Exploring Hawa Mahal, Jaipur’s Palace of the Winds
The majestic Hawa Mahal is a must-visit attraction in Jaipur.
This Hawa Mahal guide provides a detailed overview of the complex, including what to see, entry fees, the historical context, and essential planning information to help you enjoy the best experience possible.
It is so easy to see why Hawa Mahal is one of Jaipur's most iconic and recognised tourist attractions.
The very glimpse of Hawa Mahal fills every heart with joy, dazzling in front of your eyes with a fairytale-esque charm. Ask anyone who’s travelled to Jaipur and they will most certainly agree that Hawa Mahal is a palace to be absolutely adored.
Hawa Mahal, or the ‘Palace of Winds,’ is an elaborate pink wall dressed in terracotta sandstone and white limewash motifs, starring a perfect honeycomb-shaped crown and 953 teeny latticed windows (also known as ‘jharokhas’), one after another. Rapunzel, where you at?
Once used by the royal women of Jaipur where they would perch on the jharokhas and peep out of the small windows, watching the lively festivities on the street, or simply watching the world go by.
Conveniently located in the beating heart of the Pink City, Hawa Mahal soars above the bustling bazaar below, making it easy to get to from anywhere in the city, and almost impossible to miss.
While many know the gorgeous exterior, only a few are aware that there is actually a whole world behind the blushing facade that is open to the public - and yes, it is fascinating both inside and out!
To the rear of the palace is a tiny gate that opens up to a beautifully kept courtyard leading to five floors, each with its own architectural intricacies and stories to tell. And to top it off, there’s one hell of a panoramic view to witness the sheer beauty of the surrounding city of Jaipur!
So, if you’re planning a trip to get in on the magic of Jaipur, here is our guide to the ins and outs of this gorgeous palace, including interesting historical facts, where to explore, entry fees, and the best time to visit.
If you haven’t already fallen in love, that is.
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HAWA MAHAL
SNAPSHOT
WHERE | City Palace, Jaipur old town
WHAT TO SEE | The exterior facade, the interior rooms of Sharad Mandir, Ratan Mandir, Vichitra Mandir, Prakash Mandir, Hawa Mandir
ENTRY FEES | INR 200 per person
TOURS | This popular City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar guided tour, or this photography tour of Jaipur
OPENING HOURS | 9 am - 4.30 pm
HOW TO GET THERE | Taxi, auto-rickshaw, rickshaw or Metro
HISTORY OF HAWA MAHAL, JAIPUR
There is so much more to Hawa Mahal than just the pretty pink walls and enchanting windows (which undoubtedly are to-die-for). There is a glorious past that is well worth the read.
Jaipur’s renowned Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh (grandson of Jaipur’s founder, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh) in the year 1799, as an extension to the famous City Palace.
Hawa Mahal was initially built for Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh’s wife, Maharani Jaiwanta Bai, as in those times Rajput women were forbidden to roam outside like normal people in the daytime.
Therefore, Hawa Mahal was constructed as a viewing gallery, fit with an abundance of balconies and jharokhas. She used these as a respectable place to watch and enjoy the parades, and observe daily life on the streets - without anyone noticing.
Not only Maharani, but many other royal women came to use the palace as a safe place to do so too.
More than this purpose, the King wanted to build something more than just a palace for the queens, but a palace whose beauty would last an eternity. It is believed he told Hawa Mahal’s architect, Lal Chand Ustad - “I want something in which even if a piece of stone falls after 100 years, people will come here from all over the world to see.”
And that they did.
EXPLORING INSIDE HAWA MAHAL
Truthfully, in contrast to the grand exterior of the Hawa Mahal, the interior is more on the simplistic and practical side. However, the details and views are outstanding!
Here is our guide to each level of the palace, some interesting fun facts, and the must-see spots within the Hawa Mahal complex:
Together, there are five floors to the Hawa Mahal, each one giving centre stage to the delightful blend of Islamic, Mughal and Rajput styles of architecture.
There are floral patterns, domed canopies, lavish arches, fluted pillars and lotus motifs - a plentiful amount of intriguing features to see at each level!
The entry to Hawa Mahal is through a small, humble-looking gate called Anand Pol, situated on the backside facing one of the gates of Jaipur’s City Palace. From here you will be welcomed by a second gate, Chandrapoli, complete with domed arches embellished with carvings of the gods and goddesses.
GROUND FLOOR | SHARAD MANDIR
Sharad Mandir will greet you as you enter through the gates of the Hawa Mahal. A gorgeous courtyard with a fountain at its very centre is the main attraction of this level, setting the mood for the rest of the palace and reminding you what it must have been like to live in such an era.
The name Sharad Mandir is derived from the Autumn season, which is the time of year many festivities were hosted, and this very courtyard was the one to do so.
On the ground floor, you will also find an archaeological Rajputi museum which can be located off the main courtyard. Built-in 1983, the museum offers a glimpse of the vibrant Rajputi culture and houses a fine collection of antiques, old weapons, miniature paintings, swords, and a few other ancient bits and bobs. One not to miss if you’re a history enthusiast!
A side piece to this area is the beautifully decorated doors that you’ll find hidden around the museum. Look carefully to not miss out on these gems - they are absolutely stunning!
Hawa Mahal Museum Opening Hours | 10 am - 4.30 pm. Closed on Fridays.
SECOND FLOOR | RATAN MANDIR
To reach the second floor, you, like royalty, must climb the ramps. Interestingly, despite there being five floors in the Hawa Mahal, there are no main stairs! In bygone days the royal women wore chunky embellished jewellery and heavy traditional attire which restricted their movement. So, in place of stairs, there are ramps - a much easier way for the servants to carry around handcart loads of royal women!
In Hindi ‘Ratan’ means gem, and this floor is well and truly just that. Step onto the pavilion and you’ll see bejewelled, multi-coloured stained glass arches surrounding each window. When the sun kisses these windows, rainbows cast a spotlight inside the Ratan Mandir - a delightful contrast to the otherwise yellow interior.
On this floor, you’ll also find jharokhas which are open to the charming view outside, and a balcony that circles the outer floor so you can take a look-see down the middle and see the courtyard below.
THIRD FLOOR | VICHITRA MANDIR
Vichitra translates to ‘unknown’ or ‘weird’. Why? Well, the third floor is closely related to the King who built the Hawa Mahal, Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, as this is where he would come to spend some ‘me’ time, away from the pressure of his title. He would shut the doors, compose poems, sing, and worship his god - Lord Krishna.
Doesn’t seem too weird, but back in the day, being so isolated wasn’t deemed as ‘normal.’
There is no pavilion and not much to see on this floor but empty rooms. The higher you climb from here, the steeper, windier and tighter the passages get to navigate. If you’re claustrophobic, you may find this a bit tricky!
FUN FACT | Part of Hawa Mahal’s design was actually inspired by none other than Lord Krishna (a powerful Hindu god). The King was a great devotee of Krishna and ordered Lal Chand to design the Mahal in the shape of Lord Krishna’s crown, hence the charming honeycomb-shaped crown at the top!
FOURTH FLOOR | PRAKASH MANDIR
From here upwards is where your fairytale dreams come to life. Prakash means light, thus as you escape the narrow passages, you are treated to an open-air space with loads of light beaming down.
The very small but charming viewing platforms are dotted with enchanting chhatris (dome-shaped pavilions), where you can snap some cute pics and pretend you’re a Rajput princess some hundreds of years later!
Open the little green wooden doors and poke your head out of one of the 953 peep-hole-sized jharokhas, which to this day are still the window into the life of Jaipurites. As regal and ethereal as always.
FUN FACT | We know that one reason for the crazy amount of miniature windows on Hawa Mahal’s facade is for the royal women to peer from. But, did you know that the other reason for the windows was so the natural air breeze could keep the palace chilly - even during those scorching temperatures that Rajasthan faces?
The name ‘Palace of Winds’ is rather fitting!
FIFTH FLOOR | HAWA MANDIR
Right here is where you can marvel at the magnificent city views of Jaipur.
A narrow set of steps leads you to the top of the Hawa Mahal, which is known as Hawa Mandir. This floor is a pretty confined space, meaning only ten or fifteen people can be here at any given time. Aside from the views, Hawa Mandir is canopied with ornate domes with intricate detailing, which is just delightful.
Hawa means wind, hence the floor was named this as it gets pretty damn breezy up here! This floor offers various vantage points where you can gaze over the splendid city views on one side, and on the other take a glimpse of the exquisite views over Jantar Mantar, City Palace and Nahargarh Fort in the distance.
Trust me, you’ll want to have your camera ready for this one!
FUN FACT | Did you know, Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal does not stand on a foundation, and since there is no foundation, it tilts at a slight angle of 87 degrees.
So, on the grounds of this fact, Hawa Mahal happens to be the tallest building in the world without a foundation. Wow!
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING HAWA MAHAL
HAWA MAHAL TICKET PRICE AND OPENING TIMES
Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal is open daily, between the hours of 9 am - 4.30 pm.
As of 2022, the entry fees are INR 200 per person for foreigners, or INR 1000 for a composite ticket if you are planning to do a lot of sightseeing (which includes entry to Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, Amber Palace, Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall Museum and more).
Alternatively, book this popular day tour to experience Hawa Mahal with a guide (as well as City Palace, and Jantar Mantar).
BOOK | This popular City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar guided tour
Further fees are listed below:
Photography Fees | INR 30 for foreigners
Audio Guides can be hired at the ticket office. (Sorry, I’m unable to find the cost for this!)
WHERE IS HAWA MAHAL, AND HOW TO GET TO THERE
Located in the city centre, Hawa Mahal is near the Badi Choupad roundabout on the edge of Jaipur’s famous Pink City and is super easy to reach from anywhere in the city.
Tourists can easily reach Hawa Mahal by walking if you are staying near the city centre, otherwise, the Mahal is easily accessible by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or bus (get off at J.D.A market stop).
Taxis and autos are very frequent and can be hailed from every point in the city. Ask any local taxi or auto driver and they will know exactly where to go.
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST VIEWS OF HAWA MAHAL
The best time to visit Hawa Mahal is in the morning when the sun's rays fall on the structure, illuminating the Mahal with a gorgeous golden glow. This time of day you will also beat the crowds and be able to wander the palace in peace.
Month-wise, the best time to visit Jaipur is between March - April due to the warm, pleasant weather. October - February is also a favourite with the weather being cold and dry.
Avoid May - July at all costs, where temperatures soar to a whopping 40 degrees plus!
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Article written by Briar Jones: Briar is a free-spirited Kiwi traveller, creative graphic designer, illustrator and dabbler in photography. She’s spent her entire adult life solo backpacking around the world, having now found a home in India, her favourite place on earth. She’s a lover of a good roadie through the mountains, music flowing, with her camera in hand.
You can follow along with her adventures on Instagram @briarashleigh.
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