Hawa Mahal is one of the most famous landmarks of Jaipur and a proud symbol of Rajasthan’s royal past. Known as the Palace of Winds, this beautiful pink building attracts travelers from all over the world. Its many small windows, unique design, and rich history make it a must-visit place in Jaipur.
If you are planning a trip to Rajasthan, visiting Hawa Mahal Jaipur should be on your list. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know, including Hawa Mahal ticket price, timings, history, why it is famous, and how to reach Hawa Mahal easily.
Hawa Mahal is a famous palace in Jaipur built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. It is known for its 953 small windows that allow cool air to flow inside. The palace reflects Rajput architecture and is one of Jaipur’s top attractions.
What Is Hawa Mahal?
Hawa Mahal means “Palace of Winds.” It stands in the heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan. The palace looks like a crown from the front and has a honeycomb-style design. It is built using pink sandstone, which matches Jaipur’s nickname, the Pink City.
Hawa Mahal is not a large palace from inside, but its front view is grand and eye-catching. Most visitors come here to see its unique windows and take photos from the street side.
Who Built Hawa Mahal and Why?
Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. The palace was designed by Lal Chand Ustad, a skilled architect of that time.
The main reason behind building Hawa Mahal was to allow royal women to observe daily street life and festivals. During that era, royal women followed strict customs and did not appear in public. The small windows allowed them to watch everything outside while staying hidden. Book our Rajasthan tour packages to explore the iconic Amber Fort, vibrant Hawa Mahal, and historic City Palace in Jaipur!
Why Is Hawa Mahal Famous?
Hawa Mahal is famous for many reasons, but these points make it truly special:
- It has 953 small windows, also called Jharokhas
- The design allows cool air to pass through even in summer
- It looks different from other palaces in India
- It is one of the most photographed places in Jaipur
Due to its smart design, the palace stays cool naturally. This is why it got the name Pawan Mahal. Even today, people appreciate its simple yet clever design.
Architectural Highlights of Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal shows a good blend of Rajput and Mughal styles. Like other palaces, it does not have a strong foundation. Instead, it leans back slightly to remain stable.
Some key highlights include:
- Five floors with no stairs, only ramps
- honeycomb pattern with small windows
- pink sandstone structure
- Simple interiors with clean corridors
The design of each floor is different, yet when viewed from the front all the floors appear connected to each other. This makes Hawa Mahal one of the most unique buildings in India. Book our 2 days jaipur tour package from Delhi.
Hawa Mahal Ticket Price
The Hawa Mahal ticket prices should be known prior to your visit.
- Indian tourists: ₹50 for Indian nationals
- Foreign tourists: ₹200 for foreign nationals
- Students: discount may be available with a valid ID.
Ticket prices may vary from time to time, so please inquire at the ticket counter or with local guides for the most accurate information. Entry tickets are reasonably priced and are certainly worth the visit. You can purchase your entry ticket when you arrive at the entry gate.
Hawa Mahal Timings
Hawa Mahal timings are convenient for travelers.
- Opening time: Morning 09 am
- Closing time: Evening 05 pm
- Open all days of the week
The best time to visit Hawa Mahal is early morning. At this time, the sunlight falls directly on the front of the palace, making it look bright and beautiful. Also, the crowd is smaller during morning hours. Enjoy a complete Jaipur tour without the stress by booking our 4 Days Jaipur tour from Delhi.
How to Reach Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Hawa Mahal is located in the old city of Jaipur and is easy to reach from any part of the city.
By Air
Jaipur International Airport is about 13 km away from Hawa Mahal. From the airport, you can take a taxi or cab to reach the palace.
By Train
Jaipur Junction Railway Station is around 5 km from Hawa Mahal. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available outside the station.
By Road
Jaipur is well connected by roads. You can reach Hawa Mahal by car, taxi, or local bus. We recommend booking the cheapest car through Car Booking.
Local Transport
Auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and taxis are the best options for short distances. The palace is also close to major markets, so walking is another easy option.
Things to See Inside Hawa Mahal
Many visitors think Hawa Mahal looks good only from outside, but the inside has its own charm.
Inside, you can see:
- Small museum displays
- Open courtyards
- Narrow passages
- City views from the top
From the top floor, you get a lovely view of Jaipur city and nearby landmarks. The cool breeze inside makes the visit pleasant.
Nearby Attractions Around Hawa Mahal
After visiting Hawa Mahal, you can explore several nearby places on foot.
Some popular attractions include:
- City Palace – Royal residence and museum
- Jantar Mantar – Famous stone observatory
- Johari Bazaar – Jewelry and gemstone market
- Bapu Bazaar – Local shopping for clothes and souvenirs
These places make the area around Hawa Mahal lively and full of culture.
Interesting Facts About Hawa Mahal
Here are some facts that make Hawa Mahal more interesting:
- There is no main entrance from the front
- The palace was never used as a royal residence
- It acts as a natural air cooler
- It is a part of the historic city area of Jaipur
These facts show how smart planning and simple design created a timeless monument.
Conclusion
Hawa Mahal is more than just a palace. It symbolizes Jaipur’s culture, smart design and royal lifestyle. Its unique windows, rich history and central location make it an attraction to visit.
Whether you are a history buff, a photographer or a first-time traveler, Hawa Mahal Jaipur offers a memorable experience. Add it to your itinerary and enjoy one of the most beautiful landmarks of Rajasthan.
FAQs
Hawa Mahal has 953 small windows that let cool air flow through the palace. They keep the building cool in hot summers and let royal women watch street life without anyone seeing them.
Visitors enter Hawa Mahal from the rear side to explore the inside. They get the best full view and photos from the street outside the palace.
Early morning is the best time to visit Hawa Mahal for photography. Soft sunlight highlights the pink sandstone, and fewer crowds allow clear photos of the palace façade.
A passage directly connects Hawa Mahal to the City Palace complex. It allowed royal women to move easily between the two palaces without going outside.
Hawa Mahal was built mainly as a viewing gallery, not a residence. It has small rooms, narrow passages, and no private spaces, which made it unsuitable for living.
A complete visit to Hawa Mahal usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. This includes exploring the interior, courtyards, museum area, and enjoying city views from the upper floors.
Leave a Comment