Hawa Mahal Jaipur

 
The Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of Winds,” was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. This five-story palace was constructed with red and pink sandstone, and it is one of Jaipur’s most popular tourist attractions. 

Hawa Mahal History

Khetri Mahal in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, is the inspiration behind Hawa Mahal. When Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh saw this beautiful palace, he was inspired to build a similar one in Jaipur. Thus, Hawa Mahal was constructed. The architect behind this iconic structure was Lal Chand Ustad, who designed a five-story building as an extension of the City Palace. Hawa Mahal starts from the City Palace’s edge and extends to the women’s chambers, also called zenana.

Also, Rajputs followed the Purdah system, so royal women were prohibited from showing their faces to strangers or appearing in public. From the windows of Hawa Mahal, which resembles a honeycomb, they could see daily life and processions on the streets.

Hawa Mahal Architecture

Sawai Pratap Singh, a devotee of Lord Krishna, designed the Hawa Mahal in the shape of a crown, symbolising the divine crown of the deity. It is an exquisite beauty made with red and pink sandstone. With five storeys, it offers spectacular city views. Its unique exterior is adorned with 953 small window holes, or jharokhas, decorated with intricate latticework. This design creates a stunning visual effect and allows cool air to circulate through the building, providing natural ventilation.

Hawa Mahal is a splendid blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. The lotus motifs, fluted pillars, and domed canopies show a rich Rajput style. Islamic architecture is also evident in the work of the Filigree in stone and arches.

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Attractions in Hawa Mahal Museum

There are several distinct sections in this five-story palace, such as:

Sharad Mandir

Hawa Mahal’s Sharad Mandir, located on the first floor, is known for its autumn celebrations. This floor offers insights into the royal family’s cultural practices at the time. 

Ratan Mandir

The second floor of the Hawa Mahal, known as the Ratan Mandir, is decorated with vibrant coloured glasswork. Ratan is a precious stone, and when the sun shines through the intricate glass designs, it reflects the hues of gemstones. 

Vichitra Mandir

The Vichitra Mandir, meaning “strange” or “unique,” was Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh’s personal retreat. Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh used to compose poetry here. When you visit Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, spending some time in this section is recommended.

Prakash Mandir

The fourth floor of Hawa Mahal, known as the Prakash Mandir, is characterized by its openness to sunlight. From this floor, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Jaipur, making it a popular spot to capture the city’s scenic beauty.

Hawa Mandir

The fifth floor of the Hawa Mahal is home to the Hawa Mandir, known for its breezy atmosphere. From this area, you can see the City Palace and Nahargarh Fort, which makes it a popular spot for admiring Jaipur’s landmarks.

Hawa Mahal Museum

The Hawa Museum, built in 1983, is located behind the Hawa Mahal. It displays a great collection of weapons, antiques, and other royal items once used by the Jaipur royals. 

Want to explore more? Here’s a detailed guide on things to do in Jaipur.

Hawa Mahal Ticket Price

There are different entry fees for visiting Hawa Mahal in Jaipur for Indians and foreigners. 

Indian Visitors: INR 75  for adults and INR 40 for children.

Foreign Visitors: INR 300 for adults, and for children, it is INR 200.

The ticket price for Hawa Mahal in Jaipur may vary depending on the season or specific events. Please contact our travel experts or check the official website for the updated entry fee information.

Hawa Mahal Jaipur Timings 

Hawa Mahal is open daily from 9 am–4:30 pm. Visitors are welcome at any time during this hour, and once inside, they can stay as long as they wish. However, try to go early when the sun is not too hot and the wind isn’t too strong. Also, you can see the night view of the Hawa Mahal from the outside. 

Note – The opening and closing times may change during special events, so please check the official site before visiting.
Plan your visit with our Detailed Jaipur Guide.

Interesting Facts about Hawa Mahal

• The interior has no stairs leading to the upper floors; instead, the storeys are connected with slopes.
• Each floor of the Hawa Mahal features a temple: Sharad Mandir, Ratan Mandir, Vichitra Mandir, Prakash Mandir, and Hawa Mandir.
• Hawa Mahal has no front entrance; visitors must enter through the back side.
• There are a total of 953 small windows in the Mahal, which are called jharokhas.
• It is the tallest building in the world without a foundation.

Tourist Places Near Hawa Mahal

There are many monuments and attractions near Hawa Mahal suchas:

• Jantar Mantar (approx. 700 m away)
• City Palace (approx. 850 m away)
• Albert Hall Museum (approx. 2 km away)
• Jal Mahal (approx. 5 km away)
• Birla Mandir (approx. 4 km away)

Best Time to Visit Hawa Mahal

The best time to visit Hawa Mahal is during sunrise or sunset, when the golden sun illuminates its pink and red structure, offering a perfect setting for photography enthusiasts. However, due to its intricate latticework, the Site can be visited throughout the day, as it remains cool.

How to Reach Hawa Mahal

By train: If you are travelling by train, get off at Jaipur Junction, from here Hawa Mahal is only 5.5 km (approx.) and takes about 20 minutes. Taxis and autos are available outside the railway station.

By air: Jaipur International Airport is the nearest airport, located 12 km (approx.). You can take a cab to Hawa Mahal, which will take around 30 minutes.

By road: Sindhi Camp bus station is the closest to Hawa Mahal, which is 3 km away. From here, you can take an e-rickshaw or taxi to reach the palace.

Restaurants near Hawa Mahal

Here are some popular restaurants and cafes near Hawa Mahal in Jaipur:

1. The Tattoo Cafe & Lounge: Looking for the best rooftop place to eat near Hawa Mahal? Head to the Tattoo Cafe & Lounge. This cafe offers light meals, snacks, and drinks with a view of the City Palace. It’s located opposite Hawa Mahal and is open daily
2. Heritage Buffet Restaurant: Located on Hawa Mahal Road near Ram Prakash Cinema, this restaurant offers authentic Rajasthani cuisine and is ideal for budget travellers and families.
3. Blue Door Cafe: Located near the City Palace, Blue Door Cafe offers gourmet breakfast options, artisanal coffee, teas, and Indian-inspired international cuisine.
4. Kailash Veg Restaurant: Located on Hawa Mahal Road, this restaurant specializes in Rajasthani thalis, South Indian dishes, and vegetarian options. If you are looking for the best vegetarian restaurants near Hawa Mahal, then you should check this one.
5. Hawk View Restaurant & Bar: Hawk View is renowned for its breathtaking views of Jaipur, particularly at sunset, making it a top choice for tourists. The restaurant features a blend of Indian and international cuisines and a full bar serving a variety of cocktails.

Travel Tips Before Visiting Hawa Mahal

Do your research on the Hawa Mahal before heading there to ensure you don’t hit any roadblocks on the way. Here are some tips to make your trip hassle-free: 

• Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon so you won’t have to deal with crowds.
• You should wear comfortable shoes when visiting Hawa Mahal, as you will need to climb several stairs.
• Wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat while you visit the palace, as it is mostly open-air.
• Get a local guide to learn about Hawa Mahal’s significance and history.
• Dress modestly and respect the cultural norms.
• Carry a water bottle with you since the palace does not provide drinking water.