Hawa Mahal Jaipur : The Iconic Palace of Winds

Overview 

Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan is one of the unique attractions of the city.

Constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh it is one of the famous carnivals of Pink City, showcasing Rajput architecture at its best.

The palace has 953 small windows or “jharokhas” with beautiful intricate lattice artwork. 

About Hawa Mahal 

Hawa Mahal was built to enable royal ladies to view the outside world below while practising the purdah tradition of the royal women.

The palace has 953 windows that let cool breezes flow through its chambers, earning it the name – Hawa Mahal. Its honeycomb-like facade and unique design make it an outstanding example of creativity and nuances of architecture. 

Related Information

Timings (Operation Hours) – 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Entry Fee:

  • Foreign Visitors – INR 200
  • Indian Adults – INR 50

Time Required – 1 to 2 hours

Best Time to Visit – October to April 

How to Get There

  • By Bus – Hawa Mahal is easily accessible from different parts of the city with frequent city bus service. 
  • By Taxi/Auto – An easy alternative to public transport. Widely available through online applications. 

Nearest Restaurants

  • Wind View Cafe – An open rooftop cafe that provides beautiful view of the Hawa Mahal and some mouth-watering dishes.
  • Kebabs & Curries Company – Great food and royal ambience make this a popular place for dining in Jaipur. 

Nearest Markets

Johari Bazaar – Famous food jewels, especially the Kundan style of jewellery. A popular tourist attraction. 

Tripolia Bazaar – Famous for lac bangles and brassware. The bangles are traditional to Rajasthan are very popular amongst tourists.

Hotels – Best Places to Stay

Samode Haveli – A historical luxury hotel situated close to Hawa Mahal in Jaipur.

Hotel Pearl Palace – An inexpensive and quality accommodation for the guests. Equipped with all the necessary amenities. 

History of Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, in line with the Khetri Mahal at Jhunjhunu.

The palace was built as an additional wing to the City Palace to provide the women of the royal household a chance to witness the happenings in the city and celebrations while being able to stay hidden from the public eye. 

Main Attraction

  • Facade of Hawa Mahal –  The honeycomb-like facade is a must see.
  • City View – For the visitors, the upper floors of the palace offer fascinating views of the city of Jaipur.
  • Museum – Located inside, it has kept the artefacts, paintings and relics of Rajput era stored within it.

Travel Tips

  • Take a guide to learn about the fascinating history and stories associated with the palace.
  • Visit early in the morning to avoid the rush. 
  • Wear light and breathable attire as Jaipur can get quite hot. 

Architecture of Hawa Mahal 

Hawa Mahal has a perfect combination of both Rajput and Mughal architecture. It is the world’s tallest building without a foundation, combining practical ingenuity with elegance in its elaborate architecture and delicate lattice framework.

The structure is one of its kind with 953 tiny windows allowing fresh air into the palace to regulate the temperature during summer. The overall structure of the building looks like a pyramid.

Hawa Mahal was has filigree ventilation mesh work which was used to ensure that the inhabitants on the inside are not visible to the outsiders, it also lets in cool air to maintain the temperature of palace. 

Conclusion

Hawa Mahal today represents the architectural grandeur of structures in Jaipur city. Due to its architectural features, its historical background and cultural value the monument has become one of the major tourist destination in the Pink City.

Regardless of architectural fascination, the royal history or sheer aesthetics, Hawa Mahal is a treasure trove for every history and art lover.