Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Hawa Mahal is one of the most popular monuments in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The building's exterior, with its many small windows, attracts visitors. This palace is a masterpiece of Rajput and Mughal architecture. It is made to allow fresh air to flow inside that makes it a cool place during the summer.
It’s a great place for history lovers, photographers, and anyone exploring the Pink City. The palace has five floors, and you can go to the top for a wonderful view of the city. It is not just a monument but also a spot where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings. The Hawa Mahal travel guide will provide all the information about this place to plan your visit.
Quick Information
Location | Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan |
Type | Palace |
Hawa Mahal Time | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Entry Fee | ₹50 (Indian), ₹200 (Foreign) |
Nearest Railway Station | Jaipur Junction (JP), 3 km away |
Photography Charges | No charge |
Best Time to Visit | October to March |
Nearby Places to explore | City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort, Jal Mahal |
Time Required | 1 to 2 hours |
Dress Code | Modest |
Architecture | Red and pink sandstone, Rajput and Mughal styles, intricate carvings, honeycomb exterior. |
Jaipur Hawa Mahal History
The history of Hawa Mahal is filled with many interesting facts and stories that attracts tourists-
Construction of Hawa Mahal- It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. He was inspired by the design of Khetri Mahal and wanted to create a grand and lovely palace. Architect Lal Chand Ustad designed the palace, which has 953 small windows, known as ‘’Jharokhas’’, with beautiful lattice work.
Renovations- In 2006, the palace was repaired after 50 years. Around Rs 4.568 million was spent on the renovations. The main goal was to protect the palace and make it more attractive.
Purpose and design- The main reason for building Hawa Mahal was to allow royal women to see street life without being seen by others. This was important because women in royal families were not allowed to go out in public.
Modern Era - Today, Hawa Mahal is a famous tourist place in Jaipur. Travelers from around the world come to see its unique design and history. The palace is a symbol of Jaipur’s culture and stunning architecture.
Architecture
- The architecture of Hawa Mahal is made from red and pink sandstone, just like many other historical places in Jaipur. This gives Jaipur its title as a “Pink City”.
- If you enter Hawa Mahal, you will see the small rooms beautifully decorated with intricate carvings and lattice work on the windows.
- Hawa Mahal is a mix of Rajput and Mughal architecture. You can see the Rajput style in the domes, pillars and flower designs with the Mughal style in the arches and detailed stonework.
- Hawa Mahal is famous for its architecture because it is called the world's tallest building without foundation, located next to the city wall, which showcases an impressive architectural achievement.
- This monument, with its honeycomb design is a valuable heritage from the past, playing a key role in history and architecture.
What to see?
- When you visit Hawa Mahal, you can explore many interesting things. One main attraction is a museum inside. You'll see artifacts and information about the palace’s design and past.
- The upper floor of Hawa Mahal is a great place to see stunning views of the Pink City. Visitors can enjoy its colorful buildings and the nearby scenery.
- Inside, there are small water channels that were used to cool the palace.
Things to do around Hawa Mahal Jaipur
There are several things to do near Hawa Mahal that visitors should take part in
Shop at Johari Bazar- Just a short walk away, the market is famous for its handmade jewelry, textiles, and crafts, showcasing the culture of Jaipur.
Enjoy a traditional meal- Near Hawa Mahal, many restaurants offer Rajasthani dishes like dal Baati Churma and Gatte ki sabzi for a true regional experience.
Visit Jantar Mantar- Just a short distance from Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar is an observatory. It has big instruments that were used to study time and stars.
Take a rickshaw ride- Enjoy a rickshaw ride to explore colorful streets of Jaipur, vibrant markets, beautiful buildings, and local culture.
Enjoy the evening light show at Amber Fort- Amber Fort is just 8 kilometers away and is definitely worth visiting for its impressive light and sound show, which shares the story of Jaipur’s royal history.
Best time to Explore Hawa Mahal
- The best time to visit Hawa Mahal is between October and March when the weather is cool and comfortable.
- Teej, celebrated between August and September, is a famous festival, especially for women, celebrating the monsoon season and the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Jaipur hosts many colorful events at this time.
- From April to June, the heat in Jaipur can make sightseeing uncomfortable. So it's best to plan your visit before or after these months.
How to Reach Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is a famous place in Jaipur, Rajasthan. There are many easy ways to reach it by train, road or plane:
Hawa Mahal Jaipur | Transportation Details |
---|---|
By Plane | The closest airport to Hawa Mahal is Jaipur International Airport (JAI). It is around 11 km from the airport and you can take a taxi or cab to reach Hawa Mahal. |
By Train | The nearest railway station is Jaipur Junction (JP), located about 3 km from Hawa Mahal. Taxis, auto-rickshaws and buses are available to take you to the monument. |
By Road | Hawa Mahal is easy to reach by car or bus if you are traveling by road. It is well-connected to all parts of the city. |
Tips for Visiting Hawa Mahal Jaipur
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid large crowds and capture the best pictures.
- Wear comfortable shoes because you will need to climb narrow stairs to reach the upper floors.
- Take a guided tour to learn more about the palace’s history and design.
- Protect yourself from the hot sun by wearing a scarf, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated.
- Enjoy the Hawa Mahal Music Show with acrobats, stunts, Ghoomar dance, fire dancing, and performances by the Kalbelia