Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, India | Tourist Attraction (2024)

Hawa Mahal is a palace located in Jaipur City, which is also known as “The Palace of Winds” or “The Palace of Breeze”. From the point of view of attraction, it is an integral part of Jaipur. This palace depicting rows of many beautiful windows resembles the structure of a honeycomb nest.

History

It is the heritage of Jaipur’s founder Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, which was built in the 1799s. He was so inspired by the unique structure of Khetri Mahal that he built this grand and unique palace. It was designed by Lal Chand Ustad. It was constructed of red and pink sandstone, keeping in view the decoration of other monuments of the city, its color is a full testimony to the epithet of “Pink City” to be given to Jaipur. Its unique five-floor exterior looks similar to a honeycomb nest, with 953 small windows adorned with intricate latticework.

The original purpose of the lattice design was to allow royal women to celebrate everyday life and festivals in the street without seeing them, as they had to follow the strict rules of “purdah”, which clog them to appear in public without face coverings. This architecturally beautiful building also allowed cold air to pass through the venturi effect, making the entire area more pleasant during high temperatures in summer.

Hawa Mahal Architecture

Hawa Mahal, one of the best among different places to visit in Jaipur, features a splendid fusion of Islamic, Mughal, and Rajput architectural styles. Its domed canopies, floral patterns, lotus motifs, and fluted pillars, all reflect the rich Rajput style. Complementing these elements is the filigree work in stone and ornate arches, both of which draw influence from the Islamic style of architecture.

Designed in red and pink sandstone, this one-of-its-kind palace boasts of a pyramidal shape. It has five stories and rises up to a height of 50 feet. The 953 windows featured on the front part of the palace give it a honeycombed hive look. Thanks to the exceptional latticework on these windows, the palace experiences a cooling effect as the breeze blows in through them. Delicately designed hanging cornices are another appealing aspect of Hawa Mahal’s architecture.

The interiors of the palace consist of pillared chambers and negligibly ornamented corridors that reach up to the top floor. Patios adorn the front part of the first and second floors. Unlike the lower two floors, the top three floors have a width that’s not more than a single room.  Fountains are adorning the center of the building’s courtyard.

Interesting Fact

Many people see Hawa Mahal from a street view and think that it is in front of the palace, but in reality, it is behind that structure.

Opening and Closing Time

• 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

Best Time to Visit

• The best time to visit Hawa Mahal is in the early morning when the sunlight enters the room through the windows and the wind blows give you a feel of freshness.

Entrance Fee

• Entry is free for children up to 15 years.
• Its entry fee for Indian Travelers is INR 10.
• While for International Visitors its ticket is INR 50. 

How to Reach

Hawa Mahal is located in the heart of Jaipur City. You can use a bus, taxi, auto-rickshaw, or your own vehicle from the capital city to reach here.

Location Map for Hawa Mahal

Nearby Hotels and Restaurants

 Hotels near Hawa Mahal:

• Hotel Kailash
• Zostel Jaipur
• Rabbani Heritage
• Hotel Royal Sheraton
• Virasat Mahal Heritage Hotel
• Samode Haveli

Food & Drink points near Hawa Mahal:

• Café Coffee Day – Hawa Mahal
• The Tattoo Café & Lounge
• The Palace Café Restaurant
• Art Café
• Shri Ram Pavitra Bhojnalaya
• Hawk View Restaurant & Bar
• Midtown Multicuisine Restaurant

What’s Worth Seeing Near Hawa Mahal

• Jantar Mantar (700.0 m)
• Govind Dev Ji Temple (700.0 m)
• City Palace (850.0 m)
• Jaipur Zoo (2 km)
• Albert Hall Museum (2.5 km)
• Raj Mandir Cinema (3.7 km)
• Hawa Mahal Museum (4 km)
• Jal Mahal (4.9 km)

©crazyhodophile