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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.