Brief Description
Known as the “Palace of Winds,” Hawa Mahal is a five-story structure designed for royal women to observe street festivities without being seen. Its latticework windows create a cooling effect, making it a perfect summer retreat.
• Highlights: Iconic pink façade, 953 small windows, breezy interiors.
• Timings: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
• Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹200 (Foreigners).
• Location: Badi Choupad, Jaipur.
Detailed Description
Standing at the bustling heart of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of the city’s rich heritage. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this five-storied structure is a fine example of Rajput architecture with its fusion of red and pink sandstone.
Designed like a honeycomb, its façade features 953 intricately carved jharokhas (windows) that create a mesmerizing pattern. The palace was designed with a unique purpose: to allow the royal women to observe daily life and festivals on the streets below without being seen. This commitment to privacy, in line with the purdah system, is reflected in the latticework, which also allows the wind (hawa) to circulate through the structure, keeping it cool even in the scorching Rajasthan summers.
The interiors of Hawa Mahal are relatively simple compared to its grand exterior. Narrow corridors and ramps connect its floors, leading visitors to the rooftop, which offers panoramic views of the City Palace and Jantar Mantar. The play of light and shadow through the windows is a photographer's delight.
Fun Fact
Hawa Mahal was inspired by the crown of Lord Krishna, which is evident in its distinctive design.
Did You Know?
Despite its towering structure, Hawa Mahal has no stairs—only ramps lead to the upper floors.