Dear Lykkers! Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, is one of Jaipur's most iconic landmarks.

Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this stunning red and pink sandstone palace is an architectural marvel, blending Rajput and Mughal styles.

Its unique design, with over 950 intricately carved windows and small latticed balconies, was created to allow the royal ladies to observe the bustling streets below while staying hidden from view.

How to Get to Hawa Mahal

Located on Jaipur's main thoroughfare, the Hawa Mahal is easy to reach. Public transportation options, including buses, rickshaws, and taxis, are readily available.

From Jaipur Railway Station: Hawa Mahal is about a 5 km drive.

From Jaipur Airport: It's roughly 13 km from the airport.

The Architecture of Hawa Mahal

The five-story façade of Hawa Mahal resembles a honeycomb structure, with its series of small windows, or jharokhas, creating a breezy interior even in the intense Rajasthan heat. This distinctive structure gives the palace its name, the Palace of Winds. The architecture features:

Rajput Design: The Hawa Mahal's grand arches and small windows showcase Rajput architectural elements.

Mughal Influence: The arched canopies and ornate carvings hint at the Mughal influence that inspired much of Jaipur's historical architecture.

Cooling Effect: The palace was designed to catch even the slightest breeze, allowing air to flow throughout and keeping the interior cool, a clever adaptation to Jaipur's hot climate.

Why Visit Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal offers a unique glimpse into the lifestyle of the Rajasthani royals, where elegance meets practicality in architecture. The top floors provide an excellent view of the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Sireh Deori Bazaar. Walking through its corridors and peering out from the tiny windows, one can almost imagine the lives of the royal women as they quietly watched the vibrant city below.

What to Explore at Hawa Mahal

The Rooftop View: The highest floors provide stunning views of Jaipur's historic district and nearby attractions.

The Courtyards and Galleries: The palace's inner courtyard has vibrant murals and sculptures worth exploring.

Museum: Inside Hawa Mahal is a small museum displaying ancient artifacts, relics, and artwork that provide context for Jaipur's regal history.

Timings and Entry Fees

Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5 PM.

Entry Fees: ₹50 for Indian citizens and ₹200 for foreign visitors.

Dining and Accommodation Near Hawa Mahal

Several delightful dining options are nearby to indulge in Jaipur's cuisine after your visit.

Wind View Café: Located just across the street, this café provides one of the best views of Hawa Mahal and serves both local and international cuisine.

Lakshmi Misthan Bhandar (LMB): A Jaipur classic for traditional Rajasthani dishes, LMB is a short walk from the palace and offers flavorful vegetarian options.

The Hawa Mahal is more than just a palace; it's a blend of elegance and innovation, designed to beat the heat and provide privacy without sacrificing beauty. A visit to this palace is like stepping back into a bygone era of royal opulence and ingenious architecture, making it a must-see on any Jaipur itinerary.