The Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of the Winds,” is a well-known tourist destination and a notable landmark of the city known for its rich cultural and architectural history. It is located in the heart of the stunning Pink City of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India.
This magnificent structure, built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of the Kachhwaha Rajput dynasty, is primarily a high screen wall made of pink and red sandstone that allowed royal women to observe street festivals and city life while remaining hidden from the general public.
The Hawa Mahal, which has been standing for over 200 years, is arguably Jaipur’s most famous structure. The unique architecture of this palace, which includes 953 windows, elevates it to the status of one of Jaipur’s top tourist destinations.
If the Pink City of India is next on your travel itinerary, make time to explore this famous tourist destination. Don’t miss to check out the best hotels in Jaipur.
Do you want to learn more about this historic structure? This blog provides detailed information about the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, such as its history, architecture, admission price, opening hours, and other details.
All About Hawa Mahal
History of Hawa Mahal
Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the great Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh who built Jaipur, built the Hawa Mahal in 1799. After being moved by the Khetri Mahal built by Maharaja Bhopal Singh in the town of Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, he began work on the Hawa Mahal, which today stands as a remarkable gem of Rajput style architecture. It leads to the zenana, or women’s chambers, which was added to the Royal City Palace.
This lovely mahal was built and decorated with fine lattice windows and screened balconies to allow royal Rajput women, who otherwise adhered to the strict Purdah system and abstained from appearing in public, to get a glimpse of the daily events, royal processions, and festivals taking place on the streets. They could keep their traditions while feeling liberated in this way.
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Architecture & Design
This extraordinary five-story pyramidal palace, designed by Lal Chand Ustad, rises 15 metres above the ground from its elevated base. The design of the building is an excellent blend of Islamic Mughal and Hindu Rajput architecture. The fluted pillars, floral designs, and domed canopies are physical manifestations of the first style, whereas the arches and stone inlay filigree work are manifestations of the second.
This monument was built with red and pink sandstones to match other well-known landmarks in the city, which is affectionately known as “Pink City.” The palace’s design, which resembles the Lord’s crown, reflects Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh’s devotion to Lord Krishna. It isn’t a palace, but it appears to be from the street.
The building’s intricately carved façade is decorated with lovely motifs and is reminiscent of a beehive’s honeycomb. Due to several potholes in the structure, the building appears to be a mass of semi-octagonal bays, each with a small lattice window, chiselled sandstone grill, and decorated domes.
In total, there are 953 intricately carved windows, or jharokhas, some of which are made of wood. These jharokhas were built in such a way that air can naturally flow through them, creating a Venturi effect (doctor breeze) that cools the entire structure during the hot summer months.
Each jharokha has a small chamber where one can sit and gaze out onto the street. The light breeze that blew through the jharokhas and the fountains in the centre of each chamber worked well together to keep the chambers cool.
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Visit to Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal, which attracts both domestic and international visitors to Jaipur, is located on Hawa Mahal Rd, Badi Choupad, in the city’s southern outskirts. It is open for visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, but it is best seen in the early morning when the Sun’s golden rays make this royal structure appear more opulent and beautiful.
The museum’s historical artefacts provide a glimpse into the Rajputs’ illustrious past, rich cultural heritage, and extravagant way of life. To get there, one can either rent a car or take a taxi. Because Rajasthan’s summers are too hot, the best time to visit Jaipur is from October to March.
Fascinating Facts about Hawa Mahal
- The tourism department recently lit up the exteriors of Hawa Palace in an effort to encourage citywide night tourism.
- Unlike other palaces, there is no entrance at the front of the palace. You must enter through a door on the side of the building.
- The Hawa Mahal was Maharaja Jai Singh’s favourite resort because of its cooling effect and ornate interiors.
- Each of the Hawa Mahal’s five floors has a temple. There is a Sharad Mandir on the first floor and a Ratan Mandir with vibrant glasswork on the second floor. Vichitra Mandir, Prakash Mandir, and Hawa Mandir adorn the top three floors.
- There are no stairs to the palace’s upper floors. Ramps were built instead because they made transporting the palanquins of the Rajput royal ladies easier.
Shopping near Hawa Mahal
There are a number of small shops just outside the palace grounds where you can buy a variety of gifts and everyday items. This massive shopping district, also known as Badi Chaupal or Manek Chowk, is the city’s beating heart.
Traditional clothing, jewelry, artwork, vases, “juttis” or traditional footwear, key chains, and a variety of other items can be found here. Sarees, jewelry, handicrafts, Rajasthani furniture, and antiques can also be purchased here.
Many street vendors also sell delectably tasty snacks such as golgappas, bhelpuri, samosas, and kachoris. A cafe directly across from the Hawa Mahal provides an excellent view of this architectural marvel.
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Tourist attractions near Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal, located in a prime area of Jaipur, is one of the best historical sites to visit in and around the city. While you’re here, don’t forget to take some stunning photos with this regal palace in the background.
- Jantar Mantar (700 m)
- Govind Dev Ji Temple (750 m)
- City Palace (850 m)
- Jaipur Zoo (2 km)
- Albert Hall Museum (2.4 km)
- Raj Mandir Cinema (3.7 km)
- Dolls Museum (3.8 km)
- Central Park (4.4 km)
- Birla Mandir (4.5 km)
- Jal Mahal (5 km)
- Kanak Vrindavan Garden (5.3 km)
- Rambagh Palace (5.4 km)
- Amber Palace (7.9 km)