HAWA MAHAL

Hawa Mahal, known as the "Palace of Winds", is an iconic architectural marvel in Jaipur, India. The palace was built in 1799 by the Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. It is famous for its distinctive honeycomb facade that is adorned with 953 intricately carved windows, showcasing the best of Rajput craftsmanship. The palace is five stories tall and offers panoramic views of Jaipur's bustling streets. This historic monument symbolizes Rajasthan's rich heritage and serves as a testament to its royal legacy.

Resembling Krishna’s crown, Hawa Mahal is an elaborate monument in Jaipur. Standing right in the middle of the old market of Jaipur, the structure made of red and pink sandstone keeps the name of the Pink City very proudly. Explore Hawa Mahal on Jaipur travel packages for historical elegance.

The palace was built for the ladies of the royal household to observe everyday life and festivals without being seen from the outside.

Today, it stands as a timeless symbol of Jaipur's architectural, cultural, and historical splendour. It features a unique honeycomb design on its facade with 953 intricately carved windows called "Jharokhas". The delicate lattice design on the windows allows cool breezes to flow through and keep the palace cool, thereby giving the palace its name.

The majestic facade of Hawa Mahal which is visible from the street is not its main front, it’s the back. The monument’s delicate stone-carved screens, small casements, and arched roofs make it a captivating tourist spot, preserving the rich heritage of Rajasthan. From its top floors, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the bustling streets and grand all-pink architecture of Jaipur city. Hawa Mahal's exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike.

History of Hawa Mahal Jaipur - 

Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh who was the grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The story of the birth of the palace started when Pratap visited Jhunjhunu and saw Khetri Mahal.

Maharaj was impressed by the unique design of the Khetri Mahal, and that was when he decided to create a better version of it. Lal Chand Ustad designed this palace and ended up making one of the best monuments history has ever created.

The primary purpose for creating this palace was to give royal women a separate place. From Hawa Mahal, they could enjoy the everyday lives and celebrations of the festival through the windows without being seen as they weren’t allowed to go out in public without a veil. 

The Hawa Mahal was a part of the main City Palace, and the royal family used to come here to escape the scorching heat as this palace was always cold and breezy due to the windows it has.

From then on, it has been preserved to keep the glory and grace alive for the generations to come.

Architecture of Hawa Mahal Jaipur - 

Hawa Mahal is an excellent example of Hindu Rajput architecture finely blended with Islamic Mughal architecture giving it the face it is famous for. 

It is made with red and pink sandstone along with white marble inside the palace. 

The look of the palace observed from the street looks extremely beautiful, and people mistake it with the entrance of the palace. 

Actually, it is the backside of the palace as it is an extended part of the main City Palace. It has five floors adorned with 953 jharokhas and latticework.

The technology of Venturi effect is utilised well to make the air coming inside the palace cool. 

This effect always helped the Hawa Mahal stay serene and pleasant, so royal women never had a problem staying here in hot temperatures.

At several times, the entire royal family used to get together here and escape the summers together.

This honeycomb-like monument is a proud heritage left by the bygone era, which is an integral part of the history as well as architecture.

Highlights

• Marvel at the intricate facade, adorned with 953 jharokhas (special windows), showcasing Rajput craftsmanship and the palace's unique design.
• Take a flight of stairs to the top floors and enjoy stunning vistas of the bustling Jaipur city, its pink charm, and grandeur.
• Delve into the palace's past through guided tours and uncover tales of the royal Rajput rule as well as the history of Jaipur.
• Stroll through the sprawling courtyards on the first and second floors of Hawa Mahal and witness the fountains in the courtyard.
• Witness the collection of antiques, sculptures, weaponry, miniature paintings and swords collected from historic sites like Ganeshwar, Virat Nagar, Raid, and Sambhar at Hawa Mahal Museum.

How To Reach

Hawa Mahal is an iconic attraction in Jaipur in the Indian State of Rajasthan. It is easily reachable via public transport systems as well as via cars, taxis, and autos.

By Car: Hawa Mahal is located 5 km from the city centre. You can easily hire or book a cab and reach in 15 min via Mirza Ismail Rd.

By Bus: The nearest bus stop to Hawa Mahal is Badi Chopar Bus Stop. It is easily accessible via various bus routes across Jaipur. You can reach the palace by taking a quick 1-minute walk from the bus stop.

By Autos: Autos are the most convenient way to reach Hawa Mahal. You can easily hire autos from all parts of Jaipur and reach the palace in less than 30 minutes.

By Metro: The nearest metro station to Hawa Mahal is Badi Chaupar Metro Station. From here, you can easily reach Hawa Mahal by taking a quick 1-minute walk.

Best Time To Visit

Hawa Mahal is a year-round destination that can be visited in all the months.

Best Day: Hawa Mahal is open for public visits throughout the week. Weekdays are generally less crowded and offer peaceful experiences.

Best Time of Day: Hawa Mahal is open every day from 9.00 AM - 4.30 PM. Early morning or late afternoon is the ideal time to visit Hawa Mahal to avoid the harsh midday sun. 

Other Essential Information

Cafes & Restaurants near Hawa Mahal Jaipur - 

There are numerous cafes and restaurants near Hawa Mahal which you can explore. They all serve excellent Rajasthani cuisine along with some chosen recipes from around the world. 

Wind View Cafe: There is another restaurant adjacent to it which is Wind View Cafe. You can get traditional Rajasthani cuisine, North Indian cuisines, Italian food, finger food and a variety of beverages. 

Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar: Lastly, you should not miss LMB, Lakshmi Mishthan Bhandar.

 It is an amalgam of a sweet shop and a brilliant restaurant. It is highly suggested that you should visit this restaurant and try on their lip-smacking variety of food.

Tips for Visiting Hawa Mahal Jaipur - 

1. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and to capture the best lighting for photography.

2. Wear comfortable shoes as you have to climb narrow staircases to reach the upper floors.

3. Join a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the palace's history and architectural significance.

4. Wear sun protection things like a scarf, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the scorching sun.

5. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.

6. Witness the Hawa Mahal Music Show that features traditional acrobats, stunts, Ghoomar, fire dance and dance by the Kalbeliya tribe