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Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, is a historic monument located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, it is famous for its unique front design made of pink sandstone and its 953 small windows that allow natural airflow.
Designed as a viewing structure for royal women, Hawa Mahal reflects Jaipur’s royal traditions, architectural intelligence, and cultural history, making it one of the city’s most important landmarks.
This guide explains the history, design, interiors, visiting details, and cultural importance of Hawa Mahal in clear language, helping travellers understand not just what they are seeing, but why it exists.
Did you know?
Hawa Mahal was never meant to be a royal residence. It functioned mainly as a viewing gallery, allowing royal women to observe street life and festivals without being seen.
What Is Hawa Mahal?
Hawa Mahal is a five-storey structure built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the ruler of Jaipur. Rather than being a traditional palace with courtyards and royal rooms, it was designed as an extension of the City Palace complex.
Its primary intention was to enable the royal women to view the normal life, festivals, and royal processions taking place on the streets below without being seen by the public. This was in line with the strict purdah system that was prevalent at the time. Owing to the constant air flow within the structure, it is now called the Palace of Winds.
How Many Windows Does Hawa Mahal Have?
One of the interesting things about Hawa Mahal is that there are so many windows on its front façade.
The palace has a total of 953 small windows, which are titled “jharokhas.” These windows were designed in a way that captured the smallest possible air currents and directed them inside the palace. This is made possible through the use of the Venturi Effect, which is a scientific fact that states air is pushed through small openings and, in the process, speeds up and cools down.
Thanks to this pre-modern air conditioner, the inside is surprisingly cool regardless of the heavy summer in Jaipur. It is because the architects were able to wonderfully manage air currents that the monument is known as Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds.
Design and Architecture Explained Simply
Hawa Mahal is built using pink and red sandstone, matching the colour theme that gives Jaipur its nickname — the Pink City. The structure goes up to a height of about 50 feet and features five slender floors, which are joined by ramps instead of stairs.
The building design reflects Rajput architecture, featuring jharokhas and other Mughal influences such as symmetrical designs and patterns. What is interesting to note is that the palace does not have a main entrance at the side of the road through which people can enter; instead, the entrance is at the back of the City Palace.
It is believed by many historians that the front design is an inspiration from the crown worn by Lord Krishna.
Inside Hawa Mahal: What You’ll See
It is possible to visit the inside of Hawa Mahal, which is quite different from seeing the monument from the road.
The interior design is simple and functional, with open corridors, small chambers, and viewing platforms as opposed to ornamentation. The important ones among these are Sharad Mandir, Ratan Mandir, and Vichitra Mandir, which were used by royal women at different times of the year.
Instead, as you climb higher, it gives way to spectacular views of Jaipur’s old city – there are roofs, temples, bazaars, and people living their daily lives. Such sights are invariably what people look forward to most when they visit. If you do not have a lot of time to spare, you might be satisfied after getting your ‘iconic’ shot of it when you view it from outside on the street. However, to be able to feel the cool air blowing through it or to see what those women saw when they were inside, you need to venture inside.
Entry Fee, Timings, and Visit Duration
Hawa Mahal is open to visitors throughout the week.
- Entry fee: Indian visitors usually pay around ₹50, while foreign visitors pay approximately ₹200.
- Opening time: Around 9:00 AM
- Closing time: Around 4:30–5:00 PM
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours exploring the palace comfortably. Early mornings are ideal if you want fewer crowds and better lighting
Best Time to Visit and Photography Tips
The best time to visit Hawa Mahal is early in the morning. At this time, the soft sunlight highlights the pink sandstone, and the streets are less crowded.
For photography, many people focus only on the front view, but the views from inside are equally impressive. Looking out through the windows gives a unique perspective of Jaipur’s historic streets and daily rhythm.
Late afternoons can be crowded, especially during tourist seasons, so mornings offer a calmer and more enjoyable experience.
Pro-tip for photographers: For the famous head-on shot of the entire facade, head to one of the rooftop cafes (like Tattoo Cafe or Wind View Cafe) located directly across the street. It’s the best place to capture the palace while enjoying a coffee.
Where Is Hawa Mahal Located?
Hawa Mahal is located in the heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, along the main road of the old city. It stands close to the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, making it easy to include in a walking heritage route.
The monument is well connected by taxis, auto-rickshaws, and local transport. If you are staying in or near the old city, it is also reachable on foot.
Places to Visit Near Hawa Mahal
Because of its central location, Hawa Mahal can be easily combined with other important attractions such as City Palace and Jantar Mantar, making it ideal for a short heritage walk in Jaipur. Nearby bazaars like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar are popular for jewellery, textiles, and local shopping.
Many travellers explore this part of the city as part of Rajasthan-focused holiday packages in India, where Jaipur serves as a key cultural stop. In the evening, rooftop cafés and heritage streets around the area offer a pleasant atmosphere to relax and explore.
Food Options Nearby
Eateries in and around Hawa Mahal are plenty, with the variety ranging from typical snacks in Rajasthan to Indian and Continental cuisine. Some of the nearby cafes are also equipped with roofs that offer views of the old city.
5 Quick Facts About Hawa Mahal
- Hawa Mahal is situated in Jaipur, in the state of Rajasthan.
- It was constructed in the year 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh.
- The palace boasts 953 small windows to enable airflow.
- It is commonly referred to as the Palace of Winds.
- It is one of the most photographed monuments of Jaipur.
Why Hawa Mahal Is Famous
Hawa Mahal’s fame extends not only to its beauty but to what it signifies. It signifies the social habits of those times, the architectural brilliance of the Rajputs, or the planned nature of Jaipur as a royal city.
Its special significance and distinctive architecture make it one of the most significant monuments of Rajasthan.
Hawa Mahal: At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Architectural Style | Blend of Hindu Rajput and Islamic Mughal |
| Primary Material | Red and Pink Sandstone |
| Number of Windows | 953 Jharokhas (small windows) |
| Unique Feature | No stairs; floors are connected by sloping ramps |
| Visitor Entrance | Located at the rear (via the City Palace side) |
| Best Photo Spot | Rooftop cafes directly across the main road |
| Scientific Secret | Uses the Venturi Effect for natural cooling |
Final Thoughts
The Hawa Mahal is much more than a spot to take a photo. It is a historical monument where one can experience firsthand the royal lifestyle and culture, and learn about its architecture. A visit to this monument is definitely worth doing.
Hawa Mahal is not only a must-see destination for people visiting Jaipur but for the entire world.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is called the Palace of Winds because it has 953 small windows that allow air to flow continuously through the structure, keeping it naturally cool even during Jaipur’s hot summers.
Hawa Mahal has 953 small windows, also known as jharokhas. These were designed to allow ventilation and let royal women observe street life without being seen.
Yes, visitors are allowed to go inside Hawa Mahal. You can explore its interior chambers, corridors, and upper floors, which offer views of Jaipur’s old city.
The entry fee for Hawa Mahal is approximately ₹50 for Indian visitors and ₹200 for foreign visitors. Ticket prices may vary slightly, so it’s best to check locally.
Hawa Mahal usually opens around 9:00 AM and closes between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM. Morning visits are recommended for better lighting and fewer crowds.
No, Hawa Mahal was not a residential palace. It was mainly used as a viewing gallery for royal women to watch festivals, markets, and processions from above.
Hawa Mahal is located in the old city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, near City Palace and Jantar Mantar. It is easily accessible by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or on foot within the old city area.
The best time to visit Hawa Mahal is early morning. The light enhances the pink sandstone, the weather is pleasant, and the area is less crowded.
