4.7 / 5

Hawa Mahal

🗓 Best Time To Visit:October to March

⏰ Open Hours:9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

🎒 Things To Do:Photography, Architectural study, City view from top

💰 Entry Fees:INR 50 for Indians, INR 200 for foreigners

👥 Traveller Types:Solo, Families, History and Architecture Lovers

🔍 Known For:Intricate pink sandstone facade, panoramic views of the city, fine Rajputana architecture

📍 Distances:13 km from Jaipur Airport, 5 km from Jaipur Railway Station, 1 km from City Palace

📌 Tips:Best viewed in early morning or late afternoon for great photos. Wear comfortable shoes as there are many steps to climb.

♿ Accessibility:Not wheelchair accessible

📸 Photo Permit:No extra charge for photography

🌐 UNESCO Heritage Site:No, but it's a part of Jaipur, a UNESCO World Heritage City

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Hawa Mahal: The Palace of Winds That Will Blow Your Mind

Imagine living in a palace where you can feel the breeze caressing your face, see the city bustling with life, and hear the sounds of music and laughter. Imagine being a part of a royal family that has a secret hideaway where they can enjoy the festivals and events without being seen by the public. Imagine being in Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Hawa Mahal is one of the most iconic and mesmerizing landmarks of Jaipur, the Pink City of India. It is a palace that was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh as an extension to the Royal City Palace of Jaipur. It is a palace that has 953 windows or jharokhas that let in the cool air and offer a stunning view of the city. It is a palace that has a unique pyramidal shape that resembles a honeycomb or a crown. It is a palace that will take your breath away with its beauty, history, and culture.

If you are planning to visit Hawa Mahal, here are some things that you need to know to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable:

The Story Behind Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, who was a devout follower of Lord Krishna. He was inspired by the Khetri Mahal in Jhunjhunu, which had a similar design and structure. He wanted to build a palace that would reflect his devotion and love for Lord Krishna.

Photo of Hawa Mahal 1/5 by

The palace was also meant to serve as a royal retreat and a place for the women of the palace to observe the street life and festivities without being seen by the public, as per the custom of purdah. The palace was designed by Lal Chand Ustad, a famous architect of his time, who used red and pink sandstone to construct the palace.

The palace has witnessed many changes and events over the years. It has been restored and preserved by various rulers and authorities. It has become a symbol of Jaipur and Rajasthan and a popular tourist attraction. It has also been featured in many movies, books, and songs.

The Beauty of Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal is a palace that will enchant you with its beauty and charm. It has five floors, each with a different name and function. The first floor is called Sharad Mandir, where the autumn celebrations were held. The second floor is called Ratan Mandir, where the glasswork and mirrors adorn the walls. The third floor is called Vichitra Mandir, where the king worshipped Lord Krishna. The fourth floor is called Prakash Mandir, where the light show is held in the evening. The fifth floor is called Hawa Mandir, where the breeze flows freely and offers a spectacular view of the city.

The palace is made of red and pink sandstone and has a unique pyramidal shape that resembles a honeycomb or a crown. It has 953 small windows or jharokhas that are decorated with intricate latticework and domes. The windows allow the cool air to circulate through the palace and create a natural ventilation system that keeps it comfortable during the hot summer months. The windows also offer a panoramic view of the city and its landmarks, such as the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Amber Fort.

The palace also has a small museum that displays some relics and paintings related to the royal family and the history of Jaipur. The museum is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm every day except Friday.

The Travel Guide to Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal is located in the heart of Jaipur, on the main road called Badi Chaupad. It is easily accessible by road, rail, or air from any part of India or abroad. You can take a taxi, an auto-rickshaw, a bus, or a metro to reach Hawa Mahal from any part of Jaipur.

The nearest railway station is Jaipur Junction, which is about 5 km away from Hawa Mahal. The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is about 13 km away from Hawa Mahal.

Photo of Hawa Mahal 2/5 by

The timings and entry fee of Hawa Mahal are as follows:

Timings: 9 am to 4:30 pm every day except Friday

Entry fee: Rs. 10 for Indians and Rs. 50 for foreigners

Composite ticket: Rs. 300 for Indians and Rs. 1000 for foreigners

You can also get a composite ticket that covers seven monuments in Jaipur, including Hawa Mahal. The composite ticket is valid for two days and can be purchased at any of these monuments: Amber Fort, Albert Hall Museum, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Sisodia Rani Garden, and Vidhyadhar Garden.

Hawa Mahal is surrounded by many other attractions and activities that you can enjoy while visiting Jaipur. You can explore the City Palace, which is adjacent to Hawa Mahal and houses several museums and courtyards that showcase the royal heritage of Jaipur.

You can also visit Jantar Mantar, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an astronomical observatory that was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734. You can also visit Amber Fort, which is a majestic fort that was built by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and reflects the blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture.

If you are looking for some shopping and dining options near Hawa Mahal, you can head to Bapu Bazaar or Johri Bazaar, which are famous for their colorful textiles, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs. You can also try some local delicacies such as ghewar, pyaaz kachori, dal baati churma, and lassi at any of the nearby restaurants or street stalls.

Best Places To Stay Near Hawa Mahal

If you are planning to visit Hawa Mahal, you might want to stay at some of the best places near it. Here are some of the options that you can consider:

Photo of Hawa Mahal 3/5 by
(c) Samode Haveli

Samode Haveli:

This is a 175-year-old mansion that was once the residence of the Samode rulers. It has been converted into a luxury hotel that reflects the culture and history of Samode. The rooms have balconies and private courtyards that open to the pools and gardens of the mansion. The hotel also has a spa, a fitness center, a jacuzzi, and a puppet show or a Rajasthani folk performance in the evening. The hotel is just 1.5 km away from Hawa Mahal.

To book a stay at this property click here.

Photo of Hawa Mahal 4/5 by
(c) Trident Jaipur

Trident Jaipur:

This is a 5-star hotel that offers its guests with spectacular views of the Mansagar Lake and Jal Mahal. The hotel has 132 airy and well-lit rooms for one to choose from. The hotel also has a spa, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a kids’ club. The hotel is just 4 km away from Hawa Mahal.

To book a stay at this property click here.

Photo of Hawa Mahal 5/5 by
(c) Golden Tulip Essential Jaipur

Golden Tulip Essential Jaipur:

This is a 4-star hotel that provides its guests with comfortable and spacious rooms with modern amenities. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a coffee shop, and a rooftop terrace. The hotel is just 1.3 km away from Hawa Maha

To book a stay at this property click here.

Best Time To Visit Hawa Mahal

The best season to visit Hawa Mahal is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. This is also the peak tourist season in Jaipur, so you can expect more crowd and higher prices. If you want to avoid the crowd and enjoy a cheaper trip, you can visit Hawa Mahal from April to June, when the weather is hot and dry. However, you should be prepared for the scorching heat and carry enough water and sunscreen. You can also visit Hawa Mahal from July to September, when the weather is humid and rainy. This is the off-season in Jaipur, so you can enjoy lower prices and less crowd.

The Tips and Tricks for Visiting Hawa Mahal

If you want to make the most of your visit to Hawa Mahal, here are some tips and tricks that will help you:

- The best time to visit Hawa Mahal is in the morning or evening when the sunlight creates a beautiful effect on the palace and its windows. You can also catch the sunrise or sunset from the top floor of the palace and enjoy the view of the city.

- The photography rules at Hawa Mahal are relaxed and you can take pictures inside and outside the palace without any restrictions. However, you should respect the privacy of other visitors and avoid using flash or tripod.

- The light show and sound show at Hawa Mahal are held every evening from 7 pm to 8 pm in English and Hindi. The show narrates the history and legends of Hawa Mahal and Jaipur in an entertaining way. You can book your tickets online or at the ticket counter for Rs. 200 per person.

- The souvenir shops near Hawa Mahal offer a variety of items such as miniature models, postcards, magnets, keychains, and books related to Hawa Mahal and Jaipur. You can also buy some authentic Rajasthani handicrafts such as puppets, quilts, pottery, and paintings. You can bargain for the best prices and quality.

You may also like to read: Hawa Mahal - The most iconic location and the pride of Jaipur

Hawa Mahal is a palace that will blow your mind with its beauty, history, and culture. It is a place that will make you feel like royalty and give you a glimpse of the glorious past of Jaipur and Rajasthan. It is a place that you should not miss when you visit Jaipur, the Pink City of India.

Hawa Mahal Reviews

Did you know that there is more to the Hawa Mahal than its facade? At least until this visit, I did not! The whole structure was constructed to represent the crown of Lord Krishna, the favourite God of the Royals of Jaipur. The seemingly single block structure of the facade represents the jewelled front part of the crown while in the rear it has a courtyard where guests of the erstwhile Kings used to be entertained during Holi celebrations. It is complete with a water bath which has now been converted to a fountain display. On three sides, the courtyard is surrounded by corridors/ assembly areas and on the fourth side (rear of the facade), there are rooms with a purpose. The entry to each level is through a special gateway calledpoland each level is accessed through a ramp. The main reason for constructing the Hawa Mahal was to allow the Royal ladies to view processions while still maintainingpurdah. The entire structure incorporates hundreds ofJharokaswhich provide superb cross-ventilation and air conditioning. The lowest level is where the Royal ladies of bygone times "window shopped". The upper levels house rooms meant for grooming and private religious ceremonies. The last two levels are open to the sky and are called thePrakash Mahalwhich was meant for use during winters when light and warmth were scarce. The monument also includes strategically placed surveillance towers. In addition, a secret passageway connects the Hawa Mahal to the residential area of the City Palace. Quite obviously, the passageway is not accessible to the public. All windows placed in the facade wall offer a semi-panoramic view of the street below. Window panes are coloured to allow for play of light as well as to block views of the bygone royal goings-on from prying eyes.
Our Jaipur journey began with the landmark of the city, the Hawa Mahal , an imposing structure. The name literally means Palace of winds or Palace of the Breeze. Built 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, and designed by Lal Chand Usta it depicts the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu god. The pyramidal shape combined with the numerous screened windows makes the structure look like a giant honeycomb. This 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal monument has 953 small windows called jharokhas, decorated with intrinsic lattice work and is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. The latticed windows allowed the royal ladies to view the everyday life in the street below from the palace without being seen. The beauty of the Hawa Mahal lies in its fragile appearance, which belies its strength. The interiors are connected by ramps and there are no stairs to reach the upper floors. A unique feature of the building is that it remains cool even during the harsh summers. This is due to the excellent ventilation that allows cool air to freely flow throughout the building. Situated on the main thoroughfare in the heart of Jaipur’s business centre, in the middle of the bustling Johari Bazaar, near the Badi Chaupad (the big square), this palace rises to a height of 50 feet. It is built of red and pink sandstone and forms a part of the City Palace, which was our next stop.
I was tired after traveling overnight 14 hrs bus journey from Jhansi but my excitement took over tiredness. By 11 AM I was ready to explore the pink city. The moment I came out of hotel, 2-3 auto drivers rushed to me and offered me Jaipur sightseeing for one day at 650 rs.I knew that some of places were very near to my hotel, Bani park area. So I ignored all of them and took another running auto, cost me 50 rs to reach Hawa Mahal (Palace of wind) Stylistic and artistic, these were my two words when I saw Hawa Mahal. Designed in the form of the crown of Krishna. Its unique five-storey exterior, similar to the honeycomb of the beehive with its 953 small windows called jharokhas. Hawa Mahal was constructed so that the palace women trapped in purdah, could watch the street life. Entry fee was 10 rs there but I bought one composite entry pass for 70 rs. It was valid for two days and you can use it for visiting 5 places(Amber palace, Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall, Nahargarh fort, Hawa mahal). Interior of Hawa Mahal is artistic but I really liked the exterior. This architecture is showcased whenever Jaipur is talked about on the touring map.
My last destination for the 2 day trip was the world famous Hawa Mahal. Hawa Mahal is a five story building that is situated in the heart of the city of Jaipur. It has a beehive like structure and is made of red and pink sand stone lined with white color to make it vibrant. It is pink like the rest of the pink city of Jaipur. The palace has carved and arched small chhatris or dome-shaped pavilions showing the richness of vivid Rajputana architecture. The walls of palace have 953 jharokha or overhanging balconies from where cool and fresh air can pass. The most unique aspect about the palace is the fact that at all times a light breeze passes through it. That is how the palace got its name. Hawa means wind, which is the Palace of Winds.
HaWa Mahal : 'Palace Of The Winds'is the major attraction this city..It is located in the heart of the city , it is beautiful five-storey palace built by Maharaja Sawai pratap singh who belonged to Rajput dynasty . The main architect of this palace is believed to have constructed in the form of the crown of Lord Krishna. The main intention behind the construction of the mahal was to facilitate the royal women and and provide them a view of everyday life through windows ,as they never appeared in public. WE loved the architecture, It was designed as a beehive castle with small windows . This palace is actually famous for its windows or 'Jharokas' which enable circulation of air within the structure . We had an excellent view of the city from this palace.
Photos of Hawa Mahal
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