASI. Even today, the ceiling has many intricate paintings. One of these paintings depicts a monument that is said to have been the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. One of the amazing facts is that the Taj Mahal was originally supposed to have been built at Burhanpur. The site was chosen for it still lies vacant near the Tapti river. Mumtaz, in whose memory the Taj Mahal was built, died in Burhanpur while giving birth to her fourteenth child in 1631.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Rs. 25 for Person